Top semi-truck organization ideas

Truck drivers bring many things with them on the road, but with limited storage for semi-trucks, drivers need to get creative to make the most of the available space.

We recently connected with veteran driver David Buck to compile his best semi-truck organization ideas, many that he learned from other drivers.

Watch the full video walkthrough or use the summary below to better organize the 54 must-have truck driver items on the road and anything else you want to fit in your truck.

Exterior semi-truck organization ideas

Driver side box

• What to store: Exterior cleaning supplies (including a place to put both clean and dirty rags), small tool bag, gloves for fueling, travel exercise equipment
• Pro tip: Use clear plastic boxes with notecard contents list facing truck exterior to keep everything visible, accessible and organized

Passenger side box

• What to store: Step stool, washer fluid, engine oil, antifreeze, flares, boot covers, larger toolbox with 13 key truck driver tools, extension cord, straps, extra rags
• Pro tip: If you break down on the side of the road, it’s safest to have your most important tools and emergency items on the passenger side for easiest access.

Interior semi-truck organization ideas

Driver overhead

• What to store: Kleenex, napkins, quick-grab snacks, gum, day planner, directions to key facilities, small maps, truck stop books, calculator, list of friends’ truck numbers
• Pro tip: Hang carabiners from the overhead for quick access to sunglasses, reading glasses and safety glasses.

Middle overhead

• What to store: Spare paper logs and tally sheets, extra paperwork, paper towels, quick reference guides, administrative/office supplies (scotch tape, paper clips, stapler, etc.), medicine, toothpicks
• Pro tip: Hang your paper towel from a bungee or cord connected to either side of the bin to maintain quick access while also keeping it out of the way.

Passenger overhead

• What to store: Extra sunglasses and safety glasses, antibacterial wipes, duster, hand wipes, spare pens and pencils, Febreze and other quick-access cleaning supplies
• Pro tip: Find a container to store all your pens and pencils so they don’t get lost or fall out of reach under seats, in the back of the bin, etc.

Behind driver’s seat

• What to store: Trash can (Velcro to floor to keep from tipping over), duct tape over seat belt base, newspapers for cleaning windows (won’t leave streaks), first aid kit, gloves, padlock for trailers
• Pro tip: Use a Command strip hanger for a broom handle so it stays in place while driving but won’t leave residue on the truck interior.

Under the passenger seat

• What to store: More duct tape, spare boots, shower shoes, screens for windows when the truck is stopped, ice scraper, umbrella
• Pro tip: Keep your shoes and boots in one place in the truck so you always know where they’ll be.

Driver’s side cabinet

• What to store: Hanging clothes and jackets, nonperishable food items used frequently, shelf for CPAP machine if you’re a truck driver with sleep apnea, indoor thermometer, desk supplies with pull-out drawer, portable printer
• Pro tip: Printers don’t have to take up much room, and you can print items securely on the road through a WiFi hotspot.

Passenger’s side cabinet

• What to store: Other administrative supplies, archived trip sheets, spare paper, paper plates, TV/DVD and/or microwave and/or refrigerator (depending on truck spec and layout), lawn bags, semi-truck cooking supplies, other interior cleaning supplies
• Pro tip: Use a bungee cord to secure items from shifting while driving, particularly breakable things, like a lid on a crock pot.

Top and/or bottom bunk

• What to store: Backpack, bedding, food crate with ingredients, personal bag with additional clothing, shower kit
• Pro tip: Use plastic crates (open end up to prevent items falling out) instead of cardboard boxes for durability and ease of grasping them.

Ultimately, each truck driver needs to develop a semi-truck storage system that works for them, but hopefully these ideas have given you a good starting point to better optimize your truck organization.