Personal Hygiene Tips and Tricks for Truck Drivers

If you’ve been a truck driver for a long time, then you know the importance of planning showers, bathroom breaks and personal hygiene. Sure, truckers are sitting in an enclosed cab for nearly all their journey, but natural bodily processes happen around the clock. You will sweat. You will need to relieve your bladder. Your teeth need brushing. All these personal needs should be taken care of while on the road, just like you would back at home.

It may take you longer to reach your destination, but it’s imperative that truckers stop every few hours to use the restroom, stretch their legs, change into more comfortable clothing or just take a break from driving. The good news is there are numerous facilities and designated truck stop areas across the United States where truckers can shower and freshen up.

Long-haul truck driving takes planning. Prepare yourself well for your trip, whether you plan to park at a truck stop or rough it in your rig. Let’s take a look at some personal hygiene tips and tricks for truck drivers in Minnesota.

Clothes, undergarments and footwear

Experienced long-haul truckers recommend packing way more clothing than you think you’ll need. Having clean clothes available means you can change often and quickly. Instead of using bulky luggage bags, get a set of vacuum bags. These bags look similar to giant plastic Ziploc bags. Vacuum bags can hold a lot of clothing—shirts, pants, socks, underwear, even towels and bedding. It saves space in your cab, and you can pack enough clothing items to not have to stop at a laundromat while out on the road. If you do need to wash some clothes when on the road, consider using a fast and convenient wash and fold service.

Hygiene bag

Pack a hygiene bag like you would if you were going on vacation. A reasonably sized toiletry travel tote should suffice, but it doesn’t hurt to also keep a backup hygiene bag in your truck for when you run out of certain items—toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo and conditioner, shaving cream, razors, wet wipes, deodorant, etc. An onboard backup bag saves you from having to stop at a convenience store.

Truck stop showers and restrooms

Some truck stops around the country have shower accommodations for truckers, in addition to toilets and sinks. As a truck driver, you probably already have all the best truck stops mapped out. There are also helpful truck stop apps you can download to your phone. Read through app reviews and try using the ones that make pit stops convenient. Some let truck drivers reserve a shower in advance or when they pull into the parking lot. Truck stops specifically for truckers have easier big rig access, as opposed to rest stops that are also for regular travelers.

Showers, bathroom breaks and personal hygiene are essential for trucker health and comfort. No one understands that better than K-Way Express, Inc. in Minnesota, and we are here to help you with all your shipping and freight transport needs!