What Are A Truck Driver's Best Defense Against Possible Criminal Acts Against Them While On Duty?

Better start looking for a different career then. The percentage of finding a company that alllows guns is slim and far between. If you do find one then the shippers and receivers don't allow them.

The truck belongs to the company, they dictate the rules. Let's just say something we're to happen and you have to open fire. In the process you kill an innocent bystander. Besides you who would they hold accountable?

Owning a gun is an awesome responsibility.

That's why there is firearms liability insurance.

How many innocent bystanders are killed each year when police have to fire in a situation?

I am not going to let any company dictate my personal safety. They can go pound sand.

Yes, I would shoot first to save my own life and answer questions later.

No trucking job is worth the loss of my life because the company is a coward and the various jurisdictions over a given truck route are gun-grabbers.

I will most likely be looking for a computer job or a desk job safe in a cubicle until major reforms in company gun policy are implemented. The railroads are notoriously anti-gun too. The cowards in wing-tip shoes are afraid of liability suits. I can see why trucking companies are so desperate for drivers with their stupid anti-gun policies. They never learn, do they.

If you want to defenselessly become a victim of a violent crime, then keep on truckin'!

Does the OP know how the 2nd Amendment came to be? For the record, I do own various firearms, so I am not anti-gun at all. I did not vote for Trump, but did not vote for Clinton either. Since you voted for Trump, you must support the idea the states decide what laws they want, or do not want, not the Federal Government, so I have no idea what voting for Trump has to do with carrying a firearm.

Here is a history lesson on the 2nd Amendment. I am not sure why schools no longer teach what the Amendments are, and how they came to be. I am just happy it has evolved and we no longer have slavery.

When our country was founded, the Founding Fathers had a huge problem with debt. We owed money to the British, as well as France. Our Country was so deep in debt we could not pay our military, and what military we had were going AWOL due to no pay, no food, and most had a family to feed. While our military was literally walking off the job, the country was about to default on our debt, and the French had started settling across the water in what is now Quebec City and Montreal, and the British had some outposts there also. Our Founding Fathers were afraid the French and British Armies would join forces, and upon our default on out debt, and lack of any military, would basically invade the country and take it as payment in full for the debt.

The Founding Fathers in their wisdom decided if the people owned firearms, just as they did when the British ruled, they could draft them and form an Army to battle the French and the English should they invade. It had nothing to do with defending ourselves against a tyrannical government, it was said during the drafting, but was not the reason it is there.

On another note, from talking with drivers, not all are gun toting conservatives stereotypes, there is a mix and match of folks behind the wheel, from all walks of life.

I shouldn't, but I can't resist.

"Well, if the company has a rule against drivers' packin', I personally will NOT work for them. No way. No how. Not for $100,000/year even. "

You've eliminated 99.9% of potential employers then. Get your own truck and pack an AR if you feel like it.

"It is a sure sign my life means nothing to them. The corporate big-wigs are not going to get gunned down, sexually assaulted or beat to death in their sissy office."

If you comply with their rules, your life is just as valuable as any other employee's lives. You are no more or less special than anyone else. A little edgy, for sure, but not more important. If their office employees were getting killed and assaulted, they would change their location, security procedures, policies or all of the above. If their drivers were sent to notoriously dangerous location they would have equally responsive and responsible solutions for that as well.

"I live in pro-gun Idaho in the Wild Wild American West Where It is Best. I would definitely prefer regional or local since there is no CCW requirement for residents in this state. Ideally, I would like a position where I would not even have to leave state lines in the rig because of the gun permit issue. Driving in Kommie-fornia is absolutely OUT for me."

Sounds like you should be a repo man. Be sure to wear your cowboy hat.

"I thought most American truck drivers were mostly right wing and in favor of gun carry for their personal security anyway."

I would wager you are correct on both points here. At least the drivers that are born in Murica and speak English. Most of this same demographic, I would again wager, also likely strongly believes in personal property rights and that trucking companies, shippers and insurance providers don't want Yosemite Sam on their property or operating their equipment and have the overriding right to tell you to leave your pistol at home or seek other employment.

"And why are there so damn many random murders against truck drivers? Some were just doing their job with no sign of robbery attempt."

It is a shame when one hears of senseless on the job killings, regardless of occupation. I don't thimk you'll find any statistics that show there are a rash of trucking killings, despite your expert Googling. Truckers are much more likely to be killed by distracted driving, tired driving, aggressive driving or, perhaps in your case, hyperventilating.

The fact is I could DIE or get KILLED!

We could all die at any moment, if you live life being afraid, you will never truly live. Do you need a safe space?

I shouldn't, but I can't resist.

"Well, if the company has a rule against drivers' packin', I personally will NOT work for them. No way. No how. Not for $100,000/year even. "

You've eliminated 99.9% of potential employers then. Get your own truck and pack an AR if you feel like it.

"It is a sure sign my life means nothing to them. The corporate big-wigs are not going to get gunned down, sexually assaulted or beat to death in their sissy office."

If you comply with their rules, your life is just as valuable as any other employee's lives. You are no more or less special than anyone else. A little edgy, for sure, but not more important. If their office employees were getting killed and assaulted, they would change their location, security procedures, policies or all of the above. If their drivers were sent to notoriously dangerous location they would have equally responsive and responsible solutions for that as well.

"I live in pro-gun Idaho in the Wild Wild American West Where It is Best. I would definitely prefer regional or local since there is no CCW requirement for residents in this state. Ideally, I would like a position where I would not even have to leave state lines in the rig because of the gun permit issue. Driving in Kommie-fornia is absolutely OUT for me."

Sounds like you should be a repo man. Be sure to wear your cowboy hat.

"I thought most American truck drivers were mostly right wing and in favor of gun carry for their personal security anyway."

I would wager you are correct on both points here. At least the drivers that are born in Murica and speak English. Most of this same demographic, I would again wager, also likely strongly believes in personal property rights and that trucking companies, shippers and insurance providers don't want Yosemite Sam on their property or operating their equipment and have the overriding right to tell you to leave your pistol at home or seek other employment.

"And why are there so damn many random murders against truck drivers? Some were just doing their job with no sign of robbery attempt."

It is a shame when one hears of senseless on the job killings, regardless of occupation. I don't thimk you'll find any statistics that show there are a rash of trucking killings, despite your expert Googling. Truckers are much more likely to be killed by distracted driving, tired driving, aggressive driving or, perhaps in your case, hyperventilating.

The fact is I could DIE or get KILLED!

We could all die at any moment, if you live life being afraid, you will never truly live. Do you need a safe space?

The States have no say on the Second Amendment. The several States are all bound to the Constitution for the United States of America.

I figured the GOP would much better protect the 2nd A than the Democrats. I know darn well they have been.

The federal GOP lawmakers don't want to dictate to the states on non-Constitutional matters as welfare, food stamps, social services, health care and so forth.

The States have no right to make safe havens for illegal immigrants who are violating federal law also.

I shouldn't, but I can't resist.

"Well, if the company has a rule against drivers' packin', I personally will NOT work for them. No way. No how. Not for $100,000/year even. "

You've eliminated 99.9% of potential employers then. Get your own truck and pack an AR if you feel like it.

"It is a sure sign my life means nothing to them. The corporate big-wigs are not going to get gunned down, sexually assaulted or beat to death in their sissy office."

If you comply with their rules, your life is just as valuable as any other employee's lives. You are no more or less special than anyone else. A little edgy, for sure, but not more important. If their office employees were getting killed and assaulted, they would change their location, security procedures, policies or all of the above. If their drivers were sent to notoriously dangerous location they would have equally responsive and responsible solutions for that as well.

"I live in pro-gun Idaho in the Wild Wild American West Where It is Best. I would definitely prefer regional or local since there is no CCW requirement for residents in this state. Ideally, I would like a position where I would not even have to leave state lines in the rig because of the gun permit issue. Driving in Kommie-fornia is absolutely OUT for me."

Sounds like you should be a repo man. Be sure to wear your cowboy hat.

"I thought most American truck drivers were mostly right wing and in favor of gun carry for their personal security anyway."

I would wager you are correct on both points here. At least the drivers that are born in Murica and speak English. Most of this same demographic, I would again wager, also likely strongly believes in personal property rights and that trucking companies, shippers and insurance providers don't want Yosemite Sam on their property or operating their equipment and have the overriding right to tell you to leave your pistol at home or seek other employment.

"And why are there so damn many random murders against truck drivers? Some were just doing their job with no sign of robbery attempt."

The fact is I could DIE or get KILLED!

The States have no say on the Second Amendment. The several States are all bound to the Constitution for the United States of America.

I figured the GOP would much better protect the 2nd A than the Democrats. I know darn well they have been.

The federal GOP lawmakers don't want to dictate to the states on non-Constitutional matters as welfare, food stamps, social services, health care and so forth.

The States have no right to make safe havens for illegal immigrants who are violating federal law also.

The GOP Platform is let the states decide, you should have read up on their platform. The Courts have also said the States can regulate it as long as it exceeds the Federal Requirement. Scalia was the one who stated, the 2nd Amendment does not give an individual the right to carry when and where they want, and is not what the 2nd Amendment was written for. Scalia also believed, just as the GOP does, the States have a right to regulate firearms. While the restriction may prevent ownership in some cases, it does not prohibit ownership.

When confronted by a "bad hombre", I would rather die with a gun in my hand as a proud American than humbly die disarmed.

Better to carry it and never need it than need it and not have it.

Coffins are heavier than guns to carry. I know. I was an army pallbearer.

In "Harley-Davidson and the Marlboro Man", Mickey Rourke and Don Johnson once said, "Better to die and be cool than live and be uncool!"

Then Scalia was WRONG and the GOP is full of manure on some things if that is even the case!

"to KEEP and BEAR arms"

BEAR historically means to carry on one's person often in pockets which are concealed locations on one's person

"shall NOT be infringed."

Period. Nothing follows.

I believe what Thomas Jefferson said. "That every man be armed."

But I don't feel like arguing anymore about the Bill of Rights on a trucking forum.

It is been now made clear to me. Guns and cowardly company executives don't mix.

It is funny so many commercial airline pilots are in favor of carry in the ****pits.

Perhaps, many people here are scared of firearms or are just brown-nosing like sheeple.

I follow, yes sir, indeed, I do.

Susan D opines:

I thoroughly believe common sense is your best defense. I do not park in random strange areas.

BEST ANSWER!

Mr Baily boasts:

Well, if the company has a rule against drivers' packin', I personally will NOT work for them. No way. No how. Not for $100,000/year even. It is a sure sign my life means nothing to them. The corporate big-wigs are not going to get gunned down, sexually assaulted or beat to death in their sissy office.

Bill suggest it's time for Bailey to take a walk. I agree. In this whole thread it seems to be mostly Baily's pro gun diatribe, with others staying more to the saner side.

Bailey quotes statistics:

38% of truckers carry a gun on duty at least as those who reported it in a survey.

I can tell by the way this is written that it is not a "fair", random survey. so do not quote it unless you have an agenda. (Hint: go to a gun shop and ask people going in if they carry a piece.)

OK, Jonathan Bailey, you've had your fun. I would bet this topic gets deleted when Brett gets up.

As for me, I do not live in fear. I go to sleep easily each night.

Fact check: Tommy J did not say "That every man be armed."

checked with Monticello Jefferson Quotes & Family Letters This is a misquote of ""No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms" which has a different meaning.

I'm going to bed. This is not a freedom not guaranteed by the US Constitution, but I freely partake daily, as needed.

Susan D opines:

I thoroughly believe common sense is your best defense. I do not park in random strange areas.

BEST ANSWER!

Mr Baily boasts:

Well, if the company has a rule against drivers' packin', I personally will NOT work for them. No way. No how. Not for $100,000/year even. It is a sure sign my life means nothing to them. The corporate big-wigs are not going to get gunned down, sexually assaulted or beat to death in their sissy office.

Bill suggest it's time for Bailey to take a walk. I agree. In this whole thread it seems to be mostly Baily's pro gun diatribe, with others staying more to the sainer side.

Bailey quotes statistics:

38% of truckers carry a gun on duty at least as those who reported it in a survey.

I can tell by the way this is written that it is not a "fair", random survey. so do not quote it unless you have an agenda. (Hint: go to a gun shop and ask people going in if they carry a piece.)

OK, Jonathan Bailey, you've had your fun. I would bet this topic gets deleted when Brett gets up.

As for me, I do not live in fear. I go to sleep easily each night.

That is Mr. Brett's prerogative. This is his private website to delete whatever and whomever.

I can't disagree here.

I am glad however that I got this self-defense thing all figured out before I gave trucking any more serious consideration. i should have asked the gun question up front before anything else and that would have ended it right then and there.

My OP wasn't really to argue about guns but to figure out effective solutions for driver's to be more secure from bad human types while on the job. I fear bad humans more than mechanical truck issues or wrecks.

I have a prefect driving record. No DUIs, accidents, license suspensions, auto insurance claims for liability against me or moving violations. Good driver auto insurance discount. 53-year-old driver. I'm no lead-footed young punk. No felonies on my record. No drugs. No alcohol. No smoking. No dip. An honorable army discharge to my credit to boot.

May a driver even carry a taser or stun gun in the rig? No laws or policy against that, is there?