Category: Uncategorized

In order to earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL), you will need to pass an exam. This includes a skills test as well as a written portion. This written exam includes sections that are specific to different endorsements, as well as a set of more general multiple-choice questions that every applicant must complete. These questions make up what is known as the CDL general knowledge test. You must answer a minimum of 80% correctly to earn your license.

Here’s what you can expect from the general knowledge portion of the CDL exam:

Purpose of the Written Test

The written test focuses on your knowledge of safety and vehicle operation. When you pass, you earn your commercial learner’s permit (CLP). In order to obtain your CDL, you will then need to pass the skills portion of the exam. This evaluates your ability to actually drive a tractor-trailer. The combination of the written and skills tests ensures that you have a more complete understanding of trucking safety and are prepared to become a commercial driver.

What the CDL General Knowledge Test Includes

If you are working toward a Class A CDL, you should study the following sections of the CDL manual: Introduction (1), Driving Safely (2), Cargo (3), and Combination Vehicles (6). Note that combination vehicles are different from long combination vehicles, which are covered in Section 7. Questions about these types of tractor-trailers appear on the doubles/triples endorsement test.

Introduction

This portion of the manual covers basic definitions related to commercial driving. It also outlines when a CDL is necessary, when a person may be unable to earn a license, and how the process of obtaining a CDL works. This is helpful for determining which tests you will need to take based on the type of trucking you plan to do.

Driving Safely

Section 2 has information about how to safely operate a semi-truck and it gives a detailed description of how to complete a pre-trip inspection. Understanding this is crucial not only for the written test but also for the skills test. During this exam, you will perform an actual inspection. This section also has tips for how to drive safely in specific situations, such as in fog, on mountain roads, or during the winter. You will also learn how to handle accidents and hazards.

Cargo

The cargo section of the manual outlines how to transport freight. Understanding this is important to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road. It also helps you protect what you are hauling. You will need to know how to load and inspect cargo, what types of freight require special attention, and what regulations may apply.

Combination Vehicles

A tractor-trailer is a form of combination vehicle and it is crucial to understand the unique considerations for driving this type of truck. This portion of the general knowledge test will evaluate your knowledge of key factors related to combination vehicle safety.

Prepare for Your CDL General Knowledge Exam

While you can prepare for your written test by just reading the manual alone, this may not be your best option. Attending CDL school gives you the opportunity to learn from skilled instructors and get answers to any questions that you may have about commercial driving. At Phoenix Truck Driving School, we use a combination of classroom learning and hands-on practice to make it easier for you to learn the material that will appear on the CDL test. This also helps you be better prepared for a trucking career.

To learn more about how we can help you pass the CDL general knowledge test, contact us today.

There are many different career paths that you can follow after earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL). Owner-operator trucking is one example of a long-term goal that you may have for yourself as a driver. This is when you own your own semi-truck and either contract with a trucking company or operate on your own authority. Although you will need to make an initial investment to get started, this can be one of the highest-paying jobs within the trucking industry.

More information about becoming an owner-operator:

What is Necessary to Be an Owner-Operator?

It is common for owner-operators to have worked as truck drivers for a motor carrier. This gives you valuable experience and the time to save up to purchase a truck. Additionally, some trucking companies offer paths to becoming an owner-operator. This may include a lease agreement that allows you to make payments toward the vehicle while hauling freight. However, you do not need to spend any time as a company driver to become an owner-operator if you have the funds to purchase a truck and follow other necessary steps to start your trucking business.

Beyond the truck itself, other requirements for being an owner-operator depend on whether you contract with a motor carrier or operate under your own authority as a common carrier. As a contract owner-operator, you will work with one specific company and transport their freight. This allows you to have the support of that carrier while still having more control over your hauls. If you choose to become a common carrier, you will need to register with the Department of Transportation (DOT). In either case, you will need to be fully insured and follow all federal regulations. If you have any subcontracted drivers, you may also need workers’ compensation insurance.

The Benefits of Owner-Operator Truckin

Higher Pay

Owner-operators are among the highest-paid drivers in the trucking industry. However, it’s important to understand that a major factor in how much you can earn is your own initiative. This is true in any career, but especially when you are running a business.

Large Demand

There is a huge demand for truck drivers in the United States. As an owner-operator, you can use this to your advantage. This is because many trucking companies need more drivers to transport their freight. As a result, it is more likely that you will be able to find work.

Flexibility

Owner-operators have more choice about which routes they drive, what sorts of freight they haul, and what companies they work with. You also have the ability to take time off when you need it without waiting for approval. Although you don’t want to be too picky about hauls and will still need to work often to make enough to offset costs, many owner-operators appreciate this increased flexibility.

The First Step to a Trucking Career

If you want to start working toward becoming an owner-operator, you will need to earn your CDL. At Phoenix Truck Driving School, you will learn from skilled instructors and will benefit from their real-life trucking experience. We will give you the tools you need to succeed and our job placement assistance team can even help you find companies that offer paths to owning your own vehicle.

To learn more about owner-operator trucking or other CDL jobs, contact us today.

Semi-trucks, also called tractor-trailers, transport 71.4% of the nation’s freight according to the American Trucking Associations (ATA). These vehicles and their drivers play an essential role in our nation’s economy and this has been the case for decades. Since their invention, semi-trucks have been an important factor in keeping our country running smoothly.

More information about the history of tractor-trailers:

The Invention of Semi-Trucks

Alexander Winton was a Scottish immigrant and inventor who lived in Cleveland, Ohio, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He originally produced bicycles until he started the Winton Motor Carriage Company in 1897. They produced “horseless carriages.” This was an early name for automobiles.

When Winton started to sell his vehicles, he realized that he needed a more efficient way to transport the cars. Many buyers lived hundreds of miles from Cleveland and driving the automobiles individually caused unnecessary wear and tear. In order to solve this problem, Winton created trucks with an attached trailer to transport his cars. He invented what he called the “automobile hauler” in 1898 and sold the first manufactured semi-truck in 1899.

A Detroit blacksmith, August Charles Fruehauf, created a similar vehicle in 1914. Fruehauf was the first to use the term “semi-trailer,” which eventually evolved into the phrase “semi-trailer truck.” This was shortened to “semi-truck,” creating the term we use today.

Trucking Industry Growth

There were several factors that led to the trucking industry’s growth.

These include:  

Advancements in Semi-Truck Design

The first semi-trucks were not very comfortable or easy to drive. This limited their usefulness and trains were a more popular method for hauling freight. One of the most important advancements was the creation of running lights. This meant that by 1912, semi-trailers could travel at night. As a result, they were more efficient and became a more attractive option for shipping goods. This advancement helped them compete with train companies.

Logging Industry

The growth of the logging industry created a need for vehicles that could effectively transport lumber. In 1939, the Peterbilt truck company created trailers to haul logs by refurbishing Army trucks. Peterbilt continues to manufacture semi-trucks to this day.

The National Highway System

President Dwight D. Eisenhower authorized the construction of the Interstate Highway System in 1956. This created a network of roads for transport across the continental United States. As a result of the new highway system, semi-trucks could travel more easily.

Modern Innovations

Today, truck manufacturers continue to introduce new technology to improve semi-trucks. This includes innovations related to safety and monitoring, such as electronic logging devices (ELDs). There have also been improvements for fuel efficiency and driver experience.

Learn to Drive a Tractor-Trailer

If becoming a truck driver appeals to you, then Phoenix Truck Driving School can help you start your career. Our experienced instructors use a combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience to teach you how to operate a semi-truck safely. We also offer job placement assistance for our students so you can find a rewarding career after graduation.

For more information about how you can learn to drive a semi-truck, contact us today.

Operating a large truck requires additional precautions compared to driving a smaller vehicle. Trucking safety is essential because an accident involving a tractor-trailer can have a huge impact. Safe driving not only keeps the driver and their freight safe but also helps protect everyone else on the road.

Here are some factors commercial drivers should be aware of:

Before Your Trip

Driver Health

It is important for truck drivers to be in good health. The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires physicals every 24 months for those operating commercial motor vehicles. In addition to completing these mandatory check-ups, you should also monitor your health and avoid driving if you are too sick to focus on the road.

Do Not Drive Impaired

You should not drive if you are impaired in any way. This includes not drinking before any trips and not using controlled substances at any time. In addition, you should be well-rested, as a lack of sleep can also result in impairment.

Pre-Trip Inspection

Before you start driving, you need to complete a pre-trip inspection of your commercial motor vehicle. There are multiple parts you must check to ensure your truck is safe to drive.

While Driving

Speed Limits

Maintaining a safe speed is important for all drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that driving above the speed limit was a factor in 26% of motor vehicle accidents in 2017. Speeding is even more dangerous for semi-trucks. This is because the stopping distance for large trucks is already greater than standard vehicles. The higher your speed, the longer it will take to stop. Truck drivers should always follow posted speed limits and adapt their speed to road conditions.

Avoiding Jackknifing

A jackknife is a form of skid that occurs when the trailer portion of a semi-truck folds in toward the cab at an acute angle. Accidents involving jackknife can be fatal to the truck driver or any others involved, so it is important to take proper care to avoid this issue. This includes slowing down on curvy roads, properly loading the vehicle, and turning slowly and carefully.

Awareness of the Road

Staying aware of the road is one of the most important things you can do as a driver. You should keep an eye out for any hazards and always be prepared to take necessary action to avoid them. The commercial driver’s license (CDL) manual recommends looking 12 to 15 seconds ahead at all times while also paying attention to conditions closer to your truck.

Prepare For Your Trucking Career

At Phoenix Truck Driving School, we can help you prepare for a rewarding career in the trucking industry. We use a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training to teach you how to operate a tractor-trailer. This includes important information about trucking safety as well as tips to help you succeed.

For more information about trucking safety and how to become a CDL driver, contact us today.

The trucking industry plays an essential role in the American economy. The current COVID-19 pandemic is making this especially clear, but the truth is that drivers have always been an important part of keeping our nation running smoothly. 

Here are a few facts about how truck driving impacts our economy:

Statistics from the ATA

The following statistics about the economic impact of truck driving in the United States come from 2018 data collected by the American Trucking Associations (ATA):

• The trucking industry generated almost $800 billion in gross revenue.
• Semi-trucks hauled 11.4 billion tons of goods and materials, which accounted for 71.4% of the nation’s freight. This includes 67.4% of trade between America and Canada and 83.5% of trade with Mexico. 
• 7.8 million individuals have jobs within the trucking industry and 3.5 million of these are truck drivers. 
• There are 36 million trucks registered for business purposes in the country. 

How Trucking Impacts Other Industries

One of the major reasons why trucking is so important is that the delivery of goods and materials via semi-truck impacts so many other industries. If trucks stopped their operation, then it would have a massive ripple effect. 

Food Industry

Semi-trucks make deliveries to restaurants and grocery stores across the country. Transportation connects the different parts of the supply chain from farms to factories to store shelves or restaurant kitchens. Certain staples such as canned meat, bottled water, and powdered milk would likely start to run out within 2-3 days without tractor-trailers. 

Retail

Trucks bring more than just food to stores. Nearly any type of item you can think of is transported via semi-truck. This includes cleaning supplies, toilet paper, and more. Without the trucking industry, shortages would quickly impact American consumers.

Manufacturing

Factories rely on trucks to deliver the materials necessary for their operations. As a result, interruption of deliveries would impact anyone who works at a factory as well as those who use the items they produce. This could affect anything from technology to medical supplies. 

Transportation

Tanker trucks bring gas to fuel stations and supply would be severely limited within less a day and completely gone within 2-3 days without the trucking industry. This would shut down transportation in the country very quickly. 

Healthcare

Hospitals and other healthcare facilities rely on truck drivers to bring supplies that include gloves, masks, oxygen tanks, and other essential equipment. Without the trucking industry, the medical field would not have access to the items they need. 

How This Impacts You

If you are looking for a career where you can make a positive impact for our country, while enjoying excellent job security, truck driving is a great option. Earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL) allows you to work as a local, regional, or long-distance driver. There is a high demand for qualified individuals in the trucking industry and this translates into competitive pay and benefits. Our truck driving school can get you on the road and earning in as little as four weeks. 

Contact us today to learn more about how you can become part of the trucking industry.

Earning a commercial driver’s license (CDL) is a great career move for many reasons. One of these is the stability of driving jobs, even during times when there is a great deal of uncertainty. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, a record number of Americans are facing unemployment. Although many will be able to recover once the virus is under control, it is still a sobering reality to consider. Certain industries are at a greater risk than others. Due to the necessity of trucking, drivers remain on the roads. If you are considering a career change, now might be a great time to start looking into attending a CDL school. 

Here are some facts about truck driving job security: 

Driver Shortage

Qualified truck drivers have always been in high demand, far before COVID-19, and this is unlikely to change anytime soon. There is a driver shortage that continues to grow each year. Bloomberg reports that the shortage grew from 10,000 to 60,800 between 2017 and 2018, and is expected to rise to 160,000 within the decade. This is because there is a relatively large number of drivers who are close to retirement. As they leave the workforce, motor carriers are looking for new CDL holders to take their place. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates a 5% growth in trucking employment from 2018 to 2028. 

Trucking Industry Growth

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) reports that trucks haul 70% of freight in our country and the industry brought in over $700 billion in revenue in 2017. In 2018, revenue rose to almost $800 billion. Because of the wide range of goods and materials that tractor-trailers haul, there is the potential for even further growth. 

A Variety of Stable Career Choices

If you want to become a CDL driver, there are many opportunities that offer excellent job security, high pay, and great benefits. A lot of companies focus on over-the-road (OTR) trucking. However, this is by no means your only option after graduating from truck driving school. Local routes often allow you to be home daily or nightly and these types of drivers are also in high demand. 

Truck Driving is Essential

The bottom line is that trucking is essential whether our country is running as usual or in the midst of an unprecedented situation like the COVID-19 outbreak. Trucks deliver food to grocery stores, supplies to hospitals, materials to factories, and so much more. Nearly every industry in the country relies to some degree on trucking. Individual citizens need drivers to ensure that stores are stocked and deliveries arrive on time. The importance of this work is one reason that driving jobs are likely to remain stable and secure. 

How to Become a Truck Driver

If you are interested in a career in the trucking industry, you will need to earn your CDL. At Phoenix Truck Driving School, we use a combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience to give you the valuable skills you need to succeed on the road. 

If you are interested in preparing for a truck driving job, contact us today to learn more about our programs.

Staying safe is important in every industry, but it is essential for truck driving. Since tractor-trailers often travel on public highways, any issues with these vehicles or the freight they transport can become serious hazards that affect others on the road. One of your responsibilities as a truck driver is to perform a pre-trip inspection before starting a haul. This is also part of the commercial driver’s license (CDL) skills test. 

Here are a few of the areas you should check during these inspections:

Internal Pre-Trip Inspection

Engine Compartment

You will need to examine the engine compartment to identify a variety of potential issues. Any leaks or drips, a low oil or coolant level, inadequate steering fluid, frayed belts, or any improperly mounted parts will need to be corrected before you can drive the vehicle. 

Cab Check

During the cab check, you should ensure the oil pressure, temperature, and air gauges are working correctly. Adjust your mirrors and ensure that they are clean and undamaged. Your windshield should also be free of any obstructions. In addition, there are multiple dash indicators you must test. 

Brake Tests

Testing your brakes is one of the most important parts of the pre-trip inspection and an important part of your CDL skills test. If you are driving a vehicle with air brakes, you will automatically fail the exam if you do not perform this part of the inspection properly. There are three parts of the air brake check which you will learn at Phoenix Truck Driving School. You will also need to check the hydraulic brake reserve, parking brake, and service brakes. 

External Pre-Trip Inspection

Steering

Check to make sure the steering box is properly mounted and that power steering fluid is not leaking. You should also look for missing cotter keys, nuts, or bolts. Connections between the steering box and wheel should be intact without wear or cracks. 

Suspension

Check that there are no missing or damaged leaf or coil springs. Examine all parts of your vehicle’s suspension equipment. You will also need to look at the mounts and shock absorbers for every axle. 

Brake Components

In addition to the brake tests during the internal inspection, you will need to check the exterior components of your vehicle’s brake system. This includes slack adjusters, push rods, brake chambers, brake hoses/lines, couplings, drum brakes, and brake linings. 

Wheels

Make sure that your wheels are in good driving condition. This includes checking tire depth, condition, and inflation. Rims also must be free of welding repairs and cannot be damaged or bent. All lug nuts must be present and cannot be loose, cracked, or distorted. 

Rear and Side Tractor-Trailer Exterior

There are multiple components you must inspect on the rear and side exterior of your tractor-trailer. These include your doors, mirrors, fuel tank, drive shaft, exhaust system, splash guards, ties, and lifts. 

Coupling/Tractor

The tractor must be securely attached to your vehicle. You must check for air leaks, ensure the mounting bolts are secure, and perform additional inspections to ensure safe coupling. 

Prepare for Your CDL Inspection Test

The list above only includes a portion of what you will be expected to know for your CDL skills test. There are over 100 different parts that you must identify and check. For your Class A CDL pre-trip inspection test you will need to perform one of four possible inspections. Phoenix Truck Driving School can help you prepare for and pass the different portions of your CDL test. We use a mix of classroom learning and hands-on experience and you will learn from highly-skilled instructors. 

Contact us today to learn more about pre-trip inspections and other aspects of the CDL test.

After you earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL), there are a wide variety of truck driving jobs that you can choose from. Our job placement assistance program can help you determine which options best suit your desired pay and lifestyle. In addition to determining the type of freight you will haul and whether you prefer team or solo driving, there are different routes you may drive: local, regional, or over-the-road (OTR) trucking.

Here are some facts about each type of CDL job:

Local Truck Driving

Local drivers travel within their city or state and often have a dedicated route. This means they drive to the same places each day. Local jobs usually require driving during the day so you can come home every night with one or two days off per week, depending on the company you are working for. 

The major benefit of these kinds of jobs is that they offer more home time than regional or OTR truck driving. The predictable and consistent schedule can also be a positive aspect depending on your preference. Although local trucking jobs usually pay less than long haul driving, this can vary greatly depending on the type of freight and who you work for. 

Regional Routes

Regional drivers are on the road for one or two weeks at a time and deliver goods within a smaller area of the country. This is usually within a radius of 1,000 miles from your home terminal. You will be home most weekends and sometimes every weekend, depending on the motor carrier you drive for. Some regional truckers have a dedicated route whereas others drive multiple routes. 

This is a middle ground between local and OTR trucking as it often pays more than local routes and allows you to be home more often than OTR jobs. 

OTR Trucking Jobs

OTR truck drivers travel through the 48 continental United States. Since they haul freight over long distances, they are usually on the road for three to four weeks at a time. Home time varies depending on the trucking company.

Since it does require more time away from home, pay for OTR jobs is usually higher than for local or regional hauls. Many drivers enjoy the freedom of the open road and OTR routes allow you to see more of the country. 

What Type of Trucking Job is Best for You?

Whether local, regional, or OTR driving is right for you depends on your personal preferences for pay and home time. There are benefits to each type of job. Additionally, individual companies offer different benefits, pay, and time off. 

We can help you find the trucking job that’s right for you

As a student at Phoenix Truck Driving School, you will earn your CDL and learn valuable skills from our world-class instructors. Whether you prefer local, regional, or OTR trucking, our job placement assistance team can help you find companies hiring drivers like you. 

Contact us today to learn more about our truck driving school in Albuquerque, NM.

In order to earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL), you will need to pass an exam. This includes a written and physical test of your ability to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). The written test is broken down into the general portion, which is necessary for all CDL holders, and optional endorsement exams that demonstrate additional knowledge. Similarly, the CDL skills test is broken down to cover inspections, basic skills, and on-the-road driving. You can read specific New Mexico requirements for each portion in the state’s CDL manual. 

Here is what you can expect: 

Vehicle Inspection Test

As a professional truck driver, it is important to check your vehicle before every trip. This helps ensure safe operation. The first portion of the CDL skills test requires you to perform a full internal and external inspection of the type of CMV you plan to drive. During the exam, you will need to walk around the CMV and explain each step of the inspection process to the examiner. As you do so, you will be expected to point to/touch and name each part you check. 

Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test

After you have inspected your CMV, the examiner will assess your basic control skills using various off-road tests. 

CDL Skills Test Exercises

Your examiner may choose to test any of the following: 

• • Straight Line Backing: Backing your CMV in a straight line between two rows of cones
  • Offset Back/Right or Offset Back/Left: Backing into a space that is to the left or to the right rear of your vehicle using cones as guidelines
  • Parallel Park (Driver Side or Conventional): Parallel parking in a space that is on your left or right, using cones as boundaries
  • Alley Dock: Sight-side backing your vehicle into an alley and positioning it parallel to the outer boundary without touching a line of cones

Scoring Criteria

Your examiner will score the above exercises based on:

• Encroachments: Crossing over boundary lines or touching cones with any portion of your CMV counts as an error.
• Pull-Ups: Stopping and pulling forward to get a better position is not penalized initially, but pulling up too often can count as an error.
• Outside Vehicle Observations (Looks): For some exercises, the examiner may allow you to safely stop and exit your vehicle to check its position. Exiting unsafely can result in an automatic failure. When done properly, these observations are scored as “looks” and there is a maximum of two for all exercises besides straight line backing, which has a maximum of one “look.”
• Final Position/Inside Parallel: The final position of your CMV must be exactly what the examiner asked you to do and if not, you may fail the CDL skills test.

On-the-Road Test

The final portion of the skills test requires you to drive your vehicle through a test route. This assesses your ability to handle actual traffic situations. If certain conditions don’t happen naturally on the route, the examiner may ask you to describe what you would do if that situation occurred. 

Required Skills

The road portion of the CDL skills test may assess:

• Turning and turn signal use
• Steering
• Intersections
• Safe following distance
• Traffic checks
• Lane changes
• Expressway or rural/limited access highway
• Stop/start
• Curve
• Railroad crossing
• Bridge/overpass and associated signage 
• Clutch, gear, and brake usage

Prepare for Your CDL Test

As a student at Phoenix Truck Driving School, you will have hands-on experience with inspection, basic road skills, and on-the-road driving. Our highly-skilled instructors will help you learn how to safely operate a CMV. 

Contact us today to learn more about how our programs can help you pass your CDL skills test. 

After you earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL), there are many different types of jobs that you will be qualified for. You can increase your job opportunities by obtaining additional CDL endorsements, which are separate written tests you take to demonstrate knowledge and skills related to specific types of truck driving. One example is the doubles/triples endorsement, which allows you to drive a long combination vehicle or LCV. 

What you should know about double and triple trailers: 

What is a Long Combination Vehicle?

A combination vehicle is a tractor unit with one or more attached trailers. A long combination vehicle is a tractor that has two or three trailers instead of one. Passing the standard CDL exam allows you to drive combination vehicles with one trailer, such as a standard semi-truck. However, driving an LCV requires the doubles/triples endorsement. 

Benefits of LCVs

The main benefit of long combination vehicles is that they can transport more cargo than a normal tractor-trailer. This often translates into higher pay-per-mile for truck drivers. Since these types of vehicles also require an additional endorsement, not as many candidates are qualified. This means that passing the doubles/triples CDL test can help you stand out when applying to trucking companies. 

Safety Concerns for Doubles/Triples

A combination vehicle will usually require more driving skill to safely operate than a single commercial vehicle. This is true even for standard tractor-trailers and the more attachments there are, the more care a driver needs to take. 

Some factors to be aware of when driving an LCV:

“Crack-the-Whip” Effect

When you make a turn too quickly, it results in rearward amplification, also known as the “crack-the-whip” effect. This can cause rollovers. Longer trucks with more trailers can have a higher rate of rearward amplification. In order to drive a long combination vehicle safely, you should steer slowly and gently and be cautious while turning.

Coupling and Uncoupling Trailers

To connect multiple trailers you will need to use a special converter dolly. This is a device that has a fifth wheel mounted on one or two axles. You will need to be sure to understand how to safely couple and uncouple double and triple trailers as doing this incorrectly can be dangerous. 

Inspecting Your Vehicle

Proper inspection is essential for safe driving. It is especially important to complete thorough checks for long combination vehicles. With multiple trailers and more parts than a standard semi-truck, you will need to be sure that you have inspected everything. 

State Regulations for Long Combination Vehicles

The Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 (STAA) established a National Network (NN) of highways for larger trucks. Within the NN, federal rules and regulations apply for the length and weight of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). This includes most of the Interstate Highway System, but if you travel through regional areas, you will need to also be aware of state regulations. Some states ban triple trailers or have additional requirements for driving a long combination vehicle. 

Earn Your Doubles/Triples Endorsement

At Phoenix Truck Driving School you will have the opportunity to earn three endorsements: hazmat, tanker, and doubles/triples. With these additional qualifications, you will be a prime candidate for a wider range of trucking jobs after graduation. 

Contact us today to learn more about earning the CDL endorsement necessary to drive a long combination vehicle.

In addition to your commercial driver’s license (CDL) test, you can take endorsement tests that demonstrate your knowledge of specific skills related to truck driving. At Phoenix Truck Driving School, you will have an opportunity to take three additional exams. These are tankers, doubles/triples, and hazardous materials. The tanker endorsement, also called a tank endorsement, allows you to drive vehicles that transport liquids or gases. This can widen your range of job opportunities after graduation.

More information about the tanker endorsement:

What Vehicles Require a Tanker Endorsement?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the trucking industry. They set the safety requirements that motor carriers must follow. These include rules regarding when certain endorsements are needed. 

FMCSA guidelines state that truck drivers must have a tanker endorsement to drive a tank vehicle, defined in §383.119 of the Code of Federal Regulations. A tank vehicle is a commercial motor vehicle that: 

• Transports liquid or gaseous material of any kind
• Carries this material in a tank or multiple tanks with individual capacities greater than 119 gallons
• Has a total volume of liquid or gas of 1,000 gallons or more

While this does not include transporting empty tanks or intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), as of 2015, the FMCSA clarified that the definition does include dry vans that transport multiple smaller tanks of gas or liquid with a volume of 1,000 gallons or more. 

How Do You Earn a Tank Endorsement?

In order to earn your tanker endorsement, you will need to pass a CDL endorsement test. You will take this at the same time as your standard CDL exam. The tanker test is 20-30 questions and covers topics related to safely transporting liquid or gaseous materials. 

Some of the most important facts to study and understand before taking this endorsement test relate to how liquids and gases move differently than other types of freight. If you plan to drive a tanker truck, you will need to prepare for surge. This is when fluids in your truck’s tank move back and forth, even while the truck is standing still. You will need to know about baffles and bulkheads, which are dividers inside the tank that can reduce the effects of surge. The exam also covers smooth bore tanks, which are commonly used for transporting food and which can increase the sloshing of liquids in the tank.

Combining CDL Endorsements

When you earn the tanker endorsement alone, it is marked as an “N” endorsement on your CDL. If you earn your hazardous materials (hazmat) endorsement at the same time, the two combine and are marked as an “X” endorsement. Many jobs transporting hazmat require both. If you attend Phoenix Truck Driving School, we will help you learn the information needed to pass both the tanker and hazmat tests. 

Earn Your Tanker Endorsement at Phoenix Truck Driving School

Our CDL school gives you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed as a truck driver. These include the basics you need to pass your CDL test as well as additional information to earn three endorsements. 

Contact us today to learn more about earning your CDL, hazmat, doubles/triples, and tanker endorsements at Phoenix Truck Driving School.

There are many different types of truck driving jobs that you can start once you earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL). Each type of freight or route has different benefits. Before you begin your trucking career, you should consider your goals and decide what kind of CDL job you would prefer. Hauling hazardous material (hazmat) is one option and jobs involving potentially hazardous freight often pay more. 

Here is what you should know if you are considering a career hauling hazmat:

What is Hazmat?

The Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM) defines hazmat as any item or agent with the potential of causing harm to the environment, animals, or humans. Dangerous goods need to be identified according to strict safety standards and anyone transporting them must meet certain qualifications.

There are 9 broad categories of hazardous materials: 

• Explosives
• Gases
• Flammable Liquids
• Flammable Solids
• Oxidizing Substances
• Toxic and Infectious Substances
• Radioactive Materials
• Corrosives
• Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods

In the trucking industry, one example of hazmat is gasoline. Gas tankers are necessary to bring fuel to gas stations across the country and qualified drivers for these vehicles are in high demand. Most industries interact with hazardous materials in some way and as a result, there are a wide variety of hazmat trucking jobs. 

Safe Truck Driving

Safety is essential in any industry and it is especially important for truck driving. When you haul freight, you are responsible not only for protecting yourself and the goods you are transporting, but also for ensuring the safety of others on the road. When it comes to hazmat, there are even more factors to keep in mind. This is why jobs involving hazmat require additional qualifications.

Hazmat Endorsement

You can add CDL endorsements to your license by taking additional knowledge tests. These exams cover information related to truck driving safety beyond what is included in the standard CDL test. Some truck driving jobs require an endorsement or multiple endorsements. Hauling hazardous freight is one example. As a student at Phoenix Truck Driving School, you can earn your hazmat endorsement. 

It’s important to note that you will need to undergo an additional background check to earn this endorsement. Unlike the background check to obtain your CDL, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will complete the screening process, not the Department of Transportation (DOT). Certain offenses can disqualify you and the TSA lists these on their website. Additionally, federal law prohibits you from applying for the hazmat endorsement until you are 21 years old. 

X Endorsement

In addition to the hazmat endorsement, some jobs will require what is called an “X” endorsement. This is the combination of a hazmat and tanker endorsement. Our students earn both of these, giving them more employment options after graduation. 

Start a Hazmat Driving Career

If you are interested in a career hauling potentially hazardous freight, you can get started at Phoenix Truck Driving School. Our program allows you to earn your CDL as well as endorsements for hazardous materials, tankers, and doubles/triples. We teach you the safety and operation skills you need to succeed as a truck driver. 

Contact us today to learn more about our truck driving school and how we can help you become a hazmat truck driver.