---
title: "Class A CDL: Definition and Meaning | NPSA"
description: "A Class A CDL is the commercial license for combination vehicles."
url: https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/class-a-cdl
publisher: National Portable Storage Association (NPSA)
phone: "(816) 960-6552"
email: info@npsa.org
---

Trucking and regulatory

# Class A CDL

A Class A CDL is the commercial license for combination vehicles. Federal rules cover any combination with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, where the towed unit has a GVWR over 10,000 pounds. It is the class for most tractor-trailer rigs.

## Why it matters

A Class A license is the one most tractor-trailer container drivers need. It also covers some tilt-bed or flatbed rigs that tow heavy trailers. A driver with Class A can usually drive Class B and C vehicles too, subject to endorsements. A common mistake is to look only at the truck. The rule looks at the combination and the towed unit's weight rating. Another is to forget endorsements for special cargo. Operators should match each driver's license to each rig in the fleet. Check 49 CFR 383.91 and your state's rules for details, since state licensing is handled by the state.

[Read: Safety and compliance for container delivery: DOT, FMCSA, CDL and OSHA](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/guides/dot-fmcsa-osha-compliance)

Definition source: [ecfr.gov](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-383/subpart-F/section-383.91)

## Related terms

[### CDL A CDL is a commercial driver's license, required to drive certain commercial motor vehicles. A driver must pass knowledge and skills tests. States issue CDLs. FMCSA sets the federal standards and does not issue them. Some vehicles also need extra endorsements.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/cdl)[### Class B CDL A Class B CDL is the commercial license for heavy straight vehicles. Federal rules cover a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or one that tows a vehicle of 10,000 pounds GVWR or less. It covers many heavy single-unit trucks.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/class-b-cdl)[### GCWR GCWR is gross combination weight rating. It is the greater of the manufacturer's value for the power unit or the sum of the GVWRs of the power unit and towed units. It is used for tractor-trailers and trucks that tow.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/gcwr)[### GVWR GVWR is gross vehicle weight rating. It is the maximum loaded weight of a single motor vehicle, as set by the manufacturer. It includes the vehicle, fuel, driver, cargo and equipment. It is printed on the vehicle's certification label and set by the maker.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/gvwr)[### semi-trailer A semi-trailer is a trailer built so that part of its weight rests on the truck that pulls it. Federal motor carrier rules define a semitrailer as a motor vehicle, other than a pole trailer, that another motor vehicle draws and that bears partly on the towing vehicle.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/semi-trailer)[### FMCSA FMCSA is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation. It writes and enforces safety rules for commercial motor vehicles and carriers, and it handles registration for interstate carriers. Its rules are in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/fmcsa)

[All 220 terms](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary)

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