Hazmat question please help?

I don't have my hazmat I want to know if it's true that it's not a good idea to have hazmat, they tell me that if I get a ticket it will be twise as much cause I have it, I also heard if I am in an accident and I have hazmat they will take my license aways, so should I get it or not, because there are a couple of jobs I would like but they require it, Im new to the forum and I just
Got my license so I still have no experience, thanks

 

Welcome to ttr,

If there are jobs you're interested in that require a hazmat endorsement, then I would suggest getting it.

True that violations carry stiffer penalties, and rightfully so. Hazardous materials is nothing to take lightly. A mistake where some materials are released will have very dangerous, costly, and possibly deadly consequences.

It seems you're making your decision based on the likelihood of you getting tickets, and having a serious accident. Not a good mindset going into this. No one plans on things happening, so why should you plan on it? Instead just do everything you can to drive safely.

 

The only time the fines are stiffer is if you are actually hauling a Hazmat load. but as the previous said " Plan better"

 

thats a load of crap, Go get it and enjoy the Good paying job.


if you get a ticket for something NOT related to Hazerdous cargo your fine will not be any differant then anyone else.





American Trucker

 

I suggest you determine if the company runs well maintained equipment, and if they try to bully you into running illegal.

Because hauling Haz-Mat does put a target on your back. I had a DOT officer in Ga. tell me that the only reason he pulled me over was because it was the last day of the month and they had to do a certain amount of Haz inspections every month. And they could only do so many tankers, so a van with Haz was going to get pulled over everytime.

Many states require all Haz-Mat loads to pull into the scales, regardless of what the arrow on the sign says.

So my point is, if they're a reputable company with a good safety record your probably ok.
Just my .02

 

I got my Haz-Mats just so I would be available to pull more loads when needed. Also Haz-Mats loads pay extra.

 

I have mine. No big deal, just a better paying job that's all.

 

Your trainer did half the job! The most important thing on my mind everyday, behind the wheel or doing my inspection, protect myself, my cargo and the public by driving DEFENSIVELY!
I'll drive any load anywhere! Even God cannot push me to exceed my limits or my rigs! With this mindset, I don't worry going down the road.
In my youth, 1,000 years ago, I rode bulls, bareback horses and saddlebroncs. On a bull the rule was look down into the well and your going down. I don't look into the well unless I'm after water!
Van/LGE

 

Get your hazmat if you want the extra pay. I have mine and im a flatbedder. We handle hazardous waste and radiation loads quite frequently and theres good money in it. Its no big deal at all if you do your pre trips and drive safe,

 

Your fines and punishment are more only if you're under a hazamt load. The problem with what I've seen are the freight companies that only haul hazmat once in awhile. A gasoline company, for example, will be up to par on all the rules and regulations because they do it every day. But a small LTL company that hauls it maybe once a month will always have problems somewhere. They just do not follow all the requirements laid out in the regulations like what's written in CFR49 parts 100 to 177.