Being able to accept various types of cargo is important since it can help boost your earning potential. However, based on your commercial driver’s license class, you can acquire endorsements that will allow you to earn more money without doing a lot of work. Before you start getting endorsements, it’s important to have the right CDL that gets you into a commercial vehicle.

Class A CDLs gives you the ability to pilot a vehicle with a GCWR value of 26001 pounds or more. It covers things like tractor-trailers, tank vehicles, semi-trucks with a flatbed trailer, truck and trailer combos, and others.  For a class B CDL, the vehicle GCWR can have up to 26001 lbs. For this class, you can use tractor-trailers, dump trucks, school busses, segmented busses, box trucks, and straight trucks. Class C CDL focuses on small trucks and passenger vans.

What types of CDL Endorsements are there?

The CDL Endorsements are important because they show what kind of CMV you are allowed to operate. When you apply for your commercial license, you also have to apply for the type of endorsement that you want. As you will notice below, there are different types of CDL Endorsements to go for.

• X CDL Endorsements allow commercial truck drivers to operate vehicles that haul Hazmat in a tank. This CDL Endorsement needs a written knowledge test, so it’s something that requires a bit of legwork.
• T CDL Endorsements allow drivers to have a triple or double trailer. This endorsement also needs a written knowledge test before you are accepted.
• S endorsements are required by school bus drivers. Aside from the regular written knowledge test, you will also have to go through a background check and a road skills test. This is incredibly important since you will mostly be driving children.
• P CDL Endorsements are also required if you are operating a bus or a vehicle that has 16+ people. This endorsement will require you to pass a road test and a written knowledge test. In the case of school bus driving, you will have to undergo a federal background check and complete multiple forms.
• N endorsements are required whenever you want to drive a tanker. These are commercial vehicles hauling gasses or liquid products. In order to receive the N CDL Endorsement, you must go through a written knowledge test.

Conclusion

As you can see, each one of the CDL Endorsements has its fair share of guidelines and requirements. These are helpful because they define what you are allowed to haul and if you are certified for such a category or not. The fact that you have to go through various tests or even a background check showcases the seriousness and importance of every endorsement. It also shows that not everyone is able to receive such a certificate or endorsement. You can apply for each one of the CDL Endorsements individually, something that will help you narrow down the ideal aspects to focus on!