What is PTDI certification for trucking schools?

The Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI) is a non-profit organization that provides certification for truck driving schools as well as curriculum and training for CDL courses. PTDI sets the standard for training courses across North America. Formed in 1986, PTDI has developed uniform standards for curriculum, performance, and safety and offers certification to schools that meet its standards.

What does PTDI do?

PTDI has worked with government agencies, insurance agents, schools and trucking companies since 1986 to standardize the industry and has been certifying entry level training courses since 1989. It helps schools develop standardized curriculum that focuses on safety, driver skills, and professionalism and certifies them. Trucking companies can feel confident students trained at PTDI schools have a solid foundation of skills.

Collaboration – The organization works with government officials to meet federal and state laws and to increase safety. PTDI also works with carriers and insurance agents to promote industry standards and certified schools. PTDI has set, and maintains, the uniform standard throughout the industry.

Curriculum and certification – PTDI works with schools looking for certification to enhance their current curriculum. The organization evaluates the program and makes recommendations to improve the courses offered for a commercial drivers license (CDL). PTDI then certifies the truck driving school and re-evaluates it periodically to ensure that the standards are being maintained.

Promotion – By promoting industry standard and certified schools, PTDI helps carriers ensure that all of their drivers have the safety and proficiency skills necessary to for truck driving. Trucking companies know that even new drivers are confident and capable of safe driving habits when they hire entry level drivers from PTDI certified schools. Because PTDI also works to promote these standards to the insurance industry, trucking companies may find some discounts by hiring drivers from PTDI certified schools as well.

Why is PTDI’s important?

Improved drivers – PTDI is helping to regulate the truck driving industry and is making it a safer line of work. Because the industry has been regulated by laws that vary from state to state, truck driving schools have, in times past, only offered the minimum requirements for students to receive their CDL. PTDI’s standardization and certification has dramatically improved the experience, confidence, and safety of entry-level drivers so that the roads are safer for all motorists.

Better safety records – The PTDI certification program seeks to improve the knowledge and ability of all drivers looking to obtain a commercial drivers license. When drivers are better trained, the safety record and productivity of carriers improves. Trucking companies that use PTDI drivers benefit in every area. Better safety records lead to lower insurance costs, and greater productivity increases profits.

Changes in laws – Because PTDI works closely with government agencies and recertifies each truck driving school regularly, the entire industry is better able to operate in accordance with changing laws. This means that schools can keep up with laws that govern training, and they can teach CDL students the current laws pertaining to safety and other industry issues.

The Professional Truck Driver Institute is the first of its kind in the industry. Schools receiving PTDI certification have met the uniform industry standard maintained by PTDI and turn out safer, better equipped drivers. Trucking companies who hire drivers from PTDI certified schools enjoy better safety records and productivity. Overall, PTDI’s dedication to uniform training standards for the industry has greatly improved the safety and proficiency of the entire trucking industry.

How do I obtain endorsements for my CDL license?

Getting the proper endorsements for your CDL can greatly increase your truck driving job opportunities. Many trucking companies also require endorsements for the truckign jobs they hire for.

Many endorsements are easy to obtain, and simply require a written test.  In most states this includes air brake endorsements and doubles/triples endorsements.

A HazMat endorsement allows you to haul specific cargo which is more dangerous that ordinary cargo.  An good example would be gasoline.   Gas is far more dangerous that hauling a load of furniture.

There are a few steps to obtain your HazMat endorsement for your CDL, which include:

Step 1 – Take a test form the DMV.

Step 2 – Make sure you have a valid CDL.

Step 3 – Get clearance from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).  Applications are available through your local DMV.

Step 4 – Submit your fingerprints for the FBI to complete a background check.

Step 5 – Pay the hazmat endorsement fees.

Step 6 – Maintain clean record.   Serious crimes and felonies will disqualify you from having a HazMat endorsement.

What are the CDL Requirements for trucking jobs?

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) establishes CDL requirements for all commercial truck drivers.

All truck drivers must obtain and maintain a valid a Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate a large truck.   Additionally, endorsements are required to haul specific freight and/or drive specific types of trucks.

Basic truck driving endorsements for a CDL include: Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HAZMAT),  School Bus/Passenger Endorsement, Doubles/Triples Endorsement, Tanker Endorsement, and Air Brake Endorsement.  Endorsements you need will vary with your job.  In general, they are inexpensive and easy to obtain, so it is a good idea to obtain a variety of DDL endorsements when you are going through the licensing process.

Specific details for meeting CDL requirments vary from state to state.  Consult our CDL Requirements page to learn of specific rules in your home state.  Certain trucking companies may also have specific requirements for the endorsements you will need to carry.

Employment Opportunities with Trucking Companies

Once you obtain your CDL, there are a variety of different employment opportunities with various trucking companies. Each position will vary depending on the specific cargo and route your drive.

The first major difference is the kind of cargo and the equipment necessary to deliver the freight. Truck driving jobs vary, but the most common types of jobs include; hauling flatbed trailers, boxed trailers, and refrigerated trailers.  Different types of cargo will have specific challenges associated with the job.  For example, flatbed truckers will spend time tarping and securing their loads, where van drivers will not have to do this.

There is also a big difference in working for a local company verus a national OTR company.  The benefit of working for a small and local company is that they often provide great opportunity for experienced truckers. Truckers working for a small and local company can often return home every night, enjoy the routine of a local route, and in general, these jobs pay very well. Local freight companies may include hauling groceries, gravel, sand, rocks or transporting large construction equipment. The nature of local trucking jobs is mostly determined by where the job is located and what materials are most likely to be produced.

If long hauling works better for your lifestyle, there are hundreds of national and regional trucking companies that offer a variety of long haul opportunities. Drivers for long haul trucking companies often stay out for weeks at a time, and travel across the country.

Regardless of the type of company you work for or the equipment you drive, there are a few more things to consider. Making sure your truck and your equipment is reliable is very important, especially since you only get paid while the truck is moving. A driver can lose a considerable amount of money if the truck breaks down on a regular basis. When choosing a trucking outfit, make sure they have good maintenance services. A poorly maintained truck can be dangerous to you and other drivers on the road. Consider this when you research a company that you are thinking about driving with.

Checking the kinds of cargo and the shipping routes can help shape the kind of truck driving career that you will have, and making sure you are safe while driving for a company that values safety can ensure that you have a long and healthy career. If you take the time to research truck driving can be a rewarding and satisfying job.

What is the process to obtain a CDL?

A CDL License is necessary to be able to work as a truck driver for any trucking company, large or small.

Obtaining your CDL requires study and practice.  You will have to pass both a written test and a driving test to fulfill your CDL Requirements and be eligible for trucking jobs.  The written test covers driving basics and the rules for your state.  The driving test covers pre-trip inspection, driving your vehicle in a variety of conditions, and backing maneuvers.

When properly prepared, these items are relatively easy to pass for most truck drivers. Truck driving schools are a great way to obtain both the knowledge and practical experience you need to meet your CDL Requirements.

Truck driving schools will teach you rules and regulations you need to operate a commercial vehicle properly.  Schools also give you practical experience in a controlled environment to gain confidence and ability in handling a large truck.  Some trucking companies run driving schools, and they will also teach you information specific to their company.

The process includes 3 main steps, although your state may differ in requirements. 

Step 1: Pass the written test to get your CDL learner’s permit.  Your CDL learner’s permit will allow you to drive a truck as long as you have a licensed CDL driver riding with you.  Getting your permit usually involves a written test and a fee.

Step 2: Obtain a CDL physical form a physician.  Federal law requires you carry a medical card from a physician that certifies you are in good enough physical condition to drive a truck.  Check with your family doctor to see if he or she performs CDL physicals.  If not, you may obtain one from another physician in your area.

Step 3: Pass your driving test.  Your driving test will assess your ability to operate your vehicle.  The test includes: pre-trip inspection, maneuvering and backing, and driving in traffic.  You must sufficiently demonstrate proficiency in all areas in order to pass.

There are additional written tests and/or background checks based on any endorsements you may want to add to your license, such as hazmat.  The department of motor vehicles in your will be able to provide specific details.

Once you have your CDL License, you are ready to apply for Trucking Jobs.