Most Iowa trucking jobs require you to have a commercial driver’s license, issued by the state of Iowa. Your CDL will be one of three classes-Class A, Class B, or Class C. If you want to operate a tractor trailer, then you need a Class A CDL.
Once you have a commercial driver’s license, you can take additional exams that help you obtain endorsements. One of the endorsements you can obtain is a HazMat endorsement. Because you are carrying hazardous material, which could be dangerous to the public at large, you must pass a federal criminal background check. You must also be fingerprinted. Like all other endorsements, you must also pass a written exam. After you obtain a HazMat endorsement, if you are convicted of terrorism, espionage, rape, arson, smuggling, bribery, and other crimes, you will no longer be qualified for a HazMat endorsement.
There are a few other endorsements, other than the HazMat endorsement, that you can obtain. These endorsements include an air brakes endorsement, a double/triple trailers endorsement, and a tank endorsement. These endorsements allow you to pull different types of loads.
If you have endorsements, there are more options available to you. If you have a tank endorsement, you can pull some liquids and gases. If you have a HazMat endorsement and a tank endorsement you can pull most liquids and gases. Almost all Class A vehicles have air brakes. To drive a vehicle with air brakes, you need an air brakes endorsement.
You don’t have to wait until you have a commercial driver’s license, issued by the state of Iowa, to begin your job search. In fact, Iowa trucking jobs can be found well before you attend truck driving school or obtain your CDL. Some Iowa truck driving companies offer tuition reimbursement to those who attend trucking school.
After you have your CDL and your first trucking job, there are a few things that you can do to keep both. First, obey traffic laws. Several moving violations or a major traffic accident, driving under the influence, and other violations may result in a suspended or revoked license. Second, renew your license as needed. Every five years you must renew your CDL. If you don’t renew it, you must re-apply and re-test.
As you drive safely and renew your license every five years, you are on your way to a long and successful Iowa truck driving job.