As a nation, we take truckers for granted. It’s like we ignore how food and products make it to the shelves for us to buy as truck drivers bust their rears to make deadlines in dangerous environments. With cargo theft on the rise, can truckers carry guns in their rigs? 

Can truckers carry guns in their rigs?

Truckers carry guns in their semi trucks to protect themselves from theft and other dangerous situations. It’s legal to do so, as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has no regulations against carrying a licensed firearm. 

The Department of Transportation (DOT) doesn’t exactly prohibit truckers from carrying guns but has a few rules in place. For example, truckers can have guns if they’re unloaded in stored in an area that can’t be accessed from the passenger seat. 

Also, truckers are legally entitled to a peaceful journey protected from criminal elements. The National Firearms Owner Protection Act of 1986 permits drivers to carry guns through states where they don’t have a license to carry. They can’t be prosecuted for it. 

However, different carriers set varying rules and regulations, and states have different laws. For example, some truck carriers may require the gun to be stored in a lockbox, out of reach. 

Some trucking companies may decide that you can’t carry a gun to protect themselves from liability accidents. This may involve any incident of gun use while driving, loading, or unloading. Basically, any time while you’re on the clock. 

Consult with your carrier to see what regulations are put in place. Owner-operators have more freedom and only have to comply with state laws. 

It’s best to carry your concealed carry permit with your firearm at all times. Also, look up gun laws for different states prior to driving through them. 

Texas is one of the more lenient states and allows divers to openly carry handguns. But California is a bit strict and requires you to have a concealed carry permit to travel with a loaded gun.