Personal Security

No companies don't allow weapons. Feel free to use the forum search feature. There are a 100 threads on the topic.

 

C'mon, CC....you're not trying to shoot him down, are ya?


(But seriously...CC is correct.)

 

My company does

 

I have never felt the need for a weapon.

In fact, when I did carry one, I have noticed that a weapon is usually the thing that gets you in trouble.

But during my, so far, short trucking experience - I have never felt like I would have been better off if I had been armed.
Never.


If the world goes to h@!! in a hand basket, well, I'll probably head for home for my Sting.

But until then, I am content with live and let live.

 

Never carried and never needed to. Be aware of your surroundings when parked. Majority of the time you will be at a truck stop overnight. If out of the truck at night at the TS, walk in lit areas, dont walk between trucks, dont hang out in the lot and keep the doors locked. If you end up at a shipper overnight, park in a lit area visible from the road with the cab facing the road and keep the doors locked. If you think the area is to rough, get out of there.


Onlyhad one night where i was a little worried. Got into a older industrial area in the middle of the night but couldnt find the address. A local Leo came through on a B&E call and and found me sitting in the middle of the road trying to figure out where i was going. He led me to the receiver, informed me it isnt the best area and to give him my personal info and that he would check on me a few times during the night. Never had a problem and ended up going in at night several more times and usually had the local LEO roll thru and flash his lights right after i got there.

 

See?
No worries.

 

The last 2 companies I've worked for allow it as long as you have a concealed permit.

 

http://www.landlinemag.com/Story.aspx?StoryID=23540

http://www.recordherald.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=142956

 

Its great to be concerned about safety but man don't be paranoid! Some drivers carry bats, tire thumpers, mace, guns etc.... If you carry a gun you will need a concealed weapons permit and even at that it is illegal in some states while it a gray matter in others. Personally I believe it is more trouble than worth but that's up to you. I think some gun owners maybe let their guard down and invite more trouble or bad situations because they know they have a gun. Nowadays it is fairly safe out there and like one of the other posters said above, you have to pay attention to your surroundings, park in well lit areas, etc... If you are parking on an off ramp in Compton then yes you will get jacked!

There are also a lot of little tricks and things you can do to insure your safety. Some use stickers that say "warning guard dog" or "truck protected by smith and wesson". You can also put "team operation" stickers on your truck. Some drivers hang hand cuffs in the window, retired law enforcement stickers, etc...

One little thing we would do is run a bungee cord from the airhorn to each door. If someone tries to open the door the airhorn goes off. We also had a great dane that rode with us.

There are many, many things you can do to unsure your safety. Just don't plan your driving career around them, you have many other things to worry about.

Good luck man and welcome to the forum!