I will 100% say that having my NYS CDL-A has gotten me a ton of gigs, even more so now that the laws are quickly finally starting to catch up to us. Running under the concept of "regional" drivers not needing to maintain logs, or Big Yellow trucks that "I didn't know had to
roll the scales", and the ever growing market of regional companies doing national tours, has all started to come to a head.
While I do agree with almost every one here in that I would have never gone out and spent the several thousand dollars and my own time to go to a CDL school, if anyone ever looks at you and says that they will put you through, say yes! Even if this is one of those things that you literally use once a year, its enough to justify the extra renewal fees. And most companies will never flinch if you ask for them to pay for a DOT
med appointment if you drive for them. Out of the three production houses in my area, one has a policy of all full time techs need to maintain a minimum CDL-B w/ air brake, but most end up going A since they own a few Stagelines as well. The second has only CDL trucks, B and A, and drivers get first R.O.R. on any gigs as well as an extra stipend. The third is primarily non-CDL straight trucks that are of questionable weights, and one poor soul who drives the semi far too much.
Keep in mind, this is a perishable skill though. If you do intend to make money with a license, make sure you find a couple gigs here and there if nothing else to just drive. Also not sure about outside NY, but I hear that now driving
manual is an endorsement on a CDL. If possible...make sure you test
manual so you can drive
manual. Most companies either lease trucks or buy used for the sake of cost, and most of the older trucks out there in these fleets are
manual.
That said, if nothing else I have certainly had a lot of people like the fact that there is a CDL on my resume simply because they know I am in the drug
screen pool. Employers may not say it, but it makes a difference.