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Heavy-Duty Vs. Medium-Duty Trucks

Aug. 25 2021 Comparison By K. Neal Truck and Bus Center

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Trucks are designed for many different purposes, and therefore they fall into different weight and size categories called “classes.” Two of the main distinctions that you’ll find when shopping for a truck are heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks. It’s important to choose the right size of truck when buying as an independent contractor or a fleet owner so that you have the correct vehicle for your operation.

K. Neal Truck and Bus Center is your local truck dealer, with four locations in Virginia and Maryland. Below, we’ve created this comparison between medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks to help you figure out what you need.

Truck Classifications

Eight classifications of commercial motor vehicles exist in the United States. These eight classes are sifted into three broader categories: light-duty, medium-duty and heavy-duty. The category into which a truck is classed will depend upon the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which stipulates the maximum weight that a vehicle is capable of carrying, including cargo and passengers. Manufacturers set this rating for their trucks.

Medium-Duty Trucks

Trucks that are classed as medium-duty will fall into three classes:

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

Medium-duty trucks are typically used as emergency vehicles like ambulances or fire trucks, as delivery trucks for grocery stores and other local businesses or as dump trucks on construction sites.

Heavy-Duty Trucks

Trucks that are classed as heavy-duty will fall into two classes:

  • Class 7 (GVWR of 26,001 to 33,000 pounds).
  • Class 8 (GVWR of 33,001 pounds or more).

Heavy-duty trucks are often used for very heavy loads, hauling construction materials, boats or other really large cargo items.

Which is the Right Class For Me?

Consider how much weight your truck needs to handle, which will include all passengers and all cargo. You don’t want to get a truck that’s got a GVWR that can barely handle your cargo weight, but you also don’t want to get a truck that’s so large it becomes cumbersome and wasteful. Think about whether your business may expand and require you to have a larger truck in the future.

You’ll also want to think about where the truck will be driven. Medium-duty trucks are often a better option in cities and towns because they’re smaller and easier to handle. You’ll be able to find parking for a medium-duty truck more easily and it won’t be as hard to back into or out of a cargo bay. However, if you’re going to be hauling a lot over long distances on the highway, the durability of a heavy-duty truck is often the best choice. These trucks are a bit harder to control, but they’re often necessary for big loads and long distances.

Think you’ve decided which option is best for your needs? Come to one of our four dealerships in Virginia and Maryland to check out our wide selection of new and used heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks for sale. K. Neal Truck and Bus Center proudly serves the cities of Hyattsville and Gaithersburg, MD, as well as Lorton, VA.