Whether for commercial reasons, to achieve financial security or simply to explore a new career path, obtaining your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) has many rewards. Your obtaining of a CDL however, requires you to meet the specific qualifications for the transportation industry. Though a standard CDL – such as the Class A or Class B license – is great, staying with a premium driver profile, coupled with the acquisition of specialty endorsements, can highly increase your earnings.
In this guide, you’ll find out the criteria every CDL candidate needs to meet as well as how you can get good compensation for professional truck driving.
4 Core Qualifications Every CDL Candidate Must Have
1. A Clean Driving Record
If a candidate is going to receive his/her CDL, he or she has to have a good driver’s record. The record of frequent fines for speeding tickets, at-fault accidents or DUIs may prevent someone from getting a CDL and/or professional contract.
- Why It Matters: MVR will definitely be checked out by companies looking to hire you and by fleet owners as well. All these are checks to see your driving record and having them clean of them definitely gives you a huge advantage.
- Pro Tip: Have the DMV send you an official copy of your driving record, so you can look it over to check for anything you’ll need to address.
2. Passing Physical Health Requirements
Commercial vehicle operators are subjected to stiff physical requirement standards enforced by the DOT in order to guarantee proper vehicle operation. Physical requirements include passing a DOT medical examination.
- Key Health Factors: Candidates undergo tests to determine their vision and hearing as well as an examination of their heart and blood pressure. Candidates with unmanaged epilepsy, heart defects or are addicted to drugs and alcohol cannot pass.
- Blood Pressure Benchmarks: While it’s important not to let your pressure rise too high, for most applicants, as long as you manage hypertension, your blood pressure will be under 140/90 to have a DOT Medical Card. In some circumstances, such as your pressure is under 160/100, you might be able to be issued a short term medical certificate.
3. A Reliable Work History
Having a consistent and reliable work history proves your dependability, punctuality, and safety conscience for all aspects of both long-haul and local logistics.
- Resume Presentation: Emphasize heavy equipment operating, last-minute deliveries or stringent safety protocols on your resume.
- Pro Tip: Design a clean and polished resume to include key professional achievements, special training, and your drive for zero-incident safety.
4. High-Value CDL Endorsements
While a standard CDL will get you out on the road and on your way, earning additional CDL endorsements will open the door to more lucrative, highly specialized freight options.
- Hazmat (H): A dangerous goods endorsement will allow you to carry hazardous materials which generally earn high pay due to required safety training.
- Tanker (N): Allows you to operate tank vehicles carrying liquid or gaseous materials.
- Doubles/Triples (T): Permits you to drive double/triple trailers opening up options of types of commercial fleets to drive for.
- Pro Tip: Identify the most sought-after endorsements in the trucking sector where you wish to work, then pay your fees to book the knowledge tests as soon as possible so that you can start earning!
Position Yourself for Long-Term Career Success
Getting your CDL will be the cornerstone of an enjoyable, high-paying job. If you keep up a strong safety record, focus on your physical wellness and add endorsements to your license to continue broadening your capabilities, the best driving jobs in logistics will be yours.
Partner with ATC for Premium Driveaway Opportunities
ATC is committed to recruiting and retaining professional drivers who adhere to our industry-leading benchmarks in safety, reliability, and quality. As one of the nation’s leading providers of vehicle relocation and driveaway services, ATC partners experienced, licensed, independent driver contractors with elite transportation jobs nationwide.
If you are an experienced CDL driver that would like to team up with an industry leader; call ATC to find out about our contractor needs and to become a driver in our network!
