Commercial Vehicle Classes (Class 1-8) Explained
Trucks are grouped into eight classes by gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), the maximum loaded weight set by the maker. The class does not decide what license you need, but it gives a quick sense of the size and rules for a vehicle.
- Drivers
- Fleet Managers
- Small Businesses
The classes
| Class | GVWR | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6,000 lb or less | Small pickups, minivans |
| 2 | 6,001 to 10,000 lb | Full-size pickups (half-ton and some three-quarter), large vans |
| 3 | 10,001 to 14,000 lb | Heavy-duty pickups, walk-in vans |
| 4 | 14,001 to 16,000 lb | Large walk-in vans, box trucks |
| 5 | 16,001 to 19,500 lb | Bucket trucks, large vans |
| 6 | 19,501 to 26,000 lb | Single-axle trucks, school buses, beverage trucks |
| 7 | 26,001 to 33,000 lb | City buses, refuse trucks, large box trucks |
| 8 | 33,001 lb and over | Tractor-trailers, dump trucks, cement mixers |
Classes 1 to 3 are often called light duty, 4 to 6 medium duty and 7 to 8 heavy duty.
Why it matters
- Licenses. A CDL is needed for vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, for certain combinations with a trailer over 10,000 pounds, and for vehicles carrying hazardous materials or enough passengers. See CDL Classes & Endorsements.
- Federal safety rules. Many Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules apply to commercial vehicles with a GVWR or GCWR of 10,001 pounds or more in interstate commerce, such as driver qualification, hours of service and inspections. A pickup pulling a heavy trailer can reach this threshold. See Hours of Service.
- Registration, weight and tolls often follow class or axle weight. See Weight Limits & Scales.
- Equipment: brakes, tires and safety features differ by class.
Know your numbers
- Find the GVWR on the door jamb label of your truck
- For combinations, add the truck and trailer ratings (GCWR)
- Never exceed the GVWR or axle ratings. Overloading harms brakes and steering
- Do a pre-trip inspection every time. See Pre-Trip Inspection
Note: Classes are an industry and EPA/DOE grouping. States have their own license and registration thresholds. Check your state's rules.
Standards & references
Last updated: