Yes. You will have to obtain a CDL to drive a dump truck in the United States; however, note that there are various classes of CDL available in the United States.
The Class A CDL gives you the permission to operate all types of vehicles allowed in Classes A, B, and C, but don’t forget that it is the most expensive of all CDLs.
However, if you just intend to drive a dump truck, a Class B would suffice, but be sure to take your time to find out all you can regarding the qualifications in your state. To obtain a CDL, you will be expected to pass the written and practical tests listed under your state requirements.
A good number of dump truck drivers will also need to take part in a hands-on training program at a local community college or vocational school to get comprehensive knowledge on how to operate heavy machinery. Completing these steps goes to prove your ability to safely and effectively drive a dump truck.
CDL Requirements for Driving a Dump Truck
If you have plans to operate a dump truck in the United States, then you must take your time to understand the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) requirements. Below are essential ones to keep in mind:
-
Weight Limits
In a good number of states, if the vehicle and its load weigh more than 26,000 pounds, a CDL is necessary. Nevertheless, you will also want to note that weight limits vary by state. As such, ensure you reach out to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for specific weight requirements.
-
Materials Transported
Also, note that certain types of materials will necessitate a CDL endorsement. For instance, if you intend to use your dump truck to haul or transport hazardous materials or liquids in quantities over a certain limit, you will be expected to obtain a Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) endorsement.
Also, if you will be hauling oversized loads, you might as well be required to obtain a specialized endorsement for that as well.
-
Driving Across State Lines
If you intend to haul items using your dump truck across state lines, then you will also be expected to comply with the regulations of each state you pass through.
This will most often encompass things like obtaining additional endorsements, permits, or licenses, depending on the state. It is also essential you take your time to find out the precise requirements of each state you will be passing through.
-
Passenger Endorsements
Also, note that certain dump trucks will also necessitate a passenger endorsement on your CDL. This endorsement is very important especially if you are looking to transport passengers, such as your crew.
The passenger endorsement also comes with its specific test that is meant to cover the safe transport of passengers and might as well necessitate additional requirements although this will most often depend on the state.
Different Types Of Dump Trucks That Require a CDL To Operate
-
Class A Dump Trucks
These are renowned as the biggest and heaviest dump trucks. Note that these trucks boast of a maximum gross vehicle weight (GVWR) of 80,000 pounds or more, and you will need a Class A CDL to operate these vehicles.
One of the important things you have to note is that a standard Class A dump truck features two axles and can haul up to 30 tons of material.
They are most often used to transport gravel, sand, as well as other heavy materials to construction sites in the construction business.
-
Class B Dump Trucks
Even though they are not as big as Class A dump trucks, these class of dump vehicles still necessitate a CDL. These trucks are most often leveraged to haul materials over shorter distances and feature a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more.
Aside from that, also note that these dump trucks tend to possess just one rear axle and can tow up to 10 tons of debris. They are more or less used in small construction as well as landscaping jobs.
-
Bottom Dump Trucks
A bottom dump truck is a very popular kind of dump truck that also requires an operator to get a CDL to operate it. To unload the cargo, the trailer of these trucks will need to be raised and lowered.
Bottom dump trucks are most often used or leveraged in mining and excavation operations since they have a carrying capacity of up to 25 tons.
-
Side Dump Trucks
One thing you will relish about this truck is that it is simpler to unload and place goods accurately trucks since the material can be discharged from the side of the vehicle.
Side dump trucks are known to haul up to 20 tons of debris and are most often used in land development and road-building operations.
-
Transfer Dump Trucks
The trailers on these trucks are meant to be detachable from the main cab, and this offers the driver more flexibility especially when it comes to loading and unloading cargo.
Transfer dump trucks, which will more or less haul up to 20 tons of material, are most often used within mining and road construction projects.
-
Super 10 Dump Trucks
You will also be expected to get a CDL to operate Super 10 dump trucks. A well-known and uniquely designed dump truck, these ten-wheeled trucks tend to have a carrying capacity of ten tons.
When space is extensively adequate and mobility is very important in urban building projects, Super 10 dump trucks are more or less leveraged to ensure the actualization of these projects.