Express CDL School

Class B licenses

While there may be a proliferation of drivers on the road with Class A licenses, Class B licenses are just as sought after and desirable in the trucking field.

Class B licenses are generally obtained by drivers with a single vehicle, and may encounter more specialized runs that require extreme care on the job. Many drivers think of Class B licenses as potential hauls that are somewhat out of the norm.

There's no enormous argument to substantiate the claim that a Class A license is inferior or superior to a Class B license, it really comes down more to a driver's preference the potential job duties that may be extra on the job. Class B drivers may see more opportunities for specialized or perhaps even private jobs, due to the special nature or implied expertise of their driving.

Drivers in any class find success with their CDLs, and Class B is certainly no exception to this.

Differences from Class A

Truck Exam

The most notable difference between Class B and Class A licenses is that Class B drivers must stick within certain parameters of vehicles and loads they can take. In other words, where Class A drivers can operate A, B, and C vehicles, Class B does not have that clearance. However, Class B drivers can generally operate Class C vehicles - depending on the situation.

With a class B license a trailer cannot weigh over 10,000 pounds. Additionally, a trailer cannot exceed more than 26,000 pounds, as with the other classes of CDL licenses.

Training for a Class B license is also typically much shorter than the training required for Class A licenses. In this sense, drivers will certainly save time that they may otherwise spend in a program, and can potentially save money that may be used to enroll in said program. Class B licenses may be categorized best for those who want to get on the road as soon as possible.

Class B licenses often deal with straight trucks - occasionally buses and other vehicles are included. As opposed to 18-wheelers (Class A) less time is required to operate these vehicles, and therefore drivers can garner a skill efficiently and with ease.

Advantages

For those interested in interstate driving, long hauls and having some personal peace of mind on the open road, Class B may be the route for you to pursue with a CDL. Drivers with class B licenses may report more alone time on the open road, as they may not deal with local or regional routes.

Class B drivers may also see more jobs out of the ordinary and have more unique opportunities available to them. This depends on a driver's location, of course, but it's highly possible that a Class B license may lend itself to a bevy of career opportunities to hauling freight, public transit and possibly even taking a tour bus around the country.

As with any career in the trucking industry, CDL B holders alike get to join in one of the fastest growing industries in the nation. No matter what your job may be to begin with, drivers can always expect room for growth and expansion in their professional careers.

How to Find a Career With A Class B License

Truck Exam

Before a driver can seek out a career with their license, they must first get some valuable experience under their belts and prove their skills on the road. There are a great deal of student programs in the country, but it is imperative that drivers make a good decision in who they pair with professionally.

Express CDL School can help a driver make some important decisions and ask some questions about their potential life on the road. Obtaining your Class B license should be a rewarding endeavor - not one that has you second-guessing how to be successful. Learn more about career opportunities and see what type of job is right for you at Express CDL School.