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Heavy Duty Trucks Overview

Mar. 29 2024 Buying Guide By Fyda Freightliner

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Heavy-duty trucks are the most powerful vehicles on the road. They can handle the toughest of jobs and the roughest of conditions. If you might be interested in purchasing a heavy-duty truck and want to purchase one, this informational guide from Fyda Freightliner has the answers. 

Heavy Duty Classification

Trucks are broken down into classifications based on their maximum operating weight. Different countries have their own systems for classifying trucks, but we’ll focus on the US system for simplicity's sake. Class 7 trucks (which can handle between 26,000 to 33,000 lbs of weight) and Class 8 trucks (which can handle more than 33,000 lbs of weight) are considered heavy duty. While some semi-trucks are marketed using the words “heavy duty”, they usually do not meet the weight requirements to actually be classified as heavy duty. While semi-trucks are perhaps the most widely known example of heavy-duty trucks, any vehicle that meets the minimum weight requirements can be considered heavy-duty. This includes garbage trucks, fire trucks, yard trucks, and dump trucks. 

Getting A License

Heavy duty trucks are the heaviest and most powerful vehicles on the road, so it’s no surprise that safely operating one can be a challenge. That’s why anyone operating a heavy-duty truck needs a commercial driver’s license or CDL. The minimum age to earn a CDL is 18 in every state (except Hawaii, where the minimum age is 21). CDL are further divided into classes A, B, and C. There are a number of different exceptions, restrictions, and regulations related to the different CDL classes that we won’t get into here. At the most basic level, a Class A CDL allows the holder to legally operate semi-trucks, flatbeds, and tanker trucks, while Class B CDLs are for those who want to operate a city bus or box truck. When shopping for heavy-duty trucks, make sure the intended operator has or is planning to earn the correct class of CDL. There are a number of training programs available to help operators earn a CDL license. Certain circumstances, like hauling hazardous materials, will require additional training. 

Shop heavy-duty trucks at Fyda Freightliner. We have 7 dealership locations, including four in Ohio, two in Pennsylvania, and one in Kentucky. We also offer parts ordering, servicing, a body shop, and a detail shop.