Worth it to get haz mat endorsement?

It does give you more options as far as companies to drive for, since there are plenty out there that do still haul hazmat. I use to have it, and hauled two hazmat loads. I don't drive anymore, and have since let my haz mat lapse, even though I still maintain my CDL.

 

yeah, get it. that is a question commonly asked at an interview or on the applications itself..

just gives you more loads availability than to be waiting at a truck stop, not making a paycheck.

 

most LTL companies require u to have it, like conway, abf, estes express, old dominion etc. Its good to have if u r searching for a job, but it can be a pain since u have to renew it every five years. I would get it, and if u use it then keep it, if u dont end up using it let it expire. i know a few ppl whove done that and even though they dont drive n e more they do keep the cdl too. some ppl i no have it but dont need it jus in case they find something better. While ur at it, get ur tank too if u wanna haul fuel, and oil and stuff.

 

Fixed.

 

They changed it to every three years for renewal of the haz-mat? It use to be two in WI and FL. That was before the background check got added to the mix though.

 

Only you can decide if its worth it..

1) It might help you get a job as the above posters mentioned..

2) You may or may not eventually recover the cost of adding it to your license, you might if the company you hire on with pays extra for pulling hazmat....so do some don't

3) Keep in mind hazmat placards do draw more attention in road checks and scale houses..

 

It worth getting it if your going to drive dry van,if you stick to refer there no used for it.If you ever decide to go local like UPS,Fedex,etc,you will need it.

 

In addition,..

4. Some companies will always give you hazmat loads even if you find you don't like pulling hazmat.

5. (What I'm looking into ..) Some companies will pay for hazmat if gotten within X time after hire. The bennie here is no out of pocket, and you don't have to worry if it's a good investment or not. The negative is some companies require it on day 1.

-Steven

 

My company paid for it, and i got another $500 bonus for getting it. I've had it 4 months and still haven't pulled a hazmat load, but they have dedicated hazmat routes that get you home every week, so im trying to weasel my way into that...like they said, more opputunities, but more risk. If you're not worried about hauling things that could cause a massive explosion or pose other dangers, it's probably not a bad thing to have.