You don't have to be hauling hazmat to be killed in an accident...

 

wow...lol...so what you all are saying is dont get it?...I wish you guys would be more clear...lol...just kidding. seriously thanks for help and advice. I went ahead and did the background check/fingerprint, I might as well go ahead I figured. I now feel better with what I did after reading all your tips, experience, and advice. I wont have any problem with the background check. Thanks again on helping a newbie.

 

Or you and "Joe" both just got empty an hour ago. There's a 2,200 mile non-hazmat load and a 300 mile hazmat load. Poor old Joe... Somebody has to pull that hazmat load so he gets screwed. It can cut both ways. I say do what you want to do. There's plenty of work out there either way. It just depends on what company you're looking toward.

 

Sure there is plenty of work either way. But if I was coming out of school and wanted a job, I would want to have "one up" on the next guy down the line. Why pay xxx amount of $$$ for schooling and then you cant even market yourself because you are limited as to who you can apply to? Ol' Joe might have to take a crappy 300 mile run because of his endorsement while poor Frank is still looking for a job because he dont have his..............

 

Dude, there's a zillion openings for drivers. You do NOT need HazMat. You can EASILY get a job without it. Good luck either way you go.

 

i love haz-mat loads you have to be a little more careful but i make a lot more money doing everything legal and right. I haul tanks and the customers are wonderful you always have an appointment and i never wait...if i do wait i am paid for my time....wonderman

 

I think you missed the point that me and other have tried to explain

 

Yep, thats right!! 8) 8) 8)

 

Vito...yes that can happen, but the sword cuts both ways.

Back when I was a "Red Racer"...I emptied out in Atlanta one day...then deadheaded down to Valdosta, and loaded a hazmat load to Sacramento, CA......seems I was the only guy in the area with the endorsement to do it.

Its a gamble....but then, I found in my case I didn't get saddled with running short hazmat loads...as much as I got shorter non-hazmat loads.... so its a little of the bad with the good. 8)

 

I have hauled various hazmat loads for over 20 years. Hardly any more of an issue than hauling regular freight. A couple of extra steps to take but nothing spectacular.

That being said. There are a number of companies now that are basing their pay scales on whether you have hazmat endorsement or not. I saw this coming when we had to start getting background checks. I saw the same thing happen when the CDL kicked in back in '92. This will be more pronounced. There is no doubt that a hazmat endorsement will command a premium in the pay scales. It is already happening.

Therefore..... since hazmat hauling is really a joke once you've done it for a while, and since there will be a premium pay for hazmat endorsed drivers, it is a no brainer........ get the endorsement and sit back and enjoy.