Endorsements

Might as well get your TWIC card to go to the ports, just saying..

 

No, just renew just prior to expiration just the same as a reg license, unless you have hazmat, then you must take the hazmat test

 

I didn't read all the posts.

Get all the endorsements you can right off. All but the Hazmat is just studying. If you grew up good, that one isn't a problem either. Get them all, keep them all current, get your Passport and TWIC card, go ahead and get the Airport fast pass too. Might not ever need any of them, but the one time your company needs them, and you have them, they are paid for.

 

I got my Doubles/Triples and Tankers while I was still in school and had my permit. If you start off with one of the bigger carriers, you probably won't need them, but if nothing else, it looks good on your license and if the opportunity ever comes up, you'll have your foot in the door. Of course, just taking the tests and having the endorsements is not enough to actually drive a double or triple or tanker truck - I would need actual training to feel confident. But just by studying for those tests I learned a lot that I have kept in mind while driving 53's.

I didn't bother with hazmat because I could not even afford the $80 background check at the time - and, not that I am a criminal or anything, but hazmat just seems so risky. Many of the things that could go wrong in a non-hazmat load are amplified if it is hazmat - bigger fines, worse on your record, etc. Maybe if I'm still driving in 5 years with clean MVR and someone is offers me a tens of thousands of dollar bonus for it, then yes, but there has to be incentive to get into something so complicated.

 

yes, when I transferred my CDL from Georgia to Virginia in 2013 I let my hazmat drop. I never really needed it pulling reefer anyway.

 

I let mine drop when they started with that TSA nonsense years ago. Never used it before then, but regretted dropping it simply because it meant my license wasn't "complete". I recently added it again even though I am not even driving (yet!) for no other reason than it looks good on an application and could lead to higher paying jobs or not having to turn down loads.

The test is easy enough and the fingerprints are done right at the DMV so it's really just a matter of money...and time. Been waiting over 7 weeks for the DMV to mail my upgraded license back.

 

First post, but long time lurker here...how often do you have to renew the Hazmat Endorsement?