There’s a nationwide shortage of Class A CDL drivers, and it’s affecting the transportation and truck driving industry in big ways. The nation’s leading carriers, such as Werner, FedEx, Schneider, Averitt, and more, are hiring commercial driver’s license (CDL) graduates by the handful. That’s why the Truck Driving Institute (TDI) is eager to spread the news and invite the next Class A CDL training class to a TDI campus near you.

Earning a Class A CDL presents you with several career opportunities in the transportation and freight industries. With a Class A CDL, you’re automatically qualified to drive a truck that tows a trailer with a GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) of more than 10,000 pounds. When you’re on the interstate, most of the big semi-trucks you see are Class A vehicles.

When you receive Class A CDL training, you’re also able to drive the Class B and Class C vehicles. Class B drivers are restricted to vehicles that tow trailers that don’t exceed a GVWR of 10,000 pounds, or with large vehicles that don’t have detachable trailers.

A Class C CDL driver can drive smaller vehicles such as 16-passenger vans, other commercial vans, and Hazmat vehicles.

Class B CDL training allows you to transport freight that weighs less than 10,000 pounds GVWR with a single axle trailer and this training is offered at every Truck Driver Institute facility.

After the Class A CDL (commercial driver’s license), the Class B CDL training is the second most popular CDL to obtain at TDI. High-quality Class B CDL training can be hard to come by, so we’re here to explain the benefits of training and how you can turn our CDL program into a lucrative career. Although it doesn’t grant the same privileges and offer the same freedoms that the Class A does, Class B CDL training is widely seen as an amazing entry point into the trucking industry for a number of reasons.

Class B CDL holders have access to a wide variety of careers after receiving their training.

If you get your Class B CDL, you’ll be able to transport freight that weighs less than 10,000 pounds GVWR with a single axle trailer. Compare this to the Class A CDL which allows its holders to haul freight that weighs upwards of 80,000 pounds with a multi-axle trailer.

The Class B CDL also restricts where you can drive, as you’re limited to the state where the license was issued. This means you can only work regional and local jobs with your Class B CDL. However, the interstate and long-haul capabilities of a Class A CDL aren’t in-line with everyone’s career path, and there are several well-paying and rewarding careers that you can attain with Class B CDL training.