How Does A Truck Driver Protect Themselves

In all honesty I wouldn't really force people to be armed if they didn't want to be, I just feel like its completely ridiculous that you can't carry if you wish to and would otherwise lawfully be allowed to own and carry firearms. My apologies to those that do not like guns or do not wish to carry.

In all honesty I wouldn't really force people to be armed if they didn't want to be, I just feel like its completely ridiculous that you can't carry if you wish to and would otherwise lawfully be allowed to own and carry firearms. My apologies to those that do not like guns or do not wish to carry.

No apology necessary! :) I think a lot of drivers feel the same way you do, and in fact it's not federally illegal to carry a firearm on a CMV. But company policy, shipper/receiver policy, state laws and insurance requirements usually make it effectively impossible to carry without being in violation in someone's eyes.

Six D-cell Maglite... works great if need be...Perfectly legal. But I would also not add any enhancing accoutrements to it. It will do the job well enough unadorned.

You can fill a pillow case with batteries or filled soda cans then beat the crap out of someone. Am I the only one here from the Philly/NJ/NY area? LOL

You can fill a pillow case with batteries or filled soda cans then beat the crap out of someone. Am I the only one here from the Philly/NJ/NY area? LOL

That reminds me of the old "Homey D. Clown" skit from "In Living Color".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOQBmDSuyTw

Ahh memories...

The Kubotan is a great idea! I've not seen on of those before.

My ex-husband is a police officer and one of the best self defense weapons he recommended is an Asp Baton. Get one of these. It's worth the expense. Super lightweight and can be carried easily in a pocket. When you need it, just rapidly direct it in a downward position and the baton extends and stays extended until you use the push button to retract. *Note that this is meant as a deterrant or a bludgeoning weapon. Stabbing motions can possibly cause the baton to retract.

P One caution, those are not legal to carry on some states. Just like guns.

I'm part of a Federal disaster team, when I'm not playing with big trucks. We are not allowed to have anything that could be preseeved as a weapon, so our safety and security team helped us "think outside the box". Keep it cheap, keep it simple, keep it disposable. A fat chiseled tip sharpie!!! Acts like a kubotan, It's cheap, can be hidden in plain sight, used to defend yourself and tossed.

I carry a tactical pen with me where ever I go. They aren't expensive, and can pick them up at most gun shops or online.

Geez, been in W Memphis at our lot for 2 days...is it really that bad here ?

Ironic someone resurrects this thread.

I was just earlier watching a YouTube video put up last week by a guy who drives in one of the "authority" fleets that contracts onto Prime. The guy has about 5-6 years driving experience, most of it pulling Primes freight.

He was parked in Little Rock AR and had a female that he believed to be a lot lizard knock on his door. He kept his curtains shut and ignored her. Shortly after a male approached his truck with a large ring of keys and started trying the keys in the door of his Freightliner. Apparently Freightliner only uses about 7 different keys, so if you collect all 7 keys you can open any Freightliner. Even tho Prime has a no firearm policy the driver still had one on his truck. He pulled his curtain back and tapped on the glass with the barrel of the firearm pointed at the man trying to open his door. The man expeditiously left the area.

The driver said in his years on the road he had never experienced or seen anything like that, but was afraid of what may have happened had he been a heavier sleeper and not woken up before the man got into his truck.

I've spoken to several Prime / Will Trans / Jim Palmer driver's that keep a firearm on the truck despite the company policy.

At home I conceal carry a firearm anytime I leave the house, but I do honor Primes no firearm policy on the truck.

I do however keep other "tools" in easily reached places. A 6 D cell maglight, 2 hammers, a "tactical" flashlight that makes a great kubaton, a sturdy pen, and my trusty pocket knife.

Kieran L.-You would have to pass some of the three strictest states in the union. California, Illinois and NY.Each of those DO NOT allow the other's CCW permit. The cost would be outrageous to get those permits in each of those states. Anyhow, even though I believe in the Second Amendment, I will usher in to force anyone to carry if they choose not to. The Government is already in our face as it is, adding this would be detrimental to the livelihood of OTR drivers and the nightmare if stopped at one of the roadside weigh stops. There are too many other things that can br carried that are legal in All Lower 48 and Canada. Companies I drove for before had a policy "LET THEM HAVE IT ALL, YOUR LIFE IS MORE IMPORTANT THEN THE LOAD OR THE RIG." As I am now going back to this career that I loved before, of course I want to feel safe where ever I'm driving and some of the places are not that desirable. Just keep the same watchful eyes you have to when on the road, and do what you know best and be watchful.