CDL Licenses: The Difference Between Class A, B, and C
We recently wrote a blog detailing what it takes to get your CDL Class A license. Today, we’re going to look at the difference between all CDL licenses and what you can do with each.
Class A CDL
This license is required for anyone who operates combination vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GVWR) of more than 26,001 pounds, as long as the towed vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds.
You can drive tractor-trailers, trucks, trailer combinations, tanks, livestock carriers, and flatbeds with a CDL-A license. Class A CDL licenses are most common in the United States.
Class B CDL
This license is required for anyone who operates combination vehicles in which the GVWR is more than 26,001 pounds, as long as the towing vehicle weighs less than 10,000 pounds on its own.
Anyone with a CDL-B license can operate straight trucks, box trucks, passenger buses, segmented buses, tractor-trailers, and dump trucks with small trailers.
Class C CDL
This license is required for anyone who operates a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more individuals (including the driver) or someone who transports hazardous materials.
You can drive passenger vans, hazmat vehicles, and many combination vehicles that do not fall under the Class A or B license with a CDL-C license.
There are minor differences between Class A and Class B licenses, mainly limited to the weight of the towing vehicle itself. Each license requires its own set of rules, regulations, and exams, and once you’re awarded your license, you are free to transport anything your license allows. Class C CDLs are considered the most dangerous because you can only transport hazardous materials with a CDL-C license.
At American Distribution, our drivers never transport anything hazardous and, therefore, must have a CDL-A license. With these licenses, they can haul any dry material in our 53’ foot dry vans. Call us for more information or if you are interested in becoming a regional or OTR Class A driver. We’re always looking for great and reliable drivers to join our team.