wannabe wondering how important hazmat cert is

I get three extra cents per mile for having my endorsement. I get that .03 even when hauling a non-hazmat load.

Probably 95 percent of my loads are hazmat... but when they are out of hazmat I haul the regular old loads to keep moving...

the regular drivers... they're screwed, more or less...

all placards, paperwork is handled by the shipper... the routing, atleast thus far, is optional for me... meaning the company doesn't designate routes... most state restricted routes aren't where you want to be driving anyways...

gotta stop at those railroad tracks... not often a pain unless you're in your car and find yourself looking for the flashers... lol force of habit...

I haul chemical tanker... so its a bit more nasty than a van load... nice boxes with stickers and a forklift...lol

but I get $25 a stop for slinging the hose, usually takes 30 minutes to an hour... get paid extra if it takes longer or I need to use extra hoses ect.

out loaded and back empty : )

and best of all... the customers sign and point you to a hook-up and generally leave... I hate being baby-sat or having to wait for my turn at the dock.

granted life ain't perfect... but danged close. home most every night and a real good pay-day... wooo-hoooo !!!!!!!

then again... if you really truly aren't ever going to use it. don't waste your time or money... its useless unless you put it to work for you.

 

im6under: what company you working with? Is it national or regional?

 

I work for Questliner, actually Gless Bros. is the name on the truck.

Questliner has 2 trucking divisions gless is the chemical side and Foodliner is the, well, food grade hauling side.

they are both national otr and regional.

me, I am working out of waterloo iowa and am dedicated to a customer (hydrite).

most of my stuff is out and back the same day for hydrite... though we go to mo., ks., mi., il., mn., sd., canada... and those are overnight trips.

some do the over the road part... and I've said "hey" to them... but don't even know their names because they're gone all the time, just see the car in the lot...

pay is real good...

got a mini blog posted on site here at the inside scoop under gless/foodliner or foodliner/gless ???

I've been averaging 12-13 a week, real weekends off and home at night... did 15 something last week... but I had to work for it... grrr....

joe the the "newbie"... lol he pulled a $1900 week a few pays back... but me thinks joe is a greedy animal and don't know when to quit working and take a day off...lol his handle on here is mofamilyman... but I think he needs to upgrade it to some "tougher" sounding name... like: momilepounder or checkgrabbinworkaholic... lol that boy can haul the freight !!!

 

I would get it now. I applied from florida and got mine back in 1 month It makes you more appealing to employers

 

Without a port pass on the truck, and a twic id for the driver there are alot of ports and military bases that will not allow you entry. Our company made it voluntary to get the twic id, but now that work is slowing for those of us that have it are still working everyday and the other guys are parked waitiing for loads. So please when given a choice turn it down along with hazmat, and those of us that have them will thank you as we drive by the parked trucks.... By the way our company pays for both and we still had guys turn them down.

 

Like they're saying I don't think a lot of companies require you to have it, but im really sure. I'd imagine that paying the 100 bucks or so is worth it though, just get it and be done, I passed mine on first try, it's just as easy as all the other endorsements, haha. Don't companies pretty much always pay you a penny or two more per mile when hauling hazmat? Plus, I think it looks better on your resume when you're trying to get hired at different companies, I cant imagine any not wanting someone with all their endorsements

 

Isn't getting it the easy part but actually knowing all the in's and out's about transporting hazardous materials is a huge responsibility on the drivers part. I have heard some stories about DOT pulling drivers over and drilling them to make sure they know what they are doing, which in all honesty makes sense since any joe can get his Hazmat and transport which is kinda scary. I am considering getting it soon and am going to make sure I really am familiar with all the regulations and such,I dont just want the endorsement I want to make sure I know what I am doing and that I am prepared for any emergencies and any unexpected DOT visits

 

I use to haul some Haz- Mat loads out of K-Mart. All ORMD, that was not a big deal, but not sure now since it was before 911. I think I am going to get it my h sticker again. CAN'T HURT TO HAVE IT! I can't believe i am getting back into trucking....lol. Will be more prepared this time , I hope.
Good luck Laredo43, hope things go well for you.

 

I just dropped mine. Have no intentions of paying 139 bucks for it. Too me all hazmat does is cause you routing problems and puts you under a microscope and can lead to massive fines.

 

I have had haz-mat for years,..just in case!!!.........All the ltl's I have applied at require it,..glad I still have it..........

Now if one of them would just decide to hire......