Not asking anyone to reply specifically, as to your situation, but I'm curious as to how many (might advise someone else , that might consider carrying a concealed weapon (with proper license and in states that allow reciprocity), in your truck (as an owner operator) if you were carrying freight that might cause you to be targeted?

Is it worth the risk, as in my reading of the FMCSA regs, it's prohibited?

Would only a real DOT officer be aware of this, and be able to enforce it?

I would think, leaving the FMCSA out of the picture, a jury would most likely agree that a big truck operated by the owner would be much like his home, or as it is in Texas, where you can lawfully carry a gun in your car, even without a CC license.

I know that I had to use my truck on two occasions to prevent a truck jacking, which most likely saved my life. On one occasion I was being tailed through a seedy part of town (industrial district) in the middle of the night, and they kept pulling up beside me trying to pull me over, and unfortunately for them I left them no room between my truck and the dumpster they didn't see. In the other (in Oakland), they jumped on my running boards and I headed down a narrow street and they jumped off before the car mirrors took them off. I would have dragged them, the parked cars and the whole neighbor hood to the freeway if necessary to get away......I don't like that vulnerable feeling even though a truck and trailer is a formidable weapon if moving.

I don't EVER want to be in that situation again. I sometimes wonder if the FMCSA, who is supposed be concerned about safety, cares about the safety of the driver? They must not know where we have to go just to do this job.

 

To me it's worth the risk. BTW....I've never seen anyone come up with the FMCSA Reg that says you can't have a weapon. On the other sites there are discussions on the subject from people that have a lot of experience on this. It's company policy that gets in the way. Not FMCSA.

 

It's been a while, 2008, since I studied the Reg book, but I clearly remember seeing it in there. I'm wondering now if I had a doctored reg book. I realize trucking companies have their own requirements, but they pointed me to the regulations. I'll have to dig my book out and look again.........

 

I'm going by what a lot of truckers and NRA instructors that carry tell me. They also deliver to Military bases and they have to leave the weapon at the guard shack and pick it up on the way out.

BTW...most cops don't like the thugs either. My retired cop friends tell me they normally coach you on what to say when there is a self defense shooting.

Don't go by what the trucking companies tell you. They don't want the liability.

 

I own my own company. I dont leave the state of PA. A gun is in the truck at all times. But i also have my permit for PA. So it is not a problem and 100% legal.

 

I don't know about regulation, it's kinda a grey area, but no matter what it says, it would defiantly cause some inconvenience, because a lot of places you'll be going has their own "no weapons" polices. The choice is yours. Let me ask you a question;- Does gun make you feel safe? If so, you might be in a deeper trouble you are asking for.

 

Yes a gun does make me feel safe. When im in real shandy areas and stop at red lights and there are 4-5 thug looking people eyeing me up it makes me feel safer. Know if they try to rip me out of the truck etc. I have a way to protect myself. Dont say lock the doors. I drive a RD Mack that uses a R Model cab. You cant lock the doors from the inside.

 

Johnny Cash "Don't Take Your Guns to Town" - YouTube
What can i say...The choice is yours...

 

When I was in CDL School the DOT Officer that came and talked to the class said if you want to carry a firearm in the truck put it in a shoe box and take ribbon and put it around the box and tie a big bow.

 

you did NOT see the regulation because there isnt one, it's up to state laws and your company... ask any DOT officer or cop