[AT] Trailers

[Ronald L. Cook]

Charlie,
	Here in Iowa I had a chauffeur's license issued as soon as I was old 
enough.  17, I think it was or maybe 18.  I have been operating a truck 
one way or another since I was 10.  54 years ago.  When the CDL came 
into being, I had to change over to that license as I operate for 
COMMERCIAL purposes.  My first CDL certificate looked much as the old 
chauffeur's license did with the exception of the listing of 
qualifications.  Tractor trailer, double triple, Hazmat, air brakes, 
etc.  I took all the tests with the exception of bus.  Seems like a long 
time ago.  I understood the reason behind the CDL was to stop the 
multi-state licenses that so many over the road drivers were holding due 
to DWI and speeding convictions.  Maybe--maybe not.  I have never had an 
officer of the law ask to see my CDL.  Scale tickets, yes.  Shipping 
papers, yes.  CDL--nope.  Go figure.

I do get upset when I hear of these "private operations" hauling 
tractors complaining of regulations when I know damned good and well it 
really is a for hire operation. Probably because I have had to spend all 
the money and jump through all the hoops.  Its the same in the flying 
business, too.

Ron Cook
Salix, IA

charlie hill wrote:
> Ron,  I used to be a truck driver a long time ago and before the CDL law.  I 
> have maintained a class A license ever since I drove a school bus in high 
> school, through my years as a truck driver and I still have it but I never 
> upgraded it to the CDL.   The funny thing about it is that (at least in NC) 
> the license looks identical to a CDL. The only difference is that the CDL 
> license has the endorsements listed on the back side of the license.  The 
> front is the same.  I've even had a veteran highway patrol sargent look at 
> my license and ask me if I was a truck driver.
> 
> Charlie