CLASS A VS. CLASS B CDL: WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

If you’re starting your trucking career, choosing between a Class A and Class B CDL can shape your future job options, salary, and lifestyle. Here’s everything you need to know to make the right choice.

WHAT IS A CLASS A CDL?

A Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) allows you to operate combination vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs or more, provided the towed vehicle is over 10,000 lbs.

Typical Vehicles:

• Tractor-trailers (18-wheelers)
  Tanker trucks
  Flatbeds
• Livestock carriers
  
  

 Career Opportunities:

• Long-haul and regional truck driving
  Tanker and freight carriers
  Cross-country logistics
• Higher average salaries and job flexibility

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Want to start now? Take the Class A CDL Theory Course to fulfill your FMCSA theory training requirement.

WHAT IS A CLASS B CDL?

A Class B CDL covers single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, or towing a vehicle under 10,000 lbs.

Typical Vehicles:

• Box trucks (e.g., FedEx/UPS delivery trucks)
  Straight trucks
• Dump trucks
  School buses and passenger buses
  
  

Career Opportunities:

• Local delivery drivers
• City bus and transit operators
• Waste management trucks
• Jobs with more predictable hours
  
  

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Get started with our Class B CDL Theory Course today and meet FMCSA training compliance online.

CLASS A VS. CLASS B: SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON

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Feature

Class A CDL

Class B CDL

Vehicle Type

Combination vehicles (tractor + trailer)

Single vehicles (e.g., box trucks)

Towed Weight

Over 10,000 lbs

Under 10,000 lbs

Typical Jobs

OTR, regional, tanker, freight

Local delivery, buses, dump trucks

Salary Potential

Higher (up to $80K+ for OTR roles)

Moderate (typically $40K–$60K)

Training Duration

Slightly longer

Shorter, often fewer driving hours

WHICH CDL SHOULD YOU GET?

Ask yourself:

• Do you want to travel long distances or stay local?
  
  
• Are you looking for higher earning potential, or more consistent hours?
  
  
• Do you want to drive a tractor-trailer, or a straight truck/bus?
  
  

If you’re looking for maximum job flexibility and higher pay, Class A is the way to go. If you prefer local driving jobs with shorter training, Class B might be the better fit.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Choosing between a Class A and Class B CDL depends on your lifestyle, goals, and career ambitions. Whichever you choose, ELDT Nation’s FMCSA-approved online courses make it easy to complete your theory training from anywhere—on your time, at your pace.

🚚 Ready to take the next step?

• Enroll in Class A CDL Theory
  
  
• Or get started with Class B CDL Theory

Both courses are affordable, efficient, and 100% online—so you can hit the road faster.