What endorsements should I get at first?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Dave75, Mar 31, 2011.

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  1. Dave75

    Dave75 Light Load Member

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    When I first start out and get my CDL, should I try and get endorsements like hazmat, doubles, triples, etc, or is it usually better to wait a while and get some experience driving first?
     
    Dave75, Mar 31, 2011
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  2. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Get them as soon as you can, in school. If you think you will want them.
     
    Allow Me., Mar 31, 2011
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  3. Flying Dutchman

    Flying Dutchman Road Train Member

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    Take the tests while you are in school, then its done and over with. I would get haz, d/t, and tank. Haz requires a little extra work in the beginning, and a little more to maintain, but you can drop it later if you dont want it. At first I would say its best to get them all, excluding passenger.
     
    Flying Dutchman, Mar 31, 2011
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    Dave75 Thanks this.
  4. GS4

    GS4 Bobtail Member

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    I agree with the above, but the passenger does open a few more doors, especially when you dont have much experience, im starting out this way and im waiting on my TSA letter to go take my HazMat
     
    GS4, Mar 31, 2011
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  5. Panhandle flash

    Panhandle flash Road Train Member

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    Get them all for JIC purposes. Should help open more doors, once you've got some experience in. D/T and tanks you wont have to do again but will with hazmat.
     
    Panhandle flash, Mar 31, 2011
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  6. Miles_Of_Truckin

    Miles_Of_Truckin Light Load Member

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    Go for all of them, thats what i done. I figured why pay another 25 later down the road when i can study and get all at once!
     
    Miles_Of_Truckin, Mar 31, 2011
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  7. Montanaland

    Montanaland Light Load Member

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    I concur!! ...get them all..
     
    Montanaland, Mar 31, 2011
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  8. 123456

    123456 Road Train Member

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    If you can afford it, do it, your state needs the money, get them all..............

    If you are low on funds, waiting will make little difference.

    They increase your employability 0%.

    Out side of hazmat, the others will seldom, if ever, be used.

    If you should need one, companies allow you a time frame to obtain them...........
     
    123456, Mar 31, 2011
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  9. scotty320

    scotty320 Bobtail Member

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    in NJ your endorsements are paid for with your permit. so unless you want to pay $10.00 each endorsement afterwards get em early
     
    scotty320, Mar 31, 2011
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  10. RCH_Trucking

    RCH_Trucking Bobtail Member

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    Go to Craigslist and under "transport" for your local area, peruse through the first page of jobs and see how many you can't even apply for because you don't have the proper endorsements.

    I got them all as well as my TWIC card and passport. You never - ever want to limit yourself to opportunities because you're not prepared.

    I have a job now that takes me to ports (TWIC) to make pickups (though not containers) every so often and I haul doubles every Monday as well as go to Canada (from Seattle) one or two times every 10 days.

    You can never know what an employer will need tomorrow and you don't want to be the employee that can't fulfill that need.
     
    RCH_Trucking, Mar 31, 2011
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    panhandlepat and papa1953 Thank this.
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