hazmat for new drivers?

Unless you plan on going with a company that hauls hazmat I would just wait and keep studying.Get to know hazmat from the CDL manual before taking the test.There are companies that don't require that endorsement but reccomernds it.Some don't pay anymore then if you didnt have it.Then some pay a few cents more per mile.I have hazmat,don't know if i'll need it anytime soon.Right now im local and plan on hauling hazmat tanker once I go back OTR or for my next local job.

 

I think it can sometimes help, as even companies that aren't hauling hazardous stuff will recognize that that you have basically had a recent background check in getting the endorsement, and it might help elevate you above the crowd in the applicant pile.

 

If you have the $86.50, I would get it while in school---also some states charge you extra money to add an endorsement to your CDL later on . I just went thru the Fed background check for the third time and it only took 2 days this time but your first time there might be a two or three week waiting time. I think it also shows potential employers that your more employable.

 

I don't know about TN but in CA it's definitely a good idea to get them all as DMV charges to add an endorsement.

 

If you have the time I'd get it, for all reasons mentioned.
Bear in mind it takes a little time for the background check to come back, and you'll need to find your nearest fingerprint office.
Pays more to have it in some jobs, and widens your options.