Not a coach driver (I drive a semi-truck) but I carry what I call a “punch out bag” in addition to a larger bag on my trips. The larger bag has a few complete changes of clothes (depending on the length of the trip), shower supplies, and other “non-essential” items I don’t want rolling around in the various storage compartments. The smaller “punch out bag” is essentially just a portable operations base that stays between the seats. In the event I need to make an emergency exit, I can grab that one bag and quickly leave the truck. It has everything I’d need to survive a couple of days in a hotel hundreds of miles from home. I’ve got a charger for my phone and Bluetooth headset, a change of clothes, travel sized laundry and shower supplies, a copy of the current load’s paperwork, my company’s business card, some cash, a handheld CB radio (with both spare batteries and 12V adapter), a regular Rand McNally Atlas, and on the rare occasion when I am on a prescription that bottle goes in there as well. At least twice a week I take everything out and repack the bag. This gives me a chance to make changes that are seasonally appropriate (short sleeves in a Midwestern winter isn’t the best idea ever), while also providing an opportunity to make sure things like the chargers are still working.
I drive an activities bus for a private school. I have driven part time for a charter bus operator as well as over road semi trucks. Now days its twenty to thirty hours a month and day trips or sports events. I always carry a lawn chair as well as an e reader. I made sure my lastest new used bus is equipped with a phone holder and beverage holder. A camp pillow is always in my back pack. I did carry a hamock in the motor coach days. Love to drive the big buses. But at 74 years old, I like where I am. Keep up the good work and I enjoyed knowing the correct pronounciation for Van Hool.
Hello James! Not a coach operator, but a pilot. We experience similar challenges. Some things I carry I didn't see mentioned are: mending kit (for wardrobe issues), small first aid kit, tweezers, spare shoelaces, and cash. I learned to carry all these the hard way. 🤣 The motor oil thing kinda makes sense, as oil is lighter than water and will float on top, presumably sealing in the odors. However, there may be an oil smell, or there may be an issue with dumping or DOT rules. We carry those small dissolvable blue pillow tablets for the lav, and refer to them as "breath mints". Great vid, as always!
These are some great ideas that I hope to remember. lol I actually just landed my first paying job as a motor coach driver, not for a charter service but it’s driving the team bus for a university here in Texas. I’ve always enjoyed your videos and have found them to be quite informative and inspiring.
2 things I always carry with me- Backup rechargeable battery pack for phones (in case the plugs in the bus don't work), and Febreze. Also, having an emergency $20 for whatever comes in handy at times.
New to your site. Love what I’m finding. I drive for Minnesota coach. I constantly shift what I pack, but sounds like I pack all the normal list items from the other drivers noted. Mark
Awesome video! I recently just got my CDL up here in British Columbia, Canada. It’s fun trucking but would definitely love to give Coach bus driving a try one day.
I heard 40 years ago about shaving cream on glass but never tried it. The story was a wife wrote "I love you" with shaving cream on the bathroom mirror while her husband was showering. He wiped the sentiment off but when he finished his shower the next day, condensation covered the mirror except where the shaving cream had been, so he saw the "I love you" again. An OTR instructor told me as long as you keep air moving over the windshield condensation won't form. That's not true on a steamy day with a packed school bus when a cold rain occurs. I would think the conditioned air of a motor coach would keep the windshield clear. I do know a clean windshield won't fog as easily as a dirty one. I really enjoy your videos.
one time i was on a march for life bus trip and our main windshields were fogging up, I had one bag in the above head storage in there was a shirt that my dad had given to the bus captain to allow the driver to see so thankful that drivers can learn
I'm not a bus driver(or even old enough to drive a bus I'm only 14) but I bet you probably do have to pack a good amount of stuff, especially if you have to stay at a hotel. But I definitely think having some extra food and toiletries at a bare minimum I feel is necessary.
You got my name really close lol. Its pronounced Fo-ger-tea like John Fogerty, but spelt with an a instead of e. Thanks for using my comment. Love your videos.
Hey Colin I'm glad I was close at least LOL. Thanks for correcting me. I always try to get people's names right. I appreciate you taking the time to write a post. Maybe one day we'll meet over the road. Be safe sir
@@MotorcoachWorld always stay as safe as I can!! And yes. Maybe one day we will meet. I have wanted to get into maybe making some videos of my drives and tours. But need to get a decent camera first.
The Fire Stick is to plug into the hotel rooms TV which turns it into a smart TV. Where you can get Amazon prime and other streaming services you've subscribed to using the hotels wifi (or your hotspot). Not sure how usefull it would be on a bus, but I guess its possible. I always travel with mine.
I drove in the late 1900s (that sounds weird) and drove line runs and charters because I chose to be a floater and not assigned to a line run. Didn't worry about electronics because cell phones weren't invented but I carried alot of quarters in my driver box for pay phones. If I was on a line run I carried a clean uniform shirt underwater and toiletries in a gym bag. I also carried a small cooler with soda, a sandwich and some crackers. If I was on a charter I packed a small suit case for based on the days I was gone plus my cooler. We were not allowed to eat, drink or smoke while driving. In my drivers box I carried log books (ELDs didn't exist) tickets for line runs, money envelopes, an atlas, a phone number list, a wash cloth to wipe the fog off the windshield (defroster were a joke) and a spare pair of underwater they were my security blanket underwear.
Kia Ora (Hi) James. I went on New Zealand's most well known and famous bus journey Queenstown to Milford Sound. I got very friendly with driver and she said she alway carried a large folder filled with her notes and interesting facts about the journey and to help her pronounce Maori place names e.g. Piopiotahi (Pee oh pee oh tar hee). This helped her give a very entertaining and informative commentary to her passengers. If you and your family ever come to New Zealand, I highly recommend you take the bus journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound. I guarantee it will be unforgettable and unlike any bus trip you have ever experienced.
@@MotorcoachWorld Many thanks James. I hope you and your family do make it to New Zealand. To whet your appetite, there are quite a few Queenstown to Milford Sound videos on RUclips that showcase the breathtaking scenery you will experience.
Hi James about getting a red carpet. As I wrote before I drive for a Limousine Company and we do weddings. We carry a a small roll of red carpet to put down for the bride and groom to make them feel even more special on their day. But unless you tell your clients ahead of time as a motor coach operator you might get trampled by your passengers as you are trying to roll that carpet out and they are in the usual hurry to get off the motor coach. Thanks again for all the great videos you make I always look forward for your next one to come out. I hope to meet you sometime. Safe travels to all!
Driving for Greyhound, I carry the bags, my back pack which holds my electronics, chargers, cleaning supplies, back up hygiene kit, inspection tools, running shoes, and my back up paperlog book, then my cooler which normally has microwavable foods with water and up to 2 mini cans of soda (hydrate first hehe), then my duffel bag which holds my clothes, laundry, primary hygiene, and dirty clothes that have scent boosters in them to keep from making the fresh clothes from smell. Also put dryer sheets in my running shoes when packed to keep the scent under control. Typically pack four days worth of clothes, and bring quarters because you never know how long you'll be out doing extra board and may need to do laundry OTR.
Only being a part timer, and limited in how much I can carry in my backpack, from the car to the bus, Lysol wipes for any mess, a bottle of dollar store air fresher to spray in the air-conditioning intake if i it a skunk, or someone has really bad gas, gloves for pre and post trip, flashlight, GPS, charger, paper truck road atlas, several folders with maps and directions of where i have been before ( one is all the colleges and where i can park ) one spare set of clothing and one day's worth of food, even on day trips. i do have a few more things, but I think most were covered. And if it's planned for an 8-hour layover for reset, summertime shorts, t shirt and sneakers. (Usually, NYC if I can get legal parking) Thank you all for the tips :)
Hello James! Great Video! I drive part time for Cardinal Busses, and just came off an east coast run in June. Boston was no fun. Not a bus friendly town. The rest of the cities were great (NY, Philly, DC ,etc). We had a different hotel every night, so I packed a storage tote, pulled each day's clothes out into my go bag (rolling backpack with all my essential items in it - many of which were covered in your video). I would take the go bag and small cooler into the hotel. Much easier than hauling a large bag in and out. I also had a reclining anti gravity chair (for naps), grill, portable power charger, large cooler was also along - it stayed in the bus. I took my own food, and got money for most meals, so I pocketed that. I am diabetic so I wanted to take my own food. I took a selfie stick to shoot videos to upload to facebook to show my adventures. I hope to start a youtube channel soon. Not very tech savvy, so I need to research that. I head to Indy tomorrow to bring a group to Detroit. 38 passenger Van Hool has that mission. I will have an 8 hour nap, but this is a short trip , so the go bag and small cooler will be along. I do entertain myself watching youtube on the bus tablet. I was in Chicago a few weeks ago, hit up Jim's Original. YUMMMMMMMMMM. Keep up the great work!
Hey Dutch. Thanks for writing this. I enjoyed reading it. If you ever need help with your RUclips videos I will be glad to help you in anyway I can. Sounds like you got everything you need. We love working with you guys. A very clean and professional company.
Inga's correction on Van Hool is a reminder to all (owners, mechanics, and van operators) where through you always top off the different fluids in a van.
Well, I guess I have to add some of the more unusual things I carry on my coach... You know those trips for summer camp groups that your trapped in the hotel for 3-6 days and your boss doesn't want you driving your coach too much for personal business? I packed a motorcycle in the rear bay! I was in Winter Park Co., and I loved riding around the mountains! I also carry a full computer toolkit /parts kit for fixing everyone's computers. I am a computer engineer as well as a driver and I fix / upgrade all the driver's laptops while on the road. My price for labor is the driver buys lunch or dinner. By the way, use laundry fabric softener (I use Downey) to de-stink your toilet. As long as they don't use the toilet too much after pouring it in, your good to go!
So that said... Here's what I bring with me: 1. Two extra cases of water (so I can fill my toilet tank and mop bucket and all that) 2. Changes of clothes (depends on how long my trip is) 3. Tshirt and shorts for when we're at the hotel when we're done 4. Hygiene products 5. Nintendo Switch 6. Aya Neo (although I'm looking at getting a good mini PC so I can get hooked into the bus lol)
Great video James! I'll have to make a short video of the things I keep on board at all times. I also have a Red Carpet that the groups and the college teams love especially when arriving at the away college and after a win! We are the house carrier for a local college so I dress in their uniforms and I hang a sign with their name in the upper right windshield so people know who's arriving. Also I'm not so sure about motor oil in the lavatory but I do use Lavender Fabuloso from the dollar store and it works well.
I've just walked in the door from a three say trip away with a junior rugby team. If I'm not going away, ie, just doing day trips, I'll just have my backpack. This is always stowed somewhere secure in my coach and contains my wallet, car keys, drink bottle, jersey, logbook and other bits and pieces. For trips away, then I'll take spare uniform shirts, casual clothes for off duty wear which is dependent on the climate I'm going in to, perhaps my laptop if I'm going to be away for a week or more and of course the usual toiletries etc. One thing I never forget though is to take my own coffee as those supplied by hotels and motels are just cheap crap. Cheers from NZ.
I did the same. Got a big jug of it at Dollar Store. One or two cap fulls. I’ve heard guys use vegetable oil too. NEVER EVER put bleach in the lab. It reacts with the ammonia in urine to create a harmful gas.
James, as a former motorcoach wash crew guy, I can assure you that when we dump the toilettes..a bit of motor oil leakage is the least funky thing we see 🤣
Whatever you do, DON’T put motor oil down the toilet in a coach. Really bad idea. It doesn’t break down. May even get you a visit from the EPA because you’ll then have motor oil in your sewage holding tank at the depot.
Intriguing!. I have a contingent long distance job offer in regional Australia (contingent on obtaining the police certificate, medical clearance etc). I've already found long term accommodation and I'm enjoying having moved to a town of only 125,000 people🍹🥩. Memories of a recent Europe/North America/Europe/North Africa extended holiday are just that...memories!. 👍
Hey James, I drive line runs for Indian Trails in Michigan (connecting with Greyhound) and of course those are a lot different than charters so my bag has all kinds of things for that sort of assignment.. a ticket punch, extra envelopes and baggage tags, run sheets, duct tape, a phone charger, pills, water and a lot of snacks. It’s an out an back so I don’t have to pack an overnight bag. At one time I did do overnights and about the only difference was clothes and toiletries, luckily we used the same room every time so we could leave items there. I knew guys who left laptops and TV’s among other things. I’ve been wanting to suggest a couple video ideas for awhile now. One is dispatch and what they do.. I would be interested in how you guys handle things with assigning drivers and plugging holes when they occur and things like that. Also maybe one on cell phones. You mentioned Bluetooth in this video… my company has a zero tolerance policy for wearing it or using the phone while driving, even reaching in that direction is a no-no. The policy is termination if caught. If we need to call dispatch we get a message on our ELD telling us to pull over and park the bus and call now or from the next stop or relaying the relevant information in the message. It would be interesting to see how different companies handle the phone issue. Also saw Peoria Charter 206 in East Lansing, MI today and got a nice wave from the driver while doing my line run. It’s a classy looking coach. What’s with the big gold S logo towards the back of it? Somehow I missed it in the Branson video you did with it. Chris
Hi James I a coach driver in Brisbane Australia and I have in my bags a phone charge and power bank snack a pillow and sleeping bags extra cleaning supplies 3 set of clothes never know what could happen different sunglasses for the weather and notebook and pens and my logbook
Hey just subscribed I like the video of 10 things in a driver bag anyway the one driver that uses a hammock Where do you find something like that that would work on a coach?
I heard a skilet to bring. How do you cook while on the coach bus? I have been trying to figure this one out. I found a battery power cooler that i bring with me and when I go into the hotel I plug the cooler into an outlet and then recharge the batteries. Cooking im Trying to figure out. Thought I did have something but then we cant carry propane with us.
As a trucker I carry the same things my current truck has bathroom sink stove fridge freezer. I can cook healthy cheaper food verses restaurant food a crock pot will run 150 watt inverter plugs in lighter
Hi James, I do all of the above, however, I don't know if any of you MCO's use this one but I travel with fabric softener. Preferably Downy smells better, and will save you when a #2 is deposited in your toilette. Ice and Downy have saved me until I can get to a dump site. Good luck.
Hey Bus4025. Thanks for the comment. I have heard of drivers using fabric softener. I've yet to try it. I'll have to bring some with me next time. Appreciate the advice.
I used to live out of a small shopping cart year's ago now I have so much stuff I don't wanna get rid of it cause of how expensive things are and i might need something later on in life
I think everything you mentioned is wonderful! Your videos are getting better and better every time. And PS your name is James I know your birthday went past that you aren't getting that old! LOL and remember you are a Bus nut and part of the bus 🌍
Fire Stick plugs into the bus HDMI in the overhead cabin next to the DVD player.(Prevost bus). Then you'll need WIFI like a hot spot or use your phone as a hot spot.
U.S. Quarters....I drove before a cell phone was even affordable. In case you broke down and needed to call someone. Course, Greyhound had 800 numbers back than. I was driving a VanHool one winter from Rochester, Minn back to Chicago and the windshield wiper arm clip broke. And the arm was flopping all over the place ...while in a snow storm....When else would it have happened. LOL The pull tab from a beer can helped as a clip on the arm of the wiper. Luckily we had a few of them as we needed a few to get back home. After that I carried a few of them year round.
Whatever you do don't put motor oil down the toilet. First it buggers the tank, second you then can't empty your tanks into a waste system as oil is classed as an environment hazard.
I don't travel that much but when I do I make sure to bring an art paper pad nearly as big as my take on case, pencils, erasor, sharpener. Pens are risky because changes in pressure or temperature swings mean pens may bleed or not work at all. I love to draw and sketch. I used to pack a battery bank for my devices but more airlines are banning their use due to fire risk. All my medicine and toiletries are kept in transparent bags for easy security inspection. Cologne and Perfume bottle are strictly forbidden on my travels. Any heart medice must be clearly marked with doctors card and doctors prescription documentation typed out. Some medicines do trip off security chemical sniffers and you will be forced to throw them out if they are not clearly documented.
Find a motorcoach company that provides paid CDL trainin. Peoria Charter will pay people to train and test them for their CDLs there are other companies out there like that.
Anyone bring a Keurig with them? One the best investment's I made. A fresh cup of coffee right before a late trip home or to bypass the gross hotel coffee.
@@MotorcoachWorld actually, I never had the chance. I mainly played with a silencer in it so I didn’t disturb anyone. One of the other drivers did try to get me to play for the lead driver.
Final Jeopardy Question category:. European Motorcoach Companies Answee: The correct Flemmish pronunciation of this company's name is also a homonym through which van fluids are filled and refilled. Remember contestants, your response can only be in the form of a question. Good luck.
Thanks for mentioning our show, James! And welcome to ALL bus & motorcoach professionals at Busworld in Detroit from 4-6 February!
Not a coach driver (I drive a semi-truck) but I carry what I call a “punch out bag” in addition to a larger bag on my trips. The larger bag has a few complete changes of clothes (depending on the length of the trip), shower supplies, and other “non-essential” items I don’t want rolling around in the various storage compartments. The smaller “punch out bag” is essentially just a portable operations base that stays between the seats. In the event I need to make an emergency exit, I can grab that one bag and quickly leave the truck. It has everything I’d need to survive a couple of days in a hotel hundreds of miles from home. I’ve got a charger for my phone and Bluetooth headset, a change of clothes, travel sized laundry and shower supplies, a copy of the current load’s paperwork, my company’s business card, some cash, a handheld CB radio (with both spare batteries and 12V adapter), a regular Rand McNally Atlas, and on the rare occasion when I am on a prescription that bottle goes in there as well. At least twice a week I take everything out and repack the bag. This gives me a chance to make changes that are seasonally appropriate (short sleeves in a Midwestern winter isn’t the best idea ever), while also providing an opportunity to make sure things like the chargers are still working.
This is an awesome list thank you for sharing! I appreciate the comment
An Atlas....now that is a bus driver!! GO BIG RED !
I drive an activities bus for a private school. I have driven part time for a charter bus operator as well as over road semi trucks. Now days its twenty to thirty hours a month and day trips or sports events. I always carry a lawn chair as well as an e reader. I made sure my lastest new used bus is equipped with a phone holder and beverage holder. A camp pillow is always in my back pack. I did carry a hamock in the motor coach days. Love to drive the big buses. But at 74 years old, I like where I am. Keep up the good work and I enjoyed knowing the correct pronounciation for Van Hool.
Hello James! Not a coach operator, but a pilot. We experience similar challenges. Some things I carry I didn't see mentioned are: mending kit (for wardrobe issues), small first aid kit, tweezers, spare shoelaces, and cash. I learned to carry all these the hard way. 🤣 The motor oil thing kinda makes sense, as oil is lighter than water and will float on top, presumably sealing in the odors. However, there may be an oil smell, or there may be an issue with dumping or DOT rules. We carry those small dissolvable blue pillow tablets for the lav, and refer to them as "breath mints". Great vid, as always!
Always a pleasure to meet another pilot. Thanks for the comment
Yeah, I learned to carry extra shoe laces the hard way too.
These are some great ideas that I hope to remember. lol
I actually just landed my first paying job as a motor coach driver, not for a charter service but it’s driving the team bus for a university here in Texas. I’ve always enjoyed your videos and have found them to be quite informative and inspiring.
2 things I always carry with me- Backup rechargeable battery pack for phones (in case the plugs in the bus don't work), and Febreze. Also, having an emergency $20 for whatever comes in handy at times.
I think until the 70s Belgium is where Eagle Coach was manufactured until they came to Brownsville, Texas
That is correct sir
New to your site. Love what I’m finding. I drive for Minnesota coach. I constantly shift what I pack, but sounds like I pack all the normal list items from the other drivers noted. Mark
Awesome video! I recently just got my CDL up here in British Columbia, Canada. It’s fun trucking but would definitely love to give Coach bus driving a try one day.
I heard 40 years ago about shaving cream on glass but never tried it. The story was a wife wrote "I love you" with shaving cream on the bathroom mirror while her husband was showering. He wiped the sentiment off but when he finished his shower the next day, condensation covered the mirror except where the shaving cream had been, so he saw the "I love you" again. An OTR instructor told me as long as you keep air moving over the windshield condensation won't form. That's not true on a steamy day with a packed school bus when a cold rain occurs. I would think the conditioned air of a motor coach would keep the windshield clear. I do know a clean windshield won't fog as easily as a dirty one. I really enjoy your videos.
That's an interesting history on the saving cream. I need to keep some packed. Thanks John
Nice video many good idea and good work , thanks a lot .
one time i was on a march for life bus trip and our main windshields were fogging up, I had one bag in the above head storage in there was a shirt that my dad had given to the bus captain to allow the driver to see so thankful that drivers can learn
So cool James! You found a creative way to make a simple subject interesting by inviting viewers stories. Great work as always.
Really interesting how some items are common and some are geared to the individual.
I'm not a bus driver(or even old enough to drive a bus I'm only 14) but I bet you probably do have to pack a good amount of stuff, especially if you have to stay at a hotel. But I definitely think having some extra food and toiletries at a bare minimum I feel is necessary.
You got my name really close lol. Its pronounced Fo-ger-tea like John Fogerty, but spelt with an a instead of e. Thanks for using my comment. Love your videos.
Hey Colin I'm glad I was close at least LOL. Thanks for correcting me. I always try to get people's names right. I appreciate you taking the time to write a post. Maybe one day we'll meet over the road. Be safe sir
@@MotorcoachWorld always stay as safe as I can!! And yes. Maybe one day we will meet. I have wanted to get into maybe making some videos of my drives and tours. But need to get a decent camera first.
The Fire Stick is to plug into the hotel rooms TV which turns it into a smart TV.
Where you can get Amazon prime and other streaming services you've subscribed to using the hotels wifi (or your hotspot). Not sure how usefull it would be on a bus, but I guess its possible. I always travel with mine.
I was an OTR trucker for almost 13 years. Our industries are so different and so similar at the same time
Hello James !! Thank you for this video I love it . And sure you most definitely can take the red carpet the customers love it .
Thanks my friend. I love your Facebook videos by the way you need to put them on RUclips
I drove in the late 1900s (that sounds weird) and drove line runs and charters because I chose to be a floater and not assigned to a line run. Didn't worry about electronics because cell phones weren't invented but I carried alot of quarters in my driver box for pay phones. If I was on a line run I carried a clean uniform shirt underwater and toiletries in a gym bag. I also carried a small cooler with soda, a sandwich and some crackers. If I was on a charter I packed a small suit case for based on the days I was gone plus my cooler. We were not allowed to eat, drink or smoke while driving. In my drivers box I carried log books (ELDs didn't exist) tickets for line runs, money envelopes, an atlas, a phone number list, a wash cloth to wipe the fog off the windshield (defroster were a joke) and a spare pair of underwater they were my security blanket underwear.
Kia Ora (Hi) James. I went on New Zealand's most well known and famous bus journey Queenstown
to Milford Sound. I got very friendly with driver and she said she alway carried a large folder filled with
her notes and interesting facts about the journey and to help her pronounce Maori place names e.g. Piopiotahi (Pee oh pee oh tar hee).
This helped her give a very entertaining and informative commentary to her passengers.
If you and your family ever come to New Zealand, I highly recommend you take the bus journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound.
I guarantee it will be unforgettable and unlike any bus trip you have ever experienced.
I definitely want to visit new Zealand. It's on my bucket list
@@MotorcoachWorld Many thanks James. I hope you and your family do make it to New Zealand.
To whet your appetite, there are quite a few Queenstown to Milford Sound videos on RUclips that
showcase the breathtaking scenery you will experience.
Hi James about getting a red carpet. As I wrote before I drive for a Limousine Company and we do weddings. We carry a a small roll of red carpet to put down for the bride and groom to make them feel even more special on their day. But unless you tell your clients ahead of time as a motor coach operator you might get trampled by your passengers as you are trying to roll that carpet out and they are in the usual hurry to get off the motor coach. Thanks again for all the great videos you make I always look forward for your next one to come out. I hope to meet you sometime. Safe travels to all!
Thanks James. I like your name by the way lol.if you are ever in the Urbana area come visit me. We can go grab some lunch.
Driving for Greyhound, I carry the bags, my back pack which holds my electronics, chargers, cleaning supplies, back up hygiene kit, inspection tools, running shoes, and my back up paperlog book, then my cooler which normally has microwavable foods with water and up to 2 mini cans of soda (hydrate first hehe), then my duffel bag which holds my clothes, laundry, primary hygiene, and dirty clothes that have scent boosters in them to keep from making the fresh clothes from smell. Also put dryer sheets in my running shoes when packed to keep the scent under control. Typically pack four days worth of clothes, and bring quarters because you never know how long you'll be out doing extra board and may need to do laundry OTR.
Greyhound here as well (Raleigh)
@@brandonhurley9982 Are you based out of Raleigh? Are there still drivers based out of Fayetteville?
@@thegodblogger3812 yep! We still have drivers in Fayetteville, though not many.
Only being a part timer, and limited in how much I can carry in my backpack, from the car to the bus, Lysol wipes for any mess, a bottle of dollar store air fresher to spray in the air-conditioning intake if i it a skunk, or someone has really bad gas, gloves for pre and post trip, flashlight, GPS, charger, paper truck road atlas, several folders with maps and directions of where i have been before ( one is all the colleges and where i can park ) one spare set of clothing and one day's worth of food, even on day trips. i do have a few more things, but I think most were covered. And if it's planned for an 8-hour layover for reset, summertime shorts, t shirt and sneakers. (Usually, NYC if I can get legal parking)
Thank you all for the tips :)
Hello James! Great Video! I drive part time for Cardinal Busses, and just came off an east coast run in June. Boston was no fun. Not a bus friendly town. The rest of the cities were great (NY, Philly, DC ,etc). We had a different hotel every night, so I packed a storage tote, pulled each day's clothes out into my go bag (rolling backpack with all my essential items in it - many of which were covered in your video). I would take the go bag and small cooler into the hotel. Much easier than hauling a large bag in and out. I also had a reclining anti gravity chair (for naps), grill, portable power charger, large cooler was also along - it stayed in the bus. I took my own food, and got money for most meals, so I pocketed that. I am diabetic so I wanted to take my own food. I took a selfie stick to shoot videos to upload to facebook to show my adventures. I hope to start a youtube channel soon. Not very tech savvy, so I need to research that. I head to Indy tomorrow to bring a group to Detroit. 38 passenger Van Hool has that mission. I will have an 8 hour nap, but this is a short trip , so the go bag and small cooler will be along. I do entertain myself watching youtube on the bus tablet. I was in Chicago a few weeks ago, hit up Jim's Original. YUMMMMMMMMMM. Keep up the great work!
Hey Dutch. Thanks for writing this. I enjoyed reading it. If you ever need help with your RUclips videos I will be glad to help you in anyway I can. Sounds like you got everything you need. We love working with you guys. A very clean and professional company.
Inga's correction on Van Hool is a reminder to all (owners, mechanics, and van operators) where through you always top off the different fluids in a van.
That’s a new bus James
That's one of our 2020 van Hool cx45s.
It's a pretty nice looking bus
Barbasol works well for preventing foggy windows.
Well, I guess I have to add some of the more unusual things I carry on my coach... You know those trips for summer camp groups that your trapped in the hotel for 3-6 days and your boss doesn't want you driving your coach too much for personal business? I packed a motorcycle in the rear bay! I was in Winter Park Co., and I loved riding around the mountains! I also carry a full computer toolkit /parts kit for fixing everyone's computers. I am a computer engineer as well as a driver and I fix / upgrade all the driver's laptops while on the road. My price for labor is the driver buys lunch or dinner. By the way, use laundry fabric softener (I use Downey) to de-stink your toilet. As long as they don't use the toilet too much after pouring it in, your good to go!
So that said... Here's what I bring with me:
1. Two extra cases of water (so I can fill my toilet tank and mop bucket and all that)
2. Changes of clothes (depends on how long my trip is)
3. Tshirt and shorts for when we're at the hotel when we're done
4. Hygiene products
5. Nintendo Switch
6. Aya Neo (although I'm looking at getting a good mini PC so I can get hooked into the bus lol)
Thank you for your list! I was more drivers would give their lists in the comments! Appreciate it!
@@MotorcoachWorld you're welcome sir
James another awesome video!! 👍 I have Interview tomorrow for coach ! 🤞
Great video James! I'll have to make a short video of the things I keep on board at all times. I also have a Red Carpet that the groups and the college teams love especially when arriving at the away college and after a win! We are the house carrier for a local college so I dress in their uniforms and I hang a sign with their name in the upper right windshield so people know who's arriving. Also I'm not so sure about motor oil in the lavatory but I do use Lavender Fabuloso from the dollar store and it works well.
I've just walked in the door from a three say trip away with a junior rugby team. If I'm not going away, ie, just doing day trips, I'll just have my backpack. This is always stowed somewhere secure in my coach and contains my wallet, car keys, drink bottle, jersey, logbook and other bits and pieces. For trips away, then I'll take spare uniform shirts, casual clothes for off duty wear which is dependent on the climate I'm going in to, perhaps my laptop if I'm going to be away for a week or more and of course the usual toiletries etc. One thing I never forget though is to take my own coffee as those supplied by hotels and motels are just cheap crap. Cheers from NZ.
I use fabric softener in the toilet. It’s the same principle as the oil. It floats on top keeping the good smell down in the water! Lol
I did the same. Got a big jug of it at Dollar Store. One or two cap fulls. I’ve heard guys use vegetable oil too. NEVER EVER put bleach in the lab. It reacts with the ammonia in urine to create a harmful gas.
James, as a former motorcoach wash crew guy, I can assure you that when we dump the toilettes..a bit of motor oil leakage is the least funky thing we see 🤣
Whatever you do, DON’T put motor oil down the toilet in a coach. Really bad idea. It doesn’t break down. May even get you a visit from the EPA because you’ll then have motor oil in your sewage holding tank at the depot.
Intriguing!. I have a contingent long distance job offer in regional Australia (contingent on obtaining the police certificate, medical clearance etc). I've already found long term accommodation and I'm enjoying having moved to a town of only 125,000 people🍹🥩. Memories of a recent Europe/North America/Europe/North Africa extended holiday are just that...memories!.
👍
Hello,liike it-how superb footage! 🤟
Super cool great job
I would either bring my bowling ball bag or golf clubs according where I was going.
Hey James,
I drive line runs for Indian Trails in Michigan (connecting with Greyhound) and of course those are a lot different than charters so my bag has all kinds of things for that sort of assignment.. a ticket punch, extra envelopes and baggage tags, run sheets, duct tape, a phone charger, pills, water and a lot of snacks. It’s an out an back so I don’t have to pack an overnight bag. At one time I did do overnights and about the only difference was clothes and toiletries, luckily we used the same room every time so we could leave items there. I knew guys who left laptops and TV’s among other things.
I’ve been wanting to suggest a couple video ideas for awhile now. One is dispatch and what they do.. I would be interested in how you guys handle things with assigning drivers and plugging holes when they occur and things like that. Also maybe one on cell phones. You mentioned Bluetooth in this video… my company has a zero tolerance policy for wearing it or using the phone while driving, even reaching in that direction is a no-no. The policy is termination if caught. If we need to call dispatch we get a message on our ELD telling us to pull over and park the bus and call now or from the next stop or relaying the relevant information in the message. It would be interesting to see how different companies handle the phone issue.
Also saw Peoria Charter 206 in East Lansing, MI today and got a nice wave from the driver while doing my line run. It’s a classy looking coach. What’s with the big gold S logo towards the back of it? Somehow I missed it in the Branson video you did with it.
Chris
James, instead of motor oil to alleviate toilet odors, use mineral oil instead, does the same thing but no environmental issues..
Yeah, when the coach gets dumped at the garage it goes to the sewer. Hopefully. Not good to dispose of motor oil that way.
For someone getting their CDL class B what is all required and can you do a video on it Very interested needing to help
Hi Caleb. I actually have a video that goes pretty in depth on what you are asking about.
ruclips.net/video/u15R2WKhiiw/видео.html
Hi James I a coach driver in Brisbane Australia and I have in my bags a phone charge and power bank snack a pillow and sleeping bags extra cleaning supplies 3 set of clothes never know what could happen different sunglasses for the weather and notebook and pens and my logbook
Roll of quarters for laundry.
Hey just subscribed I like the video of 10 things in a driver bag anyway the one driver that uses a hammock
Where do you find something like that that would work on a coach?
I heard a skilet to bring. How do you cook while on the coach bus? I have been trying to figure this one out. I found a battery power cooler that i bring with me and when I go into the hotel I plug the cooler into an outlet and then recharge the batteries. Cooking im Trying to figure out. Thought I did have something but then we cant carry propane with us.
I have. A little electric stove that would work great with a skillet. I would imagine something like that.
As a trucker I carry the same things my current truck has bathroom sink stove fridge freezer. I can cook healthy cheaper food verses restaurant food a crock pot will run 150 watt inverter plugs in lighter
Hey great insight Richard. Thanks for sharing. Appreciate the comment. Drive safe
Hi James, I do all of the above, however, I don't know if any of you MCO's use this one but I travel with fabric softener. Preferably Downy smells better, and will save you when a #2 is deposited in your toilette. Ice and Downy have saved me until I can get to a dump site. Good luck.
Hey Bus4025. Thanks for the comment. I have heard of drivers using fabric softener. I've yet to try it. I'll have to bring some with me next time. Appreciate the advice.
@@MotorcoachWorld No problem. Anytime I can render information I try. Dude and I also appreciate your channel, keep up the good work.
I used to live out of a small shopping cart year's ago now I have so much stuff I don't wanna get rid of it cause of how expensive things are and i might need something later on in life
I think everything you mentioned is wonderful! Your videos are getting better and better every time. And PS your name is James I know your birthday went past that you aren't getting that old! LOL and remember you are a Bus nut and part of the bus 🌍
Nice! "I found James pillow" I'm going to put this in my bag!
LOL that's where it went
Have you ever thought about doing a video on dealing with the less flattering things of the industry? Such as breakdowns, maintenance issues, etc.?
It’s been so long since I drove my kit used to have VHS tapes, lol.
😂 nice.
I'm also curious what people are referring to when they said FireStick
Fire Stick plugs into the bus HDMI in the overhead cabin next to the DVD player.(Prevost bus). Then you'll need WIFI like a hot spot or use your phone as a hot spot.
U.S. Quarters....I drove before a cell phone was even affordable. In case you broke down and needed to call someone.
Course, Greyhound had 800 numbers back than.
I was driving a VanHool one winter from Rochester, Minn back to Chicago and the windshield wiper arm clip broke. And the arm was flopping all over the place ...while in a snow storm....When else would it have happened. LOL
The pull tab from a beer can helped as a clip on the arm of the wiper. Luckily we had a few of them as we needed a few to get back home. After that I carried a few of them year round.
That " Depends " 😂
James!
What type of Bluetooth headset you use while on the road?
What do you recommend over the ear or in the ear?
Whatever you do don't put motor oil down the toilet. First it buggers the tank, second you then can't empty your tanks into a waste system as oil is classed as an environment hazard.
Yeah that's a good point dumping your toilet would be against the EPA rules.
I don't travel that much but when I do I make sure to bring an art paper pad nearly as big as my take on case, pencils, erasor, sharpener. Pens are risky because changes in pressure or temperature swings mean pens may bleed or not work at all. I love to draw and sketch. I used to pack a battery bank for my devices but more airlines are banning their use due to fire risk. All my medicine and toiletries are kept in transparent bags for easy security inspection. Cologne and Perfume bottle are strictly forbidden on my travels. Any heart medice must be clearly marked with doctors card and doctors prescription documentation typed out. Some medicines do trip off security chemical sniffers and you will be forced to throw them out if they are not clearly documented.
I really want to get into driving long haul motorcoach or short haul, just don't know how. I do not have a CDL.
Find a motorcoach company that provides paid CDL trainin. Peoria Charter will pay people to train and test them for their CDLs there are other companies out there like that.
That's a good idea to have a hammock on the bus good idea for you James when you have a few hours to rest
Had no idea Van Hool buses were made in Belgium. But how do they drive them to the USA? 😀
The lady who thinks of other females/girl and yes guys GREAT JOB!
Yo James, what bus you in today? Because it's not your usual MCI (or mmmmm-see as you say lmfao) or even Prevost
LOL Good eye. I recorded the video on a 2020 Van Hool CX 45
granola bars you never know if you break down or get stuck with no food around they will get you through
I always had a few bottles of water. One time my boss/owner’s bus broke down and I was glad I could pass them on to him while he waited for service.
I drove "G's" for the Hound, duct tape. Other coaches not so much.
Lol 🤣🤣🤣 most people won't get this
@@MotorcoachWorld It wouldn't be funny if it weren't true. You wouldn't believe my experiences as I'm sure so many others lived through.
@@skinnerhound2660 I would pay to hear all about your experiences on the g model.
I can't imagine Traveling with just a suitcase I need everything with me when I travel lol but I just drive my camper van
Motor Oil? Never. Dawn and Borax? Absolutely.
Anyone bring a Keurig with them? One the best investment's I made. A fresh cup of coffee right before a late trip home or to bypass the gross hotel coffee.
Personal keys in the bag are not a good idea cause someone could steal the bag somehow I would keep copies of my keys in the bag and on me
Has anyone brought an Acoustic Guitar?
I have before. Lol
Caution on oil in bathroom. EPA says no oil in sewers. Sorry. I’m from California where everything is prohibited
That's a very good point
I think that I packs to much stuff in my bag
I feel that way too about my bag.
I packed a trombone before.
LOL!!! That's hilarious. Did you play for the passengers
Wow! That's funny and honestly pretty impressive.
@@MotorcoachWorld actually, I never had the chance. I mainly played with a silencer in it so I didn’t disturb anyone. One of the other drivers did try to get me to play for the lead driver.
Final Jeopardy Question category:. European Motorcoach Companies
Answee: The correct Flemmish pronunciation of this company's name is also a homonym through which van fluids are filled and refilled.
Remember contestants, your response can only be in the form of a question. Good luck.
😂😂😂😂
If he uses cooking oil is okin holding tank better used engine oil
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Can we get her help with pronouncing Prevost?
Hmmm! I was expecting a how to pack absolute essentials and leave out junk video. 😳