Jun 16, 2017 • Carriers

HAZMAT Endorsement

HAZMAT Endorsement

Here are the steps to get your HAZMAT endorsement and potentially earn more.

HAZMAT Endorsement

Hazmat endorsement is required by truck driver’s who have a Commercial Driver’s License and wish to deliver HAZMAT loads containing hazardous materials. Since the materials you’re hauling can have severe health consequences, the Department of Transportation has enlisted specific requirements before a truck driver can haul such loads. There is a risk-reward with hauling hazardous materials as it typically pays more than a typical freight.

1. How to Get HAZMAT Endorsement on CDL

A truck driver with a Class A, B or C CDL can apply for DOT HAZMAT endorsement by completing these five procedures.

Fill out HAZMAT endorsement application through the DMV or TSA
Complete a medical screening
Pass the DMV written exam (varies by state)
Pay fees
Submit a TSA Background Security Screening either online or in-person

The following states require an in-person DMV application for TSA Security Assessment.

Florida
Kentucky
Maryland
Mississippi
New York
Pennsylvania
Texas
Virginia
Wisconsin

2. Carriers HAZMAT Responsibilities

Truck drivers who have a HAZMAT endorsement typically earn a higher salary than standard drivers with a CDL. When hauling hazardous materials truck drivers are subject to specific responsibilities that go beyond standard requirements set by the DOT.

Shipping Paper

Placard and Mark Vehicle

Loading and Unloading

Compatibility

Blocking and Bracing

Incident Report

Security Plan

Employee Training

3. HAZMAT Classifications

Class 1 – Explosives
Class 2 – Gases
Class 3 – Flammable Liquid
Class 4 – Flammable Solids
Class 5 – Oxidizing Substances / Organic Peroxides
Class 6 – Poisonous (Toxic) and Infectious Substances
Class 7 – Radioactive Material
Class 8 – Corrosives
Class 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods: environmentally hazardous substances, elevated temperature material, hazardous wastes, marine pollutants

4. Have a Copy of the HAZMAT Table in Your Truck

The HAZMAT Table displays the classifications of hazardous materials and breaks them down by division, as well as by specific material. Having the HAZMAT Table with you at all times will allow you to correctly fill out any shipping papers or packages and comply with Hazardous Material Requirements (HMR) and avoid a violation. The most common DOT HAZMAT violation is not having a copy of USDOT hazardous materials registration number.

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Trucker Spotlight - Hope Zvara <em>The Trucker Spotlight series explores the lives of truckers and their journey to make a difference in their industry. We interview different people in the trucking industry to understand some life lessons that make them who they are today. We also learn more about their motivations, and the problems that they encounter on the job. We also tackle how Trucker Path's solutions helped them with what they do. The information that they provide helps inform other people who are looking to delve into the trucking world.</em> <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/Lark20200727-210833.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Hope</strong>, who is a Yoga instructor and founder of Mother Trucker Yoga, whose advocacy is to teach yoga and wellness to truckers. She has been featured in a lot of trucking websites, magazines, and also maintains a podcast on Chrome and Steel Radio. Let's get to know more about Hope and how she mixed yoga with trucking. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/Lark20200727-210801.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Tell us a short story about you. Any trivia?</strong></h3> I had no idea what I wanted to be when I was in high school. I knew I wanted to help people but was lost among many other things. At age 20 I decided I wanted to do mission work and began to look into being in the Peace Corps. But as a college drop out, that wasn’t an option. So I found a program and a few short months later I found myself on a plane to Nigeria to live for nearly a year. That trip changed my life in a way that helped me to see that I could do anything. As someone who had struggled with addiction and a slew of other issues, a trip like that gave me a deep dose of perspective. That perspective still drives me today to help others gain perspective on their health, happiness, and life’s direction. Trivia? I am a middle child. I Have been to 7 different countries before the age of 30. I love alternative rock. I love dark chocolate and mojitos. And love love love to travel! <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to delve into the trucking industry?</strong></h3> Well trucking just fell into my lap. For about 5 years prior I knew I was a transition in my career and was ready to do something different, something more. I had owned a yoga studio for more than a decade and knew owning a studio wasn’t my end game. Then at a local business mixer in my hometown of Hartford, Wisconsin, I started chatting it up with someone I had never met before, who is now my former business partner. I was trying to pitch him corporate yoga for his trucking company office employees and he looked at me and said, “do you have anything for drivers, like in the cab of their truck?” Without skipping a beat I looked at him, threw my arms up, and said “Mother Trucker Yoga”. He loved the idea and the next day I and a perfect stranger were building a company from scratch merging yoga and trucking. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/Lark20200727-210808.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are the significant changes that you've noticed in the trucking industry?</strong></h3> I’ve seen a lot of changes in the last three years. Many drivers I’m sure will comment on the increased regulations. But I want to talk about increasing awareness and action around trucker health. More and more drivers and companies are taking notice of the necessity of taking care of our drivers’ health and well-being. I ask companies all the time are your drivers an asset or a liability? This pertains directly to the health of the driver. Every month I am seeing more and more drivers take an interest in cooking on the truck, drinking more water, trying to exercise or at least for the first time admitting it is something to pay attention to and work to improve. Secondly are mandatory 30-minute breaks and 34-hour resets. Now I am not a truck driver and never claim to be. And as much as these breaks can be a pain in the butt when a load has a deadline. I want to encourage you to see these times outside the driver’s seat as opportunities to take better care of you. Get out and walk, exercise, get to the grocery store or order groceries to be delivered to your truck, or meal prep. See that time as a blessing to help improve your health. You have to take it so you might as well do something positive with it. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What came first, trucks or yoga?</strong></h3> Great question. Yoga came first. As a teen, I struggled with depression, anxiety, and addiction and yoga saved my life. Now I know that might seem heavy, but the reality is that many struggle with mental health and yoga is as much physical fitness as it is about mental and emotional fitness. I went from a young teen practicing yoga as a lifeline to teaching yoga to others, teaching teachers, and then teaching yoga to truck drivers just like you. And I have to say, working with truck drivers has been one of my favorite parts of the road I've been traveling (hehe- get it). <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/Lark20200727-210823.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Ever tried driving a truck?</strong></h3> I've driven a lot of things, a skid steer, a forklift, a truck and trailer backward up a winding driveway- yes; but an eighteen-wheeler, not yet. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/h1.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your trucking industry pet peeves?</strong></h3> Complaining. Now people in every area, every walk of life, every industry complain. And sharing our concerns, or dislikes, and frustrations when done correctly can be an effective way to make a change. But when people leave comments complaining about what they don't like in a negative tone without any suggestions on how to make it better and when people attack and never for a second consider all that the other has done or has to go through to make X happen, is so frustrating. I believe the key is perspective. And when we gain perspective our tone often changes. We see life differently. The second is people saying it is impossible to be healthy or exercise when you are a truck driver. I promise you with 100% confidence that there are things that you can do as a truck driver to improve your health, fitness, and wellness that you can implement today. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/Lark20200727-210828.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are the common habits that a truck driver should change?</strong></h3> #1 thing a truck driver should change today is drinking more water. Our bodies are made up primarily of water and many of our health concerns can often be tied back to dehydration: grogginess, muscle pain, cramps, fatigue, mental fog, and digestive issues. Drinking more water, ideally, 1/2 your body weight in ounces can dramatically change your health. Secondly is to move more. I'm not telling you to exercise, what I'm saying is with all that sitting you need to move more so you don't end up as stiff as a board. Simple things like small movements or stretches while driving. Walking laps around your rig while filling up with fuel. Or a yoga stretch here and there in those moments where you are waiting to load, unload, on your break, on your reset. It all adds up. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/Lark20200727-210818.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are the benefits of yoga for truck drivers?</strong></h3> There are endless benefits to practicing yoga. And being a truck driver you aren't exempt to those benefits. Here are13 of my top benefits to truck drivers practicing yoga: <ul> <li>Improves flexibility and mobility.</li> <li>Strengthens muscles, which can help with arthritis and back pain.</li> <li>Aids in realigning the spine to help distribute weight evenly.</li> <li>Helps keep spinal disks supple.</li> <li>Offers a natural weight-bearing exercise, increasing bone density.</li> <li>Gets your blood flowing, providing more oxygen to your cells and helps boost hemoglobin and red blood cells.l</li> <li>Assists in increasing the drainage of the lymph, helping to destroy and fight cancerous cells.</li> <li>Gets your heart rate up, lowering the risk of heart disease.</li> <li>Gets you breathing.</li> <li>Lowers blood pressure.</li> <li>Lowers cortisol levels, helping with long term memory, and fighting depression.</li> <li>Improves coordination, reaction time, memory.</li> <li>Helps you to relax</li> </ul> <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/Lark20200727-210813.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What is the best truck stop food for truckers?</strong></h3> There are dozens of diets and eating guidelines that people follow-truckers included. And I think the better question to ask is what should drivers look for each day at the truck stop to eat? And the answer to that is simple. Look for foods that are fresh, look for foods that are preservative, additive-free. Look for foods that have some sort of nutritional value. So many drivers (and Americans) are eating empty calories: chips, fast food, candy, soda. And sometimes it is hard and there are minimal options so ask yourself what is “good, better, best” for me to eat today. Dried nuts are good, a container of raw carrots, pretzels and hummus is better, or a burger without the bun and a salad with a hard-boiled egg and tons of veggies on top is probably the best. Sometimes the best option is not available. So what is good or better? When we bucket the foods in front of us this way we take some of the stress out of it and stop thinking in the form of “good diet” or “bad diet” and start thinking along the lines of good, better, best. And remember you don't’ always need to be the best! <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/Lark20200727-210838.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some wellness tips that you would like to share for truckers?</strong></h3> What we do each day is often dictated by what is sitting between our two ears. Mental health is critical as a truck driver. When you add up being away from family and loved ones for weeks on end coupled with isolation, erratic schedules, and deadlines, you need to take time for you. This does not include mindlessly scrolling Facebook or Instagram. This is you listening to a positive audiobook, or upbeat music, calling a friend, and not complaining but sharing your wins for the day. But don’t be fooled, simple things like drinking more water, and getting your butt moving (sorry to be so blunt) WILL and does positively impact your overall wellness every single day. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/h2.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>How can truckers subscribe to your yoga classes?</strong></h3> Drivers can easily subscribe and join our Mother Trucker Yoga family as easy as a click of a button. By going to <a href="http://www.MotherTruckerYoga.com">MotherTruckerYoga.com</a> and go to our “Subscribe” page. Don’t worry it’s not $100 a month to join our family and receive our amazing content. Subscribe for just $7.99 a month and get new content dripped to you each month. <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

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MATS 2019 Recap

Mar 31, 2019 • Carriers

CVSA Roadcheck Set to Begin June 6 [p]Of course, no [a href="https://app.appsflyer.com/com.sixdays.truckerpath?pid=Social Facebook"]truck driver[/a] wants to be flagged for a violation or worse, be put out of service by an inspection. Here's what you need to know in order to be prepared for the CVSA Roadcheck Blitz this June.[/p] [h2]CVSA Roadcheck Enforcement 72-Hour Blitz[/h2] [p][b]The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) will conduct it's International Roadcheck Blitz this year from June 6–8[/b]. The International Roadcheck includes all three North American countries (U.S.A, Mexico and Canada) and it's estimated that 17 trucks or buses are inspected every minute during the blitz.[/p] [h2]Cargo Securement Will be the Focus[/h2] [p]Each year there is a specific focus of the inspections and 2017 will be an emphasis on cargo securement. The most common cargo securement violations from 2016 were:[/p] [ul] [li]Failing To Secure Vehicle Equipment[/li] [li]Failing To Prevent Load Shifting/Falling[/li] [li]Leaking/Spilling/Blowing/Falling Cargo[/li] [li]Insufficient Tiedowns; Without Headerboard/Blocking[/li] [li]Damaged Securement System/Tiedowns[/li] [li]Loose/Unfastened Tiedown[/li] [/ul] [p]There will also be a 37-step inspection with procedures conducted by an officer including:[/p] [ul] [li]Vehicle Mechanical Fitness[/li] [li]Driver Operating Requirements[/li] [li]HOS Documentation[/li] [li]Medical Card[/li] [li]CDL[/li] [li]Brake Systems[/li] [li]Exhaust Systems[/li] [li]Tires, wheels, rims[/li] [li]Steering Mechanisms (among a variety of others)[/li] [/ul] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/05/DOT-INSPECTION-e.png" alt=""] [h2]Pre-Trip Inspections[/h2] [p]Remember to always conduct a thorough pre-trip inspection. This will help prevent you from being one of the unlucky few cited for a violation.[/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/05/driver-vehicle-inspection-report.png" alt=""] [h2]Results from 2016 CVSA Roadcheck[/h2] [p]Last year the CVSA conducted 62,796 inspections over a 72-hour period [b]placing 21.5 percent of trucks out of service due to violations and 3.4 percent of drivers.[/b] Meanwhile 45.7 percent of out-of-service trucks were flagged for brake system violations.[/p] [quote]“International Roadcheck is an annual reminder of the diligence and dedication of law enforcement officials and commercial motor vehicle safety professionals,” said FMCSA Administrator T.F. Scott Darling, III. “While their tireless efforts every day greatly increase the level of safety on our roadways, it is critically important that everyone do their part to promote a national culture of roadway safety.”[/quote] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/05/Screen-Shot-2017-05-09-at-2.02.23-PM.png" alt=""]

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