Firearms N The Road

Yeah, I know. My company doesn't work with prisons or military installations. And we don't have a rule against carrying in writing, though, if I asked about it I'm sure it would be discouraged. It's a small company.

I agree with the general sentiment here of those who frown on the idea. Yet, I can understand those who choose to take the risk. I was robbed at gunpoint in downtown Charlotte a couple of years ago. I had parked and there was a laundromat across the street where I went to do laundry. I was the only one in there and a guy came in with a gun demanding money. I gave him the $80 I had but then he held the gun on me and forced me into a back room. I thought that was it right there. But he was just giving himself time to get away.

You can say it's always better to just give the money and hope they'll leave. It's a tough call. But sometimes I think I'd like to have the option of challenging the thief. Chances are, I'm better trained with a weapon than he is.

I don't know. I'm not real dogmatic about this issue. For those who want to take the risk of carrying in their truck, they know they're taking a risk and what the consequences are. For those who don't, they're probably being smart about protecting their jobs and careers.

Just on a side note: It seems to be generally accepted that we're going to get hit with another major terrorist attack. Not a matter of if, but when. I sure would hate to be stuck out on the road in some major city, or somewhere, and there is a breakdown in civil order with people trying to siphon gas out of my tanks and who knows what else.

 

In reference to your comment about a terrorist/disaster scenario where you're caught out on the road . . . Reginald Denny . . . 'nuff said

 

If you remember the footage. Had he had his door locked they would not have opened it and pulled him out.

 

very true Notarps . . . no argument from me on that point . . .

 

I went to the FMCSA website and searched diligently for information on firearms regulations in commercial motor vehicles and found nothing; a similar search of the Safety Regulations Pocketbook (given to all drivers in orientation) provided no information. Do you know of a website that I could visit that would allow me to recieve an e-mail from a FMCSA representative? When you say you called DOT what office did you call? I'm not sure that I want to carry a firearm in my truck, but I sure would like to know if I can, or how to do so legally. Thank you.

 

What does your company manual say?

 

Thank you for the information. It was almost everything I needed to know. I'm not sure that I want to carry a gun on my truck, but I got called out right after buying one, and have been afraid of getting caught up in a roadside search before I could get home and properly store it. I guess I'm still a little worried, but it helps to know that I don't have to sweat a federal charge; thanks again.

 

This is from my last OTR company's Driver Manual FIREARM (WEAPON) POLICY XXXX transportation is commited to providing a safe work enviroment. Firearms and bladed instruments over 3 " in length are prohibited from company property. This includes personal vehicles on XXXX property and vehicles owned and operated by XXXX transportation. Please note, several states,countries and cities have laws in place that prohibit carrying a firearm or weapon in a CMV. Any breach of this policy will subject employee to disciplinary actiion including possible termination of employment.


I have never drove for any company that allowed firearms in their trucks. I know of no company that does. My question to all of you is why not look at your company handbook before you try to find out if there are any state or federal laws involved? If you can't carry in your company CMV, why bother looking elsewhere?

 

This topic had been discussed many times and here's the first problems. "It's illegal to do it" Well please just show us the site because just saying it's illegal don't hold much water. You need to know the law.

Second, What I have read you can carry some weapons in certin states if you what to follow all the laws that require you to do so. And carry them legal. You really have to do your homework because if you drive all 48 states then NO you can not carry weapons in some states.

That covers the law. Now you have to get permission from the company so you'll be covered under their insurance programs.


You can do it and you can do it legal from what I've seen so far. There might be a majical statement out there that says firearms are NOT allowed in CV. But I haven't seen nor have I've seen tha majical statement you can.

My position has been the same for many years. WHY RISK IT? If you feel you must have a firearm and you can't change the way you drive then go through all the training and legal paperwork because if you don't and you fire that weapon in an area where they are illegal you'll be going away for awhile.



So if you want to carry a weapon you need to check the state, county, and cities you'll be driving through.

You'll need to check with your company.

You'll need to check with the people you'll be unloading/loading at.

And if at any time you'll be hauling flammable just forget the whole thing.

Take some shortcuts and risks being a guest at the state for awhile.