I Need Some Advice On Endorsements:
Topic 20091 | Page 2
Hey millionmiler I don't remember what company you went with but you might check to see if they'll cover the cost of the Hazmat. I decided to get my HM after I was already working for Swift and they reimbursed me for the cost of the background check.
I recommend eventually getting all three endorsements (HM, doubles/triples, tanker) because you never know when they might come in handy. Get them all at the same time so you don't have to renew your license three separate times.
Sorry, a little late to the party here but that's my 2 cents.
Its all good, no worries. I don't need hazmat or the others for what I want to do with my truckin career. I just plan to stick to dry van general merchandise loads. I went with CRST if you was wonderin. I don't want the extra risk that those endorsements entail. I already have a lot on my plate with just a basic CDL and I am perfectly happy where its at now. I appreciate the support though.
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.
Dry Van:
A trailer or truck that that requires no special attention, such as refrigeration, that hauls regular palletted, boxed, or floor-loaded freight. The most common type of trailer in trucking.HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
I got my TWIC card before hazmat it didn't take long for background check, actually I filled out app online, scheduled the in person part for a time during home time and they had card in the mail by the end of the week. if you have hazmat already though they lower the price of twic card. I think it works the other way around too but not sure. my company doesn't require twic or hazmat but I figured it never hurts to have at least one in case they ever want to do a load out of ports or military base, it's one more driver they have who already has what's needed. I'll be looking into getting hazmat on my next home time. Once again not needed, but if company wants it makes me that much more valuble an employee or if I switch companies to one whom does require it or does have a need for drivers with em, I'll already have them.
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
TWIC:
Transportation Worker Identification Credential
Truck drivers who regularly pick up from or deliver to the shipping ports will often be required to carry a TWIC card.
Your TWIC is a tamper-resistant biometric card which acts as both your identification in secure areas, as well as an indicator of you having passed the necessary security clearance. TWIC cards are valid for five years. The issuance of TWIC cards is overseen by the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.
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Hey, Rainy? This is kind of off topic here but were you here at the TA in Ontario, CA about 07:00 PDT this morning? I saw someone driving a burgundy Prime Truck that looked brand new and it was a lady that I could have swore looked just like you.
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
TWIC:
Transportation Worker Identification Credential
Truck drivers who regularly pick up from or deliver to the shipping ports will often be required to carry a TWIC card.
Your TWIC is a tamper-resistant biometric card which acts as both your identification in secure areas, as well as an indicator of you having passed the necessary security clearance. TWIC cards are valid for five years. The issuance of TWIC cards is overseen by the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.