Why get my CDL License
Why should I get my CDL license?
If you are looking for a new and rewarding career and are considering becoming a commercial driver, getting your CDL is the first step. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the pay range for CDL Class A Drivers in 2023 was between $37,440 and $76,780, averaging $54,320. Some drivers can make more than that depending on the industry, type of trick and the cargo you carry. Driving jobs are in high demand and steadily growing each year. As e-commerce grows, so does demand for drivers.
These wages are obtainable without a college degree. CDL jobs with major companies often include benefits such as health care and retirement plans as well.
There is always room for growth in the trucking industry and obtaining endorsements on CDL license, such as a Hazmat Endorsement (allows you to carry hazardous material cargo) will open up even more options and give you the flexibility to change career paths within trucking if you choose to do so.
There are few careers that can offer you the type of freedom and flexibility that the trucking industry does. Whether you choose to travel the country, stay in state or keep your driving local, the choice is yours. What you won’t be is stuck behind a counter or a desk all day! If you have a sense of adventure and love to have your freedom, CDL driving may be the perfect career for you.
Wondering if a career in truck driving is right for you? Let’s take a look!
If you are considering starting a career in truck driving, getting your CDL license is the first step. The training to get your CDL license is relatively quick compared to other industries and there is no need for a college degree. Once you get your CDL Beginner’s Permit, the training can be done in less than 4 weeks.
CDL drivers are paid pretty well! According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the pay range for CDL drivers in 2023 is between $37,440 and $76,780, with an average pay of $54,320. Some drivers can make even more than that depending on the industry, type of truck they are driving and the cargo they carry. Having special endorsements on your CDL license, like a Hazmat Endorsement which allows you to transport hazardous or flammable materials, can give you even more options in the truck driving field. CDL drivers are in high demand and some companies will offer benefits such as health care and retirement plans. There are even companies that will pay for part or all of your training to get your CDL license.
As e-commerce continues to grow (think Amazon, UPS, FedX, etc.), the opportunities for CDL drivers will grow right along with it. There is a lot of options in the type of CDL jobs available and that means more flexibility and job security for drivers. Whether you choose to drive cross country, stay in your state or just make local deliveries closer to home – the choice is yours! You will have the freedom to choose a position that allows you to see the country or to be home every night for dinner.
If this sounds appealing to you, don’t wait - get started today!
How do I get my CDL?
It all begins with an idea.
The process to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is a bit more involved than just getting your standard Driver’s License.
CDL requirements tend to be the same across all States. These are the requirements to be eligible for a CDL:
· You must apply for a CDL in your home state where you live.
· You must be at least 18 years of age (limited to only driving in YOUR state if you are under 21)
· You must be at least 21 years of age to travel out of your state or to get a HAZMAT endorsement to transport hazardous materials.
· You must have a valid, clean non-commercial driver’s license and driving record.
· You will be required to submit your driving record for the last 10 years for any state you lived in and held a license in.
· You must be able to provide proof of your Social Security number, citizenship status and residency in your home state.
· Provide proof of your identity and date of birth.
· Pass a medical evaluation and submit a certified Medical Examiner Report and hold an up-to-date DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate card.
· Pass a vision test.
· Pass the written knowledge test and obtain a CDL Beginner’s Permit. You must hold permit for at least 14 days to be eligible to take the road test for a CDL license.
· Complete Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) with an approved ELDT Training Provider. A list can be found at www.fmcsa.dot.gov .
· Pass all portions of the CDL Skills and Road Test in the type of vehicle you plan to drive.
· If applying for endorsements on your CDL you must complete a TSA fingerprint and background check.
What jobs require a CDL?
It all begins with an idea.
There are three classes of commercial driver's licenses (CDL):
Class A - Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is more than 10,000 pounds.
Class B - Any single unit vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more or any vehicle like that towing a vehicle that does not weigh more than 10,000 pounds.
Class C - Any single vehicle, or a combination of vehicles, that are not Class A or B vehicles, but can carry 16 or more people (including the driver), or have a hazmat placard.
Below are some jobs that might require you to have a Class A, B or C CDL”
· Mover
· Bus Driver
· Transport Driver
· Parts Driver
· CDL Instructor
· Dump Truck Driver
· Delivery Driver
· Tanker Driver
· Local Driver
· Owner/Operator Driver
· Taxi Driver
· Courier
· Equipment Operator
· Chauffer
· Van Driver
· Tour Bus Driver
. Tow Truck Driver