Navigating the Road: Class A and B CDL Vehicles
Understanding the Differences
Updated June 2024
Thanks to our commercial drivers, our economy is able to flourish! These skilled individuals, specially trained to operate large commercial vehicles, keep America moving forward. But what exactly separates the professional drivers we see on the road? Depending on what type of commercial license you obtain, your driving qualifications change accordingly!
Class A Vehicles
With a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), a driver can haul a trailer that weighs 10,000 pounds or more. Any combination of vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeding 26,000 pounds are also classified under a Class A license.
Examples of vehicles you can operate with a Class A License:
- Tractor-trailer (18-wheeler) semi
- Tanker vehicles
- Truck and trailer combinations (double/triple trailers)
- Flatbed vehicles
- Tractor-trailer buses
- Hazardous cargo trailers
- Most Class B and C vehicles
If you are unsure what type of driving career may be right for you, you can cover all your bases by earning your Class A CDL. Additional endorsements may be required to operate some of these vehicles, ensuring a higher skillset and keeping everyone on the road safe!
Class B Vehicles
Though the list of Class B vehicles is a bit more restrictive, there are plenty of opportunities for new drivers! These vehicles can have a GVWR exceeding 26,000 pounds, but the trailer weight may not exceed 10,000 pounds.
Examples of Class B vehicles:
- Box trucks (including delivery trucks)
- Straight trucks
- Garbage trucks with small trailers
- Large passenger buses
- Cement mixer trucks
Although they take up less space on the road, these are large vehicles that can only be safely operated after specific training. Drivers with a Class B CDL can also pursue endorsements, but the options may be more limited compared to Class A.
Making the Choice
Class A and Class B CDLs both provide pathways into the world of commercial driving, but they each present unique career outlooks and opportunities. Understanding the differences between each license will help you make an informed decision about the course of your career!
With your Class A license, you have access to operate the most diverse range of commercial vehicles! Although it requires more extensive training, this career path boasts greater earning potential and the opportunity to be a long-haul trucker. A Class B CDL can be obtained in less time and still opens many doors in the transportation industry! These drivers operate slightly smaller vehicles, often finding fulfilling local roles in delivery, passenger transport, or specialized services.
Ultimately, your choice between the two licenses should align with your career aspirations, driving preferences, and the specific demands of the transportation industry you aim to enter.
