Cdl now or hazmat and cdl later?

Of you go to an accredited school it will take longer then 2 months to get. Therefore I would go for my CDL. While getting your CDL do what is necessary to be "Qualified" to get your hazmat. Non refundable back ground check, threat-assessment, and fingure prints. Takes a couple weeks. Then once graduated and passing the tests and road test. I would then put hazmat on the license.

 

Most trucking companies don't require hazmat.Also carriers don't hire till your 21 and some require 23 to be the magic age.So look for the company you're most interested in,look at their requirements and go from there.

 

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AFAIK you can't get hazmat without a CDL. At least that's the way it is in Texas

 

You don't need hazmat, but more job opportunities are available if you get one. Get the TWIC application started now though, then get the hazmat at the same time you get your CDL permit or regular CDL.

 

21 you can get both. Companies make it sound easy" is there any problem with you getting your hazmat" You say," No sir". Next thing you know your a new driver driving around with 30 barrels of 190 proof anhydrous ethel alcohol behind you. Now your thinking" why did I volunteer to do this" . Am I crazy ? Yeah,I got smoothed talked into getting hazmat after only 30 days as a new guy. Just saying,realize how dangerous it is. Yeah,the boss is happy,but he's not the guy driving in the storm at night with this flammable stuff in the trailer. Just saying,I would advise at least waiting till I could drive a truck very well,then take on the stress of hazmat.JMO

 

Get the cdl now. You might be able to get a job with it and your building time with it.

 

I have Hazmat on my CDL and quite frankly it's done absolutely nothing to earn me more money. The couple of OTR jobs I've had did not require it, and only USXpress offered me more money because I had it. I suppose it looks good on a transportation resume but if you don't want to shell out the money or put in the time then don't get it. Chances are you probably won't need it...

 

I have had hazmat since 2002 and it has done nothing for me either,but I get it renewed anyway.