Topic: Truckers - how do you Carry concealed?

[liberty2009]

Looks like no other jobs being available to me, my gun show business not a success, looks like I need to go into trucking. As I understand it, you start out long-haul and could end up everywhere. So what do you do with your firearms when you have to drive into New Jersey or D.C.? And I know that "just not take them" is an option.

Also, if you want to PM me with tips and tricks as a trucker, and/or good companys/bad companys/ good schools/bad schools (I plan on CWI for the school) go to it, thanks!   

[Idaho_Gun_Nut]

When I was driving OTR I use to keep my 1911 in a back pack on the passenger seat or close by within reach.  Now mind you... as long as you're traveling within states that accept your CCW you are covered.  It's the blue states you need to worry about.  Traveling into say Massachusetts with ammo could get you arrested let alone an unregistered handgun if you were to get pulled over and searched.  I'm not advocting that you break the law, but if you are so inclined to do so you need to make sure you do not give them ANY excuse to search your truck.

Now there are companies that can run you within regions, say the northwest or southeast instead of covering all 48 states.  Trucking isn't for everybody... unless you don't mind being away from home 2 to 3 weeks at a time then it's no big deal.  However if it is an issue for you then you might want to pursue a local job that will have you home every night but of course pays a lot less.  Sometimes it's not what you know but who you know that can get you that decent home every night job.  Network with people, you never know what may turn up?

Do you already have a CDL or are you going to have to go to school?  If so you might want to hook up with a company that will provide the training and put you to work as well.  Otherwise you're looking at student loans to cover the costs which can range from $3,000 minimum up to $6,000 for say going to NTTS to get your license.    Avoid "Professional Truck Driving School" in Boise.  I used the for a refresher course to get my license back.  If I was going to have to start from scratch they wouldn't be my first choice.
  

[luvmy45]

You don't need to goto to school to get your Class A... just get the book at the DOT, study it and go take the test... if you fail, you retake in 3 days for something like $3.

The driving test is harder if you don't have access to a Class A truck, some testers will rent them to you for the test, but you have to have access to the test.

Anyone who takes out a student loan to get a Class A is ignorant... we have to get A's and B's where I work, they throw the book at you and your expected to have it within a month... it's not rocket science.

Now, knowing the test material and actually driving the truck with all the stupid DOT rules that change in every state and sometimes within the state... that's what you need to know and the test has nothing to do with.

If you have any other option I would take it besides truck driving... my father in law was a trucker for 30+ years, he hated it... you cannot make an honest living doing long haul trucking, so be prepared to give up your soul to make your log book appear to be real...

Just another industry that the gov has ruined with over regulation.

[liberty2009]

Thanks for the info so far - if I could find something local even $8 an hour I would take it - and I have a full ride on the cost of the school because I was a Jabil employee.

[Idaho_Gun_Nut]

You don't need to goto to school to get your Class A... just get the book at the DOT, study it and go take the test... if you fail, you retake in 3 days for something like $3.

The driving test is harder if you don't have access to a Class A truck, some testers will rent them to you for the test, but you have to have access to the test.

Anyone who takes out a student loan to get a Class A is ignorant... we have to get A's and B's where I work, they throw the book at you and your expected to have it within a month... it's not rocket science.

Now, knowing the test material and actually driving the truck with all the stupid DOT rules that change in every state and sometimes within the state... that's what you need to know and the test has nothing to do with.

If you have any other option I would take it besides truck driving... my father in law was a trucker for 30+ years, he hated it... you cannot make an honest living doing long haul trucking, so be prepared to give up your soul to make your log book appear to be real...

Just another industry that the gov has ruined with over regulation.

Sure anyone can take the written test... but NOT everyone can drive a tractor trailer without HOURS of behind the wheel time.  That's why you need a school.  On top of that.. MANY trucking companies WILL NOT hire you without training from a certified school due to insurance restrictions. So a school is a MUST for someone just staring out.  PERIOD.

Also, there are many companies out there that will reimburse you for your student loan tuition as long as you are working for them. Werner is one company that does this and there are many others.

[Evergreen]

I'm no trucker, so I cannot give you trucking advice, but I do know a few things about gun laws now across the country.   Your best bet is if you want to legally carry concealed while trucking, you should get a Florida and Utah permit.  Between the two permits, you can legally carry a handgun with you in almost every state in the country, except for the few Bolshevik states who choose to not recognize our Constitution and have rewritten their own version, which they choose to enforce as the time being.   Those states would be e.g.: Kalifornia, New Jersey, New York, Illinois, Wisconisn, etc.    I've been looking into getting the FL permit as it seems to have the greatest recognition.  Also, a Washington state gun permit is recognized by quite a few states and is as easy as filling out a piece of paper to get one.   The State of Florida is also one state that encourages out-of-state applicants, as this actually is a great source of revenue for the state.  There are also a few states that won't recognize a non-resident FL permit, like South Carolina (or is it North Carolina), I think, but I am told some of those states allow for conceal car-carry without a permit.  Not 100% about the laws of each state.  Colorado is another that allows vehicle carry.

[luvmy45]

Sure anyone can take the written test... but NOT everyone can drive a tractor trailer without HOURS of behind the wheel time.  That's why you need a school.  On top of that.. MANY trucking companies WILL NOT hire you without training from a certified school due to insurance restrictions. So a school is a MUST for someone just staring out.  PERIOD.

Also, there are many companies out there that will reimburse you for your student loan tuition as long as you are working for them. Werner is one company that does this and there are many others.

My point is that getting the license is the easy part and doesn't take much effort... getting a job, that's a whole 'nother issue as you mention.

[Idaho_Gun_Nut]

My point is that getting the license is the easy part and doesn't take much effort... getting a job, that's a whole 'nother issue as you mention.

I disagree, getting the license is NOT the easy part.  As I said, ANYONE can do the written test, but NOT everyone can jump behind the steering wheel of an 18 wheeler and drive it properly without grinding gears or running over parked cars, stopping and starting smoothly and so forth to pass a DOT road test.  Once you have gone through school and come out with your license there are a ton of jobs for waiting someone just starting out.  Sure they're not the best paying but hey you have to pay your dues for a couple years to get the better paying gigs.  Just as in any field... you have to start at the bottom and work your way up. 

[pv74]

If your going into the northeast, well, you just DON'T.

Don't get caught with a gun in your vehicle in NJ without it being cased, unloaded, and having a NJ FOID or the proper pistol permit.
Even a loaded magazine in your vehicle in NJ is considered a "weapon"....
NJ Ignores FOPA '86...the state will drag you through the courts...they simply don't care.

Also a good idea to not bring a gun to NY, MA, CT...hell, most of the states in the northeast..

[liberty2009]

Update - going to try and stay west of the Mississippi - and carry a big flashlight and pepper spray and hope that is enough.

[Idaho_Gun_Nut]

If you have a dog bring him/her with you, if you don't I suggest getting one.  I use to take my dogs all the time.  Nothing keeps someone out of your cab better than a 100lb Rottweiler sitting in the drivers seat when your out of the truck or sleeping.  Plus having a dog with you is good company and will give you something to do during the down times, going for walks and such.  Remember the old Toyata commercial... "Dogs Love Trucks!".

[Rhino]

I started out with WSE in Boise, got my CDL and did 3 years with them before landing an outstanding dedicated route from Boise to Eugene and Portland.. I do carry, but if you want the real scoop, I don't know how old the info on these other gentlemen are, but there is no Federal law on carrying a firearm on a Commercial Vehicle, But....in my 7 years of driving i have never been searched. Go here and do some other research on it. http://www.askthetrucker.com/cdl-federal-gun-law/  Sooo.....it is your judgement that will make the decision. Don't draw any attention to yourself driving and you won't be messed with.

[Idaho_Gun_Nut]

I have pointed out that there is NO Federal Law saying that it is illegal, only city, county and state laws that make it illegal to do so, as well as policies set forth by the motor carrier. Quoted from web site linked above.

And this is where the issue lays, there was never an issue if it was againts DOT regulations or any Federal laws.

One can always get permits that allow carrying in each state, but the biggest issue is with the motor carrier.  If you ever have to use your firearm, whether you are charged with a crime or not, if it gets back to your company you will most likely be out of a job.  If they post this information on your DAK report... well good luck finding another job driving truck.

It's a gamble you will have to make on your own.