What to line up before you head to a new local
Taking a call out of town moves fast — you may have a day or two between the call and the first shift. Run through this list before you go so the paperwork, the room and the truck aren't what slows you down. For the bigger picture, see How to Travel as an IBEW Lineman.
Paperwork and certs
Job calls spell out what they need, and these come up again and again:
- ☐ Your IBEW card and current dues receipt — the hall will want to see them when you sign the book.
- ☐ A letter of introduction from your home local. Many halls require one before they'll sign a traveler onto the book — request it from your home hall before you leave.
- ☐ CDL and DOT medical card — many line calls require a Class A CDL; check the card isn't about to expire.
- ☐ A recent drug screen — some calls want one taken within the last 90 days.
- ☐ OSHA 10 and First Aid/CPR cards, plus any climbing, crane or other certs the call lists.
- ☐ Two forms of ID and your direct-deposit info — contractors ask for both at hire.
- ☐ Your book standing back home — know where you sit before you sign somewhere else.
Where you'll stay
Lodging is usually the biggest bite out of your per diem, so line it up before you roll into town.
- ☐ Camper or RV? Book a site near the job. KOA campgrounds are all over the country, and KOA Rewards members save 10% on stays.
- ☐ Motel nights. For the first few nights — or a short call — Motel 6 has 1,500+ locations across the U.S. and Canada.
- ☐ Ask the hall. Some locals and contractors have arrangements with nearby RV parks or extended-stay places.
- ☐ Check the per diem. Know the rate and the conditions (distance, days paid) before you commit to a place — see the Per Diem Guide.
The truck
- ☐ Service it before a long haul — tires, fluids, brakes and a real spare.
- ☐ A dash cam. You'll put a lot of highway miles on it between jobs — a dash cam like Rexing's covers you if something happens on the road.
- ☐ A phone mount and a rugged case. Your phone is your dispatch line and your map — Torras makes cases and mounts built to take a beating.
- ☐ A way to lock up your tools in the truck and at the motel or campsite.
Boots and gear
- ☐ Waterproof boots. Right-of-way work means mud and water — Muck Boot makes waterproof work boots for it.
- ☐ Rain gear and layers for the weather where you're headed, not where you're leaving.
- ☐ Your required tools. Every agreement lists what you have to bring — see Required Lineman Tools and the Lineman Tool Guide.
When you get there
- ☐ Sign the book the way that local does it — in person, online or by phone.
- ☐ Keep a log of work locations, dates and lodging receipts — it matters for per diem and taxes.
- ☐ Keep watching the board. The Job Board and Book Status show where the next call is coming from.
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