If you’re looking for a class 8 truck for sale, or just want to understand the world of heavy-duty vehicles, you’re probably curious about the differences between truck classes and what sets a class 8 apart. Here’s your definitive guide for Peach State Truck Centers’ customers and anyone researching their next big rig.
What Are Truck Classifications?
Truck classifications are determined by the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which is the maximum weight a vehicle can safely handle—including the truck itself, passengers, fuel, and cargo. In the United States, trucks are sorted into classes 1 through 8 based on their GVWR:
What Is a Class 8 Truck?
Class 8 trucks are the heaviest vehicles on the road, with a GVWR of 33,001 pounds and above. Often called “big rigs,” “tractor-trailers,” or “semi-trucks,” they’re built to haul the largest loads over long distances. These workhorses include dump trucks, cement mixers, sleeper cabs, and heavy-duty freight tractors:
- Powerful diesel engines (often exceeding 500hp) and tandem rear axles for greater hauling power and stability.
- The backbone of U.S. freight: They move more than 70% of interstate freight by weight.
- Available as new or used class 8 trucks for sale at Peach State Truck Centers.
What’s the Difference Between Class 7 and Class 8 Trucks?
The distinction is all about weight capacity:
- Class 7 trucks: GVWR between 26,001 and 33,000lbs. Includes city transit buses, refuse trucks, and some heavy service vehicles.
- Class 8 trucks: GVWR above 33,000lbs. These are your “severe duty” vehicles—tractor-trailers, large dump trucks, and more.
Key difference: Class 8 trucks are designed to haul much heavier, often interstate, loads than Class 7, which is typically limited to urban and regional routes.
Types of Class 8 Trucks – Configurations
- Tractor-Trailers: Tractor unit + detachable trailer (most common for long-haul).
- Straight Trucks: Cargo box permanently mounted to the cab (often dump, refuse, or mixers).
- Specialty Trucks: Off-highway/multi-axle for construction and mining.
Why Peach State Truck Centers?
As a leader in the industry, Peach State Truck Centers specializes in new and used class 8 trucks for sale with expertise, deep inventory, and full service & support for your commercial vehicle needs.
Shop for new and used Class 8 trucks at one of our Peach State Truck Centers locations.
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