Trucking Essentials: Truck-Driver Must-Haves in an Emergency Kit
In the United States alone, there are over 3.5 million truck drivers. Many of these vehicles are well-maintained, but accidents are possible in any season. Plus, as a truck’s miles keep ticking up, the risk of breaking down increases no matter how well they’re kept up. A few trucking essentials along with emergency preparedness can keep you safe in an accident or breakdown.
An emergency kit is one of those must-have items that need to make it into your cabin.
But what should you add to your kit?
1. First Aid Kit
Help may be minutes or days away, depending on your ability to call for help. First aid kits are a must-have item, especially when hauling to remote locations where you might not be found for days.
You can purchase a generic first aid kit in stores or online, but be sure that the kit includes the following supplies:
- Bandages
- Gauze pads
- Pain relievers
- Antibiotic ointments
A basic first aid kit is one of the first things to add to your emergency kit.
2. Food and Water
If you’re stuck without help for a few days, you can quickly find yourself in a life-or-death situation. Food isn’t as much of a concern as water. Without water, you’ll only live for a few days.
Thankfully, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring that you have enough food and water, even if you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere. Long-haul drivers should bring the following items with them:
- Gallons of water. A general rule of thumb is that a gallon of water will last two to three days maximum. Three gallons of water, stored in a container that won’t burst, will last a week or so.
- Multiple food items. Non-perishable foods are best, along with dried fruits, nuts, and bars. High-calorie foods, such as meal replacement bars, are a good option, too.
Ensure that you change out the water every six months and pay attention to the freshness of any food items in your kit.
3. Basic Set of Tools
You might not be a mechanic, but a small set of tools may help you get back on the road to get to one. A few of the essential items you’ll want to have in your tool kit are:
- Duct tape
- Fuses (more on that below)
- Wrenches
- Socket set
- Screwdrivers
Also, bring a tow strap, jumper cables and a pair or two of pliers.
4. Strobe and Flashlights
You should never leave a terminal without having flashlights and strobe lights with you. Emergency flares should also make their way into your kit. A backup flashlight and additional batteries are a must-have, too.
Strobe lights are especially important because they can help alert emergency vehicles or passersby to your location.
Wind-up flashlights will eliminate your reliance on batteries and are a good last resort item to keep in your kit. On a side note, you’ll want to check the batteries periodically and swap them out as necessary when they’re low.
5. Portable Charger
A charged smartphone is a quick and easy way to call for help. If you’re in a location with no signal or need to venture away from the highway, you’ll want to bring a portable cell phone charger with you.
On top of bringing a charger with you, also keep a small pad with essential numbers written down on them just in case your phone loses its charge or breaks during an accident.
A few of the numbers to include are:
- Emergency contacts
- Dispatch
6. FMCSA Recommended Emergency Equipment
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has its own emergency equipment requirements that must be adhered to unless you’re operating a driveway-towaway vehicle. The main items that you must have to meet these requirements are:
- Fire extinguishers – for obvious reasons
- Spare fuses – for a quick fix
- Warning devices – if you’re stopped, warning other motorists of your vehicle being disabled can prevent an accident
You’ll find a complete list of the requirements here. Keep in mind that there are specifications for everything, from the mounting location to the extinguishing agents that must be followed for fire extinguishers.
7. Spare Contacts, Glasses and Medications
If you’re a trucker with eyesight problems, you’ll want to bring a few extra pairs of contacts and at least a pair of glasses with you in your kit. On top of this, you’ll also want to bring any medication that you take daily with you.
Don’t assume that if you’re set to be back home tonight. Anything can happen when you’re out on the road.
No one expects to be in an accident or emergency, so it’s better to be over-prepared than sorry. As with other items on this list, be sure to swap out your contacts and glasses if you get a new prescription.
Bonus Items and Must-Haves to Also Add
We covered a lot of the basic items your kit needs above, but depending on the season and where you’re hauling, you may also need to carry the following items:
- Ice cleats
- Gloves
- Hand or feet warmers
- Winter clothing
- Blankets
- Sleeping bag
- Safety vest
- Money
- Breaker bar
- Atlas and map
- Snow shovel and scraper
- Toilet paper
The cold is your worst enemy, especially in the winter months. So, you’ll want to be sure that you bring pants, winter boots, hats, jackets, and even wool socks in your kit. Hopefully, you never have to use these items and they’ll just collect dust in the cab.
However, if an emergency does occur, you’ll be happy that you prepared ahead of time with the essential items listed above.
It’s always better to be over-prepared for emergencies than to be under-prepared, so feel free to add to the list of items above as you see fit.
Final Thoughts
Emergency preparedness can help you get back on the road faster and prepare in the event of an accident or breakdown. If you add the items in our truck-driver must-have list above to your kit, you’ll be better prepared for any emergency.
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