Studying For CDL But Need Advice On Endorsements
Topic 2770 | Page 1
I tested all my endorsements except hazmat. You can not test hazmat until you have done your HME (hazardous materials endorsement) background test with the TSA. Once you test general knowledge, combination, and air brakes, you will get your CDL - A learner's permit. Once you have that permit you have to go to the TSA website and do an online application and pay $86. Then you have to go to the closest enrollment center and get your fingerprints done. After a couple of weeks, they will send you a letter saying your background check is done. Then you have to go back to DMV to test hazmat. If you are leaving in two days, it will not be possible to get hazmat before you leave.
My goal is to have every endorsement. It gives you opportunity in the future. When you go to DMV, if you are ready, you can test CDL - A which consist of general knowledge, combination, and air brakes. The other endorsements you will be able to test are passenger, tankers, and twins (double and triple trailers). Hope this helps.
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
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.
Yes, you will need to test for both hazmat and tanker. You will not be able to drive tanker without the endorsement. You will also more than likely haul hazmat which requires the endorsememt.
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 will repost this. I hope it helps.
Stephen,
It is a little different for each state. Call your DMV and ask questions and then call again and ask again because sometimes you will get different answers. This is how the process worked for me in NC:
1. Start doing the High Road CDL training program on here! This is the way to learn the material that you will need to pass your DMV test.
2. Get your DOT physical. Mine was paid for by the company I am going too. If not it can cost $100 to $200 to get it. You will get a DOT physical card. Do not lose it.
3. Keep studying the High Road training program.
4. When you know the material, go to DMV and test for your CDL - A. It is three test at a minimum. You have to test general knowledge, air brakes, and combination. If you pass these, you get a CDL - A learners permit.
5. If you want endorsements, again study the High Road CDL training.
6. Either go back later and test for the endorsements you want or test them same day in step 4 if you are ready.
7. If you want a hazmat endorsement, now is the time to submit your application to the TSA for your HME background check. You fill the application out online and pay $86 and some change.
8. Go to a TSA processing center to get your fingerprints done.
9. A week later, call the TSA and see if your check has been completed.
10. Once the TSA states the background check is completed, go back to DMV and test for the hazmat endorsement. Just remember to use the High Road CDL training program to study for your hazmat test.
11. Complete school and have your CDL - A learners permit turned in to a bona fide CDL - A with endorsements.
12. Hit the road trucking! (with a trainer of course)
Hope this helps! Good luck!
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
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
BMI:
Body mass index (BMI)
BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. The BMI's biggest weakness is that it doesn't consider individual factors such as bone or muscle mass. BMI may:
- Underestimate body fat for older adults or other people with low muscle mass
- Overestimate body fat for people who are very muscular and physically fit
It's quite common, especially for men, to fall into the "overweight" category if you happen to be stronger than average. If you're pretty strong but in good shape then pay no attention.
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.
For Prime's tanker division you only need tanker endorsement. No HazMat. They haul foodgrade only, no chemicals. So milk, orange juice, liquid sweeteners, that sort of stuff. Sorry Anchorman, but the 'stache is incorrect today!
There are quite a few tanker companies that do foodgrade only. There is one by me that does liquid chocolate! Can you imagine hauling liquid chocolate... lol.
I highly suggest you get every endorsement possible. It opens up doors. The HazMat thing depends on your state. I am in PA and I took the HazMat knowledge test the same day I took all my other tests. THEN I went to get fingerprints. So contact your DMV and ask how your state handles it.
Good luck! Very good choice on Prime Tanker division. They were my 2nd choice and I almost went with them. I believe you'll be mostly running NJ and down the I-95 corridor, and east of the Mississippi.
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
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.
For Prime's tanker division you only need tanker endorsement. No HazMat. They haul foodgrade only, no chemicals. So milk, orange juice, liquid sweeteners, that sort of stuff. Sorry Anchorman, but the 'stache is incorrect today!
There are quite a few tanker companies that do foodgrade only. There is one by me that does liquid chocolate! Can you imagine hauling liquid chocolate... lol.
I highly suggest you get every endorsement possible. It opens up doors. The HazMat thing depends on your state. I am in PA and I took the HazMat knowledge test the same day I took all my other tests. THEN I went to get fingerprints. So contact your DMV and ask how your state handles it.
Good luck! Very good choice on Prime Tanker division. They were my 2nd choice and I almost went with them. I believe you'll be mostly running NJ and down the I-95 corridor, and east of the Mississippi.
Thanks for the information....it was enlightening....now I have a better understanding....I was wondering what type of substances I would be hauling as a Tanker Driver....Thanks AGAIN....
GlamGirl@ThinkingAboutAnew Career...I appreciate the in depth information on testing and the step process....i really appreciate that!
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
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.
You are welcome! It took me a while to figure it all out. Lots of phone calls were made. Anyway, you still planning on testing tomorrow? f you have gone through the High Road training, you will fly through the test. The only questions I missed at DMV were ones that I missed read. Things like NOT and EXCEPT. Just stupid mistakes. Anyway, you will do fine. Good luck!
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.
I think besides endorsements getting your TWIC is a good idea. I paid $136.00 for it. It will give you security clearance to enter all US Ports and make you more marketable. I also think getting your passport card is a good idea.
Six
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.
Kip, I was wondering about the TWIC. I just got printed for the HME. I was waiting to do TWIC later because you get the discount. Roehl requires all the flatbed drivers to have a TWIC. I am thinking I may switch to flatbed, so I may not have a choice. Already have a passport so all good there. Anyway, thanks.
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.
Getting your HM and TWIC should probably be a no brainer if you want to run a tanker. At least I would think it would be anyway. Not sure how the state your in runs it but if your not sure whether you want your hazmat or not take the test at least. I know here in Maine they will let you take the written portion of the HM and if you decide later on that you want it you go get the background check at the TSA after the fact.
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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OKAY, Do I need to also study for hazmat and tanker....I'm going with Prime Inc in their tanker division but the recruiter told me to study general knowledge, air brakes and combination vehicles....It just dawned on me...that I didn't ask that question......
Im going to continue studying this next couple days. Whenever the ice storm clears hopefully, I can test on 2/14 Fri and be ready to leave by Sun.....
Keeping my focus!
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
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.