Is commercial driver's license (CDL) worth it?

[Shuffler]

Unless your state has some kind of ridiculous requirement, that is not the case. Unless you are using your RV as a money making enterprise or doing deliveries of RV's. In short the C of CDL stands for commercial and if you ain't makin money by driving, it ain't commercial. Even sedan operations can require a CDL if driven for work and or money, like taxis etc. I used to be a commercial vehicle and driver inspector to include haz mat. I also full time rv'ed using a Volvo 660 semi towing our 5th wheel for 13 years over most of the lower 48 and Mexico (briefly). The Volvo was converted to motorhome registration in Montana. My home state at the time (AZ) did not require anything other than an operators license to drive any RV including towed  RV's

Many states have different grades of licenses that are short of the CDL to include weight and at times category of equipment (ie air brakes). Those are still not the federally mandated CDL and do not require the same testing and physical exam.

As has been noted above there are various kinds of CDL categories and not all schools teach much of anything but over the road style trucking. The applicant needs to determine what requirements are pertinent to the job before signing up for any instruction course. They may just be wasting their time and money otherwise.

Actually only a few states do not require CDL for certain size RVs. Many states have requirements based on GVW that include RVs being pulled by individuals.

[Maverick]

http://changingears.com/rv-sec-state-rv-license.shtml
Seems only DC and possibly Delaware.

[Shuffler]

http://changingears.com/rv-sec-state-rv-license.shtml
Seems only DC and possibly Delaware.

Actually here in Texas they can get a class A DL if GVW over 26001 lbs. So I stand corrected.

[pembquist]

This makes me think I should get my CDL here in Oregon for the rare occasions when I rent a small dump truck and excavator. Ever since I moved here regulations on everything keep tightening and in some cases getting pretty pissant however, not in comparison to apparently everywhere else. Driving a 10 yard dump truck while towing a Bobcat safely is not rocket science and right now you just need to pass the tests and have had a commercial learners permit for 2 weeks. I am sure eventually they will have an education requirement like WA which for a small dump truck seems kind of stupid, your competence should be testable. If you want to do tractor trailers, hazardous materials, tankers well there I can see the point to mandatory education with a waiver for experience and testing.

I know right now there is a bit of a boom in dump truck driver demand but like all booms it will go bust soon enough when construction cools off.

[ariansworld]

Lots of work out there driving water bottles and hauling sand etc.

[Volron]

Lots of work out there driving water bottles and hauling sand etc.

Depends on area.  There are very few calls for Class B anything here, some Class A's dumpers, but most are for regional work for owner/operator Class A's.  Almost everything, with exception the large trucking companies, are asking for a min of 2-3yrs experience for those not asking for owner/operator.

[ThunderShocky]

I've been driving for a little over 3 years with a class A license operating dry van freight atm but I have reefer and flatbed experience. Whether or not its worth it is really up to the person driving. I'm desperately trying to get out of the profession and into a commercial flying career.
Biggest things to take note of is the driver is always in the wrong, the DOT will be a nightmare to deal with a lot of the time, and its absolutely dangerous. Between trying to dodge cars that aren't paying attention all day and such, you also have to worry about people breaking into trucks and stealing or injuring/killing other drivers. My current company allows me to carry firearms for personal protection since I have my firearm permit but don't expect anyone who hires newbies to allow the same gratitude. Also the conditions at truck stops are pretty deplorable. Drivers relieve themselves on the pavement and toss bags full of excrement in the parking lots... so you can imagine what most truck stop lots smell like. Other drivers are also very rude and quick to violence. I've had a lot of bad incidents involving Russian drivers who are quick to anger and violence. There also isn't enough parking to accommodate all the trucks in the United States as it stands right now. Trying to park after 6pm anywhere is a hassle.
Also a big thing to know is once someone has a commercial license any traffic infractions they get driving a personal vehicle are more expensive than a non commercial drivers ticket would be. They also effect your CDL standing a lot more. Companies will let drivers go in a heartbeat if they acquire anything on their licenses.
If you have any additional questions feel free to holler at me or PM me. I've been doing this a while and have friends who have done this career since the 70's. As much as I put it down there are some perks but depending on who you are the cons will easily outweigh them.

[Volron]

Not just breaking into trucks, but sabotaging as well.  I've heard stories of folks that will sabotage your truck simply because of the company that owns them, usually because they used to work for them and were terminated for one reason or another.

Also, try to find out if the company being applied for is a "zero tolerance" company.  From what I've gathered, avoid like the plague.  Could be sitting at a light, get rear ended, and they still terminate you.

[TequilaChaser]

Stay away from those lot lizards that hang around Truck Stops mainly and Rest Areas.....besides possibly being robbed, there ain't no telling what you might catch from them and be stuck with for life, LOL

[ThunderShocky]

That ain't a joke either, as much as they've been cracked down on you can still find lot lizards pretty easily. They are really bad out west and in Texas around the major cities.

[GrandpaChaps]

My niece's boyfriend wants to get his CDL.  There's a class that costs $4400 and takes a month.  Is that worth it?  Is there much business for CDL drivers?

There is a lot of need for holders of a CDL.

The key is to look for a company that is willing to pick up the cost of training and employ the driver at the same time.

In many metro areas this is easy to find.  There are a lot of companies willing to train.  The challenge of driving trucks is getting with a company you like and has benefits that meets a driver and their family's needs.

But, to answer your original question, is it worth it to get a CDL?  Most certainly it is.

[Volron]

But, to answer your original question, is it worth it to get a CDL?  Most certainly it is.

I don't regret it one bit, that's for sure.  Thing is, I do have other skills at my disposal.  If it's the only thing someone knows, I can see how that might come back and nip ya.  Some folks simply burn out after all, and will want nothing to do with anything that involves a CDL.

[ThunderShocky]

Make sure if he finds a company to train him he reads the fine print of the contract presented. A lot of companies offer free training but you have to work for them without any defiance for either a given time or mileage. Roehl screwed me over pretty bad with a contract even though I had paid for my own CDL training out of pocket. For very minimal flatbed training and honestly not the best work environment I left after 6 months and ended up having to pay them 10k in fee's for breaking the contract.

[rpm]

There's a class that costs $4400 and takes a month.  Is that worth it?

NO.