CDL refers to commercial driver's license. CDL is a mandatory requirement for all those planning to make career as a commercial driver. It is required for all drivers who drive vehicles with gross vehicle weight rating of 25001 lb. It includes trucks, tractors, trailer or buses. The intention of making CDL mandatory was to improve the road safety and regularize transportation activities.
Work Nature and Responsibilities
A CDL driver is expected to carry passengers or cargo and transport them to their desired destinations. The responsibility of the safety and comfort of the passengers lie with the driver. He must ensure the cargo is transported without any damage to the goods. The driver must obtain the area details and map of the desired location so that he complies with the designed route. He needs to complete the journey within the set time so that the cargo is delivered /passengers are dropped off on time. His driving skills must be adept at helping him drive through rough terrains and unfavorable weather conditions.
Qualification Requirements
Enlisted below are the criteria to qualify for the CDL license. These requirements are common for all types of drivers for any state.
Types of Licenses
Every vehicle is categorized on the basis of its gross weight. GVWR, Gross vehicle weight rating, refers to the maximum weight a vehicle is allowed to carry. It includes vehicle's own weight, passengers and cargo.
There are three main types of driving licenses that are issued, on basis of the vehicle used for transportation. Additionally, drivers need to earn endorsements to be allowed to transport passengers or cargo of special nature. Find below the types of licenses and endorsements.
Class A
Class B
Class C
A Class-A driver is allowed to drive Class-B and Class-C vehicles as well. A Class-B driver can drive Class-C vehicle. However, a Class-C is not driver is not allowed to drive the other two types of vehicles.
Endorsements
Drivers need to fulfill additional training to work to acquire endorsements on CDLs. Endorsements give right to handle specific responsibilities.
H: Hazardous Materials
P: Passengers
N: Tank Vehicle
T: Double/Triple Trailers
S: School Bus
Preferably, a driver must pass the driving test with an air brake vehicle. If he performs a skills test with a vehicle without the air brake or fails such a test, he is given a license with restriction on driving airbrake vehicles.
Work Environment
Driving is physically demanding job. It causes excessive physical strain as drivers drive for long hours, help in loading and unloading of cargo. Drivers travel at night, during weekends and festivals, depending upon shipment requirements. Along with physical and mental strain, drivers often face boredom and loneliness.
Career Prospects
Transportation is core infrastructure of any industry. Hence, as the economy progresses and production increases, transportation needs increase as well. Hence, the demand for drivers is expected to grow. As more drivers retire from current profile, the demand for skilled drivers would be higher. The competition among local carriers is harder than long distance carriers due to favorable work conditions for local carriers.
Follow the CDL driver work description and find your way towards making a career in the transportation industry.