Requirements for obtaining and maintaining a commercial driver's license (CDL).
Commercial Driver's License (CDL): An overview of what a CDL is and its purpose.
Types of CDLs: Different classes of CDLs and the endorsement requirements for each.
CDL training and education: The training and education requirements to obtain a CDL.
Physical and medical requirements: The physical and medical requirements necessary to attain and maintain a CDL.
Hours of Service (HOS): The maximum amount of time a commercial driver can drive and work in a day and week.
Drug and alcohol testing: The requirements for substance abuse testing for CDL holders.
Vehicle maintenance and inspections: The importance of maintaining commercial vehicles in safe working order and conducting regular inspections.
Hazardous materials: The requirements for transporting hazardous materials, including additional endorsement requirements.
Weight and size regulations: Limits on the weight, length, and size of commercial vehicles and the importance of adhering to these regulations.
Electronic logging devices (ELD): The requirements for using electronic logging devices to record driving time and other information.
Traffic and safety regulations: Adhering to traffic and safety regulations, including speed limits, parking, and driving in hazardous conditions.
Driver safety: The importance of driver safety and minimizing risks on the road.
Insurance and liability: Laws and regulations related to commercial vehicle insurance and liability in the event of an accident.
Emergency procedures: The procedures and protocols to follow in case of an emergency, such as a breakdown, accident, or hazardous material spill.
The carrier's safety record: The importance of researching the safety record of any carrier you may work for or partner with.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations: The regulations set forth by the FMCSA that govern the operation of commercial vehicles and the conduct of commercial drivers.
Class A CDL: This type of CDL is required for drivers operating combination vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. This includes tractor-trailers, road trains, and other heavy-duty vehicles.
Class B CDL: This type of CDL is required for individuals operating single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or towing trailers with a GVWR not exceeding 10,000 pounds. For example, drivers of dump trucks, straight trucks, or buses.
Class C CDL: This type of CDL is required for drivers operating vehicles that do not meet the criteria for Class A or B CDLs but are designed to transport more than 16 passengers or placarded hazardous materials.
HazMat: Allows drivers to transport hazardous materials classified as such by the Department of Transportation.
Tanker: Allows drivers to transport liquid or gas-filled tanks.
Double/Triple: Allows drivers to operate double or triple trailers.
L: Prohibits the operation of vehicles with air brakes.
M: Restricts the use of Class A and B vehicles without a Class A or Class B CDL holder in the front seat.
N: Restricts the driver to operating vehicles with automatic transmission.
P: Prohibits the operation of vehicles with commercial passenger transport.
X: Combination of L, M, and N. This restriction can be added to Class A, B, or C CDLs.