What is a Class B CDL
Commercial vehicles weighing over 26,001 pounds must be operated by a qualified driver holding a Class B CDL license. This can mean vehicles that haul goods, livestock and other vehicles, or it can mean school buses and hazardous material trucks. A Class B commercial vehicle can also be a tow truck that tows vehicles over 10,000 pounds.
What experience should your Class B CDL driver possess?
Those with a CDL B license have undergone in-class and on-road training; the amount is specified by the state they’re licensed in. For example, a New York state driving school requires students to spend one week in class and log 40 road hours to earn their license. Currently, training requirements vary by state, but mandates are changing that will require new commercial drivers to adhere to a stricter federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) educational requirement.
If an individual wants to drive a specialized type of vehicle, they need to pass additional tests to earn endorsements on their Class B CDL, for example, to drive a tank vehicle (N), school bus (S) or transport hazardous materials (H). It’s also helpful for drivers to have previous industry knowledge; however, it isn’t always required.
Find the right driver
Putting together the right transportation team for your project means finding top-quality candidates that align with your company’s core values. Make sure any prospective driver is at least familiar with your industry and is coachable in any areas they may be lacking in knowledge. If you need to fill specialized roles, such as a hazmat driver, provide employees with initial and ongoing training and make sure they’re qualified and responsible enough to handle dangerous substances on a large scale.
While DOT endorsements provide a level of security in filling your high-level transport needs, don’t rely on initial testing. Encourage employees to continue monitoring industry practices and new safety standards. The right Class B CDL driver will be enthusiastic about maintaining their professional education and upholding the strictest safety standards, regardless of their endorsements.
A critical aspect to consider in any new recruit is their insurability and the validity of their licensure. It’s important to keep in mind the federal regulations regarding what is unacceptable in a potential Class B license holder’s background. When offering employment to entry-level candidates who need assistance completing training programs, such as in the case of internships, make sure to conduct thorough background screening that follows federal guidelines. Some background items that may disqualify a potential driver include:
- Having a suspended or revoked license in any state
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Committing a felony while on driving duty
- Any judgment of human trafficking in their criminal record
Class B CDL FAQs
Can I rely on an employment agency to find my Class B license drivers?
Numerous agencies outsource quality candidates to companies that don’t wish to onboard their own crew. Keep in mind that different states have varying insurance requirements that can change depending on the weight classifications of your fleet and the loads you transport. Also, managers and drivers need to be mindful that regulations can change as the truck moves through different states. Any employment agency you work with should be able to help you navigate potential insurance-related and other issues regarding their contracted employees.
Do I need to perform drug testing on my Class B CDL license drivers?
Yes, drivers must be screened for drugs and alcoholbefore employment as well as randomly and after any accidents occur.
Are all Class B CDL license holders independent contractors?
No, only 1 in 9 Class B CDL holders owns and operates their own business. The majority of the workforce is comprised of people working for businesses on a salaried or per-trip basis.
