What Is a Commercial Vehicle?

In the United States, “commercial vehicle” is a pretty broad term. Many times, when a laymen thinks of a commercial vehicle, they thing of a delivery truck or an 18-wheeler; however, in the United States, commercial vehicles can also include fleet vehicles, passenger transports, company cars, and other vehicles used for business.

When Does a Vehicle Become a Commercial Vehicle?

In the United States, a vehicle may be considered a commercial vehicle if:

• It is titled or registered to a company or a corporation.
• Is used for business, but is under the name of a sole proprietor for that business.
• Is a leased vehicle and in the name of the financial institution that owns it.
• Exceeds a certain weight or class, even if it is not used commercially or company owned. Generally, any vehicle with a weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more is considered a commercial vehicle, regardless of use or ownership.
• Is used in the transportation of hazardous materials.

Note that a vehicle used for business may remain privately licensed depending on the amount of time it is used for business.

What Are Some Common Examples of Commercial Vehicles?

Among the commercial vehicles that most occupy public roadways are:

• Large trucks
• Box trucks
• Delivery trucks
• Semi trucks
• Tractor-trailers
• Travel trailers exceeding 10,000 pounds
• Large vans (intended to carry more than 15 passengers)
• Taxicabs
• Coaches
• Buses
• Heavy equipment (backhoes, bulldozers, large farm equipment, etc.)

How Are Commercial Trucks Classified?

Commercial trucks are further classified by their gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). In the United States, the classifications are as follows:

• Class 1- GVWR ranges from 0 to 6,000 pounds
• Class 2- GVWR ranges from 6,001 to 10,000 pounds
• Class 3- GVWR ranges from 10,001 to 14,000 pounds
• Class 4- GVWR ranges from 14,001 to 16,000 pounds
• Class 5- GVWR ranges from 16,001 to 19,500 pounds
• Class 6- GVWR ranges from 19,501 to 26,000 pounds
• Class 7- GVWR ranges from 26,001 to 33,000 pounds
• Class 8- GVWR is anything above 33,000 pounds

Were You Injured in a Commercial Vehicle Accident? Contact Thomas J. Henry

Thomas J. Henry has helped people injured in company vehicle accidents across the United States stand up against some of the largest corporations in the country. For decades, we have helped victims of company car crashes obtain record-breaking verdicts, settlements, and judgments for the pain and suffering they incurred due to an employee or employer’s negligence. If you or a loved one has been injured in a company vehicle accident, you need a law firm that will provide you with representation backed by the financial and legal resources necessary to win your case. Contact us today for a free case review. Our experienced company vehicle accident lawyers are available 24/7, nights and weekends to hear your claim.