CDL Vehicle Guide

Commercial Vehicles and the CDL Credentials That Drive Them

Not every commercial vehicle requires the same license. Explore the major vehicle types, typical CDL classifications, common endorsements, and the careers connected to each.

CDL requirements depend on vehicle weight, configuration, passengers carried, cargo type, and applicable federal and state regulations. The information below is educational and general in nature. Always verify current requirements with the FMCSA, your state licensing authority, and your employer before operating any commercial vehicle.

Class A Combinations

Vehicles commonly operated with a Class A CDL — tractor-trailer combinations where the trailer exceeds 10,000 lbs GVWR. Actual requirements depend on combined weight, cargo, and applicable regulations.

Class A·Combination

Dry Van

Common Work: General freight, retail goods, manufactured products
Preparation: Class A CDL with pre-trip, backing, and road skills
Diesel Xtremgram: Class A ELDT

Requirements vary by weight and configuration.

Class A·Combination

Sleeper Cab with Dry Van

Common Work: Over-the-road long-haul freight
Preparation: Class A CDL; OTR experience preferred by most carriers
Diesel Xtremgram: Class A ELDT

Requirements vary by weight and configuration.

Class A·Combination

Refrigerated Trailer (Reefer)

Common Work: Perishable food, pharmaceuticals, temperature-sensitive cargo
Preparation: Class A CDL; reefer unit operation training
Diesel Xtremgram: Class A ELDT

Requirements vary by weight and configuration.

Class A·Combination

Flatbed Trailer

Common Work: Steel, lumber, machinery, construction materials
Preparation: Class A CDL; load securement training
Diesel Xtremgram: Class A ELDT

Requirements vary by weight and configuration.

Class A·Combination

Step Deck Trailer

Common Work: Taller freight that exceeds standard flatbed height limits
Preparation: Class A CDL; load securement and height clearance awareness
Diesel Xtremgram: Class A ELDT

Requirements vary by weight and configuration.

Class A·Combination

Lowboy Trailer

Oversize/Overweight permits may apply

Common Work: Heavy construction equipment, large machinery
Preparation: Class A CDL; heavy haul experience
Diesel Xtremgram: Class A ELDT

Requirements vary by weight and configuration. Oversize loads require state permits.

Class A·Combination

Tanker Trailer

N — TankerX — Tanker + HazMat

Common Work: Liquid bulk: fuel, chemicals, food-grade liquids
Preparation: Class A CDL; Tanker endorsement required for liquid bulk
Diesel Xtremgram: Class A ELDT + Endorsement Prep

Tanker endorsement required when transporting liquid or gaseous materials in bulk. HazMat endorsement required for hazardous materials.

Class A·Combination

Fuel Tanker

N — TankerH — HazMatX — Tanker + HazMat

Common Work: Petroleum product delivery to fuel stations and industrial sites
Preparation: Class A CDL; Tanker and HazMat endorsements; TSA security threat assessment
Diesel Xtremgram: Class A ELDT + Endorsement Prep

HazMat endorsement and TSA background check required for most fuel tanker operations.

Class A·Combination

Grain Hopper Trailer

Common Work: Grain, feed, and dry bulk agricultural commodities
Preparation: Class A CDL; agricultural freight experience
Diesel Xtremgram: Class A ELDT

Requirements vary by weight and configuration.

Class A·Combination

Livestock Trailer

Common Work: Cattle, hogs, poultry transport to processing facilities
Preparation: Class A CDL; livestock handling awareness
Diesel Xtremgram: Class A ELDT

Requirements vary by weight and configuration.

Class A·Combination

Auto Hauler (Car Carrier)

Common Work: New and used vehicle transport for dealers and auctions
Preparation: Class A CDL; vehicle loading and securement training
Diesel Xtremgram: Class A ELDT

Requirements vary by weight and configuration.

Class A·Combination

Intermodal Container

Common Work: Port and rail drayage, international freight
Preparation: Class A CDL; chassis and container handling
Diesel Xtremgram: Class A ELDT

Requirements vary by weight and configuration.

Class A·Combination

Doubles and Triples

T — Doubles/Triples

Common Work: High-volume freight on approved routes
Preparation: Class A CDL; Doubles/Triples endorsement required
Diesel Xtremgram: Class A ELDT + Endorsement Prep

Doubles/Triples endorsement required. Not all states permit triple trailers.

Class B and Straight Vehicles

Vehicles that may require a Class B CDL depending on GVWR, configuration, and applicable regulations. Class B covers single vehicles over 26,001 lbs GVWR, or towing a trailer not exceeding 10,000 lbs GVWR.

Class B (configuration-dependent)·Straight

Large Box Truck

Common Work: Moving, furniture delivery, large retail distribution
Preparation: Class B CDL when GVWR exceeds 26,001 lbs
Diesel Xtremgram: Class B ELDT

CDL requirement depends on GVWR. Verify with your employer and state authority.

Class B (configuration-dependent)·Straight

Straight Delivery Truck

Common Work: Food service, beverage, linen, and supply distribution
Preparation: Class B CDL when GVWR exceeds 26,001 lbs
Diesel Xtremgram: Class B ELDT

CDL requirement depends on GVWR. Verify with your employer and state authority.

Class B (configuration-dependent)·Straight

Dump Truck

Common Work: Construction, excavation, aggregate hauling
Preparation: Class B CDL for most commercial dump trucks
Diesel Xtremgram: Class B ELDT

CDL requirement depends on GVWR and configuration. Verify with your employer.

Class B (configuration-dependent)·Straight

Concrete Mixer Truck

Common Work: Ready-mix concrete delivery to construction sites
Preparation: Class B CDL; mixer operation training
Diesel Xtremgram: Class B ELDT

CDL requirement depends on GVWR. Verify with your employer.

Class B (configuration-dependent)·Straight

Garbage and Recycling Truck

Common Work: Municipal solid waste and recycling collection
Preparation: Class B CDL; municipal service training
Diesel Xtremgram: Class B ELDT

CDL requirement depends on GVWR. Verify with your employer and municipality.

Class B or Class A (configuration-dependent)·Straight

Heavy Tow Truck

Common Work: Commercial vehicle recovery, roadside assistance
Preparation: Class B or Class A CDL depending on tow vehicle weight
Diesel Xtremgram: Class B ELDT or Class A ELDT

CDL class depends on the tow vehicle's GVWR and what is being towed. Verify with your employer.

Class B (configuration-dependent)·Straight

Utility Bucket Truck

Common Work: Power line maintenance, telecommunications, tree trimming
Preparation: Class B CDL when GVWR exceeds 26,001 lbs; aerial work platform certification
Diesel Xtremgram: Class B ELDT

CDL requirement depends on GVWR. Verify with your employer.

Class B (configuration-dependent)·Straight

Vacuum and Septic Truck

Common Work: Septic pumping, industrial vacuum, hydro-excavation
Preparation: Class B CDL when GVWR exceeds 26,001 lbs
Diesel Xtremgram: Class B ELDT

CDL requirement depends on GVWR. Verify with your employer.

Passenger and Specialized Vehicles

Vehicles requiring passenger endorsements or specialized credentials. CDL class and endorsement requirements depend on seating capacity, vehicle weight, and applicable regulations.

Class B or Class C (configuration-dependent)·Straight

School Bus

P — PassengerS — School Bus

Common Work: Student transportation for public and private schools
Preparation: CDL with Passenger and School Bus endorsements; state-specific background checks
Diesel Xtremgram: Endorsement Prep

Both P and S endorsements required. State background check and drug testing required.

Class B (configuration-dependent)·Straight

Transit Bus

P — Passenger

Common Work: Urban and suburban public transit
Preparation: Class B CDL with Passenger endorsement
Diesel Xtremgram: Class B ELDT + Endorsement Prep

Passenger endorsement required for vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

Class B (configuration-dependent)·Straight

Motorcoach

P — Passenger

Common Work: Charter travel, intercity bus service, tour operations
Preparation: Class B CDL with Passenger endorsement
Diesel Xtremgram: Class B ELDT + Endorsement Prep

Passenger endorsement required. Verify with your employer and state authority.

Ready to Get Behind the Wheel?

Diesel Xtrem prepares you for the Class A and Class B CDL skills tests, knowledge exams, and endorsement requirements that open the door to these careers.

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