Passed the HazMat and Tanker Endorsements

Get them all. When we first went to CDL I was working for a private carrier who didn't require anything but the basics. However, I got all the endorsements. Later the company bought doubles and I was already okay. Then later I moved to a Hazmat company and was able to change jobs without any delay waiting for an endorsement. You never know. It pays to be prepared. Slim

 

The D.O.T. Likes to hassle hazmat haulers a lot but it was worth it. I retired in June then when my Driver's license was due to renew in December, my wife asked me was I going to renew my hazmat since I had to take the exam again and go through the state and FBI and TSA background checks again. I told her yes, I'll renew that thing every five years till I die. Getting that hazmat endorsement and keeping it is one of my proudest accomplishments as a trucker. Slim

 

Me personally think the hazmat test is way too easy for all the crap that can go wrong with hauling hazmat.

Everytime I read those hazmat regs, I learn something new. It is nothing to take lightly.

And doubles for the most part are easy to drive/turn but they require alot of respect and care or you'll have those boxes on its side. I wont work for a company that doesnt pull doubles/triples.

 

You expected more from the Government? Hehehehee

All the tests, that I have taken, are just the bare minimum of knowledge needed.

Mikeeee

 

The other day I was researching the process for getting a TWIC card (required to drive around unescorted in certain ports and other sensitive places) and saw that the criminal background check for getting a TWIC is the same as the Hazmat background check. The DOT website even stated that when applying for a TWIC, you can just show proof of your Hazmat background check and then you don't have to pay for the TWIC background check. So while I was on the fence before about whether it was worth it to go through the Hazmat endorsement and its background check, now that I know it will save time and money on the TWIC (which my employer requires me to have), it tipped the scales in favor of getting the Hazmat endorsement and b/g check.