Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
Logistics Term
What’s a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)?
A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required for any Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) driver. It certifies a driver to operate heavy, large, or hazardous material vehicles. They must exude a higher level of skills, knowledge, physical abilities, and skills than non-commercial vehicle drivers. To obtain a Commercials Driver’s License, a driver must qualify in both knowledge and skills testing steered towards ensuring these high standards. As a CDL holder, a driver is held in higher regard when operating any vehicle on public roads. However, misconduct on the road might compromise a driver’s ability to retain or maintain their Commercial Driver’s License.
Types of Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL)
As a requirement, most drivers must obtain a license from their local states. It is illegal to have a license from multiple states. Trucking services regarding operating vehicles such as a truck with a tank, double or triple trailers, and carrying hazardous materials require special endorsements. There are three types of licenses. First, the Class A CDL allows one to operate a combination of vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001. Secondly is, a Class B CDL necessary in order to operate a single vehicle with a GVWR of up to 26,001 or more, and finally, a Class C CDL needed to transport at least 16 plus occupants or transport hazardous materials.
