Commercial trucks play a significant role in our economy. In fact, businesses of all sizes depend on the trucking industry to deliver their products across the nation quickly and efficiently.
Students enrolled in automotive schools will discover that the trucking industry is responsible for a large majority of freight shipment—more so than any other mode of transport including airplanes, trains and pipeline travel. Without expertly managed trucking networks to transport goods, our economy would take a major hit.
Of course, since there are goods and products of all shapes and sizes, trucks are specially designed to accommodate a variety of loads. Each and every commercial vehicle is categorized by size and weight into one of six classes.
Considering pursuing an auto career with a focus on trucking? Check out this infographic to discover the features of commercial trucks and learn exactly how they’re classified.

The Auto Pro’s Guide to Commercial Trucks

Commercial trucks are typically used to transport cargo around the nation. In fact, the trucking industry is actually responsible for more than 40% of freight transportation in North America. There are many different types of trucks, and each one is responsible for transporting something different. Check out this handy guide to learn more about commercial trucks.
Light Duty Commercial Trucks:

Class 3
Weigh between 10,001 and 26,000 lbs.
Top 3 Light Duty Trucks:
- city delivery trucks
- minibuses
- walk-in trucks
- Average fuel consumption: 33.3 gallons/thousand ton-miles

Medium Duty Commercial Trucks:

Class 4, 5 and 6
Weigh between 14,001 and 19,500 lbs.
Top 6 Medium Duty Trucks:
- city delivery trucks
- landscape utility trucks
- large walk-in trucks
- bucket trucks
- beverage delivery trucks
- school buses
- Average fuel consumption: between 20.4 and 25.6 gallons/thousand ton-miles

Heavy Duty Commercial Trucks:

Class 7 and 8
Weigh 26,001 lbs. and more
Top 6 Heavy Duty Trucks:
- city transit buses
- home fuel trucks
- medium semi tractors
- cement mixers
- dump trucks
- fire trucks
- Average fuel consumption: between 8.7 and 18.2 gallons/thousand ton-miles