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

Trucking and regulatory

# 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.

## Why it matters

A Class B license fits drivers of heavy single-unit trucks, such as a large roll-off truck, a crane truck or a heavy straight truck. It does not cover a heavy trailer. A common mistake is to think Class B covers any big truck. If the truck tows a trailer over 10,000 pounds GVWR, the combination may need Class A. Another is to forget endorsements. Operators should check the truck's GVWR plate, the towed weight and the driver's license. Review 49 CFR 383.91 and your state agency's rules. Keep copies of licenses and endorsements in your driver files.

[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 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.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/class-a-cdl)[### roll-off truck A roll-off truck is a truck with a cable hoist and tilting rails that pulls a container or dumpster onto its frame and rolls it off. Roll-off trailers also exist. Some operators use them to move storage containers. It is common in waste hauling and some container work.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/roll-off-truck)[### crane truck A crane truck is a truck with a crane mounted on the bed or chassis. It lifts a container off a trailer, over fences or onto a tight spot. It is also called a boom truck or loader crane truck.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/crane-truck)[### 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)[### 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)

For the industry

## Grow your portable storage business with NPSA

Members get event rates, the Community Forum, the directory listing and leads from this website.

[Join NPSA](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/join-us)[See member benefits](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/member-benefits)

Need storage?

## Get quotes from NPSA member companies

Tell us what you need and where. A member company that serves your area will contact you.

[Request a quote](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/request-a-quote)[Which unit do I need?](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/find-storage)