We asked, you responded. Here are some of the best and most insightful responses we received, in collaboration with several experienced Professional Drivers on the road:

What personal items are always a must-have in your cab (especially for long haul trips)?

• $100.00 cash and a minimum $1000.00 on your credit card balance in case of emergency, you never know when you might have to suddenly fly home (a good company will help you in these circumstances, but you can't count on all)
• Cold & flu medicine. Sick in a truck is bad enough.
• Toilet paper, paper towel and tissues
• First Aid Kit, candles & matches
• Rain Gear
• “Bear spray” (“If I go for a walk there’s too many crazies out there. Legal to carry across the border. Other option is a whistle. Women need to be particularly cautious when it comes to their safety”).
• Extra warm clothes in case of break down, but cooler clothes too in case you end up south.
• Blankets
• Medications in their proper bottles.
• Canned Food / Water bottles / Protein Bars (at least 2 days’ worth of food and water over and above the norm, in case of snow storm and closed highways etc.)
• Passport and ID.
• Music (calming for long drives, heavy traffic and rough roads - decrease road aggression)
• Updated GPS & Hard Map for back-up
• Dash Cam
• Pictures of your loved ones are critical
• Direct number to the President of the company you work for!
• Make sure you have extra fluids and all fluids are topped up before you leave.
• FlipFlops or sandals - Most truck stop showers are not sanitary
• Work Gloves
• High-powered Flashlight
• Ear Plugs - Especially for TEAMS
• A Suit / Professional Clothes…. SERIOUSLY (You never know if there will be a sudden need for professional image - i.e.; court)

We reached out to all Professional Drivers on our social media forums to determine what is important to you when it comes to a job posting; along with your expectations for the role.

Here is some of the excellent feedback we received:

• RESPECT
• Fair Wages
• Fair Treatment
• Equal treatment of all Operators
• Benefits
• Don’t waste time on wording such as “competitive wages”, be transparent “Nobody wastes their time reading past tricky wording”
• Drivers want to see actual earnings (legitimate numbers and not a gross number that already includes employers obligated government contributions factored in to make the number appear higher)
• Recognition of overtime pay
• Daily, per diem, for meals/phone expenses/other benefits, etc.
• Professional Drivers who are looking already know the equipment the Carrier operates, lanes serviced and roughly road hours (not necessary to include in ad)
• Ability to choose the truck stop to spend the night in (some are safer than others)
• Professional Drivers love when the Carrier goes the extra mile. Provide a little extra for the truck, additional support where needed, understanding and compassion in emergency or extenuating circumstances
• CVOR in good standing, safety/safety ratings are important
• Good equipment and home-time accommodation when possible
• Family values

Fall 2018 - Submitted by the Davidsons

At Sharp our Professional Drivers truly are sharp. They are remarkable and talented from gourmet in-cab Chefs to incredible artists. Take a look at the painting below by our very own Susan Febbo!