Truck Drivers With Weapons Permits

My martial arts training included a lot of running practice, running is a good survival skill.

It really is!

I've found having a gigantic 110 pound German Shepherd around is something everyone seems to notice right away.

I asked what the most deadly weapon was a person could legally carry in a thread similar to this, and I was told it was a knife. I've gone shopping picked out a knife I consider perfect for a truck driver. It has a glass breaker, and a seat belt cutter (So I can pull someone from a burning car if I happen upon one), and a 3" blade. It's what rescue workers carry for saving people.

I'm wondering though... is this going to be generally legal throughout all states? Do companies allow it?

I don't want to waste money on it if some giant walking female parts decide to tell me I can't carry it as a truck driver. I'm already a well trained grappler, and I generally doubt I look like someone to choose to mess with, but who knows. I also like that I could potentially save a life with it.

It's not a matter of "carrying it as a truck driver". Absent company policy prohibiting it - the LOCAL/STATE LAWS are what determines what kind of weapon you can have in a vehicle or on your person.

Most of these "Utility Style Knives", have a pocket clip on them. If you use it with the pocket clip, and it is visible (which it usually is), then it is not considered "concealed".

I have some "edged weapons training", but I still wouldn't fool myself into thinking I want to walk into a knife fight. And I certainly wouldn't "bring a knife to a gunfight" (as the saying goes).

My current EDC is a Benchmade AFO-II Pushbutton. Legal in "most states", but strangely, federal law prohibits moving one across state lines.

Have to agree with Not4Hire here.

Your best weapon is SITUATIONAL AWARENESS, keeping your wits about you, not knowingly putting yourself into "questionable personal safety risk" type situations. I carry a gun every day (not driving at the moment), and the best scenario I can think of, is one where I never have to use it. And I do that, by being aware of my surroundings, trusting my gut instincts (that come from years of "living on the street"), and avoiding putting myself in "questionable situations".

A knife would be my "weapon of last resort", because if an opponent is already that close - it's TOO CLOSE for me.

Even armed (and trained), RETREAT (if possible) is always the best, safest option - and the one that's going to keep you employed and out of handcuffs.

Rick

Being retired I have MasterBadge and a CCW Endorsed ID, accepted everywhere. I did some contracting work in the side last year. Every company I worked at had a no weapons policy, the only exception being on-duty law enforcement, and company security personnel. Your best defense is be aware of your surroundings, and if your gut tells you it is not a good place, keep going. Most Companies own the truck you are driving and can search it just because, you may not like it, but all anyone has to do is drop a dime and call. Most places you visit will have a no weapons policy and by entering you, your vehicle, is subject to search. Where I go to school is next to a DC, they do random searches of trucks going in and out. My 2nd day at class they found a firearm in a cab, they called LAPD, the driver was arrested, and the truck was towed. I am guessing there is an open at Southern Refrigerated.

Technology being what it is, drive near any border, you don't even have to cross, they do xray the truck as you drive through. There are a few states that have been discussing using the technology to xray trucks as they pass through scales on drug routes. Then you have Canada border crossings, and entering Ports and Military Installations.

I rarely carry these days, I doubt I will when I am OTR , I don't go to the range often enough to stay proficient, and trucks with thin fiberglass walls just don't stop anything from going through it, you will have an adrenaline rush, you miss, and who knows where the round will end. The most effective and safest firearm in a dense area is a shotgun, but that would be a bit obvious.

Go with your gut, get a cargo strap and run it through the armrests between the doors, keeps the doors closed so you should not have to worry about anyone getting in, except through a window, and my size 9 boot will leave a nice imprint in your forehead.

Aside from the great advice people have been giving here (dont put yourself in a bad situation, stay alert, be aware of your surroundings) the best thing I can say is IF YOU MUST carry some kind of weapon, use something work related, your lawyer will thank you. Ive seen some listed already like the tire hammer, long shank screw driver and the like - I imagine a length of chain wouldn't be out of place if you're flat bed, and itll do some work.

The sort of situation I could see using a knife in is when I'm in my sleeper and someone is breaking in. I'd be cornered already. I'd probably yell at them to go away, and that I was calling the cops, while calling the cops with my knife out. You can't accurately swing any big weapons in enclosed spaces like that, but you can unleash a barrage of stabs. I suppose pepper spray is a good idea too, but spraying pepper spray in a sleeper will probably get me too. That stuff stays in the air, and in a confined space like that, it'll be concentrated. I used to spray it at dogs that would come after me when I went jogging until I got sick of having to pay for it - switched to rocks instead.

Yes, weapons are prohibited. :) Good luck Laura!

I keep a flat head screwdriver with me. Small head and sharp, it's makes for a great weapon. Also have 12 years of hand to hand training. Your best weapon is awareness. Always scan your surroundings and never drop your gaurd when alone. Too many people walk around with their heads down and eyes on their phone.

My martial arts training included a lot of running practice, running is a good survival skill.

It really is!

I've found having a gigantic 110 pound German Shepherd around is something everyone seems to notice right away.

I guess not every company allows pets, maybe a motion activated recording of a large dog growling or barking would work. Less hair to clean up 😊 Brett I have friend who owns a German shepherd and after he got it we found out they are the worst breed for shedding on the planet lol

Like others have stated, while not technically forbidden by fmcsa , most employers do not allow them in company owned truck, on company property, or in company owned or paid for (rented, taxis, etc) vehicles, most customers (shippers/receivers) do not allow it on their property whether or not you have a state permit. you also have to also know what states offer reciprocity for your permit, unless you run strictly within the state that the permit is issued.

the one out is if you get a federal permit from the batfe, are an owner operator , and you do not cross into Canada or Mexico..... But you still have to deal with whether or not your shippers/receivers allow weapons on their property and how to deal with a level 1 inspection and the DOT officer finds it in your truck.

INHO, just not worth the headaches.... there are plenty of other options for self defense.... a 4 - 6 D cell maglight comes to mind... very handy as a light, tires thumper, etc....