Setting myself up for success

You already found the right one first. @Chinatown is your guy for that stuff.

 

Not judging at all. I only suggest that you do OTR as a company driver to get the experience on the company's dime if you plan on doing it later as you mentioned. Just a suggestion It is better to have a mistake with a company and have it be on there dime whether it be due to a late load, you're load is damaged in anyway, repairs, fuel, etc....to get a feel for it and see what it's like beforehand, but you do what is best for you. I cannot tell you what is wrong or right for you. Each person is different! I think that is awesome you are going after everything though! I graduated last year and got my X and T endorsements (tanker, doubles/triples, and Hazmat and also got my TWIC card and don't have the automatic restriction on my DL either). I started in dry van/reefer and went on to flatbed.

 

@fngmoto: How to set yourself up for success, you ask?

Well, since you asked....if you have NOT ALREADY DONE SO....

1) Don't get married (just while you're doing all the above--get established, first).
2) Don't have any children.
3) Don't buy a house--or any expensive motor vehicles. If you need a car or an suv or a pickup in the meantime--seriously consider buying used, vs new.
4) Don't get ANY traffic tickets/citations. Stay out of any trouble with law enforcement.
5) When driving--don't hit anything.
6) If you do drugs on A-N-Y level--quit. Now. Go (and stay!) clean.
7) Try your best to avoid any gaps in (regular) employment.
8) Remain a company driver for AT LEAST 3 YEARS--and/or until you figure out EXACTLY which type of freight you prefer and how you best like to run (whichever comes later). Study the business from all angles, and take killer notes--especially on what things can cost. Economic recessions can be extremely tough for owner-ops; only the strong/smart will survive.
9) Do your very best to improve your credit scores. Pay all your bills on time.

As you can see from all the above...trucking is a very good example of how in life...."you (later) reap what you sow".

--Lual

 

Find the employer first before CDL school. You can test for the tanker, and possible HazMat when you show up for your road test. The tanker endorsement is easy. I use TankerCountry.com to renew my HazMat every few years. They have the most versions of the endorsement tests of any web site, including this one. EVERYONE should get the tanker endorsement, even if they NEVER EVER will pull a liquid tanker trailer. The endorsement is required for certain freight commonly carried inside or on other trailers. I can give you the quickest and easiest procedure for passing ANY of the endorsement tests. I use to test pilots for their FAA tests. The endorsement tests are NOT to teach you everything needed for the real world. They are multiple-choice IQ tests. Tell the state what the state wants to hear when they ask the question.

The majority of HazMat tanker companies will not hire newbies. Most HazMat tanker companies will hire drivers with 1 year of CDL experience. I switched from dry van trailers over to HazMat tanker a few years ago. I started with Quality Carriers. They are located all over the US and have a very good training program. CSX, the railroad company, bought them a year or two ago so you may find them as Quality Carriers or CSX.

 

I think the state just gives you the X if you have the tanker and the HazMat. I don't think you have to request it. In fact get doubles/triples (one endorsement, also). You cannot get HazMat until your have a full-fledged CDL. The HM is a PIA process and can cost nearly $200. HM is the only endorsement that expires. In TN, IIRC, you initiate the HazMat process by registering online with the TSA. Wait for your TSA letter saying your background check is passed, and then take that letter to the DMV office and take your HM computer test. When you pass that test, you take a picture, sign the forms and get a paper CDL, and the plastic CDL is mailed to you. Make sure to read the TN web site to bring the appropriate proof of ID and proof of physical address as those have changed in the last couple of years. Also, double and triple check anytime you submit your self-certification form and DOT Medical Card. TN verbally confirmed my new DOT card and then mailed me a letter months later saying they were about to revoke my CDL for out of date DOT Card. Always have written proof from TN your most recent DOT card is on-file with the state.

 

TN = State of Tennessee.
IIRC = If I recall correctly.
HM = HazMat