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CDL Requirements: 5 Things to Know

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If you are ready to make the change to trucking, there are several CDL requirements to keep in mind. There are different types of commercial driving licenses and regulations can vary based on state. Also, make sure you meet the basic requirements and do some research on driving schools. A little preparation beforehand will get you off to a good start in trucking!

1. Who needs a CDL?

People who operate large commercial vehicles need a commercial driving license (CDL). That includes truck drivers! There are three main types of CDL: A, B, and C. 

  • CDL A: For drivers who want to operate vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds with a towed vehicle of more than 10,000 pounds. That includes tractor trailers. 
  • CDL B: For drivers who want to operate a vehicle with a GVWR of 26,000 pounds with a towed vehicle of less than 10,000 pounds. 
  • CDL C: For drivers who want to operate a commercial vehicle with a GVWR that is less than 26,000 pounds and transports hazardous materials or 16+ passengers.

Class A licenses are the most universal license type. Drivers with a CDL A are also qualified for CDL B and CDL C jobs. A CDL A is a bigger time and money investment than the other license types, but the payoff is well worth it for many drivers.

2. Basic Requirements

Before you get started in a CDL program, there are a few basic requirements. First, you must have a non-commercial driver’s license and some previous driving experience. Next, you must be at least 18 years of age to earn a CDL. To operate across state lines or carry hazardous materials, drivers must be at least 21 years old. In addition to age and license expectations, drivers have to meet physical and medical standards. Many states have specific rules, so make sure that you check the regulations for your state. As of February 7, 2022, entry-level driver training will also be one of the CDL requirements for drivers. 

3. Do I Need a Driving School?

If you are a new driver interested in getting your CDL, there is a lot of information to go through. One of the big questions is whether or not to get your license through a driving school. The short answer is: it’s your decision. That said, while it’s not technically required, most people do go through a driving school. That’s because driving schools offer a lot more than a CDL driving license. Driving schools also train you on specific skills such as key rules and regulations, maneuvering, and how to fill out a logbook to name a few. 

If you decide to get your CDL license through a driving school, there are a few more decisions to make. Choose whether you want to go through a school from a specific carrier or a general CDL driving school. No matter what you decide, do your research before making your final choice. This is a big financial and personal investment. Your CDL school should help prepare you for your license and often will help you find your first job. A little research at the start goes a long way!

4. Passing the CDL Test

One of the last CDL requirements before you can hit the road is to pass a written and practical test. Just like your non-commercial driving test, you will need to log hours with a learning permit before taking the written test. Then, drivers need an 80% pass rate to earn their license. The test has multiple choice questions and is often taken on a computer.

State CDL manuals and free online practice tests are great ways to prepare for your written CDL test.

It’s a good idea to study up beforehand. State CDL manuals are an excellent place to start. You can also take online practice tests to make sure you’re ready for the real thing. Typically, the written test is then followed by a skills test. You will need to demonstrate your ability to do a pre-trip inspection and properly maneuver a tractor trailer.

5. Should I Get Endorsements Right Away?

Many new CDL drivers start out hauling Dry Van or Reefer (refrigerated) loads. These types of loads often do not require any endorsements and are a good way to build experience. If you don’t have a specific job type in mind, start in a job that doesn’t require endorsements. 

On the other hand, if you know what you eventually want to haul and it requires an endorsement, you could get certified right away. There are 6 types of CDL A endorsements including Hazmat, Tanker, Passenger Vehicles, School Bus, Doubles/Triples, and Tanker/Hazmat. Each allows the driver to carry a specific type of specialty load. Figure out which endorsements you need for what you want to drive. Then decide when the best time is for you to get those endorsements.

Getting your commercial driving license opens a lot of exciting opportunities! Once you understand the CDL requirements, you are ready to get started in trucking.

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Preparing for a CDL Job Change: 6 Things to Know

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Job changes are part of the natural evolution of a career. In the trucking industry, the turnover rate is high. Many drivers change jobs after only a year or two. Whether you’re new to the trucking industry, switching jobs after a layoff, or just looking for better employment, there are a few things to keep in mind for a CDL job change. 

1. Finding a New Job

The first question every driver has to answer when preparing for a CDL job change is, “Where do I find a new position?” Job boards are a tempting place to start, but they’re actually one of the least effective resources for finding a good job that fits your needs. Job boards are focused on quantity over quality. Drivers are matched with everything and anything (you’re probably not actually interested in that pizza delivery job when you’re an OTR driver).

Prioritize job resources that actually meet your professional qualifications and personal lifestyle preferences. Avoid job boards and choose better resources that will allow you to have a job AND a quality of life that you love.

Keep your ears open and ask other drivers which companies they love. Word of mouth is one of the best indicators of driver happiness in a job. Direct referrals from drivers are also a great option, and it might put a little money in someone’s pocket. If you want to expand your search, check out options like Drive My Way. We specifically match drivers with positions based on your skills, needs, and personal preferences. Don’t waste time on jobs that won’t be a good fit—apply only to the jobs that are a match for you.

2. Check the Boxes

As you prepare for a new job, there are a few housekeeping things to take care of. If you haven’t already, register for the FMCSA Clearinghouse. This allows future employers to easily complete the required pre-employment background check. If you are coming off a driving break, make sure all of your relevant endorsements are current. Obtaining an additional endorsement can also be a great way to boost your job prospects or earning potential. 

3. Transferring a CDL

A CDL license is valid for every state that drivers pass through, but your license does need to be issued from your state of residence. Even if you’re hauling freight in the same region, if you move to a new state, it’s time to head to the DMV. Typically drivers have 30-60 days from the time they move to a new state to complete a CDL transfer.

When you’re ready to transfer your CDL, here’s the list from Drive Big Trucks on what you need for the DMV.

  • Go to the DMV in a new state
  • Present proof of new address
  • Be prepared to retake part of the licensing exam and/or pay a licensing fee
  • Present a medical exam or certification to demonstrate your physical fitness
  • Complete a background/fingerprint check or drug test

Once you get the new license, the old one becomes invalid. It’s best to only carry your most current CDL license.

4. Preparation is the Best Strategy

As you prepare for a CDL job change, research the companies you’re interested in. Figure out what parts of a job are most important to you and figure out exactly how those aspects work.

When possible, make a point to talk with terminal managers, recruiters, and, most importantly, current drivers. Get the key details on home time, pay, hours, and any other elements that are important to you. 

5. Nailing the Interview

In the interview, your potential employer will likely ask questions that are about your license as well as about your experiences. Be clear and straightforward when answering questions about your endorsements, license, and work history. 

Some companies use a hiring practice called behavioral interviewing. This style of interviewing asks about how you have handled specific past situations. An example is, “Tell me about a time when you had to plan a complex route with multiple deliveries. What was the outcome and how did you handle it?”

When you answer this type of question, honestly consider your past successes and challenges. Use your experiences to highlight strengths and what you’ve learned from situations that didn’t go well. 

Once the interviewer has finished asking their questions, it’s your turn. Good jobs are a fit both for the company and for you as a driver. Know what you’re looking for, and use the interview to clarify any questions you have. 

6. Adventure and Anxiety

A CDL job change can be accompanied by a lot of internal (and often conflicting!) side effects. If you’re switching jobs for an exciting new opportunity, it might feel like a grand adventure. If you’re looking for a new job because of the current COVID-19 crisis or have been laid off for another reason, stress might feel like a constant companion. For drivers who have recently lost their job, our Displaced Driver Resources can help you navigate everything from health care to disability insurance and other unemployment resources. 

Regardless of why you’re switching jobs, there can be a lot of conflicting emotions. Excitement and anticipation for a new (and hopefully better!) job. Fear or anxiety about jumping into the unknown. 

Be sure to pursue companies that match both your professional qualifications and personal preferences. Then, you’ll have a lot to be excited about with a new position. New jobs often bring a work upgrade in some way whether that’s higher pay, more home time, or better company culture. As you prepare for your new position, hold on to the things that made you excited about the job in the first place.

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Job of the Day: JM Bozeman

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Today’s Job of the Day comes to us from JM Bozeman

JM Bozeman is a trailblazer in driver satisfaction. They have an exceptional fleet of drivers who are the mainstay of their company. In addition, they continually strive to support and recognize our drivers. They are a family place and that’s not just a catch phrase.

Overall, they offer competitive pay and many rewarding benefits for you and your family.

In addition, their drivers ride with pride in outstanding equipment.

Also, they are small enough to know you but large enough to load you right.

 

Currently, JM Bozeman is hiring the following positions:

JM offers exceptional equipment, weekly pay with direct deposit, no touch freight, and full benefits. In addition, they ask candidates are 24 years old, hold their CDL A license, and have 2 years of OTR experience.

Interested in applying?

Learn more about the job requirements, benefits, pay and more.

Learn More & Apply

Driver’s Quick Response Saves the Day

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A truck driver’s quick thinking recently prevented a collision with a school bus. The near-accident occurred in Topeka, Kan., when the school bus entered the path of an oncoming truck driven by Delbert Henson.

Fortunately for the 22 children and school bus driver, Henson recognized the likelihood of a crash, leading him to hit the brakes hard to swerve. His rig subsequently overturned in a ditch, resulting in minor injuries. No students were injured.

Parents are hailing Henson as a hero, reaching out to thank him. “[The students] had some angels watching over them,” said Melissa Bowles, mother of Jaxon, a boy riding the bus that day.

 

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Could Millennials solve the driver shortage?

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The driver shortage could be addressed by a progressive program for obtaining a CDL plus a lowered legal age for state line crossings. This could also help draw more millennials into driving for the freight transport industry, reports Nicole Spector for NBC in the following article.

In addition, low numbers of female drivers contribute to the industry driver shortage. Even seemingly popular companies like UPS struggle with this issue. UBS trucks generally pose no mechanical obstacles for women. However, the issue of personal safety continues to plague those tasked with uncertain delivery locales.

Finally, a fresh assessment of the future of autonomous vehicles and their impact on drivers.

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Trucker Pay Increase on the Horizon

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“With freight demand climbing and rates on the move, trucker pay should rise in the coming months”, says Gordon Klemp, a driver pay analyst and president of the National Transportation Institute. Klemp shared his prediction in a conference call with investors in early November.  Stifel, an investment firm, hosted the call and distributed a recap of Klemp’s remarks.

If carriers secure rate increases in contracts with shippers, they pass some gains on to drivers, Klemp told investors.

He didn’t forecast any percentage-based increases in driver pay. Instead, he noted that driver pay increases with freight rates. Not all of the gains in per-mile rates will translate to drivers’ paychecks, but “driver pay is moving up alongside the freight increases,” notes the conference call recap distributed by Stifel.

Though carriers consistently increased driver pay in recent years, driver wages climbed only 6.3 percent on average over the last decade. “For-hire drivers lost effective purchasing power over the past 10 years and adjusted lifestyles accordingly,” says Stifel’s report.  Looking even farther back, driver wages are in effect just half of what they were in 1979, before deregulation, said Klemp.

Klemp also noted that carriers face an uphill battle in recruiting younger drivers to the industry.

These drivers “disinclined to enter” trucking, “as they are often concerned with work-life balance”.  Nearly 60 percent of the current driver workforce is older than 45. That’s a good bit higher than 1994, Klemp noted, when just 45 percent of drivers were 45 years or older.  “However, with freight demand strengthening and the driver shortage becoming acute, the stage is set for drivers to realize driver pay increases over the foreseeable future,” says Stifel’s report.

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FMCSA considers letting truckers decide when they’re tired

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tired truckers

The U.S. Dept. of Transportation announced a “Flexible Sleeper Berth Pilot Program”. This allows truckers to split their off-duty sleeper berth time as they choose.

According to the The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) notice, 240 participating drivers will be “allowed to use any combination of split sleeper periods, totaling 10 hours.” This replaces the 10-hour block or 8/2 split under current Hours of Service regulations.  Using this control group, the agency will gather information from ELDs, monitoring systems like video recorders, and roadside inspections, as well as other tests designed to test the wakefulness of the truck driver, such as wrist actigraphy (a method of monitoring rest/activity cycles) and psychomotor vigilance tests (measures how fast a person reacts to a visual stimulus like a blinking light).

Drivers record subjective sleepiness ratings in their sleep logs.

Then, the agency uses the information to determine if the change is safe to roll out on a larger scale. In addition, the FMCSA opened the proposal for public comments and many drivers chimed in with support.

“Been a driver for over 40 years now. Up until the latest changes, I used those kinds of splits for sleep and or a nap to miss rush hour traffic,” trucker Mark D said of the study. “This is definitely a step in the right direction. Currently the HOS rules penalize a driver for taking a break during the day. The ability to split the sleeper berth advocates for the driver to break when he/she needs the rest. This avoids the penalty of losing work time.” truck driver Michael Gehl commented.”

 

Stop to See the World’s Largest Objects Across the Country

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worldAcross the United States, you can find a cure for on-the-road boredom as you come upon an eclectic assortment of some of the most hilarious and interesting roadside attractions – some of the world’s largest objects of random items.

Huffington Post created this awesome slideshow to highlight the “world’s largest” attractions.

One of them is right in Drive My Way’s hometown. Near the famous Cleveland Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, you’ll find the world’s largest rubber stamp. Created in the ’80s, the stamp has the word “free” on the front of it.

In Cuba, Mo., a rocking chair for giants rests. Though not the world’s largest, the rocker is so incredibly tall that your semi couldn’t reach the seat.

If you’re feeling patriotic in New York, taking a trip to Lake George to see the world’s largest Uncle Sam.

Though it’s not the title character from “James and the Giant Peach ,” the “peachoid water tank” in Gaffney, S.C., owns claims to the world’s largest peach. Painted to match the state fruit, the construction required 10 million pounds of concrete.

Other favorites include the tallest filing cabinet in Burlington, Vermont, the largest Rubik’s Cube in Knoxville, Tenn., and the largest frying pan in Brandon, Iowa.

Now, go get some cool photos or video of your own by these interesting landmarks and share with us!

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For Pets in Need, One Truck Driver Rides to the Rescue

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Man Uses CDL Trucking Job to Rescue Animals

David Binz with Spartacus

David Binz is a longtime owner operator leased to Alaska West Express. His CDL trucking job requires that he move mining, construction and oil field equipment, day-in, day-out.

But, as a volunteer for Kindred Hearts Transport Connection, Binz also moves more precious cargo—pets in need. For Binz, who’s ridden shotgun with his own dog, Izzy, for 10 years, rescuing animals is a privilege. Binz likes Kindred Hearts for its compassion. Overall, it works to place orphaned animals with caring owners nationwide.

To date, Binz has placed 111 pets in need in the hands of caring owners along his trucking routes.

And while he typically moves cats and dogs, he’s also transported birds, gerbils—even a potbelly pig.

“I’ve been known to transport four or five animals at a time,” says Binz. “I draw the line at snakes. I will not move snakes.”

Kindred Hearts has nearly 30,000 volunteers around the country, though few of them are people with CDL trucking jobs.

The group posts upcoming runs on its Facebook page, and if one of them fits with Binz’s route, he lets the administrators know.

Also, Binz recalls the time he moved a military macaw bird. “That one was kind of unusual for me,” Binz says. “It would tell me I was on the telephone too long and that I needed to hang up.”

Man Uses CDL Trucking Job to Rescue Animals

Binz and a pit bull rescue

Meaningful Mission

Transporting the animals “means a lot to me,” Binz says. “It allows me to give back to society. If you have a 9-to-5 job, you have a lot of ways to give back, but those options are not out there for truck drivers. This is one thing I can do as a truck driver to make a difference.” These days, Binz rides with Izzy and Spartacus, a rescue dog he hasn’t yet found a home for.

Kindred Hearts is a natural fit for Binz, a lifelong animal lover who grew up on a horse farm. His son trains wild mustangs in the summer, and when Binz gets home time, he helps his son find loving owners for the horses. To transport animals as he does, “you’ve gotta love an animal,” Binz says. “No matter what the animal does, you have to be able to love it. If a dog craps in the middle of your bed, you have to clean the mess up and love the dog.”

PetSmart Partnership

When he’s on the road, Binz relies on PetSmarts all over the country for help. He buys pet food there and uses their training rooms to give dogs off-leash exercise.

Man uses his CDL trucking job to rescue animals

Izzy, right, befriends a dog Binz was transporting.

“I love PetSmart,” Binz says. “They always cut me a break on the bill for bathing the dogs. In the winter, when the weather’s really nasty, they let me bring my dogs in and they can run around and play.”

Binz admits he gets attached to the animals he rescues. “You end up crying a little bit sometimes,” he says. “Sitting there for an hour and reflecting. You have to say, ‘OK, I helped that one. Now it’s time to go help another.’”

 

Are you an owner operator looking for steady, reliable work?  Click here to learn how Drive My Way can help.

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Caterpillar to stop producing on-highway trucks

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Less than a year after announcing it would produce a line of trucks for on-highway use, Caterpillar discontinues production of vocational trucks.

CCJ  published an article about this issue, and what it means for CDL drivers.

In May of last year, CAT rolled out two new refreshed trucks: the CT680L and the CT680LG. However, based on the current business climate in the truck industry and a thorough evaluation of its business, CAT says it decided to withdraw from the market.

CAT stops vocational trucks for people with CDL trucking jobs

“Remaining a viable competitor in this market requires significant additional investment to develop and launch a complete portfolio of trucks,” says Ramin Younessi, vice president with responsibility for Caterpillar’s Industrial Power Systems Division. “And, upon an updated review, we determined no sufficient market opportunity to justify the investment.”

Caterpillar shuttering its truck operations is the company’s latest effort in an ongoing restructuring.

It consolidates its Electric Power and Marine & Petroleum Power Divisions into a new Electric Power, Marine and O&G Division.

But what could this mean about the maintenance of the trucks already on the road? Not to worry, CAT says that it will continue to support those trucks.

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