Guide to Truck Classes: Light, Medium and Heavy Duty

Trucks are classified by the United States government's Gross Vehicle Weighting Rating (GVWR). A truck's GVWR is the truck's weight when fully loaded (including passengers, cargo, and a full gas tank). Truck classification and GVWR exist primarily for safety considerations to prevent truck overloading. All trucks, from the Ford F-150 to large Mack trucks, are classified into eight different truck classes.

Light Duty Trucks
Most trucks for personal use fall into the one of the light duty classes (1 through 3), with the majority falling into Class 1. Half ton, three-quarter ton, and full ton personal-use trucks are found in all three light duty classifications. Many commercial trucks are found in these classes, including ambulances, small delivery trucks, and conventional vans. Once a vehicle reaches a Class 3 status, road restrictions may kick in. Many cities restrict trucks 6,000 pounds or more from driving on certain side streets. However, no special driver's license endorsements are necessary for driving any Light Duty Class 1-3 trucks.

Class 1 Light Duty
Weight: 6,000 lb or less
Examples: Ford F-150, GMC Safari, and the GMC Sonoma.

Class 2 Light Duty
Weight: 6,001 to 10,000 lb.
Truck examples: GMC Sierra 1500, Ford F-250, cargo vans, ambulances.

Class 3 Light Duty
Weight: 10,000 to 14,000 lb.
Truck Examples: GMC Sierra 2500, Ford F-350, small dump trucks, delivery trucks.

Medium Duty Trucks:
Special endorsements are required to drive trucks in Class 4 and above. Trucks and vehicles found in this class and above are commercial vehicles not available for purchase by the general public.

Class 4 Medium Duty
Weight: 14,001 to 16,000 lb.
Truck examples: Ford F-450 series, landscaping utility vehicles, small city delivery trucks, mini buses.

Class 5 Medium Duty
Weight: 16,001 to 19,500 lb.
Examples: Bucket trucks, medium city delivery trucks and vans, large walk-in vans.

Class 6 Heavy Duty
Weight: 19,501 to 26,000 lb.
Examples: Single-axle vans, school buses, stake body trucks.

Heavy Duty Trucks:
Semis, tractor trailers, tour buses, and other large trucks and vehicles are found in the two heavy duty classes. A commercial driver's license (CDL) is required to operate any truck rated a Class 7 and above.

Class 7 Heavy Duty
Weight: 26,001 to 33,000 lb.
Examples: Tow trucks, furniture vans, garbage trucks, medium semis, medium tractor trailers.

Class 8 Heavy Duty
Weight: 33,001+ lb.
Examples: Cement mixers, fire trucks, large tour buses, heavy semi tractor trailers.