Compliance

A Complete Guide to CDL Endorsements and Restrictions for Non-Trucking Companies

Hiring in 2026? Make sure you’re hiring qualified drivers who have all the right licensure and endorsements to operate your company’s vehicles.

If your company relies on drivers — even though trucking isn’t your main business — understanding Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) and endorsements is crucial.

Whether your employees drive dump trucks, box trucks, passenger vans, or vehicles hauling hazardous materials, having the right class of CDL and proper endorsements ensures you stay compliant, protect your insurance coverage, and avoid costly FMCSA or state penalties.

Let’s break down what businesses need to know when hiring drivers in 2026.

Understanding CDL Classes

A CDL isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are three main classes — A, B, and C — each tied to the size and type of vehicle being operated.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Class A CDL

Required for: Tractor-trailers, combination vehicles, and any rig with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs or more, towing a trailer over 10,000 lbs.
Common examples: Semi-trucks, flatbeds, tanker combinations, and truck-trailer combos.
Typical employers: Logistics, equipment transport, or heavy construction firms hauling machinery.

Class B CDL

Required for: Single vehicles over 26,001 lbs GCWR, or towing a trailer under 10,000 lbs.
Common examples: Dump trucks, concrete mixers, straight trucks, box trucks, and buses.
Typical employers: Construction, landscaping, waste management, and local delivery services.

Class C CDL

Required for: Vehicles that don’t fit Class A or B but are designed to:
- Transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver), or
- Carry hazardous materials requiring placards.
Common examples: Passenger vans, small hazmat trucks, or medical waste haulers.
Typical employers: Municipal fleets, schools, and specialty service providers.

Key CDL Endorsements to Look For

Endorsements expand what types of vehicles or freight a driver can legally operate. They’re added to a CDL after passing additional written and/or skills tests.

Here are the most common ones employers should understand:

Endorsement	Code	Description	Required For
Hazardous Materials	H	Allows transport of hazardous materials	Tankers, fuel trucks, chemical transport
Tank Vehicle	N	For vehicles carrying liquid or gas in bulk	Water, fuel, or septic trucks
Passenger	P	For transporting 16+ passengers (including driver)	Shuttle or tour buses
School Bus	S	For operating a school bus	Schools or private education transport
Double/Triple Trailers	T	For pulling two or three trailers	Specialized freight operations
Combination (Tank + Hazmat)	X	Combines N + H	Fuel tankers and other hazmat tank vehicles

Tip for Employers: If your fleet hauls fuel, chemicals, or other hazardous materials — or even uses bulk liquid tanks — drivers must hold the correct endorsement before they operate the vehicle. Otherwise, your company could face liability and FMCSA fines.

Common CDL Restrictions to Watch Out For

Restrictions limit what a driver can operate. These are usually added if the driver tested on a vehicle missing certain systems or features.

Restriction	Code	Meaning	How It Affects You
Automatic Transmission Only	E	Driver tested in automatic — can’t drive manual	Common issue if your fleet uses manual transmissions
No Air Brakes	L or Z	Driver didn’t test on a vehicle with full air brakes	Critical if you operate heavy trucks or buses
Passenger Vehicle Limitations	M or N	Driver tested in smaller vehicle — limited to smaller passenger types	Impacts school or shuttle operations
Medical Variance	V	Indicates a medical condition requiring monitoring	Review before placing driver in safety-sensitive roles

Hiring Drivers: Tips for Non-Trucking Companies

If your company isn’t a full-fledged motor carrier, it’s easy to overlook the complexity of CDL hiring. But even a single truck or passenger vehicle can make you subject to FMCSA and state DOT rules. Here’s how to protect your business:

Know What CDL Class Your Vehicles Require
Before posting a job ad, confirm whether your company vehicles fall under Class A, B, or C.
Verify Licenses and Endorsements Early
Don’t just take a photocopy of a CDL — verify its status through your state’s DMV or FMCSA systems. CNS can help manage this step through digital driver qualification file reviews.
Screen for Restrictions
Ensure the driver doesn’t have limitations preventing them from legally operating your vehicle (like “no air brakes” when your trucks have them).
Review Medical Certification
CDL holders must maintain a valid DOT medical card. A lapse can invalidate their license and your company’s compliance.
Conduct a Full Pre-Employment Process
This includes MVR checks, drug/alcohol testing, previous employment verification, and motor carrier safety performance history — all required under 49 CFR Part 391.
Train and Monitor Continuously
Even small fleets need a driver file management system to track license renewals, medical cards, and annual reviews.

How CNS Helps You Hire the Right Drivers

At Compliance Navigation Specialists (CNS), we understand that compliance can be overwhelming — especially for companies that don’t identify as trucking businesses but still depend on commercial drivers.

Our team makes the hiring process simple and compliant:

Driver Qualification File (DQF) Management — We build, audit, and maintain compliant driver files.
Pre-Employment Screening — License checks, drug/alcohol testing, employment verifications, and background checks.
Ongoing Monitoring — We track CDL renewals, medical card expirations, and driver violations.
Compliance Consulting — Guidance on what CDL class or endorsement your drivers need.
ELDT Training Support — If your driver is earning a CDL for the first time, we help meet all FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.

Our goal is to keep your company compliant, your drivers qualified, and your operations running smoothly — without the headache of managing DOT rules alone.

Ready to Simplify Hiring and Compliance?

Let CNS handle the regulatory side so you can focus on growing your business.

Contact our team today to review your hiring process and ensure your drivers have the right CDL and endorsements for your fleet.