In 2010 there were an estimated 14 million commercial driver's license holders in the United States. They make up a diverse group of truck, bus and other commercial vehicle operators. Getting a license to drive a vehicle beyond a standard company car for business purposes has several benefits worth consideration even if you have no intention of driving a tractor trailer or a school bus for a living.
Adding a CDL to your resume demonstrates the ability to learn new skills. It allows you to be a relief driver even if your normal job is in an office setting. This improves your value to a company, as you are available in an urgent situation. Be certain to maintain your CDL eligibility as required by the Department of Transportation in your state to secure and continue this job security.
The three classes of CDL are labelled A, B and C. In Washington State, for example, the A Class CDL allows you to drive almost any single or combination vehicle, including large buses, vehicles towing a trailer or other large vehicles such as tow trucks. Virginia is typical in requiring endorsements to qualify to transport people and hazardous materials or to drive a vehicle towing 26,001 pounds or less. Class B allows for single vehicles of any size, towing vehicles of 10,000 pounds or under and and vehicles listed in Class C if endorsements are secured. Class C allows for vehicles carrying 16 or more persons including the driver if you have a passenger endorsement, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials with a weight rating of 26,001 pounds or less with any required endorsement. The number of vehicles falling in these classes is large, ranging from trash trucks to delivery vans, car haulers and tow trucks.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May of 2010 mean salaries were as follows: heavy truck driver $39,450, intercity bus driver $37,060 and crane operator $49,980. Light delivery drivers averaged $32,140, industrial truck or tractor operators averaged $31,500 and excavating and loading machine operators averaged $39,910 using the same statistics. As a whole, the positions pay well and offer job security, as they require specialized training and licenses, which limits available manpower. Benefits are often also available for drivers in these classes to aid in retention. Self-employment options are also available if you are willing and able to purchase and maintain your own vehicle or fleet.
Some like the freedom of driving a truck. You see the world and often get paid well for it. Some like the third-shift opportunity that truck driving affords. Often part-time positions require a CD: This can benefit you if you are retired. School bus drivers often work two short shifts a day and allow flexibility to have much of the day free while still paying a reasonable wage.
