Are you ready to enhance your truck driving career after working in the transportation sector for some time? Even though there are many methods to develop your truck driving career, obtaining a CDL tanker endorsement is a reasonably simple approach to increasing the range of liquids you can transport with your loads. In addition to enabling you to carry liquids, a tanker endorsement will provide you access to higher-paying cargoes.
But you ask, what exactly is a tanker endorsement? A CDL tanker endorsement essentially certifies that a driver is qualified and authorized to handle heavy liquid cargo. Additionally, there are 2 primary categories of tanker endorsements:
- N Endorsement – needed for drivers hauling liquids or gas exceeding 1,000 gallons
- X Endorsement – combines the regular tanker endorsement (N Endorsement) with a hazardous endorsement
Tanker Endorsement Requirements
Remember that not everyone qualifies for a tanker endorsement if you are wondering how to apply. You must first complete the following tasks to be able to apply for a CDL tanker endorsement:
- 18 years of age or older
- Possess a current US passport or be a resident
- You must first give up your old CDL and apply for a new one for the relevant state if your CDL is from another.
- Before requesting an endorsement, you must apply for and get a valid CDL if you do not already have one.
- Pass the eye test
- At the DMV, take a recent photo.
- Pay any registration and/or training costs.
- Before receiving an endorsement, complete and pass the tanker & hazardous material tests individually.
- Before adding a CDL Tanker Endorsement, possess a valid Commercial Class B or Class A license.
- Be able to complete the HME knowledge exam and submit an application for the hazardous material endorsement.
You will be qualified to apply for a CDL tanker endorsement after all of the items above have been resolved and finished.
What is the Cost of a Tanker Endorsement?
Now that you know the prerequisites for a tanker endorsement, it is time to discuss the expense of obtaining one. Thank goodness CDL tanker endorsements are reasonably priced. Depending on your state, the extra endorsement costs $10 to $50 if you already have your CDL. Check with your state’s DMV for exact tank endorsement costs and requirements since prices might vary from state to state.
Improving Your Career with a Tanker Endorsement for Your CDL
Simply understanding what a tanker endorsement is, what it entails to get one, how much it costs, and the advantages of having one will help you as a rookie or experienced truck driver establish future objectives and avoid being satisfied with your present professional situation. Additionally, it will assist in keeping you motivated to get more CDL endorsements to secure better, higher-paying truck driving positions. Learning how to manage liquid cargo is essential to keeping you and many others safe on the open road, regardless of whether you want to get a CDL tanker endorsement right now or in the future. Consider obtaining as many endorsements as possible if you are a rookie driver. Any more experience you have may lead to future job prospects in truck driving that are greater.
Source:
- CA DMV
- Hawkeye TSI