How about a crash course on chemical tank industry...

We get a predetermined route and between that, using haz mat on my RM truck GPS and the actual Rand Mcnally I have it figured out pretty well.

 

Rule #1: Don't "crash"

 

I could never get used to all the jerking around time (unpaid) hauling chemicals vs gas.....

Gas you do everything ie you control the load/unload. Chemicals not so much.

One Must have is a fitting box to keep your fittings on the truck (not under sleeper compartment ) . Most trailers won't have boxes .

 

For planning routes, you'll have basic directions on your travel order. I use the GPS (along with common sense) that is built into the Qualcomm. I also have a large road atlas that I use mainly for the northeast. It shows the restricted routes for hazmat. I'd recommend that you get the large atlas with laminated pages. They cost more, but will last a long time.

For winter driving, I'd just say if conditions get too bad then don't drive. Usually the states that get a lot of snow are pretty good about keeping the roads clear of snow. Be sure to wash the salt off your truck often.

Stuff for the truck: basic tools (screwdrivers, socket wrench, knife, etc). A rubber mallot for the dome lid screws. A good cutting tool (i.e. a mini bolt cutter) for cutting metal seals. A gallon of oil and coolant. Your company should provide you with PPE, fittings, air hoses, heat hoses, reflective triangles, tire chains, etc.

Besides the stuff needed to do the job, I'd recommend getting satellite radio to reduce boredom. Also, a CB radio often provides some entertainment as well. I have an inverter to power my laptop. Some people have TVs, video game systems, microwaves, and refrigerators.

 

1. Rand McNally hands down for both GPS and maps. Just make sure it's an HC route in and out before ya take off through good ol' fashion pen and paper.

2. Winter driving... find god. Otherwise be the slowest SOB out there.

3. Tools, Dead blow hammer or brass (rubber mallet works but has this tendency to want to bounce back at you), wrenches, winter gear, PPE. Hopefully the truck has a box to store fittings. You don't want that nasty stuff in the truck under the cab or otherwise. Spare PPE (had those chem suits split and if its caustics and corrosives it could become a very bad day if the planets align). Whatever hydraulic fluid to refill the internals pump should something leak/fail. This list could go on forever honestly lol.

 

So much for the only watching during critical events bs.......