Starting My New Life As A Semi Driver

I posted a few months back, maybe a year now about driving a semi, going the school and the like, well it just so happens I got my loan approved the day before yesterday and I'm going to by all accounts one of the better CDL schools in my surrounding area.

The instructors there have either been in that class prior themselves and/or are veterans of the trucking industry with 8 or more years under their belts driving trucks, I've had a lot of worries over the past year or so about doing this but a lot of them have seemed to work themselves out and or been in my head, but hopefully providing nothing goes wrong and I pass the class and get my CDL I will be joining the rest of you out on the road, I am feeling a mixture of things as my life will be changing in a huge way, a new chapter opening up so to speak.

I'm nervous, worried, scared out of my mind but at the same time... excited, happy beyond belief and willing to jump into this boots first and start running but I do have a few questions.

What are most trucking companies policies on weapons, IE like a Side arm as I have a concealed carry permit for my state and if they do not allow weapons of that type due to legality issues, what can one use to defend themselves out on the road, the main reason why I ask is I've heard horror stories about truckers being robbed, jumped and so on.

Also I would like to know if anyone out there works for Crete carrier or has known anyone that has and how they treat their drivers, I've done my own research and from what I've heard they treat their drivers well, they are one of my top choices right up there next to Schneider national though to be honest I just want to drive with the big orange trailer heh... but that is about it, I'll hopefully be getting into the class on the third of next month if all goes well.

Technically, there are no governmental laws against weapons in trucks, however, many companies and shippers/receivers prohibit them in their trucks/on property. It is completely legal however to keep a "tire thumper" handy, similar to a small baseball bat, you can pick one up at any truck stop for about $20. My recommendation is to stay vigilant and know your surroundings.

John, BQ is correct. I do not know of any major carrier that allows a firearm.

Schaefer/Crete is a good outfit. Several of the drivers I work with at the DC are former Cretens. They have said good things about the company.

Good luck!

Schneider won't let you carry a gun. Most won't since you'll be crossing lots of state lines and they don't want the liability.

I wouldn't worry too much about "the horror stories." You are allowed to carry a small knife which you're likely to need to cut straps, plastic seals and other stuff. After two years, I've not encountered anything other than a few beggars. If someone seems suspicious, get back to your truck, call into the store and tell them. I did that once (after I refused the knock on my door) and the next thing you know police are patrolling the lot.

Good luck!

I'm a woman...and I have no.fears...those "stories" are just that. You can just as easily be a victim of a home invasion. Its about personal awareness. Pull into a truck stop at night? Go to the well lit fuel aisle..do your post trip, bathroom and shopping. Then park.

Pulling out at night? Pull into the fuel aisle for pre trip. Most truck stops and rest areas have so many people around getting jumped is not an issue. Just be aware of your surroundings.

Thank you for the replys I do appreciate it! I really do look forward to sharing the road out there with you folks another few more weeks