A commercial driver’s license, or CDL, is often thought of as a standard in the transportation industry. Most drivers are required to have them; however, when it comes to transporting RVs, the license requirement can really depend on the employer. Should you look into getting a CDL if you want to drive for Horizon Transport?
What is a CDL?
A CDL is a type of driver’s license for those operating large vehicles, such as semi-trucks, buses, and livestock vehicles. However, there isn’t just one type of CDL; there are three different classes with individual qualifications:
1. Class A
A Class A commercial license allows drivers to operate a combination of vehicles with a total weight over 26,001 pounds. For Class A, the towed vehicle must be at least 10,000 pounds on its own. With this license, you are able to operate vehicles such as tractor-trailers, flatbeds, and livestock carriers.
2. Class B
A Class B commercial license also allows drivers to operate a combination of vehicles with a total weight of over 26,001 pounds. The difference here is that the towed vehicle must weigh less than 10,000 pounds. Class B licenses allow drivers to operate straight trucks, passenger buses, and dump trucks.
3. Class C
A Class C commercial license allows drivers to operate either vehicles with 16 or more passengers (including driver) or transport hazardous materials. The Class C license holder may drive vehicles like passenger vans and smaller HazMat vehicles.
These three are slightly different from operator’s licenses; CDLs are a specific type of operator’s license. In essence, an operator’s license allows people over the age of 18 to operate trucks under a certain weight. The requirements and restrictions for these licenses vary by state.
What are the benefits of having a Class A CDL?
One of the biggest benefits to having a Class A commercial license would be the amount of vehicles you’re able to drive. With so much flexibility, there are a multitude of options for you jobwise. Additionally, you’re pretty much guaranteed to travel, so if you’ve got an adventurous spirit, this can open up those opportunities for you as well!
What are Horizon Transport’s requirements regarding commercial licenses?
Here at Horizon, we have three different options for drivers wanting to transport RVs: we have our tow-away, flatbed, and drive-away divisions. For drivers in our flatbed division, we do require a Class A CDL, and our Drive-Away division requires a Class B CDL. While we don’t absolutely require our Tow-Away drivers to have a Class A CDL, is is strongly encouraged.
If you’re interested in driving with us, please visit our application page to apply today! Here at Horizon Transport, we prioritize the safety of our drivers and strive to provide as much information as possible about the transportation industry. We wish you safe travels!
I use to have a class A license and I have driven OTR but I let my Cdl go because I went to work in the oil and gas industry I have pulled Rv’s for a company after hurricane Katrina and enjoyed the work I have a 2020 Chevy siverado 2500 4 wheel drive with a standard bed would this truck qualify with your company and it is a diesel 6.6 Duramax with the 10 speed allison transmisson
Timothy, that truck will work great!
Do i have to a CDL to work for HORIZON TRANSPORTATION?
Kevin, you do for certain cases, but not for our Tow-Away division.
I’m not sure what kind of compensation is involved. Would love to know more. (Class A CDL w/ Hazmat and tanker).
Bill, check out the flatbed section to learn more, including rates.
Ready to sign. Still have no answers concerning compensation for tow away division. How can I find this out b4 making an expensive mistake.
Paul, on our Tow Away page we list the current rates. Your income depends on how much you’d like to drive.
Do you offer any drive-away trips to non cdl drivers ? Thanks
We do not.
Can you have father and son team drivers in the same drive-away for long trips .and are there any age restrictions for new drivers . Thanks
You would not be able to do team driving in a drive away unit. What we have seen is where a team will take two units in the same general direction and have only one tow-car. That helps reduce expenses on the trip.
What is the age requirement? Do you have husband and wife trans?
Deb, we only require drivers to be at least 23 years old. We do have many Husband and Wife teams.
I have dodge truck but not sure if this truck will work it has a v-6
Billy, you’ll need a 3/4 ton or larger. Your dodge would need to be a 2500 or higher. A diesel is best, but gas V8 will work.
I bought it brand new it’s a 2919 model
What positions are available for someone with a standard drivers license.
Michelle, our Tow-Away division does not require a CDL.
Is there a waiting list for tow away drivers, and what requirements does your company expect of me?
Todd, you can find all the requirements on our Tow-Away page. If you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out to our recruiters via chat or phone.
Once you deliver your RV are you allowed to pick up a trailered load coming back towards home or back towards another pick-up run, a “hot shot” type load, if you can find one? Are or there other opportunities to haul from RV to RV lot coming back this way? You guys said to think of it as a small business….I’m trying!!! Twenty-five years of teaching math to 7th and 8th graders…I’m ready to hit the road.
Larry, we have a dedicated reload board to help you with return trips. If you do find a load on your own, you’ll need to run it through our system so it’s insured and legal. You can also be part of more than one of our divisions to give you more load opportunities.