If you’ve been thinking hard about getting your commercial driver’s license (CDL), you’ve probably also been thinking about exactly what type of job you may want. Most people might automatically think of truck drivers when they hear “CDL”, but in fact there are many different jobs that you can get with the CDL license that you earn.
The 3 Types Of CDLs
You can get a Class A, Class B, or Class C CDL license. A Class A CDL will let drivers operate any vehicle with a semi-trailer or trailer with two or more axles. A Class A CDL will also let drivers operate vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 26,000 pounds (if the gross vehicle weight rating of the towed vehicle is in excess of 10,000 pounds).
A Class B CDL license lets drivers operate any heavy straight vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 26,000 pounds—as well as any vehicle towing another vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
Lastly, a Class C CDL lets drivers operate any vehicle that’s designed to transport sixteen or more passengers, or is used in the transportation of materials classified as hazardous.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common jobs that having a CDL can provide for you:
Commercial Truck Driver
We’ll begin with the most common career that people think of when they think over CDLs. A commercial driver (also known as an “over-the-road driver” or “long-haul driver”) can take jobs that require anywhere from a few hundred miles to five weeks of driving. Often these drivers are required to adjust to an entirely new lifestyle.
Bus Driver
Bus drivers transport passengers safely all over a city, and the public depends on these drivers to get them to work, school, shopping, and visits. Bus drivers can also drive charter or sightseeing buses.
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Fire And Rescue
Want to be a fireman? Fire truck drivers are often required to have either a Class A or Class B CDL license.
Delivery Truck Driver
Delivery trucks are vital to thousands of businesses across the country. Whether these drivers are delivering food, furniture, equipment, or anything else, their cargo must be carefully transported and delivered safely—and on time. Major delivery truck companies include FedEx, UPS, and USPS, but there are also many private delivery companies as well.
Heavy Equipment Hauler
Heavy equipment truck drivers move heavy equipment that exceeds 26,000 (including the vehicle) pounds all over the country. What typically gets transported by heavy equipment haulers are things like tractors, bulldozers, cranes, excavators, and other industrial equipment.
Non-Driving Careers
A CDL license isn’t reserved for driving jobs only. Once you’ve earned your commercial driver’s license, you can also use it to help you become a trucking supervisor, a terminal manager, a highway maintenance technician, a equipment operator, a courier, an instructor, a recruiter, a mechanic, and many more.
No matter which of these careers sounds like a good match for you, consider L.A Truck Driving School to help train you to get your CDL license. Once you have it, you’ll have many options for the job you’ve been looking for. For more information about our training and programs, simply contact us with any questions you have!