Truck Classifications: Light, Medium, Heavy—Easy Guide

por Rechel

Hello! Do You Know Trucks Stay Safe With Rules?

Trucks are big and strong. Trucks move things from place to place. But not all trucks are the same. Some trucks are small. Some are very big. Some carry lots of things. But how do people know what kind of truck is right?

I want to help you. Some trucks are light-duty. Some are medium-duty. Some are heavy-duty. Let me show you how we pick the right one for you!

Why Do We Classify Trucks?

If you want to use a truck, you need to keep people safe. Rules help you stay safe. If you have a small truck, you need one kind of license. If you drive a big truck, you need a special license. That is why we use the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). It is how heavy a truck can be when it is full. The government wants you to use safe trucks that work for your job. At CLW GROUP, we want to help you get the best truck for you.

What is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)?

Peso bruto do veículo com carga (GVWR) means the most a truck can weigh when you fill it up with things. When you look at a truck, you see the curb weight. That is how much the truck weighs with gas but no people inside. Peso bruto do veículo com carga (GVWR) adds in people and things you put in the truck!

  • Curb Weight: Just the truck with no extra things.
  • Payload: How much stuff you put in the truck.
  • Peso bruto do veículo com carga (GVWR): Truck + people + stuff.

Trucks are grouped by GVWR. GCWR is like GVWR but counts connected trailers too. The Department of Transportation (DOT) e Administração de Segurança das Carreiras Motoristas Federais (FMCSA) use these truck classifications to keep roads safe.

Truck Classes: 1 to 8

All trucks are in one of eight classes. Look at this easy table:

ClassNameGVWR (Pounds)Examples
1Light-duty0 – 6,000Small pickup trucks
2Light-duty6,001 – 10,000F-150, Ram 1500
3Light-duty10,001 – 14,000F-250, Silverado 2500
4Medium-duty14,001 – 16,000F-350, Box trucks
5Medium-duty16,001 – 19,500F-450, Utility trucks
6Medium-duty19,501 – 26,000Beverage trucks
7Heavy-duty26,001 – 33,000Tow trucks, Refuse
8Heavy-duty33,001 and overSemi-trucks

See that? Each class is based on the truck weight. GRUPO CLW builds all types. We make strong, safe trucks for every class!

Light-Duty Trucks: Easy and Fast

Light-duty trucks are found everywhere! They are in homes and at work.

  • Class 1: 0 – 6,000 lbs. Small pickups, some SUVs, compact vans.
  • Class 2: 6,001 – 10,000 lbs. F-150, Silverado 1500, Ram 1500, big vans.
  • Classe 3: 10,001 – 14,000 lbs. F-250, Ram 2500, Silverado 2500.

What do they do?

They carry people and light things. They can pull small boats, carry boxes, or help families move.

If you need something light, light-duty is right! Easy to drive. Lower fees. No special license. Want light-duty? CLW GROUP makes great custom trucks.

Medium-Duty Trucks: Strong Helpers

Medium-duty trucks help at work! They are great for service jobs.

  • Class 4: 14,001 – 16,000 lbs. Heavy pickups (F-350), big vans, small box trucks.
  • Class 5: 16,001 – 19,500 lbs. F-450, medium box trucks, utility, tow trucks.
  • Class 6: 19,501 – 26,000 lbs. Beverage trucks, school buses, dump trucks.

What do they do?

They deliver to stores, tow small cars, or help clean the city.

Medium-duty trucks do what light-duty trucks can’t. But you might need a special license if you use a big truck like camião de mistura de betão ou caminhão dumper para areia.

CLW GROUP can build your custom medium-duty truck for any job. Just ask!

Heavy-Duty Trucks: Big, Strong, Powerful

Heavy-duty trucks are the biggest! They move giant things.

  • Class 7: 26,001 – 33,000 lbs. Refuse trucks, large box trucks, tow trucks.
  • Class 8: 33,001 lbs and up. Semi-trucks, 2. caminhão de trator semi, dump trucks.

What do they do?

They deliver food across the country. They move many cars at once. They build buildings and roads!

If you drive these trucks, you need a Carteira Nacional de Motorista (CNH). Not everyone can do it. But at CLW GROUP, we make these trucks with safety first! We follow all aos padrões de emissões e safety regulations set by NHTSA, FHWA, DOT.

Why Are Truck Classes Important?

Rules and laws keep everyone safe. Truck class affects:

  • Registration fees (Heavy trucks pay more)
  • License needed (CDL for big trucks)
  • Insurance costs
  • Emission and safety standards
  • What job a truck can do

Picking the wrong truck can cause trouble. It might not be safe. It may cost too much. The job may not get done. At CLW GROUP, we match the right truck to the job. We look at payload capacity, towing capacity, and more. We help with vehicle delivery, after-sales, and technical consulting services.

15. Como A CLW GROUP Ajuda VOCÊ

Você precisa do truck for your work. With CLW GROUP, you get:

  • Caminhões personalizados for your job (see all at our 8. fábrica especial de caminhões)
  • Entrega de veículos to your door
  • Serviço pós-venda so you never worry
  • Conselhos专家 (we know all truck classifications!)
  • Safe trucks made to US standards (FMCSA, DOT, NHTSA)
  • Precisa de um box truck? Need a 16. caminhão de lixo? Need 9. disposição de resíduos de caminhões de comida? Need a 27. Você quer caminhões robustos ou auto transport truck? Just call us. We have the right class para você.

    Table: Truck Class by GVWR (USA)

    ClassDutyGVWR (lbs)ExamplesLicense
    1Leve0–6,000Small pickups, SUVs, VansRegular
    2Leve6,001–10,000F-150, Ram 1500Regular
    3Leve10,001–14,000F-250, Silverado 2500, Walk-in VanRegular/Extra
    4Médio14,001–16,000F-350, Box truck, Utility truckRegular/Extra
    5Médio16,001–19,500F-450, Utility, Box truckRegular/Extra
    6Médio19,501–26,000Medium box, Beverage, Dump truckCDL needed
    72. Pesado26,001–33,000Refuse, Large tow, Box truckCDL needed
    82. Pesado33,001+Semi-truck, Fire truck, Dump truckCDL needed

    Resumo

    Let’s review:

    • Trucks have classes: light, medium, or heavy-duty
    • Nós usamos Peso bruto do veículo com carga (GVWR) to pick the right one
    • The class tells you about weight, jobs, rules
    • GRUPO CLW helps you choose, build, and keep your truck safe

    Pick CLW GROUP. We make jobs easier. We keep you safe. We build trust and trucks—together.

    Referências

  • Administração de Segurança das Carreiras Motoristas Federais (FMCSA)
  • Departamento de Transporte (DOT)
  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
  • CLW GROUP Truck Solutions
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