Thinking of getting endorsements.

I’m thinking of getting Hazmat, Tanker, passenger and doubles/triples endorsements.


Anyone know exactly what is needed other than written testing? I know I need a background for hazmat but Do I need to get a new physical? Eye exam?

what’s involved ?

 

You will need some money....those background checks aren't free.

--Lual

 

My hazmat cost about 100 bucks and took a week and test you might have to study a bit for
Tanker is just a test and a very easy one at that , same with doubles
Passenger is a whole new road test as I understand it and seems like a huge PITA at least in my state

 

What do you want to go to that would require all of that?
Passenger would not require any of it, and all the others would not require passenger.

 

Not sure if passenger is a road test in Nevada but I guess I’ll find out tomorrow. My main concern was a whole new physical and all.

I guess to keep all my options open. Been looking at some jobs and the pay is pretty good for tour buses.

 

I got them all with the exemption of passengers. From my understanding. You have to take some kind of training, I guess for rudely riders, or if a passenger gets a stroke and so on.

 

In arizona to get a passanger endorsement u need not only the written test and a new road test . but they require like 25 hours or so of "classroom" time... Because a passanger endorsement is for a bus... Not sure how it is in other states

 

While options are nice.

You need to decide if you'll actually need and use them

Most of us don't have passenger.
I just got rid of my hazmat. Not worth the hassle to keep something never used.

 

Hazmat is a written test and background check. Background check must be completed before you can test. Cost about 100 bucks total.
Tank is a written test and about 20 bucks.
Double/triple is written test and about 20 bucks.
Having your endorsements is helpful, and they make you more marketable as a driver.
Can also make you more money, depending on the company. Some companies offer as much as 10c/mile more just having it... Specifically Hazmat...
Tanker keeps your options open should you want to pull tanks...
Doubles /triples are more common on the west coast than the east coast, but the package companies like ups, fedex, saia, etc all pull doubles everywhere.
I personally pull tanker, and doubt I'll pull anything else.
Van/reefer never did anything for me, and bumping docks sounded boring as watching paint dry...
Flatbed sounded interesting, but I really don't wanna work that hard, and I really don't like fighting equipment. In the rain. Or snow.
I really like tanker.
No lines, no waiting to unload.
Receivers always ready to unload you when you make your appointment time.
Money is generally better.
Scales are a little more lenient.
Dot generally leaves you alone unless they need their inspection quota made quick and easy...
Equipment tends to be very well maintained
Whenever I find something that needs to be fixed, our shop guys get it remedied fast.
Dispatch is pretty solid and consistent... They'll call me and offer me choices on which loads I prefer occasionally... Usually after I pull one that"gotta go yesterday"type thing.
In all, my experience is excellent with tanks.
I can't imagine doing anything else.

 

Yes, you need to take a road test with a bus to get a passenger endorsement.

This is required for all states, according to the Green Book.

Your city may have a CDL school that will rent you the use of a bus for testing.

Most tour bus operators will be only too happy to help you get a passenger endorsement if you decide to go work for them.