Independant Trucking Advice/NRA Activism

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Rachen

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Despite the fact that I already have a good job and is taking decent college education, I always wanted a career on the road where I am completely independant and will allow me to be in a place far from the materialism and social decay that is plaguing society today.

I just heard that there were a lot of truckers who work independantly, own, or lease their own trucks/rigs and sign contracts with major freight companies. I think I just found exactly what I wanted to do with my adventurous spirit. I hope to save up enough to purchase or at least lease my own Kenworth or Peterbilt cab-over tractor unit. Now here's where the 2A activism part rises.

Once I get the tractor delivered, I want to alter it to the point of almost being "tricked out". I mean, glossy dark/sky blue livery, with a massive gold NRA seal on both sides of the sleeper unit. Right under the seal would be the text of the Second Amendment of the Bill Of Rights. Then under that, I want to add the American flag. Once the art is finished, I just have to mount two powerful, down-facing lights on both sides of the sleeper so the text, graphics, and flag would be fully illuminated for night driving. That way, I can spread my message through every highway, every city street and every industrial place that my runs will take me.

Does anyone here own their own rigs or are independant truckers at some part of their life? Since I am an NRA member, can I freely use these slogans and graphics on my vehicle?, or do I have to go through the legal processess regarding copyright and patent laws.

Thanks for your help. Everything is appreciated. I am still a novice when it comes to trucking.
 
Im not sure about the copyright stuff, but you better post pics if you get that sucker painted up! Id love to see it!
 
Never worry friend,

once I decide to purchase the truck and get everything set up and contracts fixed, this show is hittin' the road!!!

Right now, I have my eyes on a refurbished Kenworth cab-unit that was built in 1984. I love the cab-units because they look like rail locomotives from the front and side. I hope I have enough credit by next year to purchase or lease the model.
 
As far as cabovers go, you may be forced to buy used as I'm not sure anyone makes them anymore. Freightliner was the last to make one but I think they stopped too. The conventionals are just much more comfortable.

The lights on the side may be a DOT violation unless you can use orange lights.

It would be adviseable not to have any firearms on board. Supposedly its illegal to have firearms in a commercial vehicle though I've never been able to find that law in print.
 
With diesel fuel hitting new records every week, and no end in sight, I imagine you'll have an easy time of it finding a truck to buy. Old cabovers, especially, go for cheap. The main thing is that you may have a hard time finding a "major freight company," to lease that piece of equipment on to. Nearly every large company has age requirements, that sort of thing, usually nothing over five years old. For freedom, independance, and using old equipment, your best bet might be Landstar.

Contrary to NewShooter's statement, firearms on board a CMV is fine, so long as you are aware of the local laws. I've been driving for five years, carrying for all that time. I used to take a full set of SASS match guns with me as well. I've had numerous dealings with police, CMV inspectors, troopers, etc, in that time, and not one of them has had a problem with it. The "federal law," against it is a myth, perpetuated by driver trainers at the large companies to lend extra force to their own anti- policies.

If you want more information about trucking and the like, feel free to PM me.

~~~Mat
 
Rachen
........I always wanted a career on the road, where I am completely independant and will allow me to be in a place far from the materialism and social decay that is plaguing society today.
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Well, you sho' dont want to be trucking, then. While it looks glamorous and noble, trucking is one of the most blue-collar occupations there is. Want more range time? Better stay away from a truck. Want to know where you will sleep tonight? Won't be at home.
Those are admirable ideals you have, but they will last until your fuel fill-up costs $575.00, and that will be burned up by tomorrow afternoon. At the very least, hire on as a driver, and get a taste before you buy the rig.

Also, I agree with NewShooter, I have always heard carry was illegal according to ICC regs, but I've never seen it in print.
 
One thing to consider is if you paint your rig this way you may want to stay out of N.J. N.Y. MASS. ETC. with that much advert. on the sides you may find yourself pulled over for frequent searches weather you are legal or not. I have seen more searches of people's cars and trucks by State troopers & local police than anywhere in the Union, these stops will cost you time and money.

Also there was a case of someone moving from one area of the country to another, he had several guns locked up in his motor home, was stopped in N.J. and searched, lost his guns, motor home impounded and was jailed. this happened in the late 1980's I doubt it has changed much.

Because I do travel out of state I do not have any stickers on my car or truck because I would prefer to stay under the radar.
 
long-haul truckload?

some of the majors are looking to increase their percentage of owner-operator drivers in this environment of high diesel prices, excess truck capacity (massive 2006 pre-buy ahead of more stringent 2007 EPA regs) and slowing demand.
 
A couple of things.

AFAIK, there is no federal law or rule prohibiting a truck driver from having a firearm in his truck. There are a few states where this could be an issue, depending on how it is stored and/or what permits you have. As long as you stay out of those states, you would be legal.

Many locations you might drop off at have rules against guns on the premises. Many companies that might want to hire your truck have rules against their contract drivers having guns in their trucks.

I would not be painting any political logo on my truck. Its a business, not a political billboard.

BTW, my BIL owns two trucks. He is mostly losing his shirt on the trucks due to the constant upkeep costs and the cost of fuel. It is a tough business to make a good living at.
 
Hey guys,

Elrod: You got a good point, but I am as free spirited as one could think. My parents are getting older and I am always the supply of much needed income. There is nothing to burden me down at the moment, no girlfriend, no wife, no kids, and I am not planning for either now, and I hope I will always be as free-spirited as now, with no burdens.

KABAR2: Thanks for the warning, but I love a challenge. I don't mind being searched or anything, I want to be remembered as someone who possesses the b*lls to ride through the most liberal parts of the country with a massive rig that is nothing but all-out conservative. I am a person who gives no sh*t about anything, if these liberals want to start anything with me, they better do. I might take them to court, with plenty of media coverage, and that will help spread 2A awareness even further, and the rest of America will remember me as someone who simply has no fear of anything.

Speaking of the orange lights, that is exactly what I will be using, orange halogens built to shine straight down the sides, with hoods over the light-ports to prevent unnecessary light from spilling onto the rest of the road and hinder other motorists. I shall be doing most of the modifications myself. The first thing would have to be the engine. If I purchase an older model Kenworth or Freightliner cab unit, chances are they come with an engine that is still the fuel-guzzling 80s and 70s. The first thing once I get the rig of my dreams would be to change the older engine for a new one, for example, a Cummins ISX 385 ST. For safety's sake and my money's sake, I want an engine that would give me the most horsepower without sacrificing the wonders of fuel-efficiency.

The next thing, cosmetic-wise, is to improve the looks of the cab overall. Most Kenworths and Freightliners are built with a massive front radiator that looks like the machine eats elephants for food. What I would want to do, is to replace that front unit with a more space-age looking IVECO Chinese configuration, that is very similar to the newest Mack intra-city straight trucks. Once the internals are done and the work that requires the most money and time are finished, now thats where the 2A awareness comes in. Livery blue, side finishes, lights etc... From the time on my hands right now, I could estimate that 3 months of work will be the time I will need from when I first get delivery of the unit, to when I am ready to hit the road.

Also speaking of being under the radar: If I am under the radar, it would be very hard for me to spread activism. Also I really look up to old conservative Southerners. These good ol' boys really have guts and they will go to any length to preserve their culture and prevent the decadence of the cities from encroaching on their ancestral homes. I want to join the fight. It would really make me sad to see the rest of this good, REAL AMERICAN culture taken over by the ethics of the Ipod and MP3 generations. Even though I wasn't born back then, I love America for what it WAS, and I want to live America for what it WAS and how I want it to remain as, not how the mainstream culture WANTS me to.

Moneywise I am not that concerned. Trucking will not be my ONLY profession. I am working on my degree in History in school right now. I am also a novelist with one piece of work just getting under way. I write historical fiction, and being on the road will give me many inspirations.

Oh yeah, if this was the 1960s, I would have drove my truck to Washington D.C., park in front of the Capitol, and protest for de-regulation with thousands of other owner-operators:D But thankfully, de-regulation is reality and will hopefully stay the way it is.
 
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I also want to add this about guns,

as far as I know, the ICC is dead now, as dead as a bit of gravel on the highway. The U.S.DOT is in charge of interstate commerce laws. As far as guns go, I will obtain permits to carry. If any companies I might be contracting for have any regulations about guns, I will try to negotiate with them, since I am just a facilitator for their transportation needs. I will only be using their facilities to unload and load freight, since I am constantly on the move. You just have to negotiate with the right people, and it will be a bonus if the person you are negotiating with is someone who is pro-2A.
 
At the very least, hire on as a driver, and get a taste before you buy the rig.
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I couldn't agree more! I am not a driver but I have been in the trucking business for nearly 18 years and I hear and know about the ills of the business...

Make sure you want to do it as there will be serious depeciation value of your equipment after your investment should you want out...
 
In case I retire or something like that,

I shall sell the rig to another NRA member. I will not sell it to anyone who has no appreciation for culture and history.
 
Right now, I have my eyes on a refurbished Kenworth cab-unit that was built in 1984. I love the cab-units because they look like rail locomotives from the front and side. I hope I have enough credit by next year to purchase or lease the model.
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This could be a problem, most trucking companies want newer trucks. Make sure to check around before you buy a older truck!!
 
Rachen said:
Moneywise I am not that concerned. Trucking will not be my ONLY profession. I am working on my degree in History in school right now. I am also a novelist with one piece of work just getting under way. I write historical fiction, and being on the road will give me many inspirations.
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Being on the road may give you inspirations, but it won't give you time to write them down. Most drivers on the road are already fudging the log books just to make a half-decent wage. Where do you think you're going to find enough extra time to write books on top of driving, eating, and sleeping? If you're already a writer, then you should knoow that books don't write themselves. They require TIME.
 
I take it you have never been in a cab over. I would just like to point out that while the cab over looks awesome from the outside, but you will 100% hate it. There are reasons why no company builds them anymore.

Also, listen to elrod. Get on with a company as a driver before you buy/lease a truck. Buying a truck before you have driven ranks among the worst of the worst for business decisions.
 
No, I have never been in a cab-over,

but I would sure want to sit in both a cab-over and a regular hood-unit, just to compare the comfort level, vision from windshield etc... I would do a lot of research first before I purchase one of them.
Of course, I shall take up a position as a driver, probably from J.B.Hunt or another one of these mega-corps, for a couple of years or so until I get the "hang of it", thanks for mentioning it too.

Being on the road may give you inspirations, but it won't give you time to write them down. Most drivers on the road are already fudging the log books just to make a half-decent wage. Where do you think you're going to find enough extra time to write books on top of driving, eating, and sleeping? If you're already a writer, then you should knoow that books don't write themselves. They require TIME.
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I know, and what's the best thing about being an owner-operator???
You get to pick your breaks. Even if it is just 2 or 3 days off every two weeks. I can get a lot of writing done in a couple of days. It is the independance and freedom part of being an owner-operator that drives many people to sign up and do contract work.
 
No, I have never been in a cab-over,
but I would sure want to sit in both a cab-over and a regular hood-unit, just to compare the comfort level, vision from windshield etc
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That is the least of the problems with cab overs. I would be more concerned about lack of space for living. I mean, the couple Frieghtliners I have been in don't even have an area to stand up. You have a bed behind the front seats and a center console you have to crawl over to get to the bed. Storage space is almost nonexistent. There won't be any TVs or closets to hang your clothes. Microwave? Mini fridge? I doubt it. You could probably still toss a electric Iqloo cooler on the passenger seat though.

Modern trucks have driver comforts that rival cheap motels, but cleaner. A 20+ year old cab over would be a borderline crack house.
 
Yeah, I seen pictures of the old Freightliners

some of them also sport small sleepers. A medium size-big sleeper is required if I want ample space for my artwork.

Thanks for your insight, it should give me more time to browse through the existing models and see which one prefer.

I was actually wondering too, that there are far more hood units in the world of trucking than there are cab-overs.
 
I spent almost 20years out their in a truck. Freedom, right!!!! Better think again. Their are more rules and reg than you ever thought about. Thats just federal Company you lease or drive for adds their on top.
Cab over please their history Ride terrible, no room , again no room and in a accident you are the bug on the windshield.
I know of no good company that would let you lease on with a 1984 truck. Most require a New or couple year old.
What you going to do when you pop a motor or trans on road and bill is 8 to 10 grand. reach in pocket. In 1989 I blew a drive tire Body damage alone was $1500 That was a new Cab over Frightliner I remember because truck was just a few mo old. and I couldn't belive the damage that tire had done.
Tires are expensive also.
Many owner operators started thinking just like you and now their in debt and struggle to make ends meet. Fuel is the killer You must have good fuel milage
Hope your in shape as its a lot of work driving and at times unloading the freight. 40,ooo lbs of can goods gets tireing. Lumper Hey your a owner you can spare the money.

I was a company driver had a new truck every couple years If it broke They fixed, tires their problem . I got paid by hour when I set over 2. I got a motel after 6hr. I did drop and hook terminal to terminal last 9 years. out 9 home 3
That wasn't to bad.
But finding some tiny company in middle of nowhere at 3 in morning with a dock made for a 1950 rig and now trying to stick a 102" 53' in that same hole good luck.
You will love NY city and North east nice wide streets easy to get around in and you will always load and unload in only finest area.

Hire on as a company driver See what its really like out their. Its a dog life and it will get to you. I suffered massive heart attack in Salt Lake ended my driving. My best driving friend died a year later in PA . After picking up his paper work Got in cab started towards gate and died heart attack. truck ran over into a ditch and stopped He was 60 I was 57. Most new drivers quit in first 2 years . They see the life and the amount of hours you put in every week and labor. and bail.
At least if you a company driver you can quit and walk away. Owner might be able to sell truck might be able to clear all the outstanding bills Can always go bankrupth I guess.
Smokey and the Bandit it ain't


I forgot to say I grew up in a trucking family. My Grandparents on Mother side owned a Truck stop My father was a trucker as were his brothers.
He wanted me to stay a way from trucking . Said if I ever got in a truck he would Kick my A## up and down road. I didn't drive till after he passed. Today I understand why he stressed a education and different line of work.
 
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Hire on as a company driver See what its really like out their
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Yes I definitely will.
Wow, it is really good having the insight of someone who had worked in this profession. I guess I would be unprepared if I don't start off by driving company vehicles.
 
I was an owner/op for 8years and I can tell you that MichaelT makes a lot of sense. There is a reason that truck drivers are called the hardest working americans.
Now I dont like to discourage anyone from driving truck. The country needs truck drivers. Just about everything we buy gets on a truck at one time or another. I dont regret doing it because most everything I own is because I drove a truck. I also started in 1995 and rode a booming economy right to the top. Today, I dont think I could do it again.
I was always a owner/op but the only way I would go back to it today is as a company driver. Most fleets want teams today because the customers want the freight yesterday and teams are the only ones that can cross the country in three days legally. You will also find that you cant pick and choose as much as you think.
I love your idea and I think its very noble. However, I think you need to do a lot more research on the subject. Here are some useful links.
http://www.nraila.org/GunLaws/
http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/
The FHA took over where the ICC left off.
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/
 
MICHAEL T and NewShooter is telling the truth!!!

Life is hard on the road. I had my CDL for 5 year and said screw it and join the Army.

Also as a gun owner you need to find someone you can truths, to keep your guns if you run cross country.
 
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