Endorsements: hazmat, tanker, doubles, passenger and school bus
Hazmat (H) requires a TSA background check and ELDT theory before the knowledge test. Placarded vehicles need placards on all four sides. Shipping papers go in the door pouch or within reach while you're belted in, and on the seat when you leave the cab. Placarded vehicles stop 15 to 50 feet from railroad tracks, and no smoking within 25 feet of the cargo.
Tank vehicles (N) are required for tanks of 119 gallons or more, or 1,000 gallons total. Liquid surge can push a truck forward or sideways. Baffles slow front-to-back surge but not side-to-side surge, and smooth-bore tanks have none. Leave outage for liquids to expand, and take curves well below the posted speed.
Doubles and triples (T): the last trailer is the most likely to roll over, so put the heaviest trailer up front. After coupling, open the shut-off valves on the front trailers and close the ones at the back of the last trailer.
Passenger (P): no riders may stand in front of the standee line, buses may carry no more than 500 pounds of allowed hazmat, and buses stop 15 to 50 feet from railroad crossings. School bus (S), which also needs P: the danger zone extends up to 30 feet around the bus, students cross about 10 feet in front where you can see them, and you count every student before pulling away.
