From Rand McNally atlases to wind-up alarm clocks, these are the classics that still earn their place in the cab.

Paper Maps and Road Atlases

One thing was made crystal clear: GPS may come and go, but a map never loses signal.

• Deborah Davis keeps both a CB radio and Rand McNally Atlas in her truck.
• Elvis Johnson, Eric Campbell, Kim Sorrell, and Ron Baker all proudly named their road atlas as their must-have.
• Andrew Milley shared, “I have a distrust for Google and GPS. I like to look at the route and take notes before the exit I need.”
• Patrick Dixon carries an AM/FM handheld radio for local updates—because tech fails, but radio keeps talking.
• John Kingston simply said: “Me.” And that may be the most reliable gadget of all.

CB Radios: The Original Social Network

Long before apps and hands-free texting, there was channel 19.

• Maurice Williams Jr, James Wood, Jerry Blake, Will Titus, and Richard Gadget Greene all still ride with a CB radio.
• Garry Harrison customized his with a Connex board and talkback mic, while Joshua Ainsworth added an echo board.
• Lloyd Dailey pairs his CB with good country music—because some things just belong together.

Manual Transmissions, Clutches, and More

A stick shift isn’t just nostalgic—it’s how many truckers learned to drive.

• Tim Potter, Charity Edelmaier, and Lee Wagner are keeping it real with a manual transmission.
• Billy Graeber and Bill Eberhard both noted that they still use a clutch—a disappearing feature in modern rigs.
• Allen Coons? He’s working with a 13-speed.

Brains, Courtesy, and Common Sense

Surprisingly—or not—the most mentioned “gadget” was the one that can’t be bought in a store.

• “My brain,” said David Miller, Lisa Oscar, Joseph Brown, and Brian Miller, among many others.
• Bryan Vanartsen still reads maps and added, “My mind.”
• Mark Lucier noted, “Common sense, which isn’t so common anymore.”
• Lucky Taylor summed it up with “Common sense and courtesy.”

Everyday Essentials That Still Work

Some drivers kept it simple. Their go-to tools? Nothing fancy—just practical.

• Rodney Henry and Michael Challis both rely on a Rand McNally.
• Ronnie Easterly uses a wind-up alarm clock—no power needed.
• Richard Hohall? A pencil and notebook.
• Robert Joyner sticks with a tire pressure gauge, while John Evans uses a vacuum gauge to monitor fuel efficiency.
• Chris Sheridan brings his Leatherman.

Just Plain Old School (And Still Useful)

Some answers didn’t fall into categories—but they stuck with us.

• Jherhk Phillips carries a Walkman to get local weather updates when the digital signal drops.
• Nicole Hellstrom keeps an analog compass, a tape deck, and a map book on board.
• Nav Aujhla? “A compass—pointy one.”

Why It Matters

Technology changes fast, but experience doesn’t. Whether it’s an atlas, a CB, or just good instincts, these tools represent more than convenience—they stand for independence, preparation, and pride in doing the job right.

If you’re someone who still believes in doing things the right way—even if it’s not the newest way—you’re not alone.

Join the TDUSA community and connect with thousands of other drivers who get it.

The post The Old-School Tools Truckers Still Trust in 2025 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Why Truckers Love Naming Their Rigs

Naming a truck is more than a playful tradition; it’s a way to make the open road feel a little more like home. For some, it’s about creating a bond with the machine that carries them across thousands of miles. For others, it’s a way to inject humor into long days or to pay tribute to something meaningful in their lives.

Sentimental Names That Tell a Story

Many drivers choose names that hold deep personal significance:

• The Ellanae Ann Marie: Named by Gavin Hodgins in memory of his late granddaughter, this name carries love and remembrance across every mile.
• Pearl: A simple yet elegant name shared by several members of the community, including Hope Fox and Dawn-Marie Delay.
• Miss Audrey: Damon Lee Bone Jr.’s heartfelt choice reflects the timeless connection drivers feel with their rigs.
• Ol’ Blue: A classic that evokes both reliability and nostalgia, as shared by Joe Rider.

Names That Bring a Smile

Humor often helps truckers navigate the ups and downs of life on the road.

• Cheeseburger Cruiser: Timothy P. White came up with this name because driving an automatic finally allowed him to enjoy a burger in traffic.
• Shake and Bake: Micheal Dwayne Myers named his truck after its rough ride and constantly breaking AC.
• My Swamp: Kyle Yadon borrowed this from Shrek, tying it to his nickname and making the truck uniquely his.
• POS (Piece of Sh!t): A tongue-in-cheek name shared by drivers like Brian Powell, Beverly Mead, and Tim Aldridge, showing their ability to laugh through frustrations.

Rigs With Bold and Powerful Names

For those who see their trucks as symbols of strength and adventure, the names speak volumes:

• Outlaw’s Prayer: Bill Kirby’s rig carries a sense of rebellion and resilience.
• Lord of the Woods: Martin Lundgren gave his truck this majestic name, perfectly suited for hauling lumber.
• The Beast: A popular choice, with Tammy Bell, Annie Tucker, and Larry Woody all embracing this no-nonsense title.
• Silver Bullet: Gene Henry’s sleek and strong moniker speaks to speed and style.

The Evolution of Truck Names

Sometimes, a truck’s name evolves as its role or personality changes:

• Tiphareth K. Persson started with “Bill,” inspired by the size of the first truck’s expenses. Over time, newer trucks earned more refined names like “William.”
• David Barnett shared how his last three rigs were named Betty Blue, Betty White, and Black Betty—a progression tied to their colors.

Join the Tradition

Truck names are as varied as the drivers behind the wheel. Whether it’s a tribute to a loved one, a reflection of the truck’s quirks, or just something that feels right in the moment, naming a rig creates a unique bond.

What about you? Does your truck have a name? Follow us on Facebook  here to join in on the conversation!

The post The Stories Behind the Names: Why Truckers Name Their Rigs appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.