What is the difference/

Buster · Oct 12, 2007

What is the difference in the vrious types of units?
Such as C, D, etc.
I drove a straight truck (team) for Panther, now I'm interested in driving for them again as a solo in a cargo van/sprinter.

Thanks,

Carl J.
Lorain, OH

RichM · Oct 12, 2007

A, B unit is a cargo van such as a Sprinter or Ford etc. Most of the expediting companys want a B unit to be able to carry 2,500 pounds.

A C unit is a straight truck with a minimum of a 12 foot cargo box and must be able to carry 5,000 pounds.

A D unit is a straight truck with a 20-24 foot box and must be capable of carrying 13,000 pounds.

These are generic descriptions,some companys may have slightly different limits.

riverrat2000 · Oct 12, 2007

and then don't forget the super "B" and "D" lol but that is a topic good for another discussion. lmao

Buster · Oct 13, 2007

Classes

Also, what does the various "classes" of trucks mean? Such as class 8, etc. Getting confused here...

Thanks for the info!

Carl J.
Lorain, OH

terryandrene · Oct 13, 2007

RE: Classes

Buster:

It's as simple as RichM stated.

A mini-van, like an Asto or a pickup truck would be classified as an 'A' unit and carry 'A' freight which is generaly defined as any freight up to 500# and not more than 4' x 4' x 4' in dimension, or basicly one pallet/skid.

A 'B' truck and 'C' and 'D' trucks are as rich mentioned.

An 'E' truck is a tractor/trailer.

Don't confuse truck sizes with CDL classifications

A 'C' class CDL allows you to drive anything up to a cargo van.

A 'B' class CDL allows you to drive 'C' and 'D' trucks

An 'A' class CDL is necessary for tractor/trailers

Moot · Oct 14, 2007

RE: Classes

Truck classes are assigned by weight limits. A class 8 is 30 something thousand pounds and up. This is usually a heavy duty tractor, but can also be a straight truck. A class 7 truck is a lighter duty truck. Very common in expediting and city P&D.

Class 8 trucks come with better and longer warranties, more component options and configurations.