Trucker Safety

NRA Lifer - 26 yr daily CCW - and frequent poster on your FB posts.

Aside from the issue of companies prohibiting weapons on their vehicles and property, as well as shippers/receivers doing likewise - another important issue is the various laws in different states.

Since truckers - even with CCW's are going to, by necessity, travel through/to states with either no reciprocity, or worse yet - draconian firearms laws, the real risk of imprisonment may not be worth the risk of carrying a firearm (versus the potential necessity of actually needing to use one). Not even considering crossing the border into Canada and back.

Getting caught by a company violating weapons policy will cost your job, and end up being "blacklisted". Getting caught with a pistol, say somewhere like NJ, an cost you your freedom.

I'm not actively employed driving - I don't even travel to states where I have no reciprocity, it feels like walking around naked to me. But should I decide to go drive - one of the things I would have to accept is leaving my firearm home. Not something I relish the thought of doing, but part of the price company drivers have to pay...

Rick

Someone stole my fuel cap once, does that count? I'm pretty sure I didn't leave it on the step and drive away.....

I have your fuel cap.

Someone stole my fuel cap once, does that count? I'm pretty sure I didn't leave it on the step and drive away.....

Oh, you can keep it. I got a new one.

I have your fuel cap.

Someone stole my fuel cap once, does that count? I'm pretty sure I didn't leave it on the step and drive away.....

Rick,

Can you tell me more about what being "blacklisted" entails? Do trucking companies share information about drivers who violate the rules?

- Dorsey

NRA Lifer - 26 yr daily CCW - and frequent poster on your FB posts.

Aside from the issue of companies prohibiting weapons on their vehicles and property, as well as shippers/receivers doing likewise - another important issue is the various laws in different states.

Since truckers - even with CCW's are going to, by necessity, travel through/to states with either no reciprocity, or worse yet - draconian firearms laws, the real risk of imprisonment may not be worth the risk of carrying a firearm (versus the potential necessity of actually needing to use one). Not even considering crossing the border into Canada and back.

Getting caught by a company violating weapons policy will cost your job, and end up being "blacklisted". Getting caught with a pistol, say somewhere like NJ, an cost you your freedom.

I'm not actively employed driving - I don't even travel to states where I have no reciprocity, it feels like walking around naked to me. But should I decide to go drive - one of the things I would have to accept is leaving my firearm home. Not something I relish the thought of doing, but part of the price company drivers have to pay...

Rick

Not only is information shared between companies, it’s public record:

DAC Report

None of us want to driving among chronically unsafe and unskilled drivers. Think about that the next time you are driving on the Interstate near any urban center during the morning or afternoon commute.

And customers keep records of violators too. Some will.post your name, company, picture, and truck number on the wall or guard shack with a "This person is not permitted on these premises and will be prosecuted for trespassing" poster.

NJ has arrested off duty pol8ce officers from other states for carrying, so they take no leniency with truck drivers.

I always hear men say they need guns, but in driving almost 4 years, I know of only one personal friend who had his truck broken into. Someone cyphoned some of my fuel in MS. That is it.

Can you tell me more about what being "blacklisted" entails? Do trucking companies share information about drivers who violate the rules?

- Dorsey

I haven't seen a DAC with negative reporting - but it goes something like this.

Terminated - Violation Of Company Policy - Ineligible for re-hire

Now - keep in mind - as a commercial driver, you are required to document all previous employers, and companies are required to verify previous employment.

here's where it gets a little weird (from a legal standpoint). Companies are "technically" not supposed to give specifics - only quit or terminated & eligible/ineligible for re-hire. But you can bet they SAY MORE when called.

So terminated for violating company policy for carrying a firearm - WILL FOLLOW YOU. It's like a failed drug test, or a DUI in a CMV , or any number of the few things that spell the KISS OF DEATH to a career in trucking. Unless of course, you buy your own truck and go out on your own.

I carry a knife too, and I'm quite good with edged weapons. Wouldn't bring a knife to a gunfight though. Bear spray, wasp spray, tire thumper - any number of things that can be used in self defense, are what folks that can't carry weapons can put into action.

But the BEST DEFENSE - is SITUATIONAL AWARENESS.

Despite all the tactical training I've spent $$'s on, with some of the top guys in the biz (Chris Costa, Travis Haley, etc.) - the best way to win a gunfight (or ANY FIGHT) is not to get in one IN THE FIRST PLACE. And I do that by keeping a keen awareness of what's going on around me, staying out of situations that could force me into a critical defense scenario, and always having an exit strategy.

Rick