Truckers who want to haul hazardous materials are required to adhere to special requirements, which have become stricter in the years since 9/11. Here’s how to get a hazmat endorsement:
• Since hauling hazardous materials require placarding, most (if not all) states requires truckers to successfully pass a hazmat exam that is administered by your state’s department of transportation or motor vehicles department.
• HazMat endorsements now require a federal background check along and in addition to state fees, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires a fee of $100 for the background check and to process the paperwork.
• You will be also required to fill out a HazMat application to verify your identity, legal residency status, and that you are in possession of a current CDL.
• If you have been convicted of a serious crime within the past seven years, you will be disqualified from obtaining a HazMat endorsement. You will also be disqualified if your prison release date for any of these convictions is less than five years. Disqualifying convictions include (but are not limited to) arson, assault with intent to murder, robbery, kidnapping, rape, aggravated sexual abuse, extortion, and smuggling.
• If interested in obtaining a HazMat endorsement, contact your state’s department of transportation to determine the regulations that govern HazMat endorsements in your state.
