There are three different classifications for your CDL that you will need to understand before deciding to go out and find a job driving tucks. Each classification holds a different aspect to the type of vehicle that you are legally allowed to drive, even if those vehicles require the same knowledge and skills to operate them safely.The amount of money that you are paid by the company you work for will be dependent on the type of classification that you have and what type of vehicles you are qualified to operate safely.
The first CDL classification is a Class A CDL. This class allows you to drive any combination of vehicles that are above 26 thousand pounds as long as the vehicle being towed is over 10 thousand pounds. This is a top class license that will allow you to drive just about any type of vehicle you can get in, and includes double and triple trailers as long as you have the endorsements for them. You can also drive tankers if they meet the weight requirements or larger towing vehicles for recovery companies that do work for trucking companies by towing semi-trucks.
The Class B classification is for vehicles that exceed 26 thousand pounds but the vehicle being towed is under the 10 thousand pound weight limit. This class will not allow you to drive double or triple trailers because of the weight limit on the towed vehicle aspect. This is good if you are hoping to work in short haul in your local area or transport smaller trailers over the road. You can get hazmat and air brake endorsements with this type of classification but not the double or triple trailer endorsements.
The final classification is the Class C license. This class of license will allow you to drive any vehicle that does not meet the requirements for Class A and B, but will allow you to drive any vehicles that are designed to carry 16 or more passengers. These vehicles are geared towards buses or can be used for hazmat transportation as well as long as the weight limit is under the Class A and B.
Most people consider a Class C as a chauffeur license, although that isn’t exactly true. The chauffeur license allows you to drive vehicles that carry less than 16 people including the driver where class C is for larger vehicles in regards to most states.