How long does it take to actually recieve hazmat endorsement???

You can do it before you have your CDL. The specific reason you choose is for a hazmat endorsement...

Step 1: Register on the DHS universal enrollment website and book an appointment or find a location to try a walk-in.
Step 2: They’ll run your background and fingerprints and send you a letter to tell you if you’ve been approved or not. During this process they do not care if you have your CDL yet and they do not check.
Step 3: Pass the written hazmat test. If for some stupid reason they tell you no, you have to have your CDL first, then I guess you’ll have to wait for that.
Step 4: Once you’ve been approved and have passed the test, go to the DMV and get your updated license.

 

Yes, even though you may hardly ever use your TWIC, get it. You get a discount when getting both HM and TWIC.

For the OP, don't wait to start working to get HM, if the company requires HM and hires newbies they can use you on non-HM loads until you receive it. TSA will give you a letter saying "you're OK". You CANNOT pull HM with that letter but you know it's on the way. I think TSA says it can take 6 weeks, but it comes faster than that.

 

No you do not. You get a discount if you do one, then the other after the first one comes back approved. Both at the same time gets no discount (ask me how I know).

So OP, when you get to the fingerprinting/ID place, ASK how to proceed to get the discount. I believe you'll save $40-$50.

Good luck.

 

I was issued tanker and doubles/triples on my CLP. My big fight was regaining my M endorsement because CDL places don't care about that and will just drop it.

Letter came 6 days after printing for DHS. HM test took less than 5 min and DMV had the DHS approval the day I gor the letter.

 

2.5 weeks