Tanker Endorsements: What You Need to Know
As a Class A CDL holder, you’ve already taken a big step toward a rewarding trucking career. However, if you’re looking to diversify your opportunities and increase your earning potential, obtaining a tanker endorsement might be your next move!
What Is a Tanker Endorsement?
A tanker endorsement, shown as an “N” endorsement on your CDL, allows drivers to operate a commercial vehicle that transports liquid or gaseous materials in a tank with an individual rated capacity of over 119 gallons or a total tank capacity of 1,000 gallons or more (FMCSA).
Why Should You Obtain a Tanker Endorsement in Your Career?
Adding a tanker endorsement can boost your career in several ways:
- Higher Pay: Tanker loads often come with increased responsibility, and companies typically pay extra for loads that require this endorsement.
- Expanded Job Opportunities: Many carriers prefer, or require, drivers with tanker endorsements, even for non-hazardous materials, due to the additional training it provides.
- Increased Versatility: With certification and training, you become a more flexible and valued driver, able to haul a wider variety of loads in a range of areas.
- Better Freight Availability: Tanker freight is often seen as least affected by seasonal ebbs and flows than other types of freight, helping you stay moving year-round.
What Kinds of Freight Can You Haul with a Tanker Endorsement?
Tanker loads aren’t just traditional liquid loads like gasoline. Even industrial chemicals or food-grade substances transported in tank-like containers can fall under tanker regulations, depending on how they’re hauled.
- Fuel and Oil (if also Hazmat-certified)
- Food-Grade Liquids
- Industrial Chemicals and Gases
- Bulk Water
- Dry Bulk Materials
Flatbed drivers may also find themselves required to have a tanker endorsement when hauling certain large containers of liquid, such as IBC totes.
How Do You Get a Tanker Endorsement?
Obtaining a tanker endorsement is relatively straightforward and can be completed as you obtain your CDL initially, or while obtaining other endorsements later on.
- Meet Basic Requirements: You must already have a CDL or be in the process of getting one.
- Study the Tanker Section: Refer to your state’s CDL manual, which includes a section specific to tanker operations, safety, and regulations.
- Pass the Written Knowledge Test: Schedule and pass the tanker endorsement exam at your local Licensing and Exam office or DMV.
- Pay Any Fees: States may charge a small fee for adding this endorsement to your license and processing the appropriate paperwork.
A Hazmat (Hazardous Materials) endorsement is required only if you’re transporting hazardous materials in bulk tanks. A Hazmat endorsement is not a required endorsement, but is highly recommended as it works in tandem with the Tanker endorsement.
If you’re considering earning your Tanker endorsement, here are a few ways Melton supports your growth:
- Reimbursement Programs: Melton frequently offers reimbursement for licensing or endorsement costs for qualifying drivers.
- Freight Opportunities: By being more versatile, you may be prioritized for specialized loads- leading to additional pay!
Earning your tanker endorsement is a smart move for drivers looking to maximize their career options and income.
Whether you’re hauling fuel, bulk chemicals, or water tanks, the endorsement positions you as a more flexible and valuable asset in the trucking industry. If you’re interested in a job that will help you develop your trucking career, visit our flatbed driving jobs page for more information.