Do you want to be CDL or non-CDL? That is a really simple question, but a much more complicated decision. I am a CDL driver, Owner Operator so I am very biased. Why would you want to limit yourself? In income? loads? opportunity? future? A CDL is the GOLDEN TICKET for life. You can find work anywhere, any kind of equipment, local, OTR, Power only, and you will have your pick of loads in almost any State or City.
I work with several friends and business associates that are non-CDL and I consistently make more, get loaded easier but not always. Are there non-CDL that make as much money as CDL? That is a big Hell yes. It is more about the driver, his ability to find loads or often the Dispatcher he uses. There are other advantages and disadvantages to both. Your insurance is generally cheaper with CDL especially the longer you have it. My point of view and how I run my business is if your going to go all in, GO ALL IN. Don’t leave money on the table.
Disadvantages of non-CDL
SO here is where it gets trickier. With a CDL, most use apportioned plates and pay IFTA, there are other fees and licenses associated with them as well. With non-CDL you don’t have to have those but if you travel interstate you need to buy permits to be legal. There is so much confusion, misconceptions and bad advice when it comes to this discussion. There are plenty that operate without impunity doing as they want, not abiding to the DOT regulations to the letter and getting by with it for years.
It’s a gamble, but here is the deal, IF you are stopped and cited, put out of service, even impounded, it is something that is going to hurt you in many ways. First your insurance is going to skyrocket, I have firsthand experience because I had a non-CDL under my Authority that was not knowledgeable of the many regulations and how picky they can be.
Three violations and I was not able to keep him, costing him a very large investment in a brand new truck, trailer and equipment. He did not have the investment needed to go under his own authority and insurance. Second your CSA score is impacted which Brokers and companies use to rate you as an A, B, or C driver. Many will not deal with anything but A or B.
What is CSA?—and how does it affect me? CSA stands for Compliance, Safety, Accountability. It is the safety compliance and enforcement program of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that holds motor carriers and drivers accountable for their role in safety
So I am going to give it to you straight – am I an expert? No. I can’t keep up with it all, it is confusing and complicated BUT I have been running Facebook groups as administrator and founder of two. One is the largest in our trade of Hotshot trucking. So I have read and researched thousands of posts and comments. Plus as I ALWAYS stress … Due your due diligence, Knowledge is power. Arm yourself.
There are several opinions and misconceptions about what constitutes a commercial driver or truck. Every state has different rules but here are the facts for as far as the DOT is concerned. Truth is that, even most DOT or State Troopers know or agree on the rules. “One of the biggest misconceptions of non-CDL hotshot is you don’t have to run the scales. You do. You have to go through the scales if you’re running DOT and MC numbers. Another thing I see all the time on Facebook is you don’t have to run logs. If you’re in a year 2000 or newer you have to run electronic logs.
If you’re in a 99 or older, you still have to run paper logs. Either way, you still need your med card and your DOT physical. You’re still going to have to have all of the different safety equipment in your vehicle, whether it be the fire extinguisher, the roadside triangles, the spare fuses, all that fun stuff. CDL vs non-CDL — you’re still gonna have to have all that stuff.” Your truck and trailers still have to be DOT-inspected either way. Non-CDL do not have to be signed up for the FMCSA Drug Consortium. I would say that is a plus.
Non-CDL Advantages
So let’s examine Non-CDL advantages. First look at what the biggest difference is and what qualifies as non-CDL and CDL. The biggest advantage is the start up investment for non-CDL can be lower… less paperwork and less hassle. Your equipment will cost you less. A non-CDL trailer with 8,000 pound axles that is 20 to 32 foot is going to cost substantially less than a 40 foot gooseneck trailer with 10-12k dual tandem axles. Your truck doesn’t necessarily have to be a 3500 – 5500 Dually Diesel with 4 wheel drive for non-CDL. I see all kinds of 2500 and even gas powered trucks.
Another advantage is that you can get started easier, learn the ropes, make some money and invest in better equipment, trucks and trailers if you like. The ideal situation for anyone, I say this often, is to drive for someone, a company, a fleet, under their Authority and insurance till you are ready to buy your own equipment, you can still drive under their authority. Then go out on your own. This business is not for everyone and I see it all the time, sounds romantic and like a gold mine, and then next thing they are selling their equipment.
Final Thought
I added this part and it is not in my book. It comes from my experience out here on the roads, at customers yards, posts and drivers I know. One thing that I have noticed and comes to mind when I see so many Non-CDL set-ups on the road, plus drivers I know…. Safety and equipment. Non-CDL often carry as much weight and loads as I do on a 40ft. 25 GN with Tandem 12k axles with 8-16 ply tires rated at a GVWR of 25,900 lbs. Even with my CDL trailer , I am constantly having issues with axles, bearings, brakes, hubs, and just flat wearing out my trailer with these loads.
I am able to balance out my loads and have learned how to best secure my loads. I see single axle derated, non cdl trailers pulling heavy to their max loads and I have to wonder how safe that is? I picked up a load of pipes in Amarillo going to Colorado weighing 12k . While I was there a Non-CDL trailer was leaving with the same load going to the same customer. I could see that he was maxing out his axles, suspension and truck. They said he does it all the time.
The trip was through constant rise in elevation and hills. When I got to the customer I asked where the other guy was. They told me that about an hour out of town his axles had snapped and they had to send another truck to recover the load. He now had to replace both of his axles and probably his underwear.
I thought, Dude that must be dangerous to himself, his equipment and to others on the road. Plus the first time the load is damaged by such a situation, the insurance company is going to refuse to pay (My opinion). I put a lot of thought into my personal safety and welfare. When I secure a load I do it as if my family were following me behind me.
I also believe in my mental welfare, the peace of mind knowing that my load is secure and I will not have to deal with it on the road. So that is my two cents, why I prefer having a CDL. Now as always, I have to say, there are many who are experienced and know how to run their business. Many non-cdl thrive in this business. I am talking more to the newbie and those wanting to get started in the business.
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I didn’t know that.