Beginning at the beginning

T-Lady, Roehl does not require HazMat endorsements. They will give you broad training on HazMat issues so that you have adequate training to fulfill DOT requirements for limited quantities that may be on their trucks (hair spray, etc) at any time, but you will not need the full endorsement. They will have you get your Combination Vehicle and AirBrakes endorsements with your CDL Permit.

 

I would get as many of the endorsements that you want up front. Sometimes (In PA) it is a pain to add stuff on, requires extra road tests, written tests, class room time, etc. I know that it took me over a month to add a passenger endorsment to my PA Class A. I know that Roehl does not require a Hazmat, but if I were you I would get it, that way if a load was available in an area you empty out in, then you would be good to go rather than having to wait around for something else. I know alot of people think Hazmat is a pain, but I have pulled it in tanks, vans and even on a flatbed. I always looked at it as it was better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

 

T-Lady if you have 11 years experience, why are they making you take the school? Did you work another job in the industry instead of driving?

 

I did two years of 40' frameless. I miss it, but even though I'm over the road I get better time with the family than I did as a local. I also make a lot more money. I would second the suggestion of getting all your endorsements up front. Tanker, and doubles are easy and you'll need the tanker by 2014 anyway. I've used haz-mat twice in all the years I've been driving, but it was nice when I needed it.

From what I heard on Landline after 2014 you will need a tanker endorsement to haul totes even if they are empty. The new regulation will affect anyone who hauls bulk containers larger than 100 gallons with a total load over 1000 gallons. To me it's not a big deal, the tanker endorsement is easier than the air brake endorsement. I went back and added everything when I was thinking about leaving Roehl a couple of years ago.

 

to get the endorsements, is it an additional set of tests you have to pass or do they have a road test like for doubles?

 

There's no road test, just a written test for each. The problem with haz-mat is that you have to get a background check done as well. Everything else just study, go to the dmv pay your money and take the test. Haz-mat you have to deal with the TSA, enough said.

 

I just finished my hazmat renewal and from the time I was fingerprinted til the time I got the letter saying I was good to go was only a week and a half. I was really surprised, the first time took months...