Becoming a certified driver for the delivery of hazardous materials is not exceedingly challenging, and could set the driver up for a career with more opportunities and better pay.
Completing the delivery of hazardous materials can be a significantly more dangerous job given the nature of the shipment and the operation of different vehicles. Therefore, the transportation industry has set up requirements for only certified truck drivers with special hazmat knowledge to fulfill these deliveries. Becoming a certified driver for the delivery of hazardous materials is not exceedingly challenging, and could set the driver up for a career with more opportunities and better pay. Here’s what you should know about the certification process in order to carry out safely and legally the delivery of hazardous materials.
What’s Required
In order to qualify for receiving certification, you’ll be expected to meet a few requirements. Firstly, you’ll need to have your valid commercial driver’s license. Then, you’ll need to pass a test to receive the hazmat endorsement on your license. The delivery of hazardous materials can pose a serious threat if the materials end up in a bad situation or the wrong driver’s supervision. That’s why you will also be expected to complete the TSA threat-assessment screening before you can be cleared to proceed with your certification process. Many people don’t know that there is a physical component to the hazmat certification: you will need an eye examination. Many trucking companies nowadays afford trucking positions to ex-felons, but becoming a hazmat-certified driver will not be one of those options. You are required to have a clean record.
Endorsement Test
The state will administer the endorsement test for the hazmat certification. The test presents approximately 30 questions on the delivery of hazardous materials, ranging from placard usage, documentation, driver responsibilities, loading and unloading, etc. Further, this might not be the only endorsement test you’ll need to take to become a full-fledged hazmat driver. The dangerous materials you transport can take on solid, liquid, and gas forms, so you will likely operate a tanker truck. Hauling a tanker will require passing its own endorsement test. You will need to take both tests, but you can get certified for both endorsements to your commercial driver’s license at the same time.
Training and Continuing Education
Trucking companies often continue to train their hazmat drivers even after they receive their hazmat endorsement. This ensures the new hazmat driver can get plenty of practical experience while safely under a seasoned-driver’s supervision. New drivers undergo further training, and experienced drivers will also receive continued training to stay compliant with Department of Transportation requirements.
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