Carrying Protection

In a world where the constitution were actually valued and followed this wouldn't even be an issue. However every state has laws stating how the transport of a weapon is to be conducted, even down to the municipalities. Then of course there are the evil states such as Illinois, New York and so on that really, really frown on you having a weapon. To stay legal would be a huge pain in the ###, sadly. I'm no lawyer of course and this is all opinion but I really don't think it's the greatest of ideas to carry. I sure as hell wish you could without any hassle..

 

If your Company says you can't have any kind of Weapon, don't carry one.

 

Be quiet about it and never let anyone see it. You must have it unloaded when transporting it in states that don't accept your permit. http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/926A

 

Post 4,280 about this I believe this makes.

 

1. Make sure you are permitted for as many states as possible. Look into a FL, UT, and/or AZ non-resident permits if you don't already have them.

2. Make sure you are fully cognizant of the laws of EACH state you are traveling through, and that you have a reciprocal permit for that state.

3. For states where you can't get permits, have a secured lock box of gun safe in the truck to secure your firearm. Some states may also require a separate lock box for the ammunition. You have the responsibility of being aware of the law.

Also remember that there are other options for self-defense. A good knife can be every bit as deadly as a gun. Heck, a billyclub properly applied can and will drop a bad guy permanently. By the way, a "tire thumper" works great as a billy club and is legal to carry in all states.

I personally am a big fan of any responsible citizen exercising their Second Amendment rights and their rights of self-defense. Unfortunately, there are many states that do not share that view. Most notably Illinois, the home of the shooting gallery/warzone that is Chicago.

 

If you are a company driver all it takes, is for the authorities to call your Company and get permission to search the vehicle. Your briefcase locked is yours alone but the truck is Company property. I would advise not carrying I have a permit to carry concealed in Georgia and as long as I only carry in states that honor my permit I am fine. The problem is if your a true OTR driver you will cross states that do not. And why take the chance. Who are you going to actually shoot? My pistol would be unsafe to shoot in a truck stop parking lot because of too many other people. Could you imagine how you would feel if you were spooked and scared, pull the trigger and ended up shooting an Innocent person in the truck next to you. In the 22 years I have been driving I have never needed more then my tire thumper and common sense. That being said I can go out tomorrow and wish like hell I had it but it is not worth my career to get caught with an illegal weapon. If you really feel you need some kind of protection get you a high end stun gun and pepper spray . I use a ratchet strap to keep the doors closed at night. If someone tries to get in I will be more then awake by the time they have to bust a window to get in. Just my 2 cents. If you only drive in a right to carry state and company approves have at it . I did when I only ran in Georgia but can no longer because I cross state lines that do not allow it .............

 

You could hollow out your tire thumper and fill it full of lead

 

all the year's I've been out here I never needed to carry,been to very bad places and neighborhoods without any problems. many shippers and receivers nt allow them many companies dont allow them,and if your a company driver they dont need a warrant to search their truck. so quite simply put dont do it.