CDL Permit Holders Getting All Endorsements?

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Don's Comment
member avatar

On various forums and websites, I read statements from people who are going to a CDL program that they "got all their endorsements" prior to their going to the program. My understanding is that you need to have a valid, current CDL license to apply for the Hazmat endorsement. It is stated as such at the TSA website, and on Ohio's application process. I am probably just misinterpreting what these posters are posting.

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

Dave Reid's Comment
member avatar

Maybe this varies by state, but I can share my experience. I got my CDL-B in Michigan many yeaers ago. In January, 2016 I applied for and received the CDL-A learner's permit, and immediately applied with TSA for hazmat. By the time I was finishing the licensing school a few weeks later, I had received the approval letter for hazmat. So, after I had the examiner's certificate and the school's certificate, I returned to the driver licensing joint, took the tests for all of the endorsements (including hazmat), and received my CDL-AM PTX. I did things this way because, well, I tend to do things that way whether necessary or not, to give me every possible option, and to save money in case I wanted or needed any of that stuff at a later time (since if one returns to add an endorsement, there is another fee). Earlier this year, I changed the license to another state, and was able to keep the hazmat endorsement by showing them the approval letter and retaking the hazmat test. I do not need any of the endorsements for my current job, but who knows what the future will hold.

On various forums and websites, I read statements from people who are going to a CDL program that they "got all their endorsements" prior to their going to the program. My understanding is that you need to have a valid, current CDL license to apply for the Hazmat endorsement. It is stated as such at the TSA website, and on Ohio's application process. I am probably just misinterpreting what these posters are posting.

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

OWI:

Operating While Intoxicated

Dave Reid's Comment
member avatar

One more thing - if you do decide to apply for hazmat , if you like you can apply for TWIC at the same time. The background check process is the same, and the agency you have submit your fingerprints, etc. will facilitate the submission for both credentials simultaneously, saving money and also saving you the time and trouble of going through the same rot all over again. Some trucking gigs require the TWIC.

Maybe this varies by state, but I can share my experience. I got my CDL-B in Michigan many yeaers ago. In January, 2016 I applied for and received the CDL-A learner's permit, and immediately applied with TSA for hazmat. By the time I was finishing the licensing school a few weeks later, I had received the approval letter for hazmat. So, after I had the examiner's certificate and the school's certificate, I returned to the driver licensing joint, took the tests for all of the endorsements (including hazmat), and received my CDL-AM PTX. I did things this way because, well, I tend to do things that way whether necessary or not, to give me every possible option, and to save money in case I wanted or needed any of that stuff at a later time (since if one returns to add an endorsement, there is another fee). Earlier this year, I changed the license to another state, and was able to keep the hazmat endorsement by showing them the approval letter and retaking the hazmat test. I do not need any of the endorsements for my current job, but who knows what the future will hold.

double-quotes-start.png

On various forums and websites, I read statements from people who are going to a CDL program that they "got all their endorsements" prior to their going to the program. My understanding is that you need to have a valid, current CDL license to apply for the Hazmat endorsement. It is stated as such at the TSA website, and on Ohio's application process. I am probably just misinterpreting what these posters are posting.

double-quotes-end.png

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

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.

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.

OWI:

Operating While Intoxicated

Don's Comment
member avatar

The TSA website states an applicant has to have a DSL. I may be misinterpreting it, but I do not believe a permit holder can apply.

One more thing - if you do decide to apply for hazmat , if you like you can apply for TWIC at the same time. The background check process is the same, and the agency you have submit your fingerprints, etc. will facilitate the submission for both credentials simultaneously, saving money and also saving you the time and trouble of going through the same rot all over again. Some trucking gigs require the TWIC.

double-quotes-start.png

Maybe this varies by state, but I can share my experience. I got my CDL-B in Michigan many yeaers ago. In January, 2016 I applied for and received the CDL-A learner's permit, and immediately applied with TSA for hazmat. By the time I was finishing the licensing school a few weeks later, I had received the approval letter for hazmat. So, after I had the examiner's certificate and the school's certificate, I returned to the driver licensing joint, took the tests for all of the endorsements (including hazmat), and received my CDL-AM PTX. I did things this way because, well, I tend to do things that way whether necessary or not, to give me every possible option, and to save money in case I wanted or needed any of that stuff at a later time (since if one returns to add an endorsement, there is another fee). Earlier this year, I changed the license to another state, and was able to keep the hazmat endorsement by showing them the approval letter and retaking the hazmat test. I do not need any of the endorsements for my current job, but who knows what the future will hold.

double-quotes-start.png

double-quotes-start.png

On various forums and websites, I read statements from people who are going to a CDL program that they "got all their endorsements" prior to their going to the program. My understanding is that you need to have a valid, current CDL license to apply for the Hazmat endorsement. It is stated as such at the TSA website, and on Ohio's application process. I am probably just misinterpreting what these posters are posting.

double-quotes-end.png

double-quotes-end.png

double-quotes-end.png

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

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.

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.

OWI:

Operating While Intoxicated

Old School's Comment
member avatar

My experience was the similar to Dave's. Did the application, and got fingerprinted when I had my permit. Got my approval letter in the mail while in truck driving school. When I passed the driving portion of the test I gave a copy of the letter to the DMV and took the test. When my CDL showed up in the mail it had all the endorsements on it. I am fairly certain each state may handle this differently.

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.

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.

Amish country's Comment
member avatar

When I did my permit and endorsement tests here in PA i did the hazmat and got the finger printing done before passing my license testing. It may be a state by state decision on 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

Key City's Comment
member avatar

I only have CLP and a Illinois drivers lisence. I am going to get my Hazmat fingerprints tomorrow. ( I set up an appointment) it takes around 30 days to get through the system. After I Pass my pre-trip (May 2nd) my backing skills, (May 10th) and my road test (May 17th, I can go to the DMV to get my CDL applied for so they can send it to me in the mail. While at the DMV i will take the endorsement test so it can be put on my lisence that day.

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.

CLP:

Commercial Learner's Permit

Before getting their CDL, commercial drivers will receive their commercial learner's permit (CLP) upon passing the written portion of the CDL exam. They will not have to retake the written exam to get their CDL.

Gladhand's Comment
member avatar

Get all of them right away. I have an opporunity at an LTL company doing linehaul , but it has been delayed due to me not having the endorsements. Should of listened to the advice. Live and learn.

LTL:

Less Than Truckload

Refers to carriers that make a lot of smaller pickups and deliveries for multiple customers as opposed to hauling one big load of freight for one customer. This type of hauling is normally done by companies with terminals scattered throughout the country where freight is sorted before being moved on to its destination.

LTL carriers include:

  • FedEx Freight
  • Con-way
  • YRC Freight
  • UPS
  • Old Dominion
  • Estes
  • Yellow-Roadway
  • ABF Freight
  • R+L Carrier

Linehaul:

Linehaul drivers will normally run loads from terminal to terminal for LTL (Less than Truckload) companies.

LTL (Less Than Truckload) carriers will have Linehaul drivers and P&D drivers. The P&D drivers will deliver loads locally from the terminal and pick up loads returning them to the terminal. Linehaul drivers will then run truckloads from terminal to terminal.
Dave Reid's Comment
member avatar

The TSA website states an applicant has to have a DSL. I may be misinterpreting it, but I do not believe a permit holder can apply.

A whole lot of us have done so, Don. Since TSA is a federal thing, I doubt that this aspect varies by state. Probabaly the TSA site wording just doesn't make the distinction between CDpermit and CDLicense. Of course you'd have to have the license to actually have the qualification added to it, but you can apply now if you want to and get the process rolling.

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.
Don's Comment
member avatar

Thanks David. I'll check again.

double-quotes-start.png

The TSA website states an applicant has to have a DSL. I may be misinterpreting it, but I do not believe a permit holder can apply.

double-quotes-end.png

A whole lot of us have done so, Don. Since TSA is a federal thing, I doubt that this aspect varies by state. Probabaly the TSA site wording just doesn't make the distinction between CDpermit and CDLicense. Of course you'd have to have the license to actually have the qualification added to it, but you can apply now if you want to and get the process rolling.

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.
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