OMG, I’m super excited! I’m headed over the road (OTR) with the husband for a week. You do remember that my husband is a trucker driver, right?
Well, about a month ago, he purchased an additional truck to add to our fleet. With this additional truck, his workload and schedule have changed. He is now out on the road more.
If you have followed me for any length of time, you know we made it a practice for me to ride with him at least once a week. But this was an in and out type of riding. Meaning we came back home EVERY night but….
Now, I get a chance to experience life on the road.
As a trucker’s wife, I’m well versed in truckers lingo, the stress of being a truck driver, how to use Qualcomm (their computer system) and the highs and lows associated with loads & customers.
But….
Riding, sleeping, eating & sometimes pissing in the truck day in and out will be a new experience for me.
[Tweet “There are no fancy bathrooms to use when traveling over the road. #truckerslife”]
I’m looking forward to it tho…
One thing, I had to remind myself as I was getting stuff together for my “trip”, I’m his companion during the trip not his co-driver so I must be respectful of his schedule & space.
The storage and space in a truck is extremely limited. So I needed to make sure I wasn’t packing like I was headed to Hilton Grand Vacations resort!
If you ever get the opportunity to ride along with your spouse, there are some essentials you must have to make your trip bearable and keep you from getting on your spouse nerves.
Packing List for On the road tractor trailer travel
Make sure you pack and bring with you,
Electronics:
- Your cell phone + cord + wall charger
- Computer
- Tablet/iPad
- Headphones
Clothing: the number of items depends on how many days you will ride. Remember space is limited. So pack a couple pair of pants that can be worn with different shirts. You can wash while out OTR.
- Comfortable pants and shirts (remember you are sitting 98% of the time)
- Pajamas (I always pack me some PJs because I don’t sleep in my regular clothes + I want to be comfortable)
- Tennis shoes
- Socks (to wear in the truck & with your shoes, if applicable but definitely to wear while traveling)
- A jacket
Hygiene Toiletries: place these items in a small bag that is easily portable.
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Soap
- Lotion
- Makeup
- Comb & brush, if applicable
- Wet wipes
- Tissue
- Shower shoes (trust me on this one!)
- Sanitary napkins, if applicable
Miscellaneous items but needed items:
- Medicine (bring cold meds and Advil)
- Clorox wipes
- Drinking cup with lid
- Plastic cup to use as a toilet (don’t say ugh when you need to pee & he on a tight schedule, those plastic cups come in handy).
- Snacks: fruit, nuts, & nonperishable food. Don’t over do it but pack your favorite snacks & healthy ones will keep you from putting on the “truckers 15*!”
- A book or magazines
- Air freshener (trust me on this one as well)
I know this list seems extensive but when you are out OTR, you don’t have the luxuries of home or even stopping at every Wal-Mart you pass.
Remember your spouse is working and has a schedule to keep.
[Tweet “#TruckDrivers are on a tight schedule. Respect what they do. “]
I had to learn quickly that in order for me to enjoy this time with my husband, I had to be prepared + bring some of the amenities from home to make me comfortable.
One thing I can say, this is an experience like no other and I’m glad I got a chance to do it with my husband.
I’m a truckers wife and proud to be one.
Have you ridden in a tractor trailer before? If so, what did you take with you?
LaKisha says
Thank you so much. I’m recently dating a trucker and considering going along OTR for 10 days. This helped me so much!