The different truck classifications for the country in which you live are a very useful thing to have an understanding of even if you don’t ever plan on driving one of these trucks yourself.
If you’re moving home within the coming months, for instance, having an understanding of the different truck classifications, such as their weight, the weight they can carry, and the licenses required to drive each, can save you a lot of time when looking for a removals company online to help you move everything you own to your new home when it comes time to pack up and leave.
To help give you a head start in this area, below we’ve briefly detailed the main truck classifications in the United States. For a specific view on the classifications within your country, we suggest you start your research here.
Class 1
For Class 1 trucks the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) ranges between 02722 kg. The lightest truck in this list, it would be far from ideal for removal purposes but could certainly ferry smaller items to and from your destinations should you have no other option.
Class 2
With a GVWR ranging between 27224536 kg, Class 2 trucks are typically subdivided into Class 2a and Class 2b, with class 2a ranging between 27223856 kg, and class 2b ranging between 38564536 kg. Though both class 2a and class 2b trucks technically fall under a light duty classification, class 2b is sometimes referred to as being a light heavy-duty class.
Class 3
Class 3 trucks have a GVWR ranging between 45366350 kg and boast vehicles in this class such as the Hummer H1 (with a GVWR of 4672 kg), a truck that’s been popular for decades and has continued to spawn new ranges (sales of Hummer H2 and H3 vehicles are continuing to stay strong), as well as the Dodge Ram 3500, a popular pick-up truck that can be used for smaller removal jobs, for home or business.
Class 4
As we move into Class 4 we move into the medium range of truck classifications, with the GVWR of Class 4 vehicles ranging between 65317257 kg. If you were looking for a London removals company to move your possessions to your new home in the UK, this is the equivalent class that a standard truck (often called a removals van) in the UK would fall under, as it’s more than roomy enough to accommodate a fair amount of materials in one go. It’s good to keep in mind when moving house that you never want to hire a removals company with trucks bigger than your needs.
Class 5
With a GVWR ranging between 72588845 kg, examples of popular trucks in the Class 5 truck classification band include the common favourite International TerraStar. Though the second lightest truck in the company’s line, it’s incredibly popular with home removals firms due to the wide variety of rear configurations it can accommodate perfect for a company that needs to carefully remove materials from the back of their trucks many times a day.
Class 6
Class 6 trucks have a GVWR ranging between 884611793 kg and are thus a fair increase in weight and capacity holdings compared to Class 5 models. It should be noted that from a removals point of view, this is the last size truck appropriate for the task.
Class 7
The first of two heavy-duty truck classifications, Class 7 trucks have a GVWR ranging between 1179414969 kg and, in the United States require the driver to hold a Class B license (different qualifications apply in different countries).
Class 8
The final class, Class 8 trucks consist of any truck with a GVWR over 14969 kg. Examples of Class 8 vehicles include dump trucks and tractor trailer trucks, and as per Class 7 vehicles they also require the driver to hold a Class B license.
In conclusion, the different truck classifications for the country in which you live are a very useful thing to have an understanding of even if you don’t ever plan on driving one of these trucks yourself, such as when you’re moving home and require a removals company to send a truck and driver to you.
