How to get your CDL Endorsements
Hazmat Endorsements. Whether you already have your CDL or are thinking about obtaining your CDL for the first time, there are some things you should know. Both obtaining a new CDL or adding a CDL endorsement to an existing CDL will be more difficult after February 7th, 2020.
This is when a new rule pertaining to Entry-Level Drivers goes into effect that states all individuals must enroll in a DOT accredited school to obtain their CDL and all existing CDL dedicated drivers must enroll in a DOT accredited school for specific training to add additional endorsements to their CDL.
Self-study, training provided by friends and family, or other types of hands-on experience will no longer allow you an opportunity to take your driving test to obtain a CDL.
Why are the types of CDL’s?
Class D – This is the standard class most individuals possess. You may transport up to 15 passengers (including you).
Class C – This allows you to transport 16 or more passengers and haul small amounts of hazardous materials.
Class B – This allows you to operate a single vehicle with a weight rating of 26,001# or more or tow a vehicle not heavier than 10,000#. This includes straight trucks, large passenger buses, segmented buses, box trucks (similar to straight trucks), dump trucks with small trailers.
Class A – This allows you to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more, provided the towed vehicle is heavier than 10,000. This includes tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations, livestock carriers, and flatbeds.
From a brief definition of each CDL endorsement to the benefits of Hazmat endorsements, discover how you could earn more money and find more Class A trucking jobs today.
What Are CDL Endorsements?
Your CDL license, whether class A, B, or C, comes with CDL endorsements. Endorsements are required to allow you to haul specific types of cargo, trailer combinations, or equipment.
They are easiest to obtain when you initially obtain your CDL. Prior to February 7, 2020, they can be added by returning to your state’s licensing agency for additional testing and fees.
CDL Endorsements:
T – Double/Triple Trailers (written test knowledge test)
P – Passenger Vehicles (written knowledge & skills test)
N – Empty Tank Vehicles (no Hazardous Materials residue)
H – Hazardous Materials (written knowledge test & TSA Threat Assessment)
X – Tank Vehicle/ Hazardous Materials, required for hauling bulk hazardous materials not transported in tanker as well. (written knowledge test & TSA Threat Assessment.)
Benefits of CDL Endorsements
Depending on the trucking company you choose and the type of materials you want to haul, you can enjoy many benefits for receiving a CDL endorsement.
You’ll enjoy access to many trucking jobs that were otherwise unavailable. There aren’t as many truckers who are endorsed to haul Hazmat loads and other specialized cargo. Whether you’re just endorsed in Hazmat or choose a range of new endorsements, search for trucking jobs in these areas to increase your selection and decrease the competition.
Many companies offer additional pay for loads that require an endorsement, at Duncan & Son Lines we have incentives for CDL drivers who haul hazmat loads. The Duncan & Son team will not only prepare our drivers for all knowledge and skills tests for adding endorsements, we also reimburse our drivers for all costs associated with adding the endorsement.
Get Started Today at Phoenix Trucking Jobs!
Whether you’re an avid truck driver looking to expand your business or looking to break into the industry, no matter what type of trucking company you choose, endorsements will help you in your search for trucking jobs. Now is the time to obtain your CDL and now is the time to add endorsements to an existing CDL before the new requirements are in place on February 7, 2020.
Give us a call to learn how Hazmat and other CDL endorsements can help your career today, and why you should protect your CDL, or apply now if you’re ready to join the Duncan & Son Lines team.
Image Credit: Henryk Sadura