getting CDL and HAZMAT

I'd wait to get the Hazmat endorsement and see if the job you get actually requires it . Some employers will pay the costs of the hazmat .

 

Right this minute I hold Texas CDL-A with Tanker and Double,Triple endorsements.

That and 5 bucks will get you a Starbucks.

I'm waiting for P.A.M. to get a trainer to me.

I suppose if I owned a truck it would help. But I can find nowhere that doesn't want at least a year of experience (which I will get with P.A.M.).

 

It would easier and cheaper in the long run to have Hazmat. The majority of Hazmat loads don't require specialized training. Companies that haul specailized Hazmat Loads (ie fuel, certain explovises, radioactive material, and such) require 1-2 years experince and will train the driver. Also having the Hazmat endorsement makes you more marketable. It also can be the difference of sitting a couple of days till your company can find a non-hazmat load or haul a hazmat load the same day you are unloaded.

 

I THINK I'm going in the AM to take the Hazmat test at my local DL office.

Only way not is if another trainer calls me. Had one and lost him in 2.5 hours.

 

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ALL people handling ANY HAZMAT are required to be certified through training by the employer . The endorsement by itself without the training certificate is useless .

 

I love how i hear stuff from steering wheel holders at my company (most whom are complaining about not making money), Oh, I'm not getting my hazmat! They dont pay extra for those loads! Same thing about passports and canada.

I deliver to a lot of places where the only outbound freight is to Toronto.

I've hauled placarded loads before.

I work for a company who, while ive only hauled one placarded load for them, told me they wouldnt hier me without hazmat.

Hazmat got me a job, passport keeps me in the freight.

 

I think he meant specialized training. That certification you are talking about is no big deal. It's not any sort of in depth training.

 

I would be looking for a 2nd 3rd or 4th job if the cost of getting a cdl and hazmat is cost prohibitive to you. I think youre gonna be in severe shock when you figure out what the cost of a cheese burger is at a truckstop anywhere USA.

 

It is a big deal,...All Hazardous Materials need to be handled carefully,..The drivers safety and the safety of the general public depend on it,...

All companies that haul Hazardous Materials are required to retrain all drivers that haul haz-mat at least every two years,....