Endorsements
Topic 15683 | Page 1
I got mine prior to school just because I completed the HRTP on here. My school didn't do anything with doubles. Since that is usually specific to the company, I doubt many schools offer training on it.
Doubles:
Refers to pulling two trailers at the same time, otherwise known as "pups" or "pup trailers" because they're only about 28 feet long. However there are some states that allow doubles that are each 48 feet in length.
No, cdl schools don't teach that stuff generally, although you'll find sections in your states manual (and here on the high road program) that will cover what you need to know for those endorsement exams.
My company does not haul or require a hazmat , tanker, double/triple, so i didn't bother. Hazmat will require a background check and fingerprinting before you'd be allowed to take that endorsement exam.. The others can be added anytime.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
HAZMAT:
Hazardous Materials
Explosive, flammable, poisonous or otherwise potentially dangerous cargo. Large amounts of especially hazardous cargo are required to be placarded under HAZMAT regulations
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
I'm not sure if it's common or not, but you can get them just by taking a written test, so if you study it really isn't that hard. Well, the hazmat actually takes a background check as well, but that's not hard either. I would say definitely study and go for tanker and doubles/triple because I don't think it's that hard, just don't let it interfere with the ones you need for your permit. As far as hazmat, one school of thought is that you might as well get it because it will increase your opportunities. But the instructor at my cdl school recommended waiting until you got your cdl and you want to apply to a company that needs it. I think part of the reason he said that is because the background check is like $128, I think (I don't remember exactly), and he didn't want people thinking they had to pay that and then never use it. I got a hazmat endorsement and I haven't used it yet, and I've been solo for 6 months.
As for teaching doubles/triples, schools teach what you need to know to pass the skills and road test, and you don't need that (you do need to study it for the written test, but you don't actually have to do any of it). If you go to work for a company that wants you to pull doubles or triples, I think they'll train you.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
HAZMAT:
Hazardous Materials
Explosive, flammable, poisonous or otherwise potentially dangerous cargo. Large amounts of especially hazardous cargo are required to be placarded under HAZMAT regulations
Doubles:
Refers to pulling two trailers at the same time, otherwise known as "pups" or "pup trailers" because they're only about 28 feet long. However there are some states that allow doubles that are each 48 feet in length.
I got my HM, Tanker and D&T before I went to school. The tests were easy and I was alredy there testing anyways. Tanker and D&T are generally specific to a certain Company. They normally provide the training. I have been Solo with Swift for about 6 weeks and already hauled Two HM loads. They pay a flat rate of $35.00 per load. On a 500 mile run that is 7 cpm additional. BTW, Swift reimbursed me for the Fingerprint/Background check. Im glad I have it. It will sometimes get you runs because you are the only one in the vicinity with the Endorsement. Good Luck!
CPM:
Cents Per Mile
Drivers are often paid by the mile and it's given in cents per mile, or cpm.
Thanks everybody! The High road training here certainly taught me a lot in order to get my permit and now I'll study for the endorsements as well!
Two down and one to go! Passed the doubles and tankers today and now onto studying for the fun one (Hazmat).
HAZMAT:
Hazardous Materials
Explosive, flammable, poisonous or otherwise potentially dangerous cargo. Large amounts of especially hazardous cargo are required to be placarded under HAZMAT regulations
Doubles:
Refers to pulling two trailers at the same time, otherwise known as "pups" or "pup trailers" because they're only about 28 feet long. However there are some states that allow doubles that are each 48 feet in length.
Just good to get them all out of the way if you have the time to study. I took all my written tests together...general, hazmat , tanker, doubles-triples. I did not take passenger/ bus more for sanity reasons. It just opens up more possibilities for your career without having to go back to DMV.
HAZMAT:
Hazardous Materials
Explosive, flammable, poisonous or otherwise potentially dangerous cargo. Large amounts of especially hazardous cargo are required to be placarded under HAZMAT regulations
Doubles:
Refers to pulling two trailers at the same time, otherwise known as "pups" or "pup trailers" because they're only about 28 feet long. However there are some states that allow doubles that are each 48 feet in length.
Dm:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.DMV:
Department of Motor Vehicles, Bureau of Motor Vehicles
The state agency that handles everything related to your driver's licences, including testing, issuance, transfers, and revocation.
It will be a good feeling to get them out of the way!
Anybody remember how many questions are on the Hazmat test?
HAZMAT:
Hazardous Materials
Explosive, flammable, poisonous or otherwise potentially dangerous cargo. Large amounts of especially hazardous cargo are required to be placarded under HAZMAT regulations
I think HM test was 25 questions.
New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Preview:
Why Join Trucking Truth?
- The High Road Training Program
- The High Road Article Series
- The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
- Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
TT On Facebook
Is it common to get your Hazmat , Doubles/Triples and Tanker endorsements before even going to school? Also, I went for a visit to the school I'll be attending and I noticed a lot of people practice driving with trailers but I didn't see any doubles. Do schools generally teach driving doubles/triples and the procedures with dollys etc.? Thanks
HAZMAT:
Hazardous Materials
Explosive, flammable, poisonous or otherwise potentially dangerous cargo. Large amounts of especially hazardous cargo are required to be placarded under HAZMAT regulations
Doubles:
Refers to pulling two trailers at the same time, otherwise known as "pups" or "pup trailers" because they're only about 28 feet long. However there are some states that allow doubles that are each 48 feet in length.