Understanding Truck Classification with GM Sales and Exports

At GM Sales and Exports, we understand that selecting the right truck starts with knowing how trucks are classified. Truck classification is primarily based on Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) — a standard manufacturers use to define a truck’s weight class according to federal guidelines.

What is GVWR?

GVWR represents the maximum allowable weight of a fully loaded truck, including its own weight, fuel, cargo, passengers, and even trailer tongue weight. For instance, a Class 8 truck has a GVWR of over 33,001 pounds. These classifications are critical for understanding licensing requirements, safety standards, commercial use, and vehicle registration.

Truck Classifications: An Overview

Truck classes are divided into nine categories, from Class 1 to Class 9, grouped as light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles.

Light-Duty Trucks (Class 1–3)

These are typically non-commercial vehicles, such as:

• Pickup trucks
• SUVs
• Minivans
• Cargo vans

Medium-Duty Trucks (Class 4–6)

Medium-duty trucks mark the beginning of commercial-grade vehicles. These trucks are built for performance, durability, and versatility in professional settings.

Class 4

GVWR: 14,001–16,000 lbs

Common examples: Ford E-450 vans, F-450 pickups, box trucks, and large city delivery trucks.

Class 5

GVWR: 16,001–19,500 lbs

This class includes vehicles like the Ford F-550, along with bucket trucks, larger delivery trucks, and utility vehicles used in trades and services.

Class 6

GVWR: 19,501–26,000 lbs

Designed for commercial applications such as beverage trucks, school buses, and single-axle delivery trucks. Depending on configuration, operating these trucks may require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) — especially when towing trailers exceeding 10,000 lbs.

Heavy-Duty Trucks (Class 7–8)

These are the workhorses of the trucking world, built for demanding jobs and long-haul transportation.

Class 7

GVWR: 26,001–33,000 lbs

Commonly used for city services like garbage trucks, transit buses, and furniture haulers. Most have three or more axles.

Class 8

GVWR: Over 33,001 lbs

These are severe-duty vehicles, including cement mixers, dump trucks, and the major brands of big rigs like Freightliner, Kenworth, and Peterbilt. These trucks often form the backbone of logistics and infrastructure operations.

Beyond the Class: Oversized & Specialized Loads

While Class 8 covers the heaviest standard trucks, many vehicles exceed even this category. The Federal Bridge Gross Weight Formula determines the legal weight for longer or heavier loads on highways, with some trucks weighing up to 80,000 pounds.

States may also issue special permits for oversized or over-axle weight vehicles. These trucks must follow designated routes and comply with specific safety regulations to operate legally.