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What are class 7 and 8 trucks?

Class 7 and 8 trucks are the largest and most powerful commercial vehicles on the road. These heavy-duty trucks are designed for a variety of applications, from hauling heavy loads to providing specialized services. In this article, we'll explore the key characteristics and uses of these powerful vehicles.


What are Class 7 and 8 Trucks?


Class 7 and 8 trucks are part of the vehicle classification system used in the United States, which categorizes vehicles based on their Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Class 7 trucks have a GVWR between 26,001 and 33,000 pounds, while Class 8 trucks have a GVWR of 33,001 pounds or more.


Key Characteristics of Class 7 and 8 Trucks



  • Powerful Engines: These trucks are equipped with large, high-horsepower engines that can handle heavy loads and demanding terrain.

  • Robust Suspension and Brakes: Class 7 and 8 trucks have heavy-duty suspension systems and powerful brakes to ensure stability and control, even when carrying maximum loads.

  • Increased Cargo Capacity: With their high GVWR, these trucks can transport significantly more cargo than smaller commercial vehicles.

  • Specialized Configurations: Class 7 and 8 trucks are available in a variety of configurations, including dump trucks, tractor-trailers, and specialized utility vehicles.


These features make Class 7 and 8 trucks well-suited for a wide range of commercial applications, from construction and transportation to waste management and emergency services.


Common Uses of Class 7 and 8 Trucks


Class 7 and 8 trucks are commonly used in the following industries and applications:



  • Construction: Hauling heavy equipment, materials, and debris

  • Transportation: Long-haul freight delivery, including tractor-trailers and tanker trucks

  • Utilities: Bucket trucks, digger derricks, and other specialized utility vehicles

  • Emergency Services: Fire trucks, ambulances, and other emergency response vehicles

  • Waste Management: Garbage and recycling collection trucks


These powerful trucks play a crucial role in supporting the infrastructure, logistics, and essential services that our communities rely on every day.

What is a class 9 truck?


Class 9: This class includes super-heavy/special-duty trucks, like a five-axle single-trailer truck. It includes all five-axle vehicles consisting of two units, one of which is a tractor or straight truck power unit.



What is a class 7 vehicle?


What is a Class 7 vehicle? Class 7 MOT requirements are Goods Vehicles, such as vans, trucks and lorries, over 3000kg up to and including 3500kg DGW. If your van weighs less than the Class 7 MOT weight limit of 3000-3500kg, you will require a Class 4 MOT.



What is a class 7 truck?


Class 7 trucks range from 26,001 to 33,000 lbs. One distinct characteristic of this truck type is that they usually have three or more axles to help distribute the weight. City vehicles such as street sweepers, garbage trucks, and city transit buses are all common examples of Class 7 trucks.



What is a class 6, 7, or 8 truck?


In the U.S., trucks are organized into eight classes, with Class 2 having two subdivisions. Class 1-3 trucks are light-duty, Class 4-6 trucks are medium-duty, and Class 7-8 are considered heavy-duty.



What is the difference between class 7 and class 8 trucks?


Big rigs and other commercial vehicles fall under Class 7 and Class 8, the heavy-duty category. Class 8 specifically applies to huge trucks with GVWRs over 33,001 pounds. Known as “severe duty,” Class 8 covers cement trucks and dump trucks as well as well-known big rigs like Kenworth, Freightliner, and Peterbilt.



What is a Class 8 truck?


The Class 8 truck gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is a vehicle with a GVWR exceeding 33,000 lb (14,969 kg). These include tractor trailer tractors, single-unit dump trucks of a GVWR over 33,000 lb, as well as non-commercial chassis fire trucks; such trucks typically have 3 or more axles.



Can you drive a Class 7 truck without a CDL?


Ensure that your truck's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or combined gross weight, doesn't exceed 26 000 lbs. On weight, it doesn't matter whether you operate the truck for personal or commercial purposes. The truck's gross weight must be 26 000 lbs. or less for you to drive without a CDL.



What is a Class 9 truck?


Class 9: This class includes super-heavy/special-duty trucks, like a five-axle single-trailer truck. It includes all five-axle vehicles consisting of two units, one of which is a tractor or straight truck power unit.



Is there a class 9 truck?


Truck classification by gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR): In the United States, trucks and heavy-duty vehicles are classified based on their GVWR into Classes 1 through 9, with Class 9 being the largest.



What is a class 7 race truck?


Unlimited four-wheel vehicles. Vehicles must have a production appearing truck or SUV body. Naturally aspirated engine limited to 4.5 Liters. Forced induction engines are limited to 3.5 Liters unless noted.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.