CDL drivers hazmat question
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Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque
CDL drivers hazmat question
I do not currently use my hazmat protion of my CDL but I figured I would keep it in case I ever needed it again. But with the new TSA regs i may get rid of it.
Most of you have probably already done this but NM is a little slow,
Anyway, now we have to get a fbi backgound check and fingerprints. To keep our hazmats here in NM. 125.00 added tax to get it.
Are you all having to do this?
Is it worth keeping it?
Any comments on the new rules?
thanks,
nmford
Most of you have probably already done this but NM is a little slow,
Anyway, now we have to get a fbi backgound check and fingerprints. To keep our hazmats here in NM. 125.00 added tax to get it.
Are you all having to do this?
Is it worth keeping it?
Any comments on the new rules?
thanks,
nmford
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,543
Likes: 2
From: Georgia
If you don't use it or don't plan on using it then ditch it.
Hazmat endorsement costs went up in price since 911. I ditch mine since I never used it & have had no problem getting driving jobs without it.
Hazmat endorsement costs went up in price since 911. I ditch mine since I never used it & have had no problem getting driving jobs without it.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 415
Likes: 0
From: Jerseyville,IL
I don't have it. I didn't get it though when I got my CDL. I don't need it for hauling grain, I figured if I were to pursue another career that required it I'd get it. Getting the basic CDL here seems like the biggest step, then you just add the endorsements you need. I know that if I woulda got Hazmat, I'd have to retest the hazmat part every 4 years to keep it. Without it I don't have to retest at all.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: okc
I dropped my hazmat over 6 yrs ago, got tired of re-testing and paying for the additional endorsement. My job and company does not require hazmat. If I ever go to work for a company that requires it, they will have to pay for the endorsement or it will have to pay a significant bonus or premium for having the endorsement and encroachment into my private life which is what the new require background check is all about.
The background check is a indepth FBI check into your private and past life. I had to do it for security clearances in the military, but since I've retired, its none of their business.
The background check is a indepth FBI check into your private and past life. I had to do it for security clearances in the military, but since I've retired, its none of their business.
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Hitchcock, TX
Just because you have a hazmat endorsement doesn't mean you have to use it. You only have to retest when you renew your license (every 6 years here in TX) if your using it your company is required to retrain and retest you every three years. The background check only goes back 7 years, no big deal, the fingerprints I'll admit are a pain in the ***. The thing is, the harder it is to get a hzmat the more valuable it'll be. A friend of mine is the regional sales mgr. for a major company and he says a hazmat endorsement will soon be as good as a commercial pilots license. I don't know if I'd go that far, but we are definately seeing that fewer new drivers are coming with an H or X endorsement. Frankly, to my mind girls haul general commodities, men haul steel and chemicals (just joking, don't jump me all at once). But they ARE more fun.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,420
Likes: 3
From: Langhorne, PA
I just paid for a renewed CDL license here in Pennsylvania in July 2004. I had to take a Hazmat test at the state trooper barracks, 25 or 30 questions multiple choice testing, I passed it and am fully endorsed to haul bombs, fertilizer, acid, propane, etc. I deliver food everday, but, occasionally( 3 times a year) my boss sends me down to get a load of cleaning solvents(placard #1760).
The test didn't seem to be any different the last time I took it (early 2001, pre-911). The entire license costs a little more than it did 4 years ago, and I didn't notice anything about security on the Hazmat tests..just your same old safety questions. I like keeping all endorsements up to date, you never know when that endorsement will finally pay off. I feel sorry for the safe drivers being hassled about FBI background checks. I hate Big Brother, If I see him sneaking around I'm going to kick his butt.
The test didn't seem to be any different the last time I took it (early 2001, pre-911). The entire license costs a little more than it did 4 years ago, and I didn't notice anything about security on the Hazmat tests..just your same old safety questions. I like keeping all endorsements up to date, you never know when that endorsement will finally pay off. I feel sorry for the safe drivers being hassled about FBI background checks. I hate Big Brother, If I see him sneaking around I'm going to kick his butt.
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More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 510
Likes: 21
From: Clinton TN.
I dropped mine about 8 years ago, I figure if I ever need it again I will go and get it. I just got tired of paying for the extra endorsement, I still have everything else though including Triples and Tanker.
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 849
Likes: 0
From: Leesburg , Fl.
WEll ... Thier still fighting over this in Washington , so who knows what the final bill will look like ?!! I admit no matter what they ( our ledgislators ) come up with it's going to be a PITA for us !! I expect some companies will cover the costs to the driver , but most of us will have to pay it out of our pocket . Look for it all to be a big mess for the first few months after it's up and running ! I think this is just the beginning of tighter requirements on drivers , there is also talk of making the DOT physicals tougher and only a select few doctors permited to give them just as with a commercial pilot's license . So get ready for that big pay raise when you must meet tighter regulations .....NOT !!!!
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
Okie
Dropped mine. Don't use it and not likely to need it because with all the regulations the company I drive for just doesn't want the added expences and hassle of keeping up all the records the Feds require these days. just not worth the problems the goobermint cause.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
Ok, had my CDL for a couple years now(in Ohio), when I go to renew again will I have to retake any tests? I don't have Hazmat, never figured I would ever want to use it, plus knowing all the hub bub about keeping it current.
Never really heard the real answer to this so I thought I would throw it out there.
Never really heard the real answer to this so I thought I would throw it out there.
