Every truck driver who is dealing with hazmat needs to be aware of the safety regulations as well. For instance, they are subdivided into several basic areas:
- Procedures and Policies (49 CFR – Parts 101; 106; 107)
- Designations of Material (49 CFR – Part 172)
- Requirements for packaging (49 CFR – Parts 173; 178; 179; 180)
- Rules of Operation ((49 CFR – Parts 171; 173; 174; 175; 176; 177)
On the subject of this, read the standards, regulations and statistics table at the Hazardous Materials. Moreover, an additional info of the Library of Congress may also be helpful.
The Process Before Applying for the Test
As shown above, you need to have all of the information put together. Regarding this, you need to make one step at a time and you will perform great in the end.
The whole point of becoming a hazardous material truck driver and passing the hazmat endorsement test is to make sure you have all the documents.
Additionally, having the complete documentation before filling an application form is crucial because you will only be stalling the process. What is the worse that might happen?
First of all, you will need more time in order to gather all of the needed documents. On the other hand, the trucking company may turn you down.
Looking on the negative side, this is something every applicant and future hazmat truck driver does not want to happen.
Furthermore, you do not want to look like you have wasted your time, money and energy in vain. Therefore, inform well in order to perform well.
The entire process of applying for the hazmat endorsement test involves several requirements:
- You need to be US citizen
- Provide proof of the identity and the birth date
- Proof of the full birth name
- Have a proof the Social Security No.
- Show a valid DOT medical certificate
- Pass the TSA background check
- Pay all of the tests and the endorsement fees
- Have a valid commercial driver license (CDL)
Before you take the needed documents, make sure you have the original ones because the photocopies are always rejected.
Additional help: All of the above-mentioned requirements are varying by state. In order to be well informed, check your state requirements.
Further, if you are insecure, you can check them online or contact the Department of Motor Vehicle in your state for further information.
The Application Process
To continue with, having all of the previously mentioned criteria are crucial for the application process. As you may know, before applying for the test, you need to pass the specialized transportation test.
Speaking about this, there are several requirements needed before and during the whole process for the hazmat endorsement test.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), applying for the hazmat endorsement test, you will need to previously have a commercial driver license.
In order to complete the requirements for the hazmat endorsement test, you need to meet numerous criteria, for instance:
- Passing a vision screening
- Completing the TSA background check
- Submit fingerprints
- Transfer the endorsement from out of State
- Fill the entire application
The drivers who have a legal license in another state can make a transfer of the endorsements without an additional testing. Therefore, in order to make the whole process go flawlessly, it is crucial to follow the steps.
More importantly, make sure you complete all of the requirements before filling the application. As shown above, before you do the test you need to make sure that you fulfill all of the needed requirements.
Additionally, make sure you have filled all the application because they may return you back and will take you more time than needed.
With the intention of gaining more quality information feel free to check online the New York DMV about the hazardous materials.
The Training Process
Due to the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA), every truck driver needs to be prepared for the hazmat and therefore needs to practice.
The United States Department of Transportation requires training for all of the future employees as hazmat truck drivers. Initially, you can search for the best truck driving schools.
The training normally takes 90 days before the hiring and is done in details in order to prepare the candidates perfectly. Further, you can look into trucking companies that offer training.
On the subject of this, they are well trained for the purpose of handling as well as reducing the hazmat incidents.
In the training process, there are few things included. However, sometimes it is important to oversee the operations and be informed before a particular process starts.
For instance, the training courses involve:
- Violations of Hazardous Material Regulations
- The civil penalty
- Violation resulting in death or severe injury
- Signing the shipping papers
- Responding to the hazmat incidents
- Preparing the hazmat cargo for shipment
- Loading, unloading and handling the hazmat freight
- Classifying the name of the hazardous cargo
With regards to this, knowing the above-mentioned regulations will result in nailing the hazmat endorsement test. You can expand your knowledge with the available online Hazmat Training Modules which you may find useful for the general awareness.
Moreover, if you respect the safety regulations, you will get the company a great reputation at Safety and Fitness Electronic System (SAFER). Not to mention that it may even get you a truck drivers award.
Find as Many Study Materials as You Can
Every candidate needs to know what he is preparing for. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), working with hazardous materials is far from safe.
To put it in a different way, there is a thin line between the accident and the catastrophe. To emphasize, dealing with dangerous cargo is the edge of easily going from good to bad.
