Truck classification
Encyclopedia
In the United States
, commercial truck classification is determined based on the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR). The classes range from 1-8. It is also done more broadly under the US DOT Federal Highway Administration
(FHWA) Vehicle Inventory and Use Survey (VIUS) standards, which groups Class 1, 2 and 3 as "Light Duty", 4, 5 and 6 as "Medium Duty", and 7-8 as "Heavy Duty".
(GVWR) ranges from 0 to 6000 lb (0 to 2,721.6 ). Examples of trucks in this class include the Ford Ranger
, Dodge Dakota
and GMC Canyon.
(GVWR) ranges from 6001 to 10000 lb (2,722 to 4,535.9 ). Examples of vehicles in this class include the Dodge Ram 1500 and the Ford F-150. Class 2 is subdivided into Class 2a and Class 2b, with class 2a being 6001 to 8500 lb (2,722 to 3,855.5 ) pounds, and class 2b being 8501 to 10000 lb (3,856 to 4,535.9 ) pounds. Class 2a is commonly referred to as a light duty truck, with class 2b being the lowest heavy-duty class, also called the light heavy-duty class.
(GVWR) ranges from 10001 to 14000 lb (4,536.4 to 6,350.3 ). Examples of vehicles in this class include the Dodge Ram 3500, Ford F-350 and the GMC Sierra 3500, both dual rear wheel and single rear wheel. The Hummer H1
is another example of a single rear wheel Class 3 truck, with a GVWR of 10,300 lbs.
(GVWR) ranges from 14001 to 16000 lb (6,350.7 to 7,257.5 ). Examples of vehicles in this class include select Ford F-450 trucks, Dodge Ram 4500, and the GMC 4500.
(GVWR) ranges from 16001 to 19500 lb (7,257.9 to 8,845.1 ). Examples of trucks in this class include the International MXT, GMC 5500. Dodge Ram 5500, and the Ford F-550
(GVWR) ranges from 19501 to 26000 lb (8,845.5 to 11,793.4 ). Examples of trucks in this class include the International Durastar
, GMC Topkick C6500. and the Ford F-650
(GVWR) is anything above 33000 pounds (14,969 kg). These include all tractor trailer trucks.
capacity in ton
s (e.g., ½-, ¾- and 1-ton). This has led to categorizing trucks similarly, even if their payload is different. Therefore, the Ford Ranger, Chevy S-10, and GMC S-15 are called quarter-tons (¼-ton). The Ford F-150, Chevy 10, Chevy/GMC 1500, and Dodge 1500 are half-tons (½-ton). The Ford F-250, Chevy 20, Chevy/GMC 2500, and Dodge 2500 are three-quarter-tons (¾-ton). Chevy/GMC's ¾-ton suspension systems were further divided into light and heavy-duty, differentiated by 5-lug and 6 or 8-lug wheel hubs depending on year, respectively. The Ford F-350, Chevy 30, Chevy/GMC 3500, and Dodge 3500 are one tons (1-ton).
Similar schemes exist for vans and SUVs (e.g., a 1-ton Dodge Van or a ½-ton GMC Suburban), medium duty trucks (e.g. the Ford ton-and-a-half F-450) and some military vehicles, like the ubiquitous deuce-and-a-half.
Throughout the years, the payload capacities for most domestic pickup trucks have increased while the ton title has stayed the same. The idiosyncratic ton rating is nothing more than just a colloquial way to designate and compare common trucks and vans.
countries. Class B (car) licences
can be used to drive vehicles with Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of not more than 3500 kg (7700 lbs) and a trailer with Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR) not exceeding 750 kg (1650 lbs), while holders of class BE licences can tow trailers with GTWR greater than 750 kg. Such vehicles are also commonly known as light commercial vehicle
s (LCVs), and include the Ford Transit
, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
and Fiat Ducato
.
Thus, LCV licence holders can drive any truck that, in the US, is classified as class 1, and class 2 trucks with GVWR not more than 3500 kg. EU licence holders must have a class C1 (light truck) licence to drive trucks that, in the US, are in class 1, 2, 3 or 4, with trailers with GTWR of no more than 750 kg (class C1E licences to tow trailers with GVWR greater than 750 kg). EU class C1 and C1E licence holders can also drive class 5 trucks with GVWR not exceeding 7500 kg (16,500 lbs), while trucks with GVWR of more than 7500 kg GVWR (except class C1E licence holders eligible to drive a combination of a C1 truck and trailer with weighing not more than 12,000 kg [26,400 pounds]) can only be driven by holders of Large Goods Vehicle
(LGV) licences. Holders of class C licences can drive trucks that, in the US, are classified in any of classes 1-8, but are restricted to towing trailers with GTWR at or less than 750 kg. LGV licence holders with CE licences can also pull trailers with GTWR greater than 750 kg. Examples of LGVs are the Scania P-series
, Volvo FH
and DAF 95XF
.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, commercial truck classification is determined based on the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating
Gross vehicle weight rating
A gross vehicle weight rating is the maximum allowable total weight of a road vehicle or trailer when loaded - i.e., including the weight of the vehicle itself plus passengers, and cargo....
(GVWR). The classes range from 1-8. It is also done more broadly under the US DOT Federal Highway Administration
Federal Highway Administration
The Federal Highway Administration is a division of the United States Department of Transportation that specializes in highway transportation. The agency's major activities are grouped into two "programs," the Federal-aid Highway Program and the Federal Lands Highway Program...
(FHWA) Vehicle Inventory and Use Survey (VIUS) standards, which groups Class 1, 2 and 3 as "Light Duty", 4, 5 and 6 as "Medium Duty", and 7-8 as "Heavy Duty".
Class 1
The Class 1 truck gross vehicle weight ratingGross vehicle weight rating
A gross vehicle weight rating is the maximum allowable total weight of a road vehicle or trailer when loaded - i.e., including the weight of the vehicle itself plus passengers, and cargo....
(GVWR) ranges from 0 to 6000 lb (0 to 2,721.6 ). Examples of trucks in this class include the Ford Ranger
Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger is a pickup truck produced by the Ford Motor Company. The "Ranger" name had previously been used for a premium styling package on the F-Series full-sized pickup trucks since 1965. The name was moved to this line of North American compact trucks for the 1983 model year.In North...
, Dodge Dakota
Dodge Dakota
The Dodge Dakota is a mid-size pickup truck from Chrysler's Ram division. From its introduction through 2009, it was marketed by Dodge. The first Dakota was introduced in 1986 as a 1987 model alongside the redesigned Dodge Ram 50...
and GMC Canyon.
Class 2
The Class 2 truck gross vehicle weight ratingGross vehicle weight rating
A gross vehicle weight rating is the maximum allowable total weight of a road vehicle or trailer when loaded - i.e., including the weight of the vehicle itself plus passengers, and cargo....
(GVWR) ranges from 6001 to 10000 lb (2,722 to 4,535.9 ). Examples of vehicles in this class include the Dodge Ram 1500 and the Ford F-150. Class 2 is subdivided into Class 2a and Class 2b, with class 2a being 6001 to 8500 lb (2,722 to 3,855.5 ) pounds, and class 2b being 8501 to 10000 lb (3,856 to 4,535.9 ) pounds. Class 2a is commonly referred to as a light duty truck, with class 2b being the lowest heavy-duty class, also called the light heavy-duty class.
Class 3
The Class 3 truck gross vehicle weight ratingGross vehicle weight rating
A gross vehicle weight rating is the maximum allowable total weight of a road vehicle or trailer when loaded - i.e., including the weight of the vehicle itself plus passengers, and cargo....
(GVWR) ranges from 10001 to 14000 lb (4,536.4 to 6,350.3 ). Examples of vehicles in this class include the Dodge Ram 3500, Ford F-350 and the GMC Sierra 3500, both dual rear wheel and single rear wheel. The Hummer H1
Hummer H1
The Hummer H1 is a civilian off-road vehicle based on the M998 Humvee, which was created by AM General. The vehicle was produced from 1992 through 2006, and was the first of what became the Hummer line...
is another example of a single rear wheel Class 3 truck, with a GVWR of 10,300 lbs.
Class 4
The Class 4 truck gross vehicle weight ratingGross vehicle weight rating
A gross vehicle weight rating is the maximum allowable total weight of a road vehicle or trailer when loaded - i.e., including the weight of the vehicle itself plus passengers, and cargo....
(GVWR) ranges from 14001 to 16000 lb (6,350.7 to 7,257.5 ). Examples of vehicles in this class include select Ford F-450 trucks, Dodge Ram 4500, and the GMC 4500.
Class 5
The Class 5 truck gross vehicle weight ratingGross vehicle weight rating
A gross vehicle weight rating is the maximum allowable total weight of a road vehicle or trailer when loaded - i.e., including the weight of the vehicle itself plus passengers, and cargo....
(GVWR) ranges from 16001 to 19500 lb (7,257.9 to 8,845.1 ). Examples of trucks in this class include the International MXT, GMC 5500. Dodge Ram 5500, and the Ford F-550
Class 6
The Class 6 truck gross vehicle weight ratingGross vehicle weight rating
A gross vehicle weight rating is the maximum allowable total weight of a road vehicle or trailer when loaded - i.e., including the weight of the vehicle itself plus passengers, and cargo....
(GVWR) ranges from 19501 to 26000 lb (8,845.5 to 11,793.4 ). Examples of trucks in this class include the International Durastar
International Durastar
The International DuraStar, originally introduced as the International 4000 Series, is a medium-duty truck produced by Navistar International. First produced in 2002, it is the successor to the 4000 Series of the 1990s....
, GMC Topkick C6500. and the Ford F-650
Ford F-650
The Ford F-650/F-750 Super Duty are medium-duty commercial trucks produced by Ford Motor Company. They were introduced by Ford in 2000, replacing the previous-generation F-600, F-700, and F-800 trucks introduced in 1980. They are made mainly for use as utilitarian trucks for towing, heavy hauling,...
Class 7
Vehicles in Class 7 and above require a Class B license to operate in the United States. These include GMC C7500 Their GVWR ranges from 26001 to 33000 lb (11,793.9 to 14,968.5 ).Class 8
The Class 8 truck gross vehicle weight ratingGross vehicle weight rating
A gross vehicle weight rating is the maximum allowable total weight of a road vehicle or trailer when loaded - i.e., including the weight of the vehicle itself plus passengers, and cargo....
(GVWR) is anything above 33000 pounds (14,969 kg). These include all tractor trailer trucks.
Ton rating
When domestic light-duty trucks were first produced, they were rated by their payloadCargo
Cargo is goods or produce transported, generally for commercial gain, by ship, aircraft, train, van or truck. In modern times, containers are used in most intermodal long-haul cargo transport.-Marine:...
capacity in ton
Ton
The ton is a unit of measure. It has a long history and has acquired a number of meanings and uses over the years. It is used principally as a unit of weight, and as a unit of volume. It can also be used as a measure of energy, for truck classification, or as a colloquial term.It is derived from...
s (e.g., ½-, ¾- and 1-ton). This has led to categorizing trucks similarly, even if their payload is different. Therefore, the Ford Ranger, Chevy S-10, and GMC S-15 are called quarter-tons (¼-ton). The Ford F-150, Chevy 10, Chevy/GMC 1500, and Dodge 1500 are half-tons (½-ton). The Ford F-250, Chevy 20, Chevy/GMC 2500, and Dodge 2500 are three-quarter-tons (¾-ton). Chevy/GMC's ¾-ton suspension systems were further divided into light and heavy-duty, differentiated by 5-lug and 6 or 8-lug wheel hubs depending on year, respectively. The Ford F-350, Chevy 30, Chevy/GMC 3500, and Dodge 3500 are one tons (1-ton).
Similar schemes exist for vans and SUVs (e.g., a 1-ton Dodge Van or a ½-ton GMC Suburban), medium duty trucks (e.g. the Ford ton-and-a-half F-450) and some military vehicles, like the ubiquitous deuce-and-a-half.
Throughout the years, the payload capacities for most domestic pickup trucks have increased while the ton title has stayed the same. The idiosyncratic ton rating is nothing more than just a colloquial way to designate and compare common trucks and vans.
European Union equivalent truck classification
The classes are a bit different in European UnionEuropean Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
countries. Class B (car) licences
European driving licence
The European driving licence is a driving licence replacing the many driving licence styles already in use in the member states of the European Union. It has the credit card-style with a photograph and possibly a microchip. They were introduced to replace the 110 different plastic and paper driving...
can be used to drive vehicles with Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of not more than 3500 kg (7700 lbs) and a trailer with Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR) not exceeding 750 kg (1650 lbs), while holders of class BE licences can tow trailers with GTWR greater than 750 kg. Such vehicles are also commonly known as light commercial vehicle
Light commercial vehicle
Light commercial vehicles is a commercial carrier vehicles with a Gross vehicle weight of up to 3.5 tonnes. The formal term within the European Union is Light commercial vehicles. Vehicles which qualify in this category are pickup trucks, vans and 3 wheelers all commercially based goods or...
s (LCVs), and include the Ford Transit
Ford Transit
The Ford Transit is a range of panel vans, minibuses, and pickup trucks, produced by the Ford Motor Company in Europe.The Transit has been the best-selling light commercial vehicle in Europe for 40 years, and in some countries the term "Transit" has passed into common usage as a generic term...
, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a light and heavy commercial vehicle, built by Daimler AG of Stuttgart, Germany as a van, chassis cab and minibus, and sold as a Mercedes model, except in the U.S. where it is built from complete knock down kits and was sold by Freightliner until 2010 when Mercedes...
and Fiat Ducato
Fiat Ducato
The Fiat Ducato is a large van produced by Fiat. The Fiat Ducato is the same van as the Citroën Jumper and the Peugeot Boxer, which are all very popular vans to convert into motorhomes...
.
Thus, LCV licence holders can drive any truck that, in the US, is classified as class 1, and class 2 trucks with GVWR not more than 3500 kg. EU licence holders must have a class C1 (light truck) licence to drive trucks that, in the US, are in class 1, 2, 3 or 4, with trailers with GTWR of no more than 750 kg (class C1E licences to tow trailers with GVWR greater than 750 kg). EU class C1 and C1E licence holders can also drive class 5 trucks with GVWR not exceeding 7500 kg (16,500 lbs), while trucks with GVWR of more than 7500 kg GVWR (except class C1E licence holders eligible to drive a combination of a C1 truck and trailer with weighing not more than 12,000 kg [26,400 pounds]) can only be driven by holders of Large Goods Vehicle
Large Goods Vehicle
A large goods vehicle , is the European Union term for any truck with a gross combination mass of over...
(LGV) licences. Holders of class C licences can drive trucks that, in the US, are classified in any of classes 1-8, but are restricted to towing trailers with GTWR at or less than 750 kg. LGV licence holders with CE licences can also pull trailers with GTWR greater than 750 kg. Examples of LGVs are the Scania P-series
Scania AB
Scania Aktiebolag , commonly referred to as Scania AB or just Scania, is a major Swedish automotive industry manufacturer of commercial vehicles - specifically heavy trucks and buses...
, Volvo FH
Volvo FH
The Volvo FH is a heavy truck range produced by Swedish Volvo Truck Corporation. Introduced in late 1993 as FH12 and FH16, production still continues with the now the second generation of FH range model lineup. FH stands for Forward control High cab where numbers denominate engine capacity in litres...
and DAF 95XF
DAF Trucks
DAF Trucks NV is a Dutch truck manufacturing company and a division of PACCAR. Its headquarters and main plant are in Eindhoven. Cabs and axle assemblies are produced at its Westerlo plant in Belgium...
.
See also
- Car classificationCar classificationCars may be classified by a number of different criteria; however, comprehensive classification is elusive, because a vehicle may fit into multiple categories, or not completely satisfy the requirements for any. This article details the most commonly used systems of classification. Where...
- European driving licenceEuropean driving licenceThe European driving licence is a driving licence replacing the many driving licence styles already in use in the member states of the European Union. It has the credit card-style with a photograph and possibly a microchip. They were introduced to replace the 110 different plastic and paper driving...
- Large goods vehicleLarge Goods VehicleA large goods vehicle , is the European Union term for any truck with a gross combination mass of over...
- Curb weightCurb weightCurb weight or kerb weight is the total weight of a vehicle with standard equipment, all necessary operating consumables , a full tank of fuel, while not loaded with either passengers or cargo.This definition may differ from definitions used by governmental regulatory agencies or other...
- Vehicle categoryVehicle categoryA vehicle category classifies a land vehicle for regulatory purposes.- EU classification :In Europe, the classifications for vehicle category are defined by:...
- Gross axle weight ratingGross axle weight ratingThe gross axle weight rating is the maximum distributed weight that may be supported by an axle of a road vehicle. Typically, GAWR is followed by either the letters FR or RR, which indicate front or rear axles respectively.-Importance:...
(GAWR) - Gross combined weight ratingGross combined weight ratingThe gross combination weight rating is the maximum allowable combined mass of a towing road vehicle, passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle, plus the mass of the trailer and cargo in the trailer...
(GCWR) - Gross trailer weight ratingGross trailer weight ratingIn motor vehicles, the gross trailer weight rating is the total mass of a road trailer that is loaded to capacity, including the weight of the trailer itself, plus fluids, and cargo, that a vehicle is rated to tow by the manufacturer...
(GTWR) - Gross vehicle weight ratingGross vehicle weight ratingA gross vehicle weight rating is the maximum allowable total weight of a road vehicle or trailer when loaded - i.e., including the weight of the vehicle itself plus passengers, and cargo....
(GVWR) - Corporate Average Fuel EconomyCorporate Average Fuel EconomyThe Corporate Average Fuel Economy are regulations in the United States, first enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1975, and intended to improve the average fuel economy of cars and light trucks sold in the US in the wake of the 1973 Arab Oil Embargo...
(CAFE)