Guns??? Concealed carry?

Of course you can utilize your 2nd Amendment right, sir. Go get your CCW and learn each state's laws that don't accept your permit. Learn how FOPA works as well. Check out the link below to get you started.

Concealed Carry Permit Reciprocity Maps - USA Carry

 

Exactly. They aren't for finding firearms like some people would want you to believe.

 

There's no official federal law that prohibits the carry of a firearm in a commercial vehicle, it refers back to state and local law concerning carry of concealed weapons. I have a concealed weapon permit from NC and its good most all states except MD,NJ,NY,RI,ME,IL,CA,OR. Since I don't do NE freight and don't go to west coast I keep my handgun with me. Been carrying for over 10 years now with no problems at all even after DOT inspections where your required to inform the officer of the handgun. They ask for paperwork (Bill of sale) and concealed weapons permit and they take control of the weapon during inspection and give it back to me when completed. Best advise is to check with states you travel in but all will require a concealed weapon permit from your home state.

 

As a truck driver (and human being), I'm a firm believer in one's right to self-defense. I'm a regional driver (SoCal based) and spend 3-5 nights each week camped out in my truck overnight. I'm a volunteer forces member of my local Sheriff's Dept and a CCW holder in California, Arizona, and Nevada...which are the only states my company would send me. My company does have a no firearms policy, so I certainly maintain I have never carried a gun with me to work. I do understand the notion that jobs are replaceable and most would rather be "judged by 12 than carried by 6" (alive and in legal jeapordy vs dead). That being said, I have found instances that create a real conflict if you do decide to responsibly carry a handgun in your commercial vehicle (either on your person legally with state issued CCW or locked away in a box).

It is quite normal to not know every place your company will send you each week. They're paying you for your time and that's perfectly reasonable. I have been sent to military bases like Luke's AFB in Arizona. Regardless of your status, under no circumstances can you bring a firearm onto a military base (especially post 9-11). When you check in at the visitor's center they express a no gun policy and have no gun check-in system for legal possessors. They scan (I don't know the technology) and physically search your vehicle (may or may not have a dog). They don't make clear what would entirely happen (besides being refused entry) if they were to find a gun during their search, but I imagine it would ruin your week straight away. I asked them how they handle legal CCW holders and they said "we don't". It was suggested (may have been in jest or serious) that I stash the gun in a bush and retrieve it after my base visit. If you feel comfortable doing that, you'd be an idiot.

If your company never (100% for certain) sends you to military bases, I see carrying your weapon in your vehicle as a right. I would rather lose my job than be killed. But be smart about that...go through your state's CCW process, make sure it's always well-concealed, have a lockbox onboard (you will need it at some locations). If there's even a remote chance you could be sent to a military installation of any kind, leave it at home. Don't assume they will be sympathetic or make some exception because you're super legal, it won't happen. I certainly wouldn't want to explain to my dispatch why I was unable to deliver/pickup from a military base. Military bases are the main reason I do not carry a firearm on my person or in my truck...not company policy.

 

This was posted in another thread but those who carry under permit should be aware of these current sister bills allowing reciprocity with all states that issue concealed carry permits.

H.R.38 - 115th Congress (2017-2018): Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017

S.69 - 116th Congress (2019-2020): Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2019

 

First of all, It's kind of bad manners to ask if anyone carries a gun. Anyone who answers you directly is a bit stupid.

You need a permit from your state. Check what other states honor your state's permit. Know the laws in EVERY state you pass through.

Illinois allows you to have a loaded concealed gun in your vehicle, as long as you have a permit from your home state. Just don't take it outside the vehicle, unless you have an Illinois permit.

A company policy that prohibits guns in their trucks is a rule, not a law. But if you get caught violating their "rule" you have a problem on your employment record. Something to consider when choosing your employer. Generally, any larger company bans guns.

There is no law against carrying a gun in a commercial truck. But you better know, and follow, the laws.

 

Really simple.

See it? No? Then its concealed.

You will probably be sitting on the bench working through the variety of state laws. The worst ones are for those who intend to eventually ban guns. While the best policies or laws come out of Free States.

 

I posted this video yesterday and it is interesting to me all the comments talking about the right to bear arms and the need to carry arms in situations like this.

 

Open carry

Concealed carry

 

Open carry...