10 Gifts Ideas for Truck Drivers
When I first met Jason, SS Cargo Line’s CEO, he told me he was bad at answering texts during work hours because… he was busy driving 9,000lb worth of freight around the city. As a wife of someone who has worked with being on the road as their primary job, I know how much finding the perfect gift for your loved one is important. I also know how hard it is to find practical gifts that will be useful, and make your favorite driver feel special at the same time. Giving gifts is for sure one of my love languages; over the years I have given some great gifts and some not-so-useful gifts (hahaha). With that experience in mind, today I will share the 10 presents that were most adored by my husband and our drivers here at SS Cargo Lines. Hope you enjoy and make your loved one very happy (:
01. Car/Truck Driving Recorder
Being constantly on the road means you are at mercy of other people’s driving. Unfortunately, accidents can happen, and at those times it is such a relief to have a reliable dash camera to show the facts. When choosing a truck driving recorder, it is important that the camera has a wider angle lens, especially since trucks are higher than regular automobiles it is harder to get all the angles. An ultra-wide field of view reduces blind spots and captures more details, capturing the real scene. Also important that the screen delivers clear video and imaging so that it can replay key moments even when high-speed driving. This one from Apeman retails at $44.99, it is easy to set up & use, and it’s equipped with motion detection which is very convenient when the truck is parked- your vehicle is still being monitored.
02. Steering Wheel Desk
Whether your loved one is a regional truck driver or a local one, eating on the road is most likely a regular happening. I can’t stress how much this simple item is a game changer! When I first bought this for my husband, he was hesitant claiming that he didn’t need a desk when he mostly ate quick sandwiches in between jobs-he was pleasantly surprised by the difference this made. This desk brings certain normalcy feeling to the routine, not having to hold and juggle with food containers while eating makes it all the more enjoyable & mess-free. Especially now during COVID-19 when indoor sitting is not allowed in many cities, this item is a practical must. It makes a world of difference when you have a homemade meal and wants to comfortably enjoy it to the fullest- which brings us to the next item. This one from Amazon is $15.99.
03. Portable Cooler/Fridge
Eating on the road can be unhealthy, filled with fast food and quick dinner stops. A portable cooler can allow your loved one to store meals, healthy snacks, and drinks right in the cab. This one from Igloo retails on Amazon starting at $68 for the smaller size (25QT)- they have other sizes depending on your needs. The walls on this cooler are extra thick foam walls and an insulated lid provides four days of ice retention. Rubberized lid T-latches ensure a secure closure to keep the cold in. And the BMX’s lightweight blow-molded construction, reinforced swing-up handles, oversized hinges, stainless steel kick plate, and protective corners make it impressively sturdy. It is worth investing in a good quality cooler because you really get what you pay for- both in the quality and the performance of the cooler.
04. Wireless Bluetooth Headset
“The Department of Transportation (DOT) has successfully passed a law making it illegal for a commercial vehicle driver to operate a hand-held cell phone while operating the commercial vehicle. That's why hands-free headsets can be helpful on the road, allowing drivers to stay connected to their families while staying safe”. This one from TOZO has a very practical case that charges and protects the ear earphones when they are not being used. The specific touch control function makes it more convenient, tap once to play/pause music and answer calls, double-tap to skip forward/backward, hold to adjust the volume. You can easily control it without operating the phone. It retails on Amazon for $34.99 and comes in six different colors of your choice.
05. Electric Heating Pad
In my experience with gifting, these one-size-fits-all electric pads are sometimes a better gift choice than the electric blankets. The electric blankets are a great choice for drivers who sleep in their cabs. In remote areas, when accommodations aren't always available. The cab can get very cold, so an electric blanket can be a huge help. Blankets can be inconvenient to use when driving, so for colder weather, I definitely recommend this heating that keeps the chest, shoulders, and back warm. For local drivers, like my husband, these electric heating pads are a game-changer because they heat up quickly to relieve your back pain & you can choose a comfortable temperature among 6 therapeutic settings. This one from Amazon is $39.99, the material is very soft and cozy, and the best part is that it wraps nicely around the body and you can move freely thanks to the weighted edges, straps, and snap fasteners that hold the heating pad securely in place.
06. Truck Route GPS/App
“Choose a GPS model or download an app that is specifically designed with truck drivers in mind. Such units should have height clearance information, truck-prohibited routes identified and updated maps. Additional features that are available include the ability to enter your specific truck information, such as height and gross vehicle weight.
A GPS or an app on a smartphone can save a truck driver a considerable amount of time in reaching their destination. It takes the guesswork out of bridge heights and truck routes and helps them find the nearest rest stop or truck-friendly eatery.” - This Ohrex one is on Amazon for $65.99.
07. Pressure Relieving Cushion
“Truck drivers sit for incredibly long periods of time. Staying in the same position for hours on end can cause discomfort and even pain. A pressure relieving cushion designed for long hours behind the wheel can help alleviate some discomfort.”
I bought this cushion for all our drivers and they all love it! The Purple material is so different than everything out there, it feels new every time you use it- the cushion has outstanding long-lasting durability. The non-slip material and its easiness to clean are a big plus. They retail for $59 on the Purple website.
08. Electric Food Warming Tote
Great choice when you are sending off your loved one with a fresh homemade meal, a frozen meal, or even just some leftovers. We like the Hot Logic Mini because it has a good size for one meal and can accommodate all types of food packaging- never tried heating a cardboard packaged meal, but by the reviews, it seems to work great as well. It is so convenient to just plug the bag in, and just go about the day normally. The bag will heat up the meal nicely, without burning or drying it up-and keep that perfect temperature until it is time to eat. It doesn’t need monitoring or timer like many other products out there. We bought ours at Amazon, $39.95.
09. A Piece of Home
Sometimes the smallest gifts can have the biggest meaning. I am a big fan of anything personalizable because it adds that unique touch to any gift. I got my husband this exact keychain to remind him to be careful on the road and get back home safely. He says it is a loving reminder and makes the road feel homier. He doesn’t drive anymore unless there is a special request job and our drivers are all busy, but he still uses the keychain every day.
This one starts at $17.99 on Etsy, there are many other sellers there who do similar keychains so definitely check them out (& support small businesses).
10. Sun Visor Organizer
This is one of those items you didn’t know you needed until you have one. My husband is definitely not the most organized person out there, and being in a small enclosed space for a long period of time can get messy. This sun visor organizer is so convenient to keep all necessary documents, pens, and paperwork in one place. Truck drivers deal with a good amount of paperwork, and misplacing those papers can be an unnecessary hassle. By having this organizer, all papers can be kept safely until they are needed again. This retails on Amazon for $10, and they have options to buy large quantities as well.
