Qestions about dump trucks and what CDL Class

I see there is something like 9 different types of Dump trucks. I'm guessing the bigger ones require CDL A and the smaller ones require CDL B. Can someone clarify this for me? I'm looking to get a CDL B and want to drive a dump truck but, i want to know what i'm getting into.

 

best to get an A CDL. covers it all. then someday, you may get asked to haul a load over several states for the dump company, that may also have either dry vans, flatbeds, or reefers. why limit yourself? the cost may be an issue, but to add the A later on will require the combo written test, and a driving test. may very well cost more later to upgrade.

 

You may want to consider getting a class A as they may ask you to hook up to a trailer. That's when you need a class A with a dump truck.

 

Most should be B unless you're pulling or towing other equipment.

 

1. Asphalt is work. You will have to work keep that stuff from building up in the bed.
2. Spreading gravel is dangerous if you live in hill country. Especially when you're trying to go down the driveway you just spread. The truck will start to bounce and skip downhill.
3. The pay is at best, "okay".
4. Seasonal work. Winter time is D.E.A.D

 

There 3 kinds of dump trucks. End dumps,side dumps and belly dumps. The rest are a variation of these. It takes some skills to run these kinds of trucks. Your not driving down the Interstate pulling a van.

 

License classification in this county is so screwy. If I run a 13,000 GVW pickup with a 14,000 GVW trailer, for a GW of 27,000 lbs., then I'd need a Class A CDL, but I could run a 26,000 GVW truck (like an F650) with a 10,000 GVW trailer for a GCW of 36,000 lbs., and not require a CDL at all. IMO, they had the classification system a lot better organized in South Africa.
As for the OP's question, I concur... just get the Class A. Dump truck driving really isn't an industry all its own.. it's something which is a part of many industries, and can be very varied. Sure, you can run a straight dump truck with a Class B, but in a lot of industries involving dump trucks, you may have to pull 10,001+ GVW tag trailers, transfer trailers, etc., and will need a Class A for that. Then there's the matter of semi dump trailer combinations, which will also require a Class A.
Not to mention one of the first things they'll tell you in school is to "leave yourself an out". Which, in their context, pertains to driving, but it's excellent advice when applied to the grand scheme of things, as well. You might not like driving dump trucks. You might get sick of seasonal layoffs. So if you start looking for greener pastures, that Class A will leave you a lot more options than a Class B would.

 

In CT any vehicle with a GCWR over 26,000 or any vehicle pulling a trailer rated for over 10,000 requires a CDL -A. Even if the truck and trailer are empty.
I used to drive for an asphalt company. Our drivers were expected to transport machinery to the job site, run machinery, help with demolition, go get asphalt, and many times help with laying down new asphalt. Pay was decent. New guys started at $15 an hour and usually were making $20 an hour after a couple years. I actually started there as a laborer and moved into driving. Did 6 years with that company. Expect to work 14 hours a day every day the plant is open with start times from 3 - 6 am

 

so was the plant mainly just closed during bad weather and the winter?