Commercial driver’s license (CDL) endorsements allow truck drivers to operate specialty vehicles or those that contain specific kinds of cargo. Depending on the endorsement, that commercial trucking endorsement may allow for the transfer of HAZMAT materials, passengers, or other cargo with restrictions. 

As a driver, it does benefit you to get different endorsements. You can get a tanker endorsement, HAZMAT endorsement, or passenger endorsement, for example, and open up multiple doors to opportunities within your industry. Even better, having trucking endorsements often leads to higher pay rates. 

What Is a CDL Endorsement? 

A CDL endorsement is an additional certification that modifies your standard CDL. With this endorsement, you will be able to operate different kinds of commercial vehicles and handle various types of cargo. The appropriate endorsements are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for certain cargo or passenger transport.

How To Obtain a CDL Endorsement

If you already have your commercial driver’s license (CDL) and would like to get additional endorsements to open up more job opportunities, you can do so by:

• Passing the endorsement’s written or skills tests
• Going through a background check or other qualifications 
• Paying the appropriate fees. Usually, the fees range from $10 to $100 per endorsement, which will vary by state.
  
  
  

Common CDL Endorsements and Their Uses

There are multiple CDL endorsements you could get, but you may have your eyes set on a specific endorsement if there is a particular job you have in mind. Here are several that you may need to consider if you want to get a higher-paying, endorsed role. 

H – Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Endorsement

If you are going to drive a vehicle transporting explosive, flammable, or toxic materials, the HAZMAT endorsement is right for you. To get it, you will need to go through a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check and have your fingerprints taken. Do note that this endorsement is in high demand, and it often leads to a higher paycheck because transporting these items does come with additional risks. 

N – Tanker Endorsement

The tanker endorsement allows you to haul liquid or gas in bulk in tanker trucks. You’ll need this endorsement if you want to transport items such as chemicals, water, milk, or fuel.

On your tanker endorsement test, you will need to show that you have knowledge of liquid surge and proper handling techniques. 

X – Tanker + HazMat Endorsement

With the combined tanker and HAZMAT endorsements together as one, you have the option to combine your skills to transport hazardous liquids. Some of them might include industrial chemicals or gasoline. 

While there are some inherent risks associated with transporting these items, you should know that this endorsement is one of the most lucrative in the industry. You will need to go through specialized training and deal with risk factors while driving, though, which is something to be aware of.

T – Double/Triple Trailer Endorsement

Your T endorsement is for double or triple trailers. This is required if you have more than one trailer, which is common for long-haul freight operations.

To get this endorsement, you will need to learn skills related to trailer stability, braking distance adjustments, and coupling. 

P – Passenger Endorsement

Any time you want to transport 16 or more people (including yourself), you will need to get a passenger endorsement. This endorsement is used by shuttle drivers, bus drivers, and some types of public transportation vehicles. 

Like many of the endorsements in this list, you will need to pass a skills test to get a passenger endorsement. Additionally, you will need to be trained in passenger safety.

S – School Bus Endorsement

If you want to work with schools and drive a school bus carrying students, you need to get the school bus endorsement. This endorsement will require you to go through additional training about emergency procedures, student safety, and traffic laws that are unique for school vehicles. 

In addition to the training you need to complete, you also need to have a thorough background check and show that your driving record is clean.

L – Air Brakes Restriction Removal

Not all vehicles have air brakes, but some do. If you intend to drive only vehicles with hydraulic brakes, you don’t need this restriction removal. However, you can get this restriction removal approved, and doing so will allow you to operate all vehicles with air brakes. This increases the number of jobs you can take on. You have to pass both a written test and air brake skills test to get this pseudo-endorsement.

The Importance of CDL Endorsements

CDC endorsements are an important way to show that you have the training and experience needed to handle specific types of cargo. Some reasons you’ll want to invest in getting additional endorsements include:

Increased Job Opportunities

When you have endorsements, you have more opportunities. Most trucking companies will appreciate and hire drivers who have the endorsements they need to handle specific kinds of freight. Additionally, when you get multiple endorsements, you can be more flexible in the roles you take on.

Higher Earning Potential

Another thing to keep in mind is that adding endorsements to your CDL could help you earn more money. Specialized drivers, such as tanker- or HAZMAT-endorsed drivers, often receive higher wages than those who are not endorsed. Additionally, when you have these endorsements, you may be able to handle different kinds of hauls, such as local, regional, or specialized.

Career Growth and Advancement

Advancing in your career can be difficult without endorsements, which is what makes them so valuable to you. As you get more endorsements, you make yourself more desirable to companies, which can lead to you getting promoted or obtaining specialized, high-paying routes or roles. And, when you get endorsements, you’re diversifying your skill set to stay competitive and be a better driver. 

Determining the Right CDL Endorsements for You

As you look at the different kinds of endorsements, it’s important to know that you don’t necessarily need to have them all. You should choose the endorsements that fit your needs.

Consider Your Career Goals

The first thing to do is to consider your career goals. 

• Do you want to haul hazardous materials, passengers, or oversized loads?
• Are you looking for a higher-paying role? 
• Would you like to be able to take on a variety of different jobs, including passengers or freight?

Some endorsements, like HAZMAT and tanker endorsements, are in higher demand with better pay. Others may allow you to work in the industry in a more specialized way, such as allowing you to work with schools rather than long-hauls. 

Research State Requirements

Another thing to remember is that while the FMCSA sets federal guidelines, individual states may have additional rules or fees. Before you choose any endorsement, check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for specific requirements.

Weigh the Costs vs. Benefits

Finally, while you’re considering different endorsements, remember that some endorsements require additional training, testing, and background checks. You should not forget to factor in the time, cost, and earning potential that comes with an endorsement; do this to ensure you’re not spending too much on endorsements you won’t use.

Join Pride Transport

The right endorsements can make a big difference in your career path and your potential earnings, but not every endorsement is right for every driver. Think carefully about what you want to do in your career, and apply yourself to the appropriate endorsements to get the jobs you want most.

At Pride Transport, we believe in educating everyone who is interested in the trucking industry and helping you on your way to becoming a driver with the endorsements you need to succeed. To learn more about the industry, visit our blog. To join us at Pride, apply now.