Truck classification

Truck classifications are typically based upon the maximum loaded weight of the truck (typically using the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and sometimes also the gross trailer weight rating (GTWR)), and can vary among jurisdictions.

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. Trucks are also classified more broadly by the Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), which groups classes 1–3 as light duty, 4–6 as medium duty, and 7–8 as heavy duty. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has a separate system of emissions classifications for trucks. The United States Census Bureau also assigned classifications in its now-discontinued Vehicle Inventory and Use Survey (VIUS) (formerly Truck Inventory and Use Survey (TIUS)).

The Class 1 truck gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) ranges from 0–6000 lb (0–2722 kg). Examples of trucks in this class include the Dodge Dakota, Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, and Ford Ranger.

The Class 2 truck gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) ranges from 6001–10000 lb (2722–4536 kg). Examples of vehicles in this class include the Dodge Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and the Ford F-150. Class 2 is subdivided into Class 2a (½-ton) and Class 2b (¾-ton), with class 2a being 6001–8500 lb (2722–3856 kg), and class 2b being 8501–10000 lb (3856–4536 kg). Examples of vehicles in Class 2b include the Dodge Ram 2500, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, and the Ford F-250. SUVs in Class 2b include the Ford Excursion and the Chevrolet Suburban 2500. 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.

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