Category Commercial Vehicles

Many businesses today rely on commercial vehicles for various operations. According to Statista, unit sales of commercial vehicles are projected to reach 37.75 million in 2025, with a 1.58% increase by 2029. These vehicles make transportation and specialized projects quick and efficient, and directly impact the bottom line of companies that depend on them.

To meet the various industry demands, commercial vehicles come in different sizes, shapes and functions. Some are made to transport people, some for hauling heavy materials and certain specialized vehicles require professional expertise to operate. Read on as we explore everything you need to know about commercial vehicles, the types and how you can choose the right one for your business.

WHAT ARE COMMERCIAL VEHICLES?

Commercial vehicles are primarily used for transporting people and goods for business purposes. They support businesses across multiple industries, making them a valuable asset. To accommodate the diverse demands of these industries, commercial vehicles vary in size, weight, design, and function.

They are also classified into three major categories based on their Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 

1. Light-Duty Commercial Vehicles: GVWR up to 14,000 lbs

• Class 1: Up to 6,000 lbs
• Class 2: 6,001–10,000 lbs 
• Class 3: 10,001–14,000 lbs 

2. Medium-Duty Commercial Vehicles: GVWR: 14,001–26,000 lbs 

• Class 4: 14,001–16,000 lbs 
• Class 5: 16,001–19,500 lbs 
• Class 6: 19,501–26,000 lbs 

3. Heavy-Duty Commercial Vehicles: GVWR: 26,001 lbs and above

• Class 7: 26,001–33,000 lbs
• Class 8: Over 33,000 lbs

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

There are different types of commercial vehicles and the list of every type that exists is almost inexhaustible. These types cut across vehicles used for moving people, goods and the heavy-duty ones used for construction and specialized projects. In the list below, we will try to cover some of the common ones you will find around. 

SEMI-TRUCK

Semi-trucks are also called 18-wheelers, big rigs or tractor-trailers. These are vehicles with a tractor unit, or cab in the front, and a bed or trailer attached via a fifth-wheel connection. They are used for long-haul freight between distribution and fulfillment centers.

DUMP TRUCKS

Dump trucks are used in the mining and construction industries for transporting materials such as sand, gravel, debris and coal. Dump trucks are designed with a hydraulic mechanism that helps tilt the truck bed to unload its content.

BOX TRUCK

Box trucks are similar to semi-trucks, but instead of a fifth-wheel connector, their trailers are attached directly to tractors. They feature an enclosed box-like cargo area that is used to store goods for loading items such as furniture and appliances. They are frequently used by businesses for small-scale freight and moving services. 

GARBAGE TRUCK

Also called refuse trucks, these specialized vehicles are built for waste collection. They have a unique loading mechanism that is used to lift empty bins into a storage compartment. They also have a compacting system that makes room for hauling more trash on the go, thus efficiently managing waste disposal.

PICKUP TRUCK 

Pickup trucks are similar to box trucks, but without enclosed cargo. Instead, they have an open-top bed that can be used to house different cargoes such as construction materials, business tools and equipment.

TOW TRUCKS

Tow trucks cover different types of vehicles, including wrecker trucks that are used for vehicle recovery purposes. These can include damaged, stuck or vehicles that violate traffic laws. Tow trucks come in different shapes and types making them adaptable for any condition where they are needed. 

CARGO VANS

These are compact, enclosed vehicles used primarily for delivering goods within urban settings. Cargo vans are designed as a one-piece attached to the driver’s cab and have no rear seating. They offer a spacious interior that allows for secure and efficient transportation of cargo.

VACUUM TRUCKS

Equipped with a powerful suctioning system, vacuum trucks are used to load solids, fluids, sludge and other materials. They are common in sewage management, industrial management and hazardous waste management. They have an attached tank that collects the materials they vacuum until they are transported to the right sites for disposal. 

TRANSIT BUSES

These are big transport buses used to accommodate a large number of people. They are often used as a cities’ transport system or as school buses.

FLATBEDS 

Flatbeds have an open-air, flat platform that is used to convey oversized and irregularly shaped loads that do not require enclosure or external protection. 

STEP VANS

These are commercial vans that have a spacious area that makes it easy for the driver to access the cargo from the cab without having to leave the vehicle. Step vans are popular in the parcel delivery services. They can serve as food trucks and mobile workshops. 

PASSENGER VANS

These vans are designed to carry between 9-15 people. They are often used to transport individuals for shuttle services such as tour operations or group transporting. 

CRANE TRUCKS

Crane trucks are built with a mounted crane that allows for the efficient loading, lifting and unloading of heavy items like equipment or machinery. They are used in construction, logistics and utilities industries because of how they facilitate the movement of heavy equipment needed for work. 

UTILITY AND SERVICE TRUCKS

Includes different types of trucks such as fire trucks, ambulances and maintenance trucks that are equipped with different specialized tools and parts to complete the tasks they are designed for. 

CONSTRUCTION AND HEAVY EQUIPMENT TRUCKS

Common types in this category include concrete or cement mixer trucks, drilling rigs, and logging trucks built for specific purposes. They are not built for public roads and are commonly found on the sites where they are utilized. 

CHOOSING THE RIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLE FOR YOUR BUSINESS WITH INSPIRED FUNDING

Commercial trucks serve different purposes and choosing the right one can impact your business’ profitability and efficiency. From cargo vans, dump trucks, vacuum and tow trucks, there are a lot of options to choose from particularly if you are just considering joining the truck industry. Therefore, this decision should be made meticulously by weighing several factors such as your business needs, the demands of the truck in your region and your interest. 

More significant to consider is the financial investment acquiring a commercial vehicle comes with. Commercial truck financing requires many processes and without the right guide, truck owners can make decisions that will put a strain on their finances and business in the long run. That is where Inspired Funding comes in with flexible and tailored financing solutions for different business situations. Also expect a streamlined approval process that makes getting the right truck quick and seamless.

ABOUT INSPIRED FUNDING

If you’re looking for the best financing for your truck business, Inspired Funding is here for you. With tailored financing plans and a range of flexible options, we make it easy for you to get the truck you need and make paying for it a breeze.

Inspired Funding has been helping businesses finance various commercial vehicles, including semi-trucks, cargo vans, dump trucks, and other essential heavy equipment to keep your business moving. We offer competitive interest rates and affordable down payments to fit your budget.

Worried about credit? No problem! We can help you navigate credit score challenges by providing financing solutions designed to get you on the road faster.

Ready to finance a bulldog or a dragon wagon? Give us a call today to get started!

Every industry today relies on commercial vehicles. Sectors like telecommunications, construction, food, and agriculture, to name a few, depend on these trucks to carry out daily operations. They aid in hauling, logistics, and transportation, making their operation efficient and fast.

These trucks are built differently to help accommodate these various needs. From dump trucks and tow trucks to semi-trucks, commercial vehicles come in different sizes and capabilities and are categorized into classes.

The Federal Highway Administration classifies all commercial vehicles into eight, ranging from light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty. In this article, we break down these classifications, providing examples and models to give you a clear understanding of what each category entails.

WHAT IS A COMMERCIAL VEHICLE?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration defines commercial vehicles as self-propelled vehicles that operate on the highway, and are used to transport people and goods across states. Ideally, commercial trucks have a rating gross vehicle weight rating and are categorized based on various criteria to ensure appropriate usage, compliance with regulations, and safety standards. 

WHAT IS GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR)?

Trucks in the United States are categorized by their Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), often found inside the driver’s side door. The GVWR is the metric used to categorize vehicles based on their maximum loaded weight. 

In simple terms, it determines the total weight a truck can operate at. It is specified by calculating the vehicle’s weight at its fullest capacity, including fuel, cargo, complete passengers, and drivers.

CLASSIFICATION OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLES BY WEIGHT

Commercial vehicles are classified by weight, ranging from class 1-8. These are then sub-divided into three: light, medium, and heavy-duty. In this section, we will consider each category and their sub-divisions.

LIGHT DUTY VEHICLES

Light duty vehicles fall within the GVWR of 0-14,000 pounds. These are small trucks used for daily operations. They include vans and pickup trucks used for transporting light goods. They are broken down into three and expatiated below:

CLASS ONE (GVWR: 0 to 6,000 LBS)

These include small pickup trucks, SUVs, and minivans weighing up to 6,000 pounds (2,722kg). Class one trucks are more often utilized for personal uses to transport lightweight items, or for small-scale deliveries. Examples include the Ford Ranger and the Chevrolet Colorado.

CLASS TWO (GVWR: 6,001 to 10,000 LBS)

Class two vehicles include standard full-size and heavy-duty pickup trucks, larger SUVs, and some cargo vans. They are subdivided into 2A (6,001 – 8,500 pounds) and 2B (8,501 – 10,000). These trucks are used for moving heavier items and are used by different industries like construction and emergency services for ambulances. Popular examples include Ford F-150, and GMC Sierra 1500.

CLASS THREE (GVWR: 10,001 to 14,000 LBS.)

Vehicles like larger pickups, cargo vans, utility trucks, small box trucks, and school and city buses fall here. These trucks are often utilized by delivery services moving companies, construction, and maintenance. The Ford-350, RAM 250,0, and GMC Savana belong to this category. 

MEDIUM-DUTY VEHICLES

Medium-duty vehicles comprise classes three to six. They are built for more tedious tasks compared to the light-duty category. 

CLASS FOUR (GVWR: 14,001 – 16,000 LBS)

Class four trucks  have a GVWR within 14,001 to 16,000 lbs. They are used by various industries for transporting items like furniture, appliances and construction equipment. Examples include flatbed trucks, delivery trucks, and larger box trucks. The Ford-450, Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD, and Isuzu NPR-HD are popular models in this class. 

CLASS FIVE (GVWR:16,001 – 19,500 LBS)

In this category, you will find small-sized dump trucks, some school buses, large delivery trucks, and bucket trucks. They are popular in industries like waste management, and construction, among others. Examples of models in this include the Ford F-550, Chevrolet Silverado 5500HD, Freightliner M2 106, and the RAM 5500. 

CLASS SIX (GVWR: 19,501 – 26,000)

Vehicles in this division are built for transporting various items like food, beverages and some heavy construction or industry equipment. They include single-axle trucks, some school buses, and beverage trucks. Ford F-650, International MV607 and Peterbilt 220 fall into this category. 

HEAVY-DUTY VEHICLES

Heavy-duty vehicles are designed to handle heavy loads and perform tougher tasks. They are essential machinery commonly found in the logistics and transportation industry and comprise of Class 7 and 8 vehicles. Their GVWR ranges from 26,001 to above 33,000 pounds. 

CLASS SEVEN (GVWR: 26,001 and 33,000 LBS.)

Refuse trucks, cement mixers, and city transit buses are class seven vehicles. Not only can they handle some tough jobs, they are also rugged and can be relied on in situations that require high maneuverability and versatility. 

Examples of models you will find in this category include the Peterbilt 348, Mack Granite MHD, and the International HX. 

CLASS EIGHT (GVWR over 33,000 LBS.)

If you think class seven vehicles are tough wait till you discover the heaviest trucks in the eighth category. These trucks  are typically used for heavy hauling, mining, and large-scale construction projects. Think of cement trucks, dump trucks, and tractor-trailers. Examples include the Peterbilt 579,  Freightliner Cascadia, and the Kenworth T680. 

CONCLUSION

If you work in the trucking industry or aspiring to, then understanding the different classes of commercial vehicles is vital. It helps you navigate selecting the appropriate truck for the job. For example, while light-duty trucks are more suitable for local deliveries, they are not designed for long-haul freight and heavier cargo. Heavy-duty trucks are also not ideal if you’re transporting lighter loads as they consume more fuel and cost high to maintain. 

Ultimately, understanding vehicle classifications aids in budget considerations. The heavier the truck, the higher the expenses. By properly aligning your class of vehicle with your business needs, you can conveniently plan for financing and save costs. The good thing is that Inspired Funding helps truckers to get the best commercial truck financing. With just one contact, you can get the financial support you need to purchase the right truck for your business.

ABOUT INSPIRED FUNDING

If you’re looking for the best financing for your truck business, Inspired Funding is here for you. With tailored financing plans and a range of flexible options, we make it easy for you to get the truck you need and make paying for it a breeze.

Inspired Funding has been helping businesses finance various commercial vehicles, including semi-trucks, cargo vans, dump trucks, and other essential heavy equipment to keep your business moving. We offer competitive interest rates and affordable down payments to fit your budget.

Worried about credit? No problem! We can help you navigate credit score challenges by providing financing solutions designed to get you on the road faster.

Ready to finance a bulldog or a dragon wagon? Give us a call today to get started!