15 Handy Things Every Truckie Should Pack for the Road

23 Sep Blog

Whether you’ve been hauling for decades or are just clocking up your first long runs, every truckie knows the same truth: it pays to be prepared. The cab is your office, lunchroom, and toolbox all rolled into one. Having the right gear on hand can turn a tough day into a smooth one, and save you from downtime, fines, or a sore back.

Here’s a list of 15 essentials every driver should keep in their truck, blending restraint gear, personal kit, and everyday lifesavers for the road.

1. Ratchet Straps (Spare Set)

Straps are the bread and butter of freight security. Even if your load’s already tied down, a couple of extras in the cab mean you’re never stuck if one frays or you pick up a last-minute backload.

2. Work Gloves

Chains, binders, straps, tarps, they’re tough on your hands. A decent set of gloves keeps the blisters and cuts at bay, and makes strapping in the cold or rain a lot easier.

3. Torch and Headlamp

Phone torches don’t always cut it when you’re checking straps at 3am. A heavy-duty torch and a headlamp with spare batteries let you work hands-free in the dark.

4. First Aid Kit

Doesn’t need to be fancy, just a kit with bandages, antiseptic, painkillers, and plasters. Small cuts and scrapes happen daily in this job, and you’ll be glad you’ve got it.

5. Pallet Angles and Corner Protectors

Lightweight and easy to store, pallet angles protect your freight and your gear. They stop straps from cutting into packaging and prevent tarps from tearing on sharp edges.

6. Multi-Tool or Knife

Something sturdy enough to cut webbing, slice wrap, or tighten a bolt in a pinch. A good multi-tool is one of the most-used items in a driver’s cab.

7. Hi-Vis Rain Jacket

Rain and freight stops don’t mix well. A waterproof hi-vis jacket keeps you dry and visible while you’re out of the cab. Nothing worse than strapping down in soaking clothes then driving another 500km.

8. Strong Arm Strap (for Curtain Siders)

If you’re running a tautliner, you’ll know how much strain curtain pulls can put on your shoulders. A Strong Arm Strap gives you proper leverage, saves your joints, and makes curtain work quicker.

9. Chains and Binders

For the heavy hauls, there’s no substitute. Straps have their place, but for steel, machinery, and big loads, Grade 70 chains with proper binders are essential. Always carry a spare set, even if you think you won’t need them.

10. Dunnage Bags

They pack flat and weigh next to nothing. Inflate them between pallets or odd-shaped freight, and you’ll stop loads shifting around the trailer. Perfect for mixed or backloaded runs.

11. Snacks and Water

Long stretches between servos are part of the job. Keeping healthy snacks (nuts, muesli bars, fruit) and a couple of litres of water on hand saves money, time, and keeps you sharp behind the wheel.

12. Phone Charger and Power Bank

Running out of charge is more than just an inconvenience, it can mean no maps, no comms, and no proof-of-delivery. A spare charger and a power bank are non-negotiables.

13. Quality Boots

You’re in and out of the cab all day. Steel-cap boots with proper support protect your feet and reduce fatigue. Invest in good ones, they’ll last longer and save your back.

14. Stationery and Logbook Gear

Spare pens, a clipboard, logbook refills, paperwork isn’t the glamorous side of trucking, but it’s a big part of staying compliant. A little organisation here saves a lot of headaches down the track.

15. Creature Comforts

Every driver’s got their own “must-haves”, maybe it’s a pillow, travel coffee mug, sunscreen, or a Bluetooth speaker. Small comforts make long trips more enjoyable, and that matters as much as the tools and gear.

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