Truck Classifications

Truck classifications are typically based upon the maximum loaded weight of the truck, usually using the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and sometimes the gross trailer weight rating (GTWR). This can vary among local or regional authorities.

The classes range from 1–8.  Trucks are also classified more broadly by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), which classifies groups by light duty (1–2) , medium duty (3–6), and heavy duty (7–8). A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is generally required to operate heavy duty trucks.

LIGHT DUTY

  • Class 1: Truck GVWR from 0 to 6,000 pounds (0 to 2,722 kg).
  • Class 2: Truck GVWR from 6,001 to 10,000 pounds (2,722 to 4,536 kg). Class 2 is subdivided into Class 2A and Class 2B, with Class 2A being 6,001 to 8,500 pounds (2,722 to 3,856 kg) pounds, and Class 2B being 8,501 to 10,000 pounds (3,856 to 4,536 kg) pounds
  • Class 3: Truck GVWR from 10,001 to 14,000 pounds (4,536 to 6,350 kg)

MEDIUM DUTY

  • Class 4: Truck GVWR from 14,001 to 16,000 pounds (6,351 to 7,257 kg).
  • Class 5: Truck GVWR from 16,001 to 19,500 pounds (7,258 to 8,845 kg).
  • Class 6: Truck GVWR from 19,501 to 26,000 pounds (8,846 to 11,793 kg).

HEAVY DUTY

  • Class 7: Truck GVWR ranges from 26,001 to 33,000 pounds (11,794 to 14,969 kg).
  • Class 8: Truck GVWR includes anything above 33,000 pounds (14,969 kg). These include all tractor trailer trucks.

Vehicles in Class 7 and above require a Class B CDL (Commercial Drivers License) to operate in the United States.

GVWR = gross vehicle weight rating

A breakdown of what trucks fall into specific classes
Truck Classes