difference between CDL liscens and endorsements

What is the difference between a Class A, B, and C?

If you have a Class A can you do what is in the Class B?

What's the difference between endorsements, and what are the ones that are the most important? Personally, I'd love to have as many trucking endorsements I can get. (Because it'd mean that anything outside of Railroad Operations and Aviation Transport, and Marine Terminal Operations would be well within my area as far as job opportunities in the future go)

How does one go about in getting the endorsements? Do they just "automatically" come with the CDL? Or are they all separate from each other? (like only Class A CDL holders can get this, that and this endorsement, and only Class C can get that that and this endorsement, etc.?)

Needless to say, if it's got wheels, I want to be able to drive it. Regardless if it's cargo is human, animal, Radioactive, explosive, flammable, boxes, rocks, logs, what have you. If it can be loaded on a truck, I want to be able to drive it, and/or transport it.

Any information would be greatly appreciated. I've searched these forums for several weeks now with nothing to show for it. (out of the years this site has existed, I can't believe no ones ever asked....)

And thank you in advance for any info. =)

 

Washington has Class A, B and C CDLs which was more of what I was going too, but if you have the CDL, do you have to got the non-commercial versions as well? (like say you're a truck driver as your profession, but you have a trailor or something do you have to get that on top of the CDL?)

And what are the requirements to get the T, X, P and S endorsements? I plan on getting my M1 as well, but that would be later down the road. (I want to be able to drive anything with wheels. )

So Class A CDL, can do everything a Class B can since it's 80Klbs and under? (provided you have the proper endorsements, like say I got my Class A CDL, I could drive a Dump Truck, or a Truck with say a Tractor Trailer at will without having to get the Class B CDL)?

And if I may ask, what is the difference between the Passenger Vehicle, and the Passenger Bus endorsements? does it just mean one can carry more people than the other?

 

Information is great! =) thank you all for clarifying.

Regarding my own states DMV. The "training book" or Drivers Ed Guide they have on the WA DOL site, hasn't been updated since 2006. (when I got my Drivers License as a 16 y/o) And calling the DMV, they weren't of much help on info. Couldn't even get a hold of them after 3 1/2 hours on the phone "waiting for an employee to answer the call" lol.

And thanks a lot for clarifying on what they all lead to/mean.

 

Some of the dumbest drivers I've ever seen are here in Western WA. On my way on 405 going to Bothell, some idiot drove against traffic. Ignored the "Do not enter sign" and just started coming down the exit ramp. Dumbest thing I've ever seen someone do...

But yeah, I'll definitely be looking into it. Found jobs to be a Tanker (for transporting fuel) and also found a gig I could get transporting "Militarized Material" if I can get my Hazmat Endorsement. (and gotta look into what I'd have to do for a Tanker Endorsement)

The pay for Hazmat transport seems to be pretty dang good LOL. All hours are logged in for night time. (not surprised) but hey, pay looks pretty good.

Department of the Army will pay $25 an hour transporting "Militarized Materials". And here I thought the Army had their own Truckers. LOL Department of the Navy also has some Truck Driving gigs transporting "Militarized Materials". up to 75,000lbs! lol But unfortunately, driving for the Army, and Navy require 5 years experience.

But Getting a CDL will most likely prove to be the best move I've ever made.