Firearms?

I have a question. Fo any of you guys caryy firearms in your trucks during any of your trips? I'm asking because I have to go from Chicago to Massachusetts to make a pickup. Because of certain situations unique to this trip which I would prefer not to go into, I am wondering if it would be advisable to carry a weapon on this trip. I don't know what all the laws are from state to state on the route I am traveling (essentially I-80 through Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, etc.). What do any of you do in a situation where you feel it might be safer to carry during a trip?

Before you start carrying for any reason, you best know the laws of each state. There are companies online, US Concealed Carry Assoc is one, that keep up-to-date on each States carry laws.

There is no federal laws prohibiting carrying on a truck, but a company can prohibit any type of weapons. How familiar are you with guns? Do you have a concealed carry permit if your state requires it? I don't think there is any load that I would haul that would require me to carry a gun and I'm a 70 year-old young lady that can't run... so I carry wasp spray that shoots 27 feet and a civilian taser.

Laura

I drive Chicago to New Hampshire almost every week via 80, 81, 84, 90, 495 and 93. A very nice road with the best rest areas in Ohio, and almost no rests at all in Mass. You will most likely not need a gun on this route. MA laws are very tough, if they find a gun on you, it may be costly. On the other hand, it doesn't happen that often, so in my opinion you will be OK.https://www.truckingtruth.com/truckers-forum/Topic-30969/Page-1/firearms

I am not yet a driver nor a gun enthusiast, but from what I’ve read and conversations I’ve had with the gun enthusiasts I know I can say two things. First, most companies specifically prohibit firearms of any kind in their trucks unless called for by them for a particular purpose. And second, when you travel between states you are required to know the laws in every state you enter, and are expected to follow them. No exceptions or excuses. Sounds to me like you aren’t at all prepared from that standpoint, and you didn’t mention discussing this with your employer so I’m assuming you plan to carry without their knowledge. All in all a very bad idea.

Gregg

I’m going with Gregg on this one. Very well stated, in my humble opinion.

Assuming you're a resident of Illinois with a valid CCW or LTCF, it's not valid in Pennsylvania, New York or Massachusetts.

What do any of you do in a situation where you feel it might be safer to carry during a trip?

I don't go. I carry a gun everywhere I go (except work). It's better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. That being said, I'm not going to a place if I feel I need something to protect myself.

I'm LEOSA qualified since 2013. None of the outfits I drove, or drive, for permit carry. Many destinations prohibit firearms anywhere inside the fenceline. I didn't carry while working, but do everywhere else...

A 3# drilling hammer, a can of OC or bear spray, and a 360 persistent awareness attitude would a more tenable option, imo.

A 3# drilling hammer, a can of OC or bear spray, and a 360 persistent awareness attitude [...]

All this is good, but a gun is still "gooder" :-)

A 3# drilling hammer, a can of OC or bear spray, and a 360 persistent awareness attitude [...]

All this is good, but a gun is still "gooder" :-)

Andrey, when you get locked up in one of your northern states FOR ONLY HAVING A FIREARM IN POSSESSION ON THE TRUCK, be sure to post this, okay? Will you remain so cavalier at that time?

What's a surefire way to grab a quick felony and end your trucking career in one fell swoop? Have a firearm discovered during a random inspection. When the LEO discovers it, a K9 alerts on it, or it shows up as an odd anomaly on the Xray scan, it's Game Over.

For all others reading this, I highly discourage it. I've passed through, stopped, or slept overnight in every major city in this country and never faced a situation that truly required a firearm for my benefit. If it ever reaches that point, I'll retire for good.

Andry, won't disagree. Will simply throw in the caveat that some reasonable defensive uses of a pistol could rise to the level of potentially a felony depending on where they take place. I am not a subscriber to the theorem "better tried by twelve than carried by six". Prison is not a kind place, especially for those of us who are leosa qualified