What is a tanker endorsement?

A tanker endorsement is an additional qualification needed for commercial drivers who transport certain types of liquid cargo. This endorsement is required by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and must be added to a CDL (Commercial Driver's License) before a driver can transport liquids like petroleum, chemicals, or hazardous materials in tanks. The endorsement requires passing a written test and a skills test that includes hands-on training in loading, unloading, and driving tanker vehicles.

Tanker endorsement requirements vary from state to state, but generally, they take at least a few hours to complete through a licensed CDL training school or training program. Once the endorsement is earned, the driver must renew it every five years by passing a written test and proving their competency. Having a tanker endorsement on a CDL can open up more career opportunities, as many trucking companies require drivers to have this additional qualification before they will consider hiring them for tank-carrying positions.