When you’re a commercial truck driver, you’ve got an open road of opportunity before you. One way to increase your potential earnings is by adding trucker endorsements to your commercial driver’s license (CDL). Like certificates, endorsements allow you to transport different types of cargo. While the requirements vary by state, here are six options.
代言
H背书, 或危险品背书, allows you to operate a vehicle that is loaded with HAZMAT (hazardous material), which includes flammable and combustible liquids, 气体, 或炸药. 获得H背书, 你需要通过笔试, complete a TSA Security Threat Assessment application, 提供指纹, 并通过背景调查. HAZMAT can be one of the most challenging CDL endorsements to earn, 但也是最赚钱的行业之一.
An N Endorsement is a tanker vehicle endorsement. It allows you to drive tanker vehicles that haul liquid or 气体. Hauling liquids involves special training on safety rules, since they present additional driving challenges including a higher center of gravity and movement inside the tank. To receive this endorsement, 你需要通过笔试.
A P Endorsement is a passenger vehicle endorsement that allows you to drive a vehicle or bus that seats 16 people, 包括司机. Training includes steps such as pre- and post-trip vehicle inspection, 车辆装载, 以及旅行安全措施. To obtain a P Endorsement, you need to pass a written and a road test.
如果你开的是校车, you’ll also need to get an S Endorsement, which is a school bus transport endorsement. You’ll receive training on safety measures for children entering and exiting the bus as well as student management. In addition to fulfilling the requirements for a P endorsement, you’ll need to pass a federal background check.
A - T背书, also called a double and triple endorsement, allows you to drive a truck that tows double or triple trailers. Since this type of vehicle has multiple segments and is more prone to roll-overs, you’ll receive training on safe hauling. You’ll need to pass a written test to receive this endorsement.
And, finally, an X Endorsement is a combination endorsement covering tanker and hazardous vehicles. This allows you to operate a vehicle hauling HAZMAT within a tank. Since hazardous materials are often carried in tank trucks, this endorsement can provide greater flexibility for drivers. Like the others, you’ll need to pass a written test.
CDL类
The type of endorsements you can get will depend on your CDL class, which can be A, B or C. A Class A CDL allows you to drive tractor-trailers and flatbeds, 牲畜运营商, 坦克车, 卡车和拖车组合, 牵引式挂车公交车, 还有带平板拖车的半卡车. With a Class B CDL you can operate straight trucks, 城市和旅游客车, 分段的公交车, 校车, 盒子的卡车, 带小拖车的自卸卡车, 和过时. And a Class C CDL lets you drive small trucks equipped to transport HAZMAT, 乘客车, 还有拖着拖车的小卡车.
Class A CDL holders can receive any of the endorsements. Class B CDL holders can obtain all except the T endorsement. And Class C CDL holders can obtain just the H, P, and S endorsements.
You can declare which endorsements you intend to pursue when you apply for your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). Some states may impose limits on the endorsements you may have. The more endorsements you hold, the more opportunities you give your career.
If you’re thinking about getting your CDL, Fortis can put you on the road to this new career by providing the classroom and behind-the-wheel training you need to apply for your license. 点击这里 for more information on our commercial trucking programs or call us today at (855) 436-7847 and speak to one of our career counselors.