Are you ready to begin your career in the trucking industry? Before you get started, you’ll have to get your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). There are three types of CDLs — Class A, Class B, and Class C. In this blog, we’ll discuss these three types and what you’re permitted to drive with each.
History of CDLs
Being able to safely drive a commercial motor vehicle takes a lot of skill, knowledge, and practice. Before 1986, many states allowed anyone who had an automobile license to drive any type of motor vehicle, including large trucks and buses. With untrained drivers operating large vehicles, it made roadways a dangerous place to be. Later that year, Congress signed the Commercial Motor Vehicle Act into law, which mandated that all operators of commercial motor vehicles have a CDL license.
Class A CDL
A Class A CDL allows the driver to operate any vehicle with a semi-trailer or trailer with two or more axles. This includes a combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating greater than 26,001 pounds provided that the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of vehicles being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds (Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles, 2021).
With a Class A CDL and the proper endorsements, drivers are able to operate the following:
- Tractor-trailers
- Truck and trailer combinations
- Double and triple trailers
- Tractor-trailer buses
- Tank vehicles
- Livestock carriers
- Flatbeds
- Class B and C vehicles
Class B CDL
A holder of a Class B CDL is allowed to operate a single vehicle with a GVWR greater than 26,001 pounds and any vehicle towing a vehicle that is not heavier than 10,000 pounds (Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles, 2021).
With a Class B CDL and the proper endorsements, drivers are able to operate the following:
- Straight trucks
- Box trucks
- Large passenger buses
- Dump trucks with small trailers
- Class C vehicles
Class C CDL
A Class C CDL allows the driver to operate a single vehicle less than 26,001 pounds GVWR or any vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 GVWR. This includes vehicles that can transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or transport hazardous materials (Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles, 2021).
With a Class C CDL and the proper endorsements, drivers are able to operate the following:
- Passenger vans
- Small HazMat vehicles
- Combination vehicles not covered by Class A or B
Types of Endorsements
To be able to operate some commercial vehicles, drivers will have to take additional tests to obtain endorsements.
Examples of endorsements include:
- H – Hazardous Materials
- N – Tank Vehicles
- P – Passenger
- S – School Bus
- T – Doubles/Triple Trailers
- X – Combination Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials
Put Your CDL to Use at Gana
If you’re ready to hit the road with your CDL, apply at Gana Trucking & Excavating in Martell, NE! We’re hiring both Class A and Class B CDL drivers. We hire qualified professionals to work with and those who demonstrate the highest levels of dedication, safety awareness, and a desire to perform high-quality work. Head on over to our “Careers” page to apply. For questions, please call 402-794-5000!
