How important is a Hazmat Endorsement ?

I got my HazMat, I don't get paid any more for hauling HazMat but I didn't do it for the money, I did it because I was looking for a job and it would have opened up a few more jobs for me (it really didn't actually)

and also one company told me I should look into getting it, then I did, then they tried to convince me I didn't have it

 

I would look into getting your hazmat. Let's say you just delivered a load and go to the truck stop to fuel and wait for your next load and the only thing available in the area is a hazmat load. Without that hazmat endorsement you could be left there sitting. We didn't haul a lot of hazmat, but we probably had one every two weeks or so. Most hazmat loads are not that dangerous. Usually it will be something corrosive or flamable. Think paint or acids. But there are the pharmaceutical loads that could be hazmat and they pay good. (If you are a lease operator or owner operator.) I think it is worth having. It opens a few more doors for you.

Also, good luck teaming! And I sincerely mean that. My husband and I teamed and loved every minute of it!

 

Part A #8 DQs you. All though you may not have not been "convicted" you sir MURDERED bambi !!

 

I have an X endorsement, doubles and triples, but I don't like pulling hazmat loads. The extra pay isn't enough to make the additional paranoia and threat of punishment worth the time. Hazmat loads kind of make my trip planning harder, you can only stop in certain locations, fueling, and other regulations are all in play, and the DOT isn't kidding around with those fines for failure to comply. Personally, I took the endorsement because I thought it was a way to qualify for more loads. It is, but I don't like that kind of work. I guess some companies pay more than others, though I'd need at least $.10/mile to be more positive about it. Not going to happen, either. My $.02.

 

If you have the means, talk to a lawyer. Sounds like something they could clear up, and even get expunged at this point.

 

I have my Hazmat, and it gets me $0.02/mile over my company's base rate. So far, I have never pulled a placarded hazmat load since I got my CDL.

 

i'm not trying to start anything, but i've never had issues with parking or fueling when I haul HazMat. I just show up and park/fuel/etc and never had problems, and I hauled it every day of June and July (and some of August) Routing is annoying though

 

Same here. We have never had any problems.