If you’re about to embark on a truck driving career, you may wonder what CDL endorsements are and why you need them.
For new drivers, endorsements can make you a more versatile driver and, therefore, more marketable to trucking companies while looking for your first job.
Additionally, jobs that require endorsements tend to come with better pay and benefits for the driver.
However, while the pay is better, they can also be more dangerous and strenuous, which isn’t for everyone.
That’s why it’s important to know the different CDL endorsement codes and their meaning before beginning truck driving school.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about CDL endorsement codes.
What is a CDL Endorsement
Let’s start with the basics. Commercial Driver License codes, also known as endorsements, are additional skills commercial drivers can add to their commercial driver’s license. These endorsements give the driver special permission to drive certain types of commercial motor vehicles (CMV) or haul certain types of cargo not covered under a standard Class A license.
We’ll cover six types of CDL trucking endorsements in this article: the Hazardous Materials Endorsement(HAZMAT), Passenger Endorsement, School Bus Endorsement, Doubles/Triples Endorsement, Tanker Endorsement, and a Tanker/Hazmat Combo.
CDL P Endorsement, Passenger Vehicle
With a P endorsement, a CDL driver can operate a vehicle that can accommodate more than 16 drivers, including the driver. This includes vehicles like buses or passenger vans, airport shuttles, public transport vehicles, and even some farm labor vehicles.
In addition to the general CDL knowledge and skills test, you will also need to pass a vehicle-specific knowledge test that covers information about the type of bus or passenger van you will be driving. This may include questions about how many passengers can ride in the vehicle at one time and what kinds of equipment are required onboard.
CDL S Endorsement, School Bus/Passenger Transport Combo
Are you wondering “What is an S endorsement?”
The S Endorsement allows a person to operate a school bus or a bus transporting pre, primary, and secondary school-age students to and from home to school, school to home, or to and from school-sponsored events. Anyone driving a public school bus with 16 or more passengers must have a CDL with a P Endorsement and an S Endorsement. Both written and skills tests are required.
CDL T Endorsement, Double/Triples Endorsement
The T endorsement authorizes an individual to drive double/triple trailers. For example, a truck driver with a Class A commercial driver’s license who has been granted the T endorsement would be authorized to operate a vehicle with two or three trailers attached.
This endorsement requires additional training and knowledge tests beyond what is necessary for the base license or passenger (P) endorsement. They also require pre-employment, additional knowledge, and ongoing random drug/alcohol testing as part of the credentialing process.
CDL N Endorsement, Tank Vehicle Endorsement (Tankers)
Do you want to know what is an N endorsement on a CDL?
The N endorsement is for tank vehicles. An N endorsement will allow drivers to transport tanker trailers and over 1,000 gallons of liquid regardless of the container. Tanker endorsements are indicated with an N on a CDL.
Tanker endorsements require drivers to pass a written test that contains questions such as “How far back does a helper stand when pumping or unloading liquids from a tanker?” (The answer is a minimum of 25 feet.) There is no skills test.
CDL H Endorsement, Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HAZMAT)
Due to the materials it allows drivers to haul, a hazardous material endorsement is a little more challenging to obtain than the others. Per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), any material that could adversely affect public safety or pose a threat to handlers or carriers during transport qualifies as a hazardous material.
Hazardous materials endorsements require drivers to pass a written test, vision test, pay a fee, and pass an additional background check by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Threat Assessment.
CDL X Endorsement, Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials
Wondering what is an X endorsement on a CDL?
An X endorsement is a combination of the H and N endorsements and authorizes an individual to drive tank vehicles that transport hazardous materials. To obtain this endorsement, you must have a valid CDL, meet medical requirements for all endorsements, pass a DOT physical examination which includes drug testing and alcohol testing upon hire, and pass a vision test.
The CDL Endorsements that Pay The Most
Each CDL endorsement opens you up to more pay opportunities. However, some of them open up higher-paying job opportunities than others. The CDL endorsements that can earn the most are:
- Hazmat: Transporting flammable or combustible liquids and other hazardous materials is a high-stakes job. This type of endorsement opens you up to a number of specialized jobs with higher pay.
- Tanker: Tanker drivers transport liquids and gasses, which is also dangerous work. These drivers can earn more pay than your standard CDL truck driver.
- Trailer: Being able to haul larger and heavier loads usually means working more, and as a result, earning more money.
When employers see you have multiple or all endorsements on the CDL list, they’re more likely to want to hire you. It makes you a more versatile driver and, therefore, an asset to their fleet. Check out our article for more info on how much truck drivers earn.
In Conclusion
A commercial driver’s license is a great accomplishment and it is definitely enough to get your foot in the door of the trucking industry. However, if you want to earn higher pay and have more opportunities at your fingertips, you may want to consider adding additional endorsements to your CDL.
According to the United States Census Bureau, more than 3.5 million people work as truck drivers. The more endorsements you have, the more you’ll stand out. The good news is there’s no limit to how many endorsements a diver can obtain. In fact, many trucking companies look for drivers who can drive multiple types of cargo, so having various endorsements will only enhance your career and opportunities. If you want to learn more about advancing your career with endorsements, or if you’re just starting out and don’t know where to begin, reach out to us today.
