Heavy-Duty vs. Medium-Duty Commercial Trucks

When searching for a commercial truck, one major decision is whether to pick a medium-duty or heavy-duty truck. Both options can safely haul cargo on long-distance routes. However, they differ in key aspects, such as their size and cost. Keep reading to learn more about medium-duty and heavy-duty commercial trucks.

How Commercial Trucks Are Classified

Commercial trucks are broken down into the broad categories of light, medium, and heavy-duty. They are then further divided into eight classifications based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).

The GVWR indicates the maximum weight a vehicle can safely and legally carry. This amount includes the weight of passengers and cargo, not just the weight of the vehicle. This number is determined by the vehicle's manufacturer and does not change.

Medium-Duty Trucks

Common medium-duty trucks include dump trucks, delivery trucks, and emergency trucks. The category of medium-duty truck covers three classes:

• Class 4 with a GVWR of 14,001 to 16,000 pounds.
• Class 5 with a GVWR of 16,001 to 19,500 pounds.
• Class 6 with a GVWR of 19,501 to 26,000 pounds.

Heavy-Duty Trucks

Heavy-duty trucks are often used to transport larger loads, such as boats or construction materials. The category of heavy-duty truck covers two classes:

• Class 7 with a GVWR of 26,001 to 33,000 pounds.
• Class 8 with a GVWR of over 33,001 pounds.

Medium-Duty vs. Heavy-Duty Trucks: Which to Pick?

Your ideal match depends on a few factors.

The Cargo

Think about the cargo that the commercial truck will be hauling and consider its weight. Here, the goal is to find a balance. If you underestimate your cargo weight, you can be stuck making multiple trips and efficiency suffers. If you overestimate your cargo weight, you can overspend on a bigger truck than you need. Try to be realistic about the weight capacity the commercial truck needs to offer.

The Route

Consider where you will be driving the commercial truck. Heavy-duty trucks are larger, which can make them harder to control and a bigger challenge in residential areas.

The Budget

Finally, think about how much you can realistically spend on a commercial truck. If you want to stretch your budget further, consider a used commercial truck.

Ready to shop commercial trucks for sale? Check out the selection at Tri-County Truck & Equipment in Pompano Beach, FL. We proudly serve the city of Fort Lauderdale and the entire Tri-County area here in Florida.