New Article Now On TruckingTruth: Truckers And Guns

We have a new article out today and it's about one of our most popular topics, guns in trucks:

Truckers And Guns: What Is And Is Not Legal

We've spoken with the The Rosenblum Law Firm and we let them know that this is a question we get all the time. Adam H. Rosenblum, Esq. who is the principal of the law firm, wrote this article letting us know about some of the complexities involved.

One of the key takeaways for me is how critical is it to know the laws that apply to you at the location you're in at the moment, not the laws that apply where you live. Many states do not recognize the laws in other states, and in fact some localities within a state have laws that supercede their own state laws. In other words, what's legal in New York State is not necessarily legal in all areas of New York State.

Mr Rosenblum also talks about the legalities of other weapons you might consider having with you.

So check it out:

Truckers And Guns: What Is And Is Not Legal

You guys know what I think. I love having my ever-loyal and brave German Shepherd by my side. Even a bad guy with a gun would much rather choose an easier target, like anyone without a German Shepherd!

Obviously company policy trumps everything. Even if it's legal in your state, your company may disallow it. With Prime, getting caught with a gun on board is one of the quickest ways to be out of a job. They literally fire you on the spot without letting you drive the truck to a terminal.

Thank you for that article from an actual attorney.

What conditions would lead to the discreet carrier actually being found out?

If a life and death situation arose your company's policy would be the least of your concerns.

Obviously company policy trumps everything. Even if it's legal in your state, your company may disallow it. With Prime, getting caught with a gun on board is one of the quickest ways to be out of a job. They literally fire you on the spot without letting you drive the truck to a terminal.

Ya know, it seems like any policy or law or regulation making a weapon illegal trumps any other policy or law or regulation saying it's legal. The fact that a New York State permit doesn't apply to New York City is a great example. Your example about company policy over State or Federal laws is another great example. Then you also have private property rights involved.

So basically, wherever you are at any given moment it comes down to whether or not there are any laws, policies, rights, or regulations in place that prevent you from carrying a gun. Say you're driving through a city with a gun in the truck. Imagine how many layers of laws and regulations there are! City laws, school zones, private property laws, county laws, state laws, Federal laws, reciprocity laws. It would be very difficult to find many places you're actually legal to carry a gun during the course of your travels.

And imagine how fun it would be if you did get in a situation and you had to dig out the gun, unlock the safe it's in, grab the ammunition from its separate location, and load the gun while your hands are shaking and you're sweating and your head is spinning as the adrenaline is coursing through your veins like never in your life.

What conditions would lead to the discrete carrier actually being found out?

As far as I've always understood it a company truck can be searched by law enforcement or by your own company at any time without your permission or probable cause. I've had my truck searched by State Troopers, DOT , and border patrol and no one ever asked me if it was ok to do so. I've never had my own company search the truck but I have heard of it happening.

Nowadays they also have a lot of really high tech scanners set up at weigh stations which can detect all kinds of things. I honestly don't know much about it but I know after the 9/11 attacks they've really stepped up the ability to scan vehicles.

And imagine how fun it would be if you did get in a situation and you had to dig out the gun, unlock the safe it's in, grab the ammunition from its separate location, and load the gun while your hands are shaking and you're sweating and your head is spinning as the adrenaline is coursing through your veins like never in your life.

I forgot to mention that in the meantime I'm trying to sleep comfortably 3 trucks away wondering what the heck my German Shepherd is barking at.

I prefer Huskies, Malamutes, or wolf Hybrids.. no one pushes the issue when something that looks like a wolf wants to turn your face into dessert.

Article is a condensed version of what I've been saying for years.

The only gun that is usable in a critical defense scenario - is THE ONE YOU'RE CARRYING.

If you want to risk possible arrest, and getting fired for violating company policy - GO FOR IT.

What the linked article illustrates is the LEGALITY - NOT THE MORALITY of the "guns & truckers" topic.

Sure, I'd rather be "judged by 12, than carried by 6". But if a LEO (or your company) wants to search YOUR COMPANY TRUCK - they are well within their rights to. And if you happen to be in one of around 6 states that don't care about Interstate Compact (or FOPA) you are GOING TO JAIL.

And if you get caught by your company - YOU WILL BE FIRED - and it will go on your DAC. I'd rather drive a truck, than flip burgers.

Odds are pretty good you won't get caught (for those that like to gamble), but if you DO.

Not worth the risk to me. And I am a staunch 2A supporter, Daily Carrier, Gunsmith, NRA Instructor (Lifetime Member), and have held various FFL's.

Rick

I prefer Huskies, Malamutes, or wolf Hybrids.. no one pushes the issue when something that looks like a wolf wants to turn your face into dessert.

"Oh, since that guy only has a 110 pound German Shepherd let's get him! It's not like he has a Malamute." - said no one, ever.

There's also a good reason you won't see those dogs used for law enforcement or military. But they are great looking dogs.

The problem is most Huskies and Malamutes are all growl and no bite. Although being slobbered to death is a possibility. Wolf Hybrids are a little more temperamental to deal with. Either way the only time they truly get aggressive is if they feel their pack is threatened.

I used to have a female husky that would make the most vicious face. I would put my hand in her mouth while she was doing it. She would spit it out and then give me the most disgusted look ever. It was hilarious.

The problem is most Huskies and Malamutes are all growl and no bite. Although being slobbered to death is a possibility. Wolf Hybrids are a little more temperamental to deal with. Either way the only time they truly get aggressive is if they feel their pack is threatened.

I used to have a female husky that would make the most vicious face. I would put my hand in her mouth while she was doing it. She would spit it out and then give me the most disgusted look ever. It was hilarious.

That's great stuff! Super funny!

True, Huskies and Malamutes are not really bred to be guard dogs. They're also difficult to control because they're not all that interested in bonding with people as much as they are with their own kind. Obviously they do bond with people, but not as strong as other breeds do.

In fact, German Shepherds are one of the few large breeds that really focus hard on bonding with people. Most herding dogs would prefer to bond with the animals they're protecting, most hunting dogs would rather hunt other animals, and of course Huskies were mostly bred to pull sleds and they prefer to bond (or fight!) with each other.

My German Shepherd is pretty clear about his feelings. He loves people, all people. Every person he meets might have a snack for him and usually loves to pet him. He also loves all submissive dogs. He'll play like crazy with any dog that doesn't directly challenge him. He'll always stand tall over top of any dog he meets and challenge them directly. If the dog is submissive and just wants to play then it's all fun, no problems.

We go hiking a lot and he'll let smaller or more submissive dogs jump on his back and play bite his ears and anything they want to do. He thinks it's all funny. We came across a small Rottweiler yesterday and that dog jumped on my dog's back sideways, the way you'd throw a blanket over a saddle. My dog just looked at me with the funniest expression like, "Are you getting a picture of this? This dog is hilarious!"

But if he comes across a strong willed dog of any size that's willing to challenge him, it's an instant brawl, no questions asked. Once in a while someone will have a large dog off the leash and I can see from a distance it's going to be a brawl if he doesn't stand down. But we've never had any real fights, just a few short scraps and never any injuries.

I think once you've worked with a German Shepherd you'd rarely want to have any other type of dog. You have to be the right type of person for one. They're super intense and you have to keep them real busy and have relentless command over them, but they're so intelligent and so loyal and so capable it's just incredible.

I know in the military and law enforcement world a gun is obviously indispensable, but in the civilian world I wouldn't want to go a day without a Shepherd. They can watch your chickens and turkeys for you around the farm, protect your home, keep you safe while camping out in the wilderness, and you can even hook up a harness to em and take em mountain climbing. And they love every challenge you throw at them.