Haz-Mat

I would recommend you get your hazmat as well. Also a passport. That way, you're not limited as to what loads you can do.

Example: you empty out and the dispatcher offers you a 2000 mile run, but it's car batteries. Do you want to have to say no?

 

from what i heard having your hazmat could be the difference in sitting or moving its your prefence but i would say get it. thats my opinion. red s-10

 

are they paying more for haz?
if not tell them to stuff it
are they paying hiles as per hazmat routing?
if not tell them to stuff it
companys make a lot more money hauling haz--and to often none of this trickles down to the driver

 

The pay is greater, yes. I would recommend getting it. Why not?

 

if they pay more, its only a couple cents per mile while your under the load, then back to regular pay when not under hazmat, hazmat used to be free, when it went to 120 dollars i drop it, let the hazmat companys haul hazmat, the company makes more money then you when hauling it, do the math you'l see, you may only get two cents a mile not worth it, 500 mile trip two cents more is 10 bucks, not worth it

 

i never made a penny more hauling haz---lots military stuff go boom loads and they thought i was absurd for thinking i should maybe get a tiny bit more
and a lot of the drivers thought along the same lines--i couldnt get any backing from anybody, it was haul it or sit

 

I say you should get it. Not a crazy amount of money, which happens to be tax deductable or may be paid by certain companies, but it gives you more opportunities. You will be qualified to haul loads that others can not, which may keep you from sitting, but it is also required by many companies which may be important to you if you ever decide to leave Swift and apply elsewhere.

I'd also recommend getting your TWIC card. It's the same background check, so you get a discount. Few bucks and you're even more qualified than the next guy.

 

what everybody says is true--i didnt really mean not to get it---it does open lots of doors for you
just dont let people take advantage of you like i was--its your butt out in the wind if something goes wrong---just make sure you are getting compensated some how for it

 

I don't know about all that.