Typically these are determined using either the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR).
Source: www.gobytrucknews.com
The USA bases commercial truck classifications based on their GVWR. As stated above these range from one thru eight. The Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) groups these as Light duty (1-3), Medium duty (4-6), and Heavy duty (7-8). Of course the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a separate classification rating system based on emissions.
While even the US Census Bureau got in on the action with the Vehicle Inventory and Use Survey (formerly the Truck Inventory and Use Survey). These are just a few examples of the governing agencies from the Federal level, with the states still having their own.
So basically what is the breakdown?
Light Duty Trucks (your more common small pickup trucks)
- Class 1: a truck having a GVWR that ranges from 0–6000 lb (0–2722 kg).
- Class 2: a truck having a GVWR that ranges from 6001–10000 lb (2722–4536 kg).
- Class 3: a truck having a GVWR that ranges from 10001–14000 lb (4536–6350 kg).
Medium Duty Trucks (commonly the mid-sized and utility trucks
- Class 4: a truck having a GVWR that ranges from 14001–16000 lb (6351–7257 kg).
- Class 5: a truck having a GVWR that ranges from 16001–19500 lb (7258–8845 kg).
- Class 6: a truck having a GVWR that ranges from 19501–26000 lb (8846–11793 kg).
Heavy Duty Trucks (these require a CDL to operate)
- Class 7: a truck having a GVWR that ranges from 26001–33000 lb (11794–14969 kg).
- Class 8: a truck having a GVWR that exceeds 33000 lb (14969 kg
