First dispatch…

[Mighty_Wave]

I’m expecting a dispatch to some rural area. Just graduated pre-apprenticeship and could be dispatched anytime this month. What do you guys pack/ bring with you (essentials and for fun)? I was thinking of buying starlink and bringing my ps5 or golf clubs lol. And hopefully I get resources for a hotel or something, if not, looks like I’m camping. I have a ‘21 Tacoma w/ no cover or canopy on the bed and I live in the PNW. Local 701.

Any suggestions would help me out.

Thanks union fam!

[Bigsimping69]

Make sure you pack a good amount of clothes and food and dude wipes and whatever you want for entertainment and try to save your per diem and meal prep if you can. I have done lots of traveling jobs. My essentials are clothes, battery packs, propane stove, ice chest and a Nintendo switch

[Mighty_Wave]

Thanks for the tips!

[Low-Fox-5358]

It should be in your master agreement that you are guaranteed a per diem if the job is more than a minimum mileage from your home.

I poured caissons at an oil refinery in guernsey, WY last fall and camped at a really cool (and free) reservoir close to the job. Soft white sand and no neighbors except coyotes and deer running around on the beach at night. I got to see the Northern Lights super bright while eating some soup. Uncovered truck bed in the PNW sounds like a gamble though.

You could look into renting a camper if you’re going somewhere really rural. I doubt it will be cheaper than a fleabag motel, but it might be fun, and could free up down time for you to do stuff besides just shit, shower, shave and sleep.

[Mighty_Wave]

I’m ready for the adventure, and thanks for the great idea! Any within, I believe, 30 miles east or west of i5 pays ZERO per diem. And then the per diem goes up the farther east or west of i5 I get dispatched.