Bring a gun while being over the road?

You won't need to protect youself; just stay aware of your surroundings and use common sense. I carry a stainless steel ball point pen which is a good self defense weapon if used correctly, like to the eyeball.
Some drivers carry a can of wasp or hornet spray which with a spray to the face/eyes will stop even the most dangerous criminal.

 

Some companies don't allow you to bring a firearm. Plus the truck stop is the safest place to park compare to parking on the street or dirt lot.

My company doesnt care if I carry or not, but it's my responsibility to know each state carry law and obey them. Too much hassle and I also cross borders so I don't bring it.

 

I made the mistake of not carrying when i went OTR. I had a delivery at Newark, NJ at 5am. Got there at 1:30am they kicked us off the property only place to park was some dark street filled with tweakers and prostitutes.

Some crackhead was knocking on my door for hours terrorizing me asking for money. I tell him no he leaves comes back asks again. Over and over until he finally left. I got lucky that night. Others have not been so lucky.

If i ever go back OTR im going armed.

 

Unless you want to get bent over in a New Jersey State Prison, I'd leave the guns at home before crossing in there. They only allow criminals and drug dealers to have guns.

 

And Mr Generic here has just explained why it is best NOT to carry a firearm as an OTR driver! Lol

NJ will take your gun, lock you up, and lose the key for a long time, THEN prosecute you and convict you, and charge you gun storage fees and gun disposal fees, and tax on the Value of the gun, compounded daily for the time they stored it.
And they will pass rumors in prison that you hurt children.

Now, they may be worse than most states (and I am only exaggerating on some of those things... They are scary) , but do you really think that you want to try to figure out all the state and local and city laws, and simply not be able to go many states and places if you have a gun with you?

You are at much more risk for legal trouble if you take a gun, than you are of needing a gun for self defense!

Oh, and places like NJ don't particularly honor the federal transit rules about having a gun locked in the trunk, if you make a stop in NJ, they will say you are no longer just passing through, so you are under their rules now...

 

You don't really need a gun. If you in the Northeast that place is a dump including the truck stops. The truck stops are safe, if they are close to a big city most have 24/7 security. It not like you going to Newark NJ everyday. If I was going to places I felt like I needed a gun I would think twice about my job.

I remember one time a guy help me back into a spot. He did not ask if I need help he just volunteer to help. He was dresses nice. He was playing the part. After backing in he basically demanded $10 for helping me. I did not see it worth getting into a pissing match with the guy. Yes it was a scam but he put on a good show and was helpful. I just remember how well dressed the guy was for the job. He obviously was trying to do something for money. It was some big city in the Northeast.

 

My wife, who is 5'6" and 120 lbs, spent several years in her twenties as a solo otr truck driver. She never once had to "defend herself at a truck stop". You'll be fine. You should worry more about defending yourself against the mega carriers from signing you up for a lease. That's the real threat to new drivers.

 

A friend of mine got locked up in NJ for having a pocket knife that was too long. Screw jersey. Nothing g but commies

 

This subject comes up repeatedly. Use the search feature for more amusing talk of self-defense and oppressive states.

Maybe @x1Heavy can tell us a good story about this topic!