The two main types of CDLs are Class A and Class B. With training, each of these classes allow you to drive different vehicle types within multiple environments. Before starting training though, it’s important to understand the difference between the two, the career opportunities for each of them, and any relevant endorsements that can be earned for each.
What is a Class A CDL?
A Class A CDL is the highest level of commercial driver’s licenses, allows drivers to operate any combination of vehicles with a combined gross weight of 26,001 pounds or more, with the towed vehicle weighing more than 10,000 pounds.
Types of Class A Vehicles
Class A CDL holders have the most freedom when it comes to the types of vehicles they can drive. These vehicles include:
- Tractor-trailers: consist of a large truck and a trailer that is completely independent of the tractor
- Semi-trucks: the trailer is supported by the tractor, also known as the truck cab
- Livestock haulers: have a tractor with a trailer that is specifically designed to transport live animals
- Tankers: carry liquids like gasoline, milk, chocolate, and cheese as well as dry goods like grains, flour, sand, and cement
- Flatbeds: have a flat platform tailer designed to carry items that are stacked on and strapped down
Types of Class A CDL Jobs
Each of these vehicle types come with different job opportunities with different route lengths. From local and regional deliveries to over-the-road, there’s are many career options for new drivers entering the field.
Along with route length, each Class A vehicle comes with its own set of job options. Typically, tractor-trailers and semi-trucks haul dry goods from distribution centers to their destination. Livestock haulers move animals to their final location but are responsible for cleaning out their trailers afterwards. Tanker drivers transport dry and liquid goods with some of them being hazardous, requiring additional endorsements. Flatbed drivers haul more unique items, like construction supplies or agricultural equipment.
Any of these jobs can be dedicated routes, meaning that you only transport goods for one customer, but drivers also have the option to become independent contractors, owner-operators, or company drivers.
Endorsements Needed for Class A CDL Jobs
Though a Class A CDL is the highest level, some jobs may require specific skills that require additional training. To gain these skills, you’ll need to earn the relevant endorsements.
- H Endorsement: required to haul vehicles containing hazardous materials. Often needed when hauling tankers.
- N Endorsement: allows drivers to haul tanker vehicles.
- T Endorsement: permits drivers to operate vehicles with two or three trailers. Also known as “Doubles and Triples.”
- X Endorsement: combines the H endorsement and the N endorsement, allowing drivers to haul both tankers and hazardous materials.
Working hand in hand with endorsements are restrictions. As you earn more endorsements, restrictions can be removed. One of the most important restrictions to consider having removed is the E Restriction, which prevents drivers from operating manual transmission vehicles.
At Napier, we help our students earn many of these endorsements as well as offer training in manual vehicles, expanding their qualifications and career options.
What is a Class B CDL?
A Class B CDL allows drivers to operate any combination of vehicles with a combined gross weight of 26,001 pounds or more, with the towed vehicle weighing 10,000 pounds or less.
Types of Class B Vehicles
Class B CDL holders have less freedom in the size of vehicle they operate, but there are still many types of vehicles you can operate. These vehicles include:
- Straight Trucks and Box Trucks: have a single frame that supports the cab and the body, which do not come apart
- Dump Trucks: have large, deep, open beds used to carry loose materials such as dirt and gravel
- Cement Trucks: transport pre-mixed batches of cement to construction sites
- Garbage Trucks: used to collect and transport trash and recycling to disposal facilities
- Busses: city buses, school busses, shuttle buses, and coach busses
Types of Class B CDL Jobs
Many Class B CDL jobs are local, but there are also regional jobs that will allow you to be home daily, making these jobs a great option for those with commitments.
Just like with Class A vehicles, each Class B vehicle has its own range of job options. Straight truck and box truck drivers transport multiple types of consumer goods such as furniture and retail merchandise. Dump truck drivers haul materials to and from construction sites while cement truck drivers bring ready-to-use cement to these sites as well. Garbage truck drivers work for waste management companies. Bus drivers have multiple types to choose from, with some requiring additional endorsements.
In addition to these jobs, Class B CDL holders can also choose to do other jobs that fall under the delivery and utility vehicle category, including power line maintenance, heavy equipment operators, and tow truck drivers.
Endorsements Needed for Class B CDL Jobs
Since Class B vehicles are smaller and earning a Class B CDL takes less training time, it’s less common to need any additional training before getting started. However, there are some positions that require specific endorsements.
- P Endorsement: permits drivers to operate vehicles that carry a specific number of passengers. In Ohio, the number of passengers is 16 or more.
- S Endorsement: allows drivers to operate school busses. Along with earning this endorsement, these drivers must submit a separate application to the school district and pass a background check.
Along with these, depending on the job, drivers may need to earn endorsements that are typically Class A, including hazmat and tanker. Class B CDL holders should also consider working to have the E Restriction removed, as this will open them to more career opportunities as well.
Which CDL Class is Better?
No matter what type of CDL you have, there are job opportunities in many different environments. Whether you’re looking for a local, regional, or over-the-road route, there’s something for everyone. Adding endorsements and removing restrictions can open doors to even more opportunities! One CDL is not better than another, you just have to decide what your career goals are in order to find the path that fits your needs best.
Begin your CDL career at Napier! We’ll help you earn your Class A CDL and earn endorsements, getting you on the path to your new career in just five weeks!
