I think the answer has already been given. That the combination of liability to the trucking company and the difficulties of transporting firearms across state lines while following all laws is prohibitive.
As an example, me as a private citizen, I can transport a firearm anywhere in the country, if I am A: carrying it unloaded and secured, and B: crossing through the state.
A means that a trucker would have to keep it somewhere they can’t even reach out in case of trouble while traveling, unless the specific state allows for some other form of carry.
B means that any time you stop in state, you’re obligated to either completely follow their carry laws, or keep it locked away.
Can you actually quote off carry laws for NY state, since that’s the example you used? I can’t, and I own firearms, and have carried them on trips. But I very carefully made sure to be able to quote those laws from memory when doing so, and abiding by them.
So, think about being a company doing shipping all over. Do you want employees or contractors toting any type of firearms while representing you? Nah. And, while fuck capitalism, that would be a public relations nightmare at best. No company wants that heat.
Besides, why the fuck would you carry a long gun for defense in that situation? Long guns are definitely a better weapons choice overall, but they’re pretty damn shitty at being convenient to keep ready while doing other things. Is the hypothetical driver carrying it via sling all the time they’re out of their truck?
Nah, if you’re expecting trouble, you bring a rifle, but this scenario would call for something more compact and easy to both keep at ready but not be highly visible. At least then, in states where you can legally carry randomly, you’ll have something at hand. Guns are like cameras. The best one is the one with you. An AK just isn’t a realistic edc choice
People are downvoting you because you sound ignorant. But good firearms knowledge is hard to come by so I’ll do my best to give you a real answer.
Most truckers would probably love to be armed. Most trucking companies don’t want that at all, for many reasons. The biggest are:
Complying with the law in every jurisdiction a trucker may go is so difficult as to be nearly impossible. There is a lot of risk in breaking the law due to some obscure technicality in some places. For example, some jurisdictions allow concealed carry, but don’t allow carrying with a round in the chamber (most people who carry, carry with a round in the chamber). Simply being licensed to carry in all 50 states is difficult. Some states will recognize permits issued by (some) other states (known as “reciprocity”), others won’t.
Add to that, what is and isn’t considered “self-defense” can vary wildly from one jurisdiction to another. Just understanding this in one jurisdiction can be difficult, let alone every state, city, county, municipality, or unincorporated territory a trucker may find themselves.
The other part of it is, 99 times out of 100, defending a self-defense case will cost a lot more than simply letting the thieves take the entire truck and trailer.
I’ve worked in the industry, not on a truck. The places people get their cargo stolen are on their own lots or at truck stops.
No one is ambushing tractor trailers by force. The trailers with valuable cargo take known routes and don’t make stops in unsecured locations.
And let’s say the near impossible happens and you are in an armed ambush. What is the AK in your sleeper going to do for you? They pulled your airline, and theres a guy at your window with a gun that’s a lot closer than yours.
If you think that AK is the right tool for the job, you’re probably gonna fall for the scams they run at truck stops, and you’ll have your cargo stolen that way.
The trucking company probably also doesn’t want to have to deal with the extra mess of you trying to give chase and get shot for the trouble, or trying to shoot them, and accidentally hitting something, or someone unrelated.
Losing the cargo to robbery is bad, but is preferable to losing a driver. Insurance will cover theft, anyway.
Same that they would if a large boulder the size of a small boulder fell off some place and damaged the trailer.
OK. Now I am wondering what stuck stop scams are. My only thought is a tarted up lady and you suddenly can’t find your keys.
They’re as ballsy as impersonating LE.
Most commonly you hear people just aren’t good about locking their cab or some other carelessness. Go in for a shower and come out to no trailer.
Weigh bridge that’s actually a trapdoor. You go inside to check the weight, and your lorry’s gone, never to be seen again.
bonuses of being an Owner/Operator I guess
imagine being so scared of every day life you feel you need weapons made for war. pathetic, grow up.
Conservative mouthbreathers really test this community’s name
Explain to me how it’s conservative going against a huge industry’s rules?
Hur dur
Because it’s a liability and can open the company up to lawsuits, even if used in self defense.
I think this is about the most normal answer in here. But at least people are semi engaging.
Are you going to memorize the carry, transport, and self-defense laws of every state on your route?
Are you going to be paying the attorney’s fees on behalf of your trucking company and your client and both of their insurance whom all will be sued by any survivors or their families when you shoot someone?
You can’t just say “no offense” at the end. You have to actually try not to be offensive.
“no offense, but that’s a stupid idea” - Ron Burgundy.
Questions are not declarations, they cannot be offensive. No one should be ostricized for asking something they know nothing about. They can be ridiculous though.
They can absolutely 100% be offensive: “Why are Americans always so stupid?”, “Why do companies even hire <minority> when they can never be relied apon to do good work?”
Ok changed it for you guys and gals to get back on topic as to why a whole industry is against employees defending themselves?
That’s an insightful comment, no offense.
It’s wild how people treat “no offense” like a magical incantation. “You can’t be mad, bro; I said ‘no offense’!”
Yeah, right, and next you’re going to tell me that all the times I said No Homo after giving a blowjob didn’t prevent me from being gay.
