Endorsements for newbies ?

I tested for HazMat, Tanker, and Doubles/Triples after I finished school. Wish I would have knocked it all out when got my permit. Have to wait 30 days for my HazMat endorsement to be put on my license and sent from Tallahassee. Had I done it when I got my permit in June, I wouldn't be in this waiting period now.

 

Perhaps, but most carriers need Hazmat drivers, and [too] many drivers either can't or won't do the background check required (which highlights another potential issue from the carrier perspective), or are too clueless to be able to pass a relatively simple test (which highlights yet another potential issue). That being said, many carriers are very much in need of hazmat drivers, new or old. It's not that hard, it's easier today than it perhaps will be 2 years from now, and it's not "overly" costly. Some day you may need to get home, and the only trade available is a hazmat load.

And as far as the tanker is concerned, their is too much demand in the foreseeable future for oilfield water and crude haulers to dismiss because it's not on your radar TODAY ... it may be tomorrow.

 

I agree with STexan. Get as many as you can. I know getting the hazmat endorsement is a pita,but its worth it for the reason STexan posted.

 

Because under the regs, if the shipment you are hauling is loaded into bulk containers that are 119 gallons or larger in size and the total shipment exceeds 1000 gallons, you need the tanker endorsement even if the shipment is loaded onto a flatbed or into a van/reefer trailer.

http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/news-detail.asp?news_id=76177

 

You beat me to it pbd. And yes, you will feel a little bit of surge. I pull them at least once a week.