How valuable is this experience?

Posted by Active-Blacksmith-41@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 10 comments

For reference I’ve only had my Class A CDL since August of 2025. I have no manual restriction and my X endorsement. Been driving class A/Bs flatbeds, fertilizer hopper trailers, dry vans, and hauled reefer trailers for a farm before I did this. Is this good resume building for better paying hazmat gigs? I also run forklifts, moffetts, and front end loaders.

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IgnoringHisAge@reddit

It is. The hazmat endorsement plus experience gives you a leg up.

Also, I’ve got some valuable experience for you right here: don’t strap down your loads outside the rub rails. Go between the rub rail and the deck. The rub rails are there to keep a sideswipe from knifing through your securement. (No judgement, just an observation)

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Active-Blacksmith-41@reddit (OP)

I prefer doing it that way whenever possible. I actually didn’t strap this load down and probably should have taken the extra time to fix it since this was a hazmat load. Normally it’s not even possible to go between because I haul oversized pallets with seed corn that hangs over.

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IgnoringHisAge@reddit

Fair. I’ve just run into some folks over the years that were never taught about it, so I mention it when I see it if I can do it without being a jerk.

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Active-Blacksmith-41@reddit (OP)

I appreciate any kind of help and advice from anyone. I started the game a little late so I’m playing catch up.

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