I found this intersting bit of info out today?!

Dude, the yard is fine. I've spent many a night there. It is a mile or two off the interstate surrounded by a razor wire fence. The truck stops in Gary are another story but you don't have to worry about that because you will park in the yard. I remember going to US Steel in Gary about ten years ago. I had to drive through the burnt out ghetto to get there. Once I made it to the shipping office there was a sign about not flashing your headlights at a car that was driving with them off. This was a gang initiation deal and they would shoot whoever flashed them. I thought that would have been nice to know on the way in there.

 

Just dont go anywhere east of the yard and ull be just fine.

 

ROFLMAO
23 years in his industry My Advice to you is have you ever been speeding and thought #### this is illegal? you need to think about what I am going to Say real hard, company policy or not, second amendment right, hmm you fought for it and if you check to see what state laws are that you travel through, Company policys are like laws it is not illegal until you get caught. Justmy 2 cents and you can bet your ### I am sleeping secure, locked and loaded all the time regardless. better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

 

This is right on the money. It was a huugggge deal back in the late 80's early 90's. NW Indiana is my homeplace but even back then, basically, if you didnt live in Gary, you had no business there. Hey, at least its Michael Jacksons hometown, whatever thats worth.

The only reason we ever went there was for the meat sales at Tip Top. My mom was actually born and raised there and in pictures, Gary was a beautiful place a long long time ago. But urban sprawl and the loss of jobs pretty much killed it. Wash rinse repeat, its happening to great cities and towns everywhere.

 

Some low life that is going to rob you is going to catch you off guard. You think someone is going to knock on your door, yes I'll wait while you get your gun, hurry up, I need a fix. No, they are going to pop you with your back turned. The presence of another gun will incite gun fire. Your best protection is to be aware of your surroundings. If you are carrying a concealed weapon, you can lose your job and possibly go to prison for manslaughter. Even druggies have rights. You might of been lucky all them years Doc, but I have had my truck searched three times thoroughly. Company mechanics will even go through your stuff. Your rights end L-Train the minute you step in the truck.
I would carry if I could. But the fact is everyone says we can't. You can play by the rules and still stay safe with a little thought.
The laws are that way because there are too many irresponsible truckers out there. What? You cut me off? Pow, pow, pow. CB Rambo? Pow, pow, pow. I could see it now.


I remember the headlight deal. They called it "Lights Out".

 

I can tell you living 30 miles from Gary and having the majority of my cousins living in GI that not all of Gary is bad. However where the T/A and the Pilot is (and yes I've had to park there) are in one of the worst parts of Gary. There is a section closer to EC (east chicago side) where there are million dollar homes. Being aware of your surroundings, not trying to act like you're better than them will go far with you being able to get in and out of Gary. One thing I noticed from skateboarding all over the country, some of the most inconspicous places have been the worst I've been in and for a while Chicago had a higher murder rate per capa than Gary. Guns and tough talk wont get it, being smart and aware of your area will always be the saving grace to trucking success. Best of luck today and remember keep the shiny side up!!!

 

Why not carry an extra fire extinguisher? Not only is it legal, the DOT will think you are well prepared. No one needs to know you have it for self defense and from what I've been told one shot in the face and anyone will go down.