So I have been asked by my DOT manager to get my Hazmat endorsement. Well I am not for certain if I want to. We don't really have anything that we need it for, just two CNG tanks that hardly ever move. I talked to the lady at the BMV and she told me that the finger prints that are taken are turned into Homeland Security office. I have no problems being finger printed, been there before for a good legal reason (pistol permit). As everyone has heard of one issue or another with homeland security. They are always on the news. So here are some questions. Is it worth it to get the Hazmat endorsement? I am not trying to be greedy on this one, but is it worth it for me to get it if I don't get some compensation for the time put into getting the endorsement or even after I get the endorsement? I really do not know how much trouble it is worth. Is there more paperwork associated with hazmat just for having the endorsement? I am just sitting in the fence trying to decide if it is worth the trouble. Any advise or comment will be helpful.

Thank You,

Greg

There's no harm in getting it. Just gives you access to more freight. Of course I think everybody should pay more for hazmat loads.

I agree. I let mine lapse years ago. Got it again in 2006. Supposed to be good for 4 years. Went to a company and found they required it, but did not pay more for it.

The nice state of Illinois advised me that when I renewed my license 15 months later, I would have to renew all of the paperwork and pay the fees again. I told them to let it drop. I was now working at a company that hauled no hazmat.

That's the thing, I don't really haul freight. The company that I work for is a Not For Hire company. The trailers that I haul are loaded down with concrete weights, they never come off of the trailer until we retire the trailer. We don't have tankers. Just flat and box vans. I don't expect to be leaving the company that I work for, key word being expect.

I literally got mine 5 days ago. All it took was a quick application form at the DMV, A quick office visit for fingerprints(and a check for 75 bucks), and three weeks of waiting to get my letter saying that I was no threat. Took the letter to the DMv and now I have a nice shiny piece of paper saying I have hazmat. Can't wait to get my real license back.

If you are an "at will employee" and the good folks that would have sway over you "ask" you to do it...? Did you talk to your D.O.T. manager about your concerns? I'd say offer a polite objection and state your case and see what they say. They might have good reason.

It's not a bad idea to have it. It will open some doors for you should you change jobs. I really don't like HM loads, but I've sure hauled enough of them. . .

__________________
If swimming is so good for your figure, how do you explain whales?

What the heck is a DOT manager and why would they want you to have one if you don't haul hazmat? Do they plan on starting or is this some goofball trying to act important? Where's the confused smiley?

Sorry for not explaining this earlier. The DOT manager is a manager in the company that I work for that it is his or her job to keep trucks up to date on DOT regulations and well as keeping the drivers well informed on the regulations that affect us. He makes sure that we have correct paperwork for the vehicles that we are driving. We only have two items that are hazmat. They are both Compressed Natural Gas cylinders that have not move outside of the property in over a year, but he sees the need for someone in the shop having the Hazmat endorsement to move them if needed. The job is a union job.

Sportster,
Get the the haz-mat endorsement.It's not a hard written test to take.I think it's a little over priced with the fees and time spent on fingerprinting but like others have said it can open doors to other job opportunities.I never was paid more for the endorsement but some specialized companies do pay more for inhalation hazards,explosives and radioactive substances.Remember that old saying?One hand washes another.I am sure your manager will be happy when you get it,maybe even help with the cost.If nothing more,as a driver you should be proud you went through the headache and got it.Get it.