Endorsment question

Just a side note. While you can get the extra endorsements while still just having a permit, some states will test you again, not the written but the examiner may ask questions or have you perform what is needed, when you go for the actual license. MA does this! So make sure you don't have to worry about getting double tested.

 

In Florida you cannot get a hazmat endorsement on a permit. You have to have your CDL. I went to the local office to take my hazmat test and do the finger printing and was told I had to have the CDL. I emailed the state office in Tallahassee about this and was told the same thing. I don't know if it is different from state to state. You would think not since it is a federal thing.

 

http://www.aitaonline.com/Info/CDL Sample Tests.html

This is a good site to study for all endorsement tests. One thing: On the doubles/triples practice tests they say that doubles/triples are less likely to roll over than a single trailer 53'; however on the REAL test (at least in TN) the correct answer states that doubles/triples are MORE LIKELY TO ROLL OVER.

I put off getting HAZMAT for a few years, but believe me, as a professional, you should get HAZMAT, even if it is a rip-off. It's just like paying taxes--it is unfair and just a cost of doing business.

I personally wouldn't worry about getting any endorsement (or paying for them) until you are sure you want to drive for a living.

 

K, I also know several drivers who have their hazmat, and have yet to recieve a single hazardous load. Peanut Butter?? Good god, that's almost as good as "There's no frieght because more people are buying gift certificates." I would be willing to bet that the load you need the HM for will NOT be as innocent as peanut butter...

Bottom line, unless the loads pay more, or it is something you will have to use ALL the time, don't bother.

Say you get one hazardous load in 2 years. You paid $100+ for the endorsment, and got paid how much for the load? Not worth it if you ask me.

 

I really don't know why people make such a big fuss over hauling hazmat loads, you pull them just like any other load, you protect it just like any other load, you drive like a professional weather hauling peanut butter or something thats hazmat. Like I said before one reason for a newbie to get their endorsement is I believe it would open up more doors for them as far as employment. p.s. A load of peanut butter is no more hazardous that a load of corn flakes.

 

You missed my point. Yes, it's like any other load... Except for special routes, and scale harrasment, and roadside harrasment, etc...

It may open some doors, but it really should be something you do not waste the money on, unless you're doing it for a specific job.

Let's face it, the test isn't that hard at all. If an employer really needs it for the position then get it. In the mean time, companies like SNI will tell you to get it, yet never give you the loads to make it worth it. It's less a safety and more a principals thing.

PS: I know Peanut butter is harmless... Though soap can be pretty devastating in a tunnel.

 

I have hauled literally hundreds of hazmat loads and dont believe I have once been stopped for a roadside inspection or even "harassed" at the scale house, just the normal stuff. Yes you do have to stick to certain routes but thats not a big deal. If your a new driver (or even experienced) and put in an app somewhere without your endorsement, they might say "well gee, we would have been glad to hire you but we need to fill this position now and John Smith fits the bill so we are going to go with him, thanks anyway though". If your a new driver "specific jobs" just dont come your way. If your looking for work and one pays .38 cpm with good benefits but you need your endorsement and the other pays .36 with crappy benefits which one would you rather have? If you already have a good job and dont need it who cares, but if your out pounding the pavement I think it could be pretty cheap insurance in the long run

 

I live in Iowa and I start school the 24th of Sept. I went and passed my hazmat tanker and doubles and triples. I had to get fingerprinted for 25 bucks but after taking the hazmat test I had to pay around 40 bucks. I had to drive to another town to get fingerprinted though.When I am done with school and hopefully pass my practical test it will all be added to my cdl at that time. Not sure if I will ever use all this but it can't hurt. As a newbie I want a job and I hope this gives me some kind of edge over another candidate.That's my 2 cents worth

 

Just to clarify.. This discussion is about hauling hazardous material requiring placards?

Correct me if i'm wrong but, don't most drivers haul hazmat, just in amounts or catagories that don't require placards?

I agree that co's requireing a hazmat endorsment as a condition of employment should help foot the bill. Each endorsment should carry a pay premiem since it requires additional skill and or training.

Just my humble opinion.