Experience Criteria
Topic 25146 | Page 1
Is it true that if you accept a Class B job that keeps you at home nights and weekends that experience counts towards any driving job you apply for?
Not true at all.
I don't know where you are getting your information, but it's not very accurate. There's three worlds of difference between class B driving and class A. Many employers specify "tractor/trailer" experience. I don't know of any class B jobs that are considered "tractor/trailer" jobs. A class A license is for combination vehicles of a specific size.
Class B jobs cannot give you the needed experience for a class A job.
Combination Vehicle:
A vehicle with two separate parts - the power unit (tractor) and the trailer. Tractor-trailers are considered combination vehicles.
I don't know where you are getting your information, but it's not very accurate. There's three worlds of difference between class B driving and class A. Many employers specify "tractor/trailer" experience. I don't know of any class B jobs that are considered "tractor/trailer" jobs. A class A license is for combination vehicles of a specific size.
Class B jobs cannot give you the needed experience for a class A job.
I understand there is a Big difference between A and B. I was told that experience is still considered and could be a case by case consideration. I have seen experience questions list both as Tractor Trailer and Verifiable Driving. Some ask how much experience in different positions, Straight Truck ( class B ) Combination , Doubles/Triples, Tankers and Hazmat.
I was told all CMV experience counts towards experience. Just trying to get an idea of possible experiences. I know others who obtained Class A's and drove Class B for the reasons I mentioned and looked at it as expanded opportunities after their children were older or backup because you still have Class A license.
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
Combination Vehicle:
A vehicle with two separate parts - the power unit (tractor) and the trailer. Tractor-trailers are considered combination vehicles.
CMV:
Commercial Motor Vehicle
A CMV is a vehicle that is used as part of a business, is involved in interstate commerce, and may fit any of these descriptions:
- Weighs 10,001 pounds or more
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more
- Is designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) not for compensation
- Is designed or used to transport 9 or more passengers (including the driver) for compensation
- Is transporting hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placards
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'm not saying you can't get a class A job after a few years of class B experience, but you will not be considered as an experienced class A driver. You will most likely be required to go through training or a refresher course. You will be considered an inexperienced class A driver
I was told all CMV experience counts towards experience.
That's not true.
CMV:
Commercial Motor Vehicle
A CMV is a vehicle that is used as part of a business, is involved in interstate commerce, and may fit any of these descriptions:
- Weighs 10,001 pounds or more
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more
- Is designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) not for compensation
- Is designed or used to transport 9 or more passengers (including the driver) for compensation
- Is transporting hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placards
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Hello All,
I am just curious I have been told CDL drive experience is not held separate between A and B if you have a Class A. My question is this. Is it true that if you accept a Class B job that keeps you at home nights and weekends that experience counts towards any driving job you apply for? Example driving Class B for 2 years then Apply for a Class A job that requires 2 years verifiable experience. Anyone do this?
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles: