Truck Types Classification by Weight Limit

When you have to choose a truck, don’t choose the best-looking model. Choose the type of truck whose weight classification is enough to haul the cargo type you plan to haul.

You can’t haul heavy freight on a light-weight truck, and you shouldn’t haul low-weight freight on heavy-duty trucks. It makes no sense. Right?

To make this logistical process easier, in the United States, all the commercial trucks are classified into eight different classes based on their gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Also, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) grouped these commercial truck classifications into three major groups.

Understand these truck classifications helps you understand how to choose the right type of truck to haul the freight and what kind of CDL the driver needs to have.

Find below the explanation of the truck types classified by weight and what type of commercial trucks fit into each category.

What is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating?

The GVWR is a safety truck's standard that is used to prevent their overloading.

This number is the maximum weight of a vehicle that ensures the safe operation of the bobtail plus trailer. Find out what is a bobtail truck.

The weight rating of the vehicle includes the net weight of the vehicle plus the passengers, the drivers, fuel, and cargo and it doesn't change after a manufacturer determines it for a vehicle.

The vehicle manufacturer determines the GVWR by considering the combined weight of the strongest weight-bearing components, such as the axles; and the weaker components, such as the body, frame, suspension, and tires. This determines the vehicle's class, which determines the regulations that it needs to follow.

In some cases, drivers may need to obtain a certain type of license before driving a vehicle.

For example, the GVWR of your vehicle might be 7,000 pounds. If the curb weight is 5,000 pounds and the typical weight for your passengers and fuel is 500 pounds, then your vehicle can safely handle a payload of 1,500 pounds.

So, knowing the GVWR and the weight of the freight that you need to haul, you may easily understand what type of truck you need to do the job legally.

Truck classification by GVWR

According to Wikipedia, I found the following truck classification where you can find different semi-truck brands classified by their weight limit.

1. Light and light-medium trucks classes

Class	weight limit	truck examples
Class 1	0-6,000 pounds (0-2,722 kg)	Chevrolet Colorado; Ford Ranger; Honda Ridgeline FWD. Jeep Gladiator; Nissan Frontier; Toyota Tacoma.
Class 2a	06001-8,500 pounds (2,722 - 3,856 kg)	Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500; Ford F-150; Honda Ridgeline AWD. Ram 1500; Nissan Titan; Toyota Tundra.
Class 2b	8,501–10,000 pounds (3,856–4,536 kg)	Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 2500; Ford F-250; Nissan Titan XD; Ram 2500.

2. Medium truck classes

Class	weight limit	truck examples
Class 3	10,001–14,000 pounds (4,536–6,350 kg)	Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 3500; Ford F-350; Ram 3500; Isuzu NPR.
Class 4	14,001–16,000 pounds (6,351–7,257 kg)	Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD/International CV; Ford F-450 (chassis cab and pickup); Ram 4500; Isuzu NPR-HD.
Class 5	16,001–19,500 pounds (7,258–8,845 kg)	Chevrolet Silverado 5500HD/International CV; Ford F-550; Ram 5500, Isuzu NRR; Freightliner Business Class M2 106; Kenworth T170; Peterbilt 325.
Class 6	19,501–26,000 pounds (8,846–11,793 kg)	Chevrolet Silverado 6500HD/International CV; Ford F-650; Freightliner Business Class M2 106; International MV; Kenworth T270; Peterbilt 330.

3. Heavy truck classes

Unlike vehicles mentioned above, heavy-duty trucks have to be handled by experts who we usually call truck drivers.

They are responsible for the safe operation of commercial vehicles that transport the products we used daily.

Class	weight limit	truck examples
Class 7	26,001–33,000 pounds (11,794–14,969 kg)	Chevrolet Silverado 6500HD/International CV; Ford F-650; Freightliner Business Class M2 106; International MV; Kenworth T270; Peterbilt 330.
Class 8	33,001 pounds (14,969 kg) and above	Autocar ACX and DC; Volvo Truck VNL; Freightliner Cascadia, Business Class M2 112, 118SD, and EconicSD; Ford F-750; Hino XL8; International LT, HV, and RH; Kenworth T680, T880, and W990; Mack Anthem, Granite, Pinnacle, and TerraPro; Peterbilt 389, 579, and 520; Western Star 4800, 4900 and 5700; Pierce, E-One, Spartan, Ferrara, KME custom fire apparatus.

Vehicle regulations

If a vehicle has a GVWR of more than 26,001 pounds and is used for a business, including nonprofits, then it is subject to federal and state safety regulations for the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles.

Vehicles over this weight are required to stop at state weigh and inspection stations, and drivers must follow regulations concerning hours of service and medical examination.

A driver does not need a CDL to operate a Class 1 through 6 vehicle but each one with a GVWR over 26,001 pounds has to be identified with the name of the company and the DOT number.

Visit our semi-truck guide for more information.