Trucking

Key Takeaways CDL endorsements are strategic career investments that unlock higher pay and specialized hauling authority. Here's what every commercial driver should know:

• Endorsements significantly boost earnings: Drivers with endorsements earn $90,000 to $150,000 annually, compared to the national median of $57,440 for truck drivers.
• The combined X endorsement (Hazmat + Tanker) commands the highest pay: It offers a 15–30% pay boost by qualifying drivers for fuel and chemical tanker routes in constant demand.
• Hazmat requires the most effort but delivers the biggest returns: It's the only endorsement requiring a TSA background check (30–60 days), fingerprinting, and ELDT, so start the process early.
• Doubles/Triples is the easiest endorsement to earn: It requires only a written test, making it an ideal first endorsement for new CDL holders.
• Tanker skills require specialized training beyond standard CDL programs: Liquid surge, weight distribution, and tanker handling are critical competencies that agriculture-focused programs particularly address well.

With roughly 237,600 annual openings projected for heavy truck drivers through 2034, stacking the right endorsements positions drivers to capture the highest-paying roles in this growing field.

CDL Endorsements and Their Effect on Earning Potential

A CDL opens the door to commercial driving, but the base license only covers so much. Endorsements are add-ons that authorize drivers to haul specialized cargo, and they affect earning potential. Drivers with endorsements could earn between $90,000 and $150,000 per year. That figure compares to the national median of $57,440 reported by the BLS (May 2024). That gap makes endorsements a practical next step after earning a CDL.

Endorsements Add Specialized Hauling Authority to a CDL

A standard Class A CDL qualifies a driver to operate combination vehicles (a tractor pulling one trailer). It does not authorize hauling hazardous materials, operating a tanker, or pulling multiple trailers. Each of those cargo types or vehicle configurations requires a separate endorsement, designated by a letter code on the license:

• H for Hazmat
• N for Tanker
• T for Doubles/Triples
• X for the combined Hazmat + Tanker endorsement

CDL Classes Eligible for Each Endorsement

Endorsement	Class A	Class B
Hazmat (H)	Yes	Yes
Tanker (N)	Yes	Yes
Doubles/Triples (T)	Yes	No
Combined (X)	Yes	Yes

The Doubles/Triples endorsement is exclusive to Class A holders because only combination vehicles can pull multiple trailers.

Endorsement Impact on Pay

Drivers who treat endorsements as a strategic career investment see the biggest returns. Industry data shows that stacking endorsements can increase earning potential by 10 to 30 percent. The combined X endorsement (Tanker + Hazmat) commands some of the highest pay rates in the industry because it qualifies drivers for fuel hauling and chemical transport. Three endorsements are most relevant to pay, demand, and career flexibility. The Hazmat endorsement comes first on that list, and it requires a federal background check, a knowledge test, and a process unlike any other CDL credential.

Hazmat Endorsement: Moving Dangerous Goods

Of all the endorsements available, the Hazmat endorsement carries the most requirements. Drivers hauling chemicals, explosives, radioactive materials, or fuel in non-tank containers need federal clearance before loading a single shipment.

Cargo Types the Hazmat Endorsement Covers

The H endorsement covers nine hazard classes defined by the U.S. Department of Transportation:

• Explosives
• Gasses (compressed, liquefied, dissolved)
• Flammable liquids
• Flammable solids
• Oxidizers and organic peroxides
• Toxic and infectious substances
• Radioactive materials
• Corrosives
• Miscellaneous dangerous goods

Requirements: TSA Background Check and Disqualifiers

The Hazmat endorsement is the only CDL credential that requires a TSA security threat assessment. The process includes fingerprinting at an approved enrollment center and a federal background check. The check can take 30 to 60 days to complete. Certain criminal convictions disqualify applicants permanently. Others create a waiting period. The TSA publishes a full list of disqualifying offenses on its website. The FMCSA also requires Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) for the Hazmat endorsement. Drivers must complete this training through a provider listed on the FMCSA's Training Provider Registry.

Cost Breakdown and Job Outlook

The TSA threat assessment fee is about $86.50. State DMV testing fees vary but range from $10 to $25 in most states. The BLS projects about 237,600 annual openings for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers through 2034, and Hazmat-qualified drivers fill some of the highest-paying positions in that pool.

Tanker Endorsement: Transporting Liquid Cargo

Tanker transport is one of the most common specialized hauling jobs in the country. The Tanker endorsement (designated N) applies to any vehicle designed to carry liquid or gaseous materials in bulk. Both Class A and Class B CDL holders need this endorsement to move that type of cargo.

Cargo Types the Tanker Endorsement Covers

The N endorsement is not limited to fuel. It covers:

• Gasoline and diesel fuel
• Milk and liquid food products
• Water
• Industrial chemicals (when combined with H for hazardous liquids)
• Dry bulk materials like grain and cement carried in pneumatic tankers

Training Differences for Liquid Transport

Tanker driving requires specific skills that standard CDL training does not cover in depth. Liquid surge is the primary concern. A partially loaded tanker creates a wave effect when the driver brakes or turns, and that shifting liquid can make the vehicle unstable. Some CDL training programs include tanker-specific instruction as part of their curriculum. Agriculture-focused programs, for example, cover liquid surge, weight distribution, and tanker handling. Hauling milk in bulk tanker trucks is a core need in agricultural regions. ACI's Ag Transportation Program includes this type of specialized instruction for students in California's Central Valley.

Endorsement Costs and Job Outlook

The Tanker endorsement requires only a written knowledge test at the state DMV. There is no federal background check. Fees range from $10 to $25 depending on the state. California and Nevada CDL holders should check their respective state DMV requirements, as fee structures and testing availability differ.

Doubles/Triples Endorsement: Hauling Multiple Trailers

The Doubles/Triples endorsement (designated T) focuses on how many trailers a driver pulls rather than the cargo inside them. It applies only to Class A CDL holders and requires a written knowledge test.

Common Cargo and Configurations for Doubles and Triples

Doubles and triples configurations are most common in LTL (less-than-truckload) freight and parcel delivery. Major carriers like FedEx, UPS, and Old Dominion use double trailers on interstate routes to move high volumes between hubs.

Training Considerations for Multiple Trailers

Coupling and uncoupling multiple trailers requires practice. Drivers must understand how the rear trailer tracks differently in turns. Braking distances increase with multiple trailers, and crosswinds affect a longer vehicle combination more than a single trailer setup. Some states restrict triples to specific highways, so drivers should verify local regulations before accepting those loads.

Endorsement Costs and Job Outlook

The T endorsement has the lowest barrier of the three. It requires only a written test, no background check, and no additional ELDT. DMV fees are similar to the Tanker endorsement. LTL carriers recruit drivers with this credential for overnight relay routes between distribution hubs.

Endorsement Pay Comparison and Regional Demand

Earning potential and job demand vary by endorsement and by the combination a driver chooses to stack.

Earning Potential by Endorsement Type

Endorsement	Typical Pay Boost	Highest-Demand Sectors
Doubles/Triples (T)	5-10% above base CDL	LTL freight, parcel carriers
Tanker (N)	10-15% above base CDL	Fuel delivery, agriculture
Hazmat (H)	10-20% above base CDL	Chemical transport, waste hauling
Combined X (H + N)	15-30% above base CDL	Fuel tanker, chemical tanker

The X endorsement commands the highest premiums because it qualifies drivers for fuel tanker routes, which are in constant demand.

Agriculture-Focused CDL Programs and Tanker Preparation

Programs like ACI's Ag Transportation Program include instruction on hauling milk, produce, and livestock equipment. This curriculum prepares students for the Tanker endorsement test and for tanker operations in agricultural regions.

Steps to Earn a CDL Endorsement

Earning a CDL endorsement follows a clear process, but the steps vary depending on the credential.

Building the Foundation: Class A CDL Programs and Endorsement Readiness

Before pursuing any endorsement, a driver needs a valid CDL. ACI offers Class A CDL training programs across campuses in Visalia, Fresno, Merced, and Las Vegas. Graduates of accredited programs hold the baseline credential needed before adding endorsements.

CDL Training at ACI

ACI has been family-owned and operated since it opened its first school in 1986. Students interested in CDL training and endorsement preparation can find program details, tuition information, and campus schedules on ACI's Class A CDL training page. Read: Visalia Graduate Tanker Endorsement Success Story →

FAQs

Are doubles and triples the same endorsement?

Yes. A single endorsement designated "T" covers both doubles (two trailers) and triples (three trailers). Drivers do not need separate credentials for each configuration.

What is the hardest CDL endorsement to get?

The Hazmat (H) endorsement is the most demanding. It is the only CDL endorsement that requires a TSA security threat assessment, which includes fingerprinting and a federal background check.

What CDL endorsements require a road test?

None of the three endorsements covered here require a road test. The Hazmat (H), Tanker (N), and Doubles/Triples (T) endorsements each require a written knowledge test at the state DMV.

Do I need a TWIC card to get a hazmat endorsement?

No. A Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card is not needed to get your HazMat endorsement. They are separate credentials.

How hard is it to get your doubles and triples endorsement?

The Doubles/Triples (T) endorsement is the lowest-barrier endorsement of the three. It requires only a written knowledge test at the state DMV.

Going back to school for continuing education midway through your career is never an easy decision, but it can provide benefits that will stay with you for the rest of your career in that industry. The same can get said for going back to CDL school to help you start a new career. The following are several tips to help you make the most of your CDL training as you start a new career and take part in training for your job as a truck driver...

Have a Mind Open to Learning

When you go back to school to get your CDL, it can be challenging, but it needs to get done with an open mind. You will learn lots of new things for the first time. While it might seem overwhelming, in the end, taking the information you learn to apply to your career is what will help you pass your CDL test.

Be Coachable

Being coachable means that you take the information that you learn and you use it to help you advance in your new career. Everything you get taught at ACI is to help prepare you for the road ahead (no pun intended) and to become a safe and cautious driver. Learn and improve your skills and you will become a better employee and a more hireable candidate.

Come with Optimism & A Positive Attitude

Coming in with a positive attitude and an open mind rather than being pessimistic and unopened to change will help you make the most out of the education. Everyone at Advanced Career Institute wants the very best for you and to see you succeed.

Learn From Constructive Criticism

Constructive criticism is part of any sort of learning and career training. When our teachers and mentors give you criticism, they never mean to insult or belittle you, but rather are there to teach you the industry standards and how to do your job more effectively. Take the critical thinking in the mindset that they want you to succeed and do whatever you can to help yourself learn the skills needed for the job.

Avoid Putting Mentors/Instructors Down

The instructors at the Advanced Career Institute care about you not only as a student who is paying to get an education but for you as an individual who wants to improve your life and make a better living. Returning that respect and working with our instructors will only help you be better at your new job. It will also help you have a better learning experience along the way.

Believe In Yourself

The amount of information you learn while in school training for your CDL can be very overwhelming. Taking in the information can seem challenging. Believe in yourself and your ability to understand what you are learning. You can remember this information and make a better life for yourself moving forward with trucking as your new career.   These are just some traits that will help you succeed in earning your Commercial Driver's License. ACI is here to help you get through the learning process that is part of becoming a full-time truck driver. For further assistance or to come in and speak to us, please contact us today.

There are a variety of steps to take in order to become a professional truck driver. One step is to pass the DOT Physical Exam. The DOT Physical Exam is an examination that all truck drivers must take and pass to get their Commercial Driver’s License. This exam determines if the driver meets certain health standards set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in order to be eligible to drive. Continue reading to learn more about the DOT Exam!

What Is the DOT Exam?

All truck drivers are required by law to pass the DOT Physical Exam before getting behind the wheel of a big rig. The FMCSA has set a variety of mental and physical health regulations that truckers must meet in order to fulfill the demands of a truck driving career. All professional truck drivers must hold an up-to-date physical certification at all times. Typically, drivers are required to get physicals every 1-2 years. It is important to meet the standards of the DOT physical to ensure both the truck driver’s safety on the road as well as the safety of other motorists. All candidates are asked to fill out all health questionnaires before they arrive at the office. If drivers have any of the following conditions they need to bring the following with them to the exam:

• Drivers who have vision or hearing problems must bring either their glasses/contacts or hearing aids with them to the exam.
• Potential drivers with diabetes must bring their most recent and comprehensive Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) results and blood sugar logs with them.
• Drivers with heart-related issues must bring a letter from their cardiologist outlining the issues and limitations that the driver has as well as along with a note that they are safe to perform this kind of work.

If a driver comes without these specific papers, yet has one of these conditions, the exam will not be able to be passed until the appropriate items are brought in.

What Can I Expect During the DOT Exam?

In addition to the necessary checks mentioned above, the DOT Physical Exam will also look for a variety of other conditions that a driving candidate may have. These will include the following:

• General Appearance
• Eyes (i.e., cataracts, glaucoma, muscular degeneration, etc.)
• Ears (i.e., scarring of the tympanic membrane, perforated eardrums, etc.)
• Mouth/Throat Exam (issues swallowing)
• Heart (to detect problems)
• Lungs & Chest
• Abdominal Issues
• Vascular Issues
• Genito-Urinary Issues
• Extremities
• Possible Spinal Injuries
• Neurological Issues

These are just some of the issues that get looked at within the exam. The idea behind the DOT Physical Exam is to give prospective drivers a comprehensive physical to ensure that the driver is fit and healthy before beginning their driving career.

What Happens if I Fail?

A candidate will fail the exam if they have the following:

• Cardiovascular/Respiratory Disease
• High Blood Pressure (without medication)
• Epilepsy
• Diabetes
• Nervous/Psychiatric Disorder
• Poor Eyesight (without corrective lenses)
• Loss of one/multiple limbs

Candidates will also fail if they do not pass the alcohol or drug test that accompanies the rest of their physical. Failing the DOT Exam does not necessarily mean that you are incapable of driving a truck. If you have a condition that can be treated, consult your doctor for further treatment. If your condition has improved, consider taking the exam again. Additionally, the FMCSA offers exemptions for certain impairments. Refer to your doctor to see if you qualify. Are you considering a career as a professional truck driver? Advanced Career Institute offers hands-on training to earn your Class A CDL. ACI campuses are located in Merced, Fresno, Bakersfield, and Visalia. To learn more about truck driver training, head over to our Class A CDL Training Program!

Trucking schools have turned to new technology! Advanced Career Institute's Fresno Campus has added a trucking simulator to help their drivers learn to drive before hitting the road. This trucking simulator allows students to get the general feel and experience of driving behind the wheel of a "big-rig" before they set foot inside a real truck. This new technology has become a great resource to add to our CDL training.

What Do Trucking Simulators Do?

Trucking simulators allow students to experience what it's like to drive a "big rig" truck without even leaving the classroom! Our simulator is complete with the steering system and on-screen display to learn the basic skills of truck driving. Skills learned within a simulator include:

• backing
• sightline views from the driver's seat
• how the clutch works
• driving in various weather conditions (i.e. ice, snow, sleet, freezing rain, rain, wind, etc.)

Once these skills (and many others like them) are learned, the student will be much more prepared to take on driving in an actual truck. Students will then commence the "road training" portion of their program, which further reviews the basic driving skills needed to pass their CDL test.

Truck Simulators - Part of Our Curriculum:

Trucking simulators have become a core part of our driver training program here at our Fresno Campus. It has become an effective tool in teaching our drivers the basics of operating a truck before getting behind the wheel of a truck for the first time. This new technology of truck simulators provides students with a diverse set of scenarios a trucker may see while driving. This can also help increase a student's chances of passing their CDL test the first time. Simulators are a tool that we are excited to continue to use at ACI. Our goal is to continue to provide the best possible training for each student. As technologies continue to advance, these simulators become more lifelike and give students a better experience of learning to drive a truck.

Come By & Visit Our Training Center:

If you are interested in seeing what our driving simulator looks like and the kind of technology we invest here at the Advanced Career Institute, please feel free to stop by. We are happy to show you our simulator as well as discuss your truck driver training options. For further assistance, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to seeing and meeting you soon!

Updated 4/18/25 When considering which trucking carrier you will work for, you have many options to consider. Trucking is a job that is currently in high demand with ~240,000 available throughout the U.S. as of 2025. This high demand for truckers means that you also have your choice of which type of trucking job you would like to do. Whether you prefer to be a local, regional, or over-the-road trucking, there is a position out there to meet your needs! Sometimes when you're looking for the right fit, you're going to be talking to recruiters.

Speaking to the Recruiters:

During your training at Advanced Career Institute, you will have the opportunity to speak with several CDL recruiters. When talking to them, be sure that you are getting a feel for what that specific truck carrier has to offer. Each carrier will offer their perks and benefits. It will be all about finding one that fits your lifestyle and your personal needs. There is no one "right choice" for everyone. Asking the right questions up front and being honest about your needs and expectations in the industry will help you come out with a satisfactory experience once you choose with whom you want to work. That's why we want to give you the top 5 most important questions to ask any cdl recruiter, and why it matters to you!

1. What do you pay your drivers for each type of job?

Obviously the first, and most important thing to any new driver is how much they would earn with a given company. By asking a recruiter this question, you'll get a clear understanding of the companies pay scale for their drivers - whether your a local driver or over the road.

2. What is your company's home-time policy?

Many truck drivers have families, and it's important to know how often they will be home with them! \ Asking a CDL recruiter this question will give you the chance to learn about what their company offers to help you know what your work-life balance would be. This will ultimately give you an understanding of what your personal life would look like if you were to work for their company.

3. What kinds of benefits does your carrier offer to its drivers?

It's important to know what kind of insurance, retirement and other coverage you're given as an employee of any carrier. Recruiters will be able to tell you about the basic information that you'll need to know. Do you have health, vision, and dental? Would you have disability coverage, should you need it? These are important things to consider when choosing the right company for you!

4. What type of on-the-job training will I receive as a new driver?

Here at Advanced Career Institute, we will teach you the rules and how to operate the truck to get you on the road to success! It's important to ask -  is there more training when you join a carrier? It's important to know what to expect when starting a job. This includes how you'll learn their rules and regulations to do your job well! CDL recruiters will give you insight on what to expect.

5. Do you provide driver bonus opportunities?

Everyone wants to join a carrier that has incentives for good work! It's important to know, first of all, what kind of incentives and bonuses you're wanting from a company! Asking the carrier recruiters what they offer to their drivers is important. How else will you know if it's the right fit for you? There are many more questions that you can ask a recruiter before joining a carrier, and each person's list of questions is different! However, these questions are important for someone entering the world of CDL! If you want to check out more of our partners that visit us, check out our social media! For further information about questions you will want to ask a recruiter before signing on! If you have questions about training be sure to contact us at the Advanced Career Institute for further assistance.  

As we close in on the year 2019, we are looking ahead to see what the new year holds for the trucking industry. Overall, the trucking industry can expect the coming year to be very positive. Consumer demand is slated to grow modestly and there are plenty of job vacancies for people who want to go to school to get their CDL and get into driving careers. The positive outlook on the industry is believed to extend even beyond 2019 according to many experts.

Consumer Demand Continues to Climb

As we head into 2019, the overall consumer demand in the US is predicted to climb another 3-4% as the economy continues to recover from the 2008 financial crisis. Considering that about 70% of all consumer goods that travel throughout the US do so by truck, that means that there will be plenty of work for truck drivers. This promotes job security for those already in the industry and opportunities for those looking to join the industry.

There Are Trucking Jobs to Fill

The trucking industry has ~52,000 job vacancies throughout the US with more scheduled to become available throughout 2019. The vast amount of open jobs in the industry means that there are job opportunities for everyone no matter where you may live. Job security once you earn your CDL is strong. The trucking industry is growing at a rapid rate and needing more drivers than ever just to meet consumer demand.

Automatic Trucks Will Not Be Taking Jobs Away From Drivers Any Time Soon

Automatic trucks are not going to be a threat to truck driver's job security any time in the near future. While these trucks are being developed, they are only in their "infancy" stages of development. The first models are very unlikely to be able to drive themselves completely. Drivers will still have to do the more challenging maneuvers such as backing in and out of tight spaces or entering and exiting busy highways or interstates manually. It is likely to be a couple of generations or more of truck drivers that come and go before automatic trucks are even a remote possibility of being a reality. This means that drivers jobs are safe.

Truck Drivers are Bringing Home the Bacon

Truck drivers are in high demand and they generally have a fairly high standard of living. Most truck drivers will begin as OTR drivers that make an average of $45,000+ per year. This is comparable or higher than many other jobs that require a college education. In addition to a modest starting salary, most companies offer drivers a few weeks of paid vacation each year, complete health benefits, and retirement benefits as well. Many large truck carriers are also willing to help a driver pay back their student debt or loans. Some offer $100 to $400 per month, above and beyond their regular wages and compensation, to pay back debts.

Beginning a New Career

As the industry has many job vacancies and a steadily increasing consumer demand, now is a great time to get your CDL license. The New Year is a great time to get started in a great new career. For more information on starting classes and getting your CDL contact Advanced Career Institute for further assistance.