7390
Free Tires Claimed

Learn More!

< Back to all blogs

Truck Drivers Endorsements That Will Help Your Career

February 17, 2023

old driver learning to become a truck driver at an older age

If you plan to get truck drivers endorsements on your CDL license, you should know what these endorsements are and how they can help your career. There are a ton of endorsements out there that are needed to drive a large commercial truck. Additional training in Class A vehicles will make your CDL more valuable and skillful.

Hazmat Endorsement

The Hazmat endorsement is required to transport hazardous materials. It’s also necessary if you want to drive a double or triple trailer and tanker truck. These vehicles transport liquid or gaseous materials that may be flammable, corrosive, or toxic. This allows you to transport hazardous materials, leading to higher-paying jobs and more job opportunities.
The Hazmat endorsement requires an additional test on top of your general knowledge exam and requires at least six months of experience. Driving non-flammable liquid products like gasoline or diesel fuel before you can apply for it in most states (some states allow other types of experience). Transportation of Hazardous waste and materials, like radioactive material or dangerous gases, cover H endorsement. To pass the H endorsement, a driver must take a written exam covering hazmat protocols, federal safety, unloading hazardous material and waste, and state transportation regulations.
Many companies require their drivers to have this license because it shows them. That the driver knows what they’re doing regarding handling dangerous goods safely on the roadways.

Tanker Endorsement

A tanker endorsement is a specialized endorsement on a commercial driver’s license (CDL). That allows the driver to operate a commercial motor vehicle that transports liquid or gaseous materials in bulk, such as petroleum products, chemicals, or hazardous materials. To obtain a tanker endorsement, a driver must pass a written and skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and an on-road driving test.
Commercial truck drivers of tank vehicles need to secure the N endorsement. When drivers transport tanks containing harmless liquids or gases, he needs this endorsement. To gain the N endorsement, drivers must hold a written knowledge test on the bylaws and safety regulations governing transporting liquids and gases.

Trucker questioning the cost to be an owner operator

Combination vehicles Endorsement

A combination vehicle endorsement is a specialized endorsement on a commercial driver’s license (CDL). That allows the driver to operate a combination of vehicles with a total weight of 26,000 pounds or more, including a tractor trailer or other large truck towing a trailer. To obtain a combination vehicle endorsement, a driver must pass a written test and a skills test. That includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and an on-road driving test with a combination vehicle. This can include semi truck, tractor-trailers, and other combination vehicles.
Transportation of dangerous liquids and gases in a tanker, a driver should need the Endorsement of X CDL. To gain the X endorsement, drivers must hold a written knowledge test.

Hazy image of a person in a truck talking about expenses, how much it costs to be a owner operator

Air Brakes Endorsement

An air brakes endorsement is a specialized endorsement on a commercial driver’s license (CDL). That allows the driver to operate a commercial motor vehicle equipped with air brakes. To obtain an air brakes endorsement, a driver must pass a written test. That covers topics such as air brake system parts, dual air brake systems, air brake inspection, and air brake maintenance. The test also includes questions about stopping distances and skid control. Additionally, the driver must pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection and a demonstration of the air brake system operation. It’s worth noting that in some states, the air brakes endorsement is mandatory for all drivers operating vehicles equipped with air brakes. While in others, it is only required for certain types of commercial vehicles.

do owner operators need a business license

Double/Triple Endorsement

The Double/Triple (T) endorsement is a specialized endorsement on a commercial driver’s license (CDL). That allows the driver to tow double or triple trailers. To obtain a T endorsement, a driver must pass a written test that covers topics. Such as the characteristics of double/triple trailers, coupling, and uncoupling procedures, and inspection and maintenance of double/triple trailers. The driver must also pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and an on-road driving test while operating a vehicle with double or triple trailers. The T endorsement is required for anyone who wants to tow double or triple trailers with a commercial vehicle, such as a tractor-trailer combination.

Many truckers together near the sea thinking about the costs to be an owner operator

Passenger Endorsement

The Passenger endorsement is a specialized endorsement on a commercial driver’s license (CDL). That allows the driver to transport passengers in a commercial vehicle, such as a bus. To obtain a P endorsement, a driver must pass a written test that covers topics such as loading and unloading passengers, safe driving practices, and emergency procedures. The truck driver must also pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection. Basic control skills, and an on-road driving test while operating a vehicle with passengers. The P endorsement is required for anyone. Who wants to transport passengers in a commercial vehicle carrying 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

owner operator who had no experience

School Bus Endorsement

The School Bus (S) endorsement is a specialized endorsement on a commercial driver’s license (CDL) that allows the truck driver job description to operate a school bus. To obtain an S endorsement, a driver must pass a written test. That covers topics such as loading and unloading students, pre-trip inspections, emergency procedures, and student management. The driver must also pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and an on-road driving test while operating a school bus. The S endorsement is required for anyone who wants to operate a school bus designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver. It is owned or operated by a school district or government agency.

Trucks in a lot while truckers meet to discuss costs

What is the Hazmat endorsement test in Texas?

To obtain the Hazmat endorsement, 18 wheeler driver must pass the Transportation Security Administration background check and a knowledge test. The Texas hazmat test exam consists of 30 questions. You must give at least 24 questions (80%) correct answers to pass the exam.

How hard is the Texas hazmat test?

We have compiled the top 120 questions to appear on the Hazmat endorsement exam. The questions have been based on the 2023 Texas CDL drivers’ manual. The exam will consist of 30 multiple-choice questions, and you will need at least 80% (24 out of 30) to pass the Hazmat endorsement exam.

Get the Best CDL Jobs with Endorsements

Unlock a world of opportunities and take your trucking career to the next level with the power of CDL endorsements. Your journey begins here, where we unveil the secret to landing the best CDL jobs with endorsements that genuinely matter. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or just starting your trucking adventure, understanding the significance of license endorsements and the different CDL types can be a game-changer. Imagine commanding a higher salary, enjoying greater job security, and having the freedom to choose from various specialized roles.

CDL endorsements are your golden ticket to this world of possibilities. With our expert guidance, you’ll grasp the intricacies of license endorsements and CDL types and discover how to leverage them to secure the most coveted positions in the trucking industry. Refrain from settling for an ordinary trucking job when you can embark on an extraordinary career journey with the proper truck drivers endorsements. Join us on this exciting ride, and let your passion for trucking steer you toward a brighter, more rewarding future. The road to success is paved with CDL endorsements, and it’s time for you to take the wheel.

Conclusion

Truck drivers endorsements can help your career. They show that you have specialized skills and knowledge. Which can lead to better opportunities and higher pay. If you’re looking for a new job with more responsibility or want to ensure. That you’re prepared for what comes next in your career path, consider getting one of these endorsements.

About Booker Transportation

Booker Trans is 100% Owner Operator. It is our belief that an Independent Owner is the best way to get a customers freight delivered timely and safely. Booker is a leading Refrigerated Carrier providing the best lease options in the industry for today’s Owner Operators. Monthly and Yearly Awards, Longevity Bonuses, and the Free tires for Life of Lease Program, are just a few examples of what Booker Trans offers the Owner Operator. Booker Trans has built it’s success upon working partnerships with Customers, as well as Agency Relationships built over the last 20 years. Those same relationships are what makes consistent year round freight possible.

Are you interested in becoming an owner operator driver or getting into the logistics industry?

Let’s connect!