Commercial trucking is vital for American industry, and there is a wide variety of employment opportunities for people who wish to begin a career in this field. Those different opportunities have specific requirements based on what a truck driver will be hauling and the type of vehicle used for these tasks. It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the various types of licenses and endorsements truck drivers commonly need.
Commercial Driver's License
The primary document required for truck driving is the commercial driver's license, or CDL. Once drivers have obtained their CDL, they can then pursue additional training for endorsements open doors to different rigs and gigs.
While CDL definitions and requirements may differ from state to state, the classifications of CDLs are divided primarily by the types of vehicles and total weight.
- Class A
Includes any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, with any vehicles towed being in excess of 10,000 pounds. The Class A is standard for semi trucks.
- Class B
Includes a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds while not towing any vehicles in excess of 10,000 pounds. Class B trucks include buses, local delivery trucks, dump trucks, and garbage trucks.
- Class C
Includes any vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that does not meet the definitions of Class A and Class B. The vehicle must be designed to transport 16 or more people, including the driver, or be placarded for hazardous materials. Examples include delivery vans, shuttle buses, and hazmat transports.
Endorsements
Drivers with a CDL can opt to test for additional endorsements to expand their expertise and employment opportunities. Endorsements have a very specific structure to truck licensing, and employers are going to look for these endorsements before hiring in a candidate. Your career goals are going to determine what kind of CDL and endorsements you will need, so take the time to consider what you want to accomplish.
- T (Semi Trailer)
A Class A CDL is required to take the written test for the T endorsement. This endorsement is necessary for drivers that want to make a career out of tractor-trailer hauling.
- P (Passenger)
The P endorsement is tested with written and driving tests for operation of vehicles like non-school buses.
- S (School Bus)
The S endorsement is specifically for school buses. The driver must have a P endorsement, undergo a written and driving test, sex offender registry check, and background check.
- N (Tank Truck)
A written test is needed for the N endorsement, allowing the driver to operate a tanker truck.
- H (Hazmat)
A driver that wants to haul hazmat will need to clear a background check with the Transportation Security Administration and pass a written test.
- W (Tow Truck)
The driver need only pass a written test for their W endorsement for operating a tow truck.
- X (Combination)
The X endorsement combines Tank and Hazmat, requiring the driver to pass a written test.
