The editors here at Eagle Ford News view the shortage of Trained Employees as the biggest challenge employers have in the Eagle Ford area.
CDL / HME / Hazmat Driver’s License
State of Texas
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Website:
A Texas commercial driver’s license (otherwise known as a CDL License) is a type of Texas driver’s license an individual can apply for to transport interstate or intrastate commerce.
With the exception of motorcycles and mopeds, drivers who are issued a valid CDL may drive all vehicles in the class for which that license is issued, including their personal vehicle.
A vehicle that requires an endorsement, for example a school bus or hazardous material, may not be driven unless the proper endorsement appears on the CDL.
Individuals are required to have a CDL if they operate a motor vehicle:
- With a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds,
- Which transports quantities of hazardous materials that requires warning placards (signs), or
- Designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver.
Any individual whose driver license is currently suspended, cancelled or revoked in Texas or in any other state is not eligible for a CDL.
Apply for a commercial Licence with the State of Texas: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/DriverLicense/CommercialLicense.htm
Individuals who have a commercial driver’s license may have their CDL disqualified for a specified amount of time if they are convicted of certain offenses. A list of the most common types of convictions with the disqualification period is provided in the link to the DPS website below.
Disqualifications can be found here: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/DriverLicense/CommercialMVdisqualifications.htm
Here is the Texas Department of Public Safety Link to the HME / Hazmat Endorsement Section:
Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) for Commercial Driver License (CDL)
CDL Prep Courses
Alamo Colleges / St. Philip’s College
From the Alamo Colleges website: “Prepares individuals to pass the required tests for a Texas CDL permit. Includes classroom instruction on general knowledge, air brakes, combination doubles/triples, hazardous materials and tanker vehicle endorsements. Students will be provided the Texas Commercial Driver Handbook provided in preparation for the exams along with CDL practice test questions, in advance of taking the examination. Students will be responsible for registering for the written CDL exam at the local DPS offices. (20 hour course)” For more information click here: http://www.alamo.edu/district/ewd/efs/
Professional Truck Driving Program
Alamo Colleges / St. Philip’s College
From the School’s website “…a quality training program that exceeds the standard certification for entry level truck drivers.”
For additional information, please call (210) 486-2400 or visit the school’s website http://www.alamo.edu/district/ewd/truck-driving/
Eagle Ford – Oilfield Training Programs
