By: ,
I can’t find my CDL! I had it yesterday when I delivered a load. What do I do?
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Response from Vicki:
Thank you for asking a question through our website. First of all, take a deep breath. Then think back to the very last place where you knew for sure that you had your CDL and how you handled it.
For example:
– Did you give it to a clerk or security guard or someone else?
– Did you get it back from him or her?
– Did you put it in your wallet? (Hopefully, you didn’t lose your whole wallet.)
Also, look through your wallet thoroughly and through your truck, especially places where you keep your load paperwork (such as in an aluminum forms holder). There is a possibility that you accidentally put it somewhere “different” from where you normally keep it.
If you still can’t find it, call the last place where you know you had it and see if it has been turned in.
If your CDL has not been turned in, you may need to “go look” for it. You cannot drive a commercial motor vehicle without a commercial driver’s license, so in order to get there, you may need to get a ride with someone or take a taxi.
As a last option, you may have to travel back to your home state and get a replacement made. If you’re a distance from home, you may have to get on a bus to travel home.
It doesn’t hurt to pray that the Lord will help restore your CDL to you by someone kind enough to spot it and turn it in.
I once found a small wallet in a parking lot. I didn’t know which of the small stores in the plaza the owner would be in, so after finding a local bank card in the wallet, I turned in the wallet at the nearest branch and let bank personnel contact the owner.
I hope that you’re able to find your CDL or that it is restored to you in a timely manner. I’d be interested to know how this turns out for you.
If you’re in the habit of having to “show identification” when you pick up or deliver a load — and if you use your driver’s license as that form of identification — perhaps you can develop a habit of verbally making statements to help you keep up with it.
For example, as you hand your license to someone, you may say, “I’m handing my license to you and I need to have it back right away, please.”
Or as you’re receiving your CDL back from someone, you may say out loud, “I’m putting my CDL back in my wallet for safe keeping.” If someone looks at you funny, you can just smile.
When you get your CDL back — or get a replacement — and when you get rolling again, my husband Mike and I wish you safe travels and lots of money saving opportunities on the road.
Best regards,
Vicki Simons
