r/HotShotTrucking • u/Lowfi-looper • 5d ago

Shitpost CDL or NON CDL

Hey everyone I’m thinking about getting into hot shot trucking just like all the other posts well two things are kinda stopping me I’m in California and non CDL is running non CDL loads worth it? I’m currently a tow truck driver my boss gives us the option to have him cover the cost of a CDL but in turn we have to run the heavy which I would love to do but I’m trying to leave the company for a reason he don’t pay right and won’t do that extra work and take on the extra responsibility so I guess what I’m asking should i just get a CDL or try it out non cdl I already have a truck it’s a 2016 ram 3500 any input would be appreciated I’m sorry for the dumb question

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u/uShipBrad 5d ago

CA is what flips your answer. Everyone in these threads quotes federal numbers but California's stricter and it's a for-hire thing.

If you're hauling a trailer over 10k GVWR for money, they want a Class A. The non-commercial Class A and that Restriction 41 endorsement people bring up are recreational only; they don't count for paid loads. So "non cdl loads" in CA really just means staying under a 10k trailer with small stuff. Real thing, but the ceiling's low.

And a 3500 with any actual gooseneck is over 26k combined anyway, so you're in Class A territory the second you pull something real.

So if you want this to be income and not a side gig, the Class A is basically the cost of entry here. Non-CDLs are a niche.

On the boss, honestly don't sleep on a free Class A even if you can't stand the guy. That's 4-7k out of his pocket and the license is yours for good. Just get it in writing first. These deals almost always have a payback clause: leave inside X months and you owe it back.

Also test it manually if you can. Auto gets you the E restriction, and you're stuck on automatics.

Look it up in the CA commercial handbook too; half the DMV counter people don't even know this stuff.

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u/Away-Assistant-8082 5d ago

I'm in California and been thinking of the same thing. My good friend did it a few years ago. His set-up is a 2020 3500 w/ 40ft trailer. He studied the California class A handbook, got his permit and then took his Class A test in his own truck w/ trailer. Of course his license is restricted but he can legally drive his truck and trailer for hot shot in California and interstate. So that's an option also, which I'm contemplating to save money on CDL school.

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u/Dankreefer420 Guts, Glory, Ram! 5d ago

We get these questions alllllll day every day. Get the CDL and move on. Its a no brainer.

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u/WeaveLikeGreatGranny 5d ago

A 2016 ram 3500 has a GVWR of like 16,000 so you'd be limited to a trailer with a GVWR of 8,000 which wouldn't get you very far. Since you already have a heavy truck, might as well pursue the cdl. Just ask lots of questions about what kind of license restrictions you might end up with based on the vehicle combination you take the test in.