Top 10 essential items to keep in your HGV

HGV drivers regularly embark on long journeys so it’s essential that their vehicles are well-equipped. An emergency or a breakdown can happen at any time, so drivers need to ensure that they are prepared. However, it is also important to maintain mental wellbeing during a long trip and so having a form of entertainment for breaks is also recommended.

We have created this list of the top 10 essential items to keep in your vehicle, however, there is a whole range of other items which drivers may wish to include.

1. First aid kit: The inclusion of this item is essential for every vehicle to ensure that drivers are ready for any potential incidents. It is recommended that this includes sterile plasters, bandages and cleansing wipes as a minimum.
2. Food and drink: Any driver that’s embarking on a long journey should have water and non-perishable foods in their vehicle. A portable cooking appliance could also be beneficial for overnight trips.
3. Torch: A torch is essential for those night-time or bad weather breakdowns. A large torch with spare batteries or a wind-up torch should definitely be included in a breakdown kit.
4. A small set of tools: There are various scenarios where a toolkit would be beneficial for HGV drivers, particularly if something comes loose and needs tightening again. We would always recommend checking in with your fleet manager so they are aware of any issues and prevent any on-the-go fixes which may invalidate a warranty.
5. Hi-vis vest: This item is critical to ensure that you can be seen by other motorists if you need to walk along dark roads. It is also one of the items required by law if you’re planning to drive in many European countries.
6. Blanket: In the case of a breakdown, a blanket is crucial for warmth. This can also be useful for HGV drivers who may sleep in their vehicle during a break in a long journey.
7. Entertainment kit: Driving an HGV involves long hours and so it’s important to take breaks to rest. It could therefore be useful to have entertainment supplies, such as books and magazines, in your vehicle so that there is something to do when not driving.
8. Phone charger: In an emergency, it’s critical that drivers can call for help so that they do not become stranded without anybody knowing where they are. A phone charger or portable battery pack are essential in this situation to ensure that drivers can maintain contact with others.
9. Map: Although many HGV drivers now rely on a Sat Nav for their directions, it’s always a good idea to have a map in your vehicle in case of battery failure or a lack of signal.
10. Work gloves: Having a pair of work gloves in your HGV would not only provide warmth in an emergency but can also help to make loading or unloading easier.

Matt Dodds Head of Strategic Sales and Partnerships With over 14 years of experience across two of the leading fuel card companies in the UK, Matt Dodds joined RFC Edenred to help lead development of products to support our customer's move to EV and other alternative fuels, a transition he feels passionately about.