When you earn your CDL, you open the door to a solid career, and CDL endorsements can further expand your options. At Pride Transport, drivers are not required to have any CDL endorsements to get started. You can build a successful career here without them. That said, endorsements can play an important role in shaping the types of freight you haul and the opportunities available to you as your career progresses.

CDL endorsements are additional qualifications added to your commercial driver’s license that allow you to haul specific types of freight, operate specialized equipment, or take on higher-responsibility loads. In short, they tell carriers what you’re qualified to do, and that can make a big difference in how often you’re dispatched, what you’re paid, and the kinds of routes you’re offered over time.

Many carriers prioritize drivers with endorsements because they can be dispatched on a wider range of freight, fill specialized needs, and keep freight moving when demand spikes. That’s why timing matters. Getting endorsements early in your CDL journey can help you stand out faster, qualify for better opportunities sooner, and avoid leaving money on the table. This post will help you decide which CDL endorsement you should get first and why.

Why Some CDL Endorsements Are Worth More Than Others

Not all CDL endorsements carry the same weight in today’s freight market. Some are highly specialized or only useful in narrow driving roles, while others are in steady demand across multiple freight types and regions. The difference comes down to how often carriers need those skills and how flexible those drivers are when it comes to dispatch.

Employers value endorsements that unlock access to reliable, specialized freight. When a driver can legally and safely haul more types of loads, they become easier to place, more valuable to the operation, and more likely to stay moving when freight patterns shift. That flexibility often translates into more consistent miles, fewer downtime gaps, and better earning opportunities.

The Most Valuable CDL Endorsements

Some endorsements open more doors than others. Understanding what each endorsement offers, and how it fits into today’s freight market, can help you make a smarter decision early in your driving career.

H Endorsement (Hazardous Materials)

The Hazmat endorsement (H) allows drivers to haul materials classified as hazardous, including certain chemicals, gases, and regulated goods. Hazmat freight is always in demand because these materials still need to move, regardless of economic ups and downs. While hauling hazmat comes with added responsibility and strict safety rules, it often comes with higher pay and more consistent opportunities, making it one of the most valuable endorsements a driver can earn early.

N Endorsement (Tanker Vehicles)

A tanker endorsement isn’t just for fuel haulers. Loads like food-grade liquids, chemicals, and even some dry bulk products require tanker certification due to how the freight moves inside the trailer. Tanker work demands strong safety awareness and smooth driving habits, but it opens the door to a wide range of freight options well beyond gas and oil.

X Endorsement (Tanker + Hazmat)

The X endorsement combines both tanker and hazmat qualifications into one. For many drivers, bundling makes sense because it maximizes flexibility while minimizing extra testing later on. These drivers often qualify for premium freight and pay incentives, and testing for both at once can be more efficient than adding them separately down the road.

T Endorsement (Double/Triple Trailers)

The T endorsement allows drivers to pull double or triple trailers, most commonly seen in LTL and certain regional operations. While it’s less common at carriers like Pride Transport, it can still be valuable for drivers who want broader career flexibility or plan to explore specialized freight lanes in the future.

P Endorsement (Passenger Vehicles)

The passenger (P) endorsement is typically used for bus or shuttle driving rather than freight hauling. While it can be useful for seasonal or secondary work, it generally isn’t recommended as a first endorsement unless a driver plans to pursue passenger transportation as a primary career path.

Which CDL Endorsement Should You Get First?

If you’re deciding which endorsement to get first, the answer is clear for most drivers: start with the Hazmat (H) endorsement or the Hazmat + Tanker (X) endorsement.

The H endorsement is widely useful, especially for dry van and reefer drivers who may haul regulated materials as part of everyday freight. Many carriers, including Pride Transport, offer hazmat loads with additional pay, making it a smart way to boost earnings without changing equipment or routes.

If you’re interested in tanker work now or in the future, the X endorsement can be an even stronger first move. It combines hazmat and tanker qualifications, covering more freight types and positioning you for premium loads while saving time by testing for both at once.

Drivers with H or X endorsements often see higher freight rates, more consistent dispatch options, and greater job security. From a hiring and dispatch standpoint, these endorsements make you more flexible, more reliable, and more valuable, helping you stand out and stay moving in a competitive industry.

How to Get Your First CDL Endorsement

Getting your first CDL endorsement is a straightforward process, and most drivers can complete it with a little preparation. The exact steps vary by endorsement, but the overall path is similar.

First, you’ll take a written knowledge test at your state’s licensing office. Some endorsements may also require additional training, depending on the freight type and carrier requirements. If you’re pursuing a Hazmat (H) endorsement, you’ll need to complete a TSA Security Threat Assessment, which includes a background check and fingerprinting. This step can take time, so it’s smart to plan ahead.

To prepare for the test, use state CDL manuals, online practice exams, and test prep guides focused specifically on the endorsement you’re adding. Studying ahead of time can help you pass on the first attempt and avoid delays. Getting endorsements early can help you qualify for more opportunities and higher-paying freight faster, especially when you’re just getting started.

Start Your Career Off Strong with Endorsements

Choosing the right CDL endorsement early can pay off for years to come. Endorsements influence your earning potential, job security, and long-term career flexibility. 

For most drivers, starting with a Hazmat (H) or X endorsement offers the widest range of opportunities right away. These endorsements open the door to higher-paying freight, more consistent miles, and greater value to carriers like Pride Transport, without requiring years of additional experience. 

Invest in your qualifications early and put yourself in control of your career. 

Drive with Pride Transport

Ready to put your endorsements to work? Pride Transport is always looking for qualified drivers who want steady miles, competitive pay, and room to grow. Explore current openings and apply today to take the next step in your driving career.