What is the classification standard for trucks from Type 1 to Type 6?
3 Answers
Trucks are classified from Type 1 to Type 6 based on the following standards: Type 1 trucks are two-axle trucks with a vehicle length of less than 6 meters and a total mass of less than 4.5 tons; Type 2 trucks have a vehicle length of 6 meters or more or a total mass of 4.5 tons or more. Trucks with three to six axles are classified as Type 3, Type 4, Type 5, and Type 6 trucks, respectively. Type 1 trucks are cargo trucks: Cargo trucks with a vehicle length of 3,500 mm or less and a total mass of 1,800 kg or less, excluding three-wheeled vehicles and low-speed trucks. Type 2 trucks are medium-duty trucks: Cargo trucks with a vehicle length of 6,000 mm or more or a total mass of 4,500 kg or more but less than 12,000 kg, excluding low-speed trucks. Type 3 trucks are heavy-duty trucks: Cargo trucks with a total mass of 12,000 kg or more. Heavy-duty trucks refer to large-tonnage, high-end cargo trucks.
Over the years of driving in China, I've noticed that truck classification is based on gross vehicle weight, which is a very practical system. Category 1 trucks are the lightest, with a weight not exceeding 4.5 tons, such as mini trucks and light-duty trucks. They are suitable for urban short-distance deliveries, being easy to maneuver, fuel-efficient, and convenient for parking, and only require a Class C driver's license. Category 2 includes light trucks, weighing between 4.5 to 7.5 tons, ideal for suburban areas, perfect for transporting vegetables and fruits. Category 3 medium-duty trucks range from 7.5 to 12 tons, commonly seen on highways, efficient for transporting construction materials. Category 4 heavy-duty trucks are 12 to 16 tons, Category 5 from 16 to 24 tons, and Category 6 exceeds 24 tons. These are all large trucks used for long-distance hauling with high cargo capacity, but they require at least a Class B driver's license, have higher toll fees, and are affected by restricted zones. Remember, choose a truck that matches your cargo to avoid fines and stress from overloading.
Let's talk from an economic perspective. The classification of trucks is directly tied to the wallet. Type 1 and Type 2 trucks are lightweight, under 4.5 tons and between 4.5 to 7.5 tons respectively, with lower highway tolls, making them cost-effective for urban delivery companies. Type 3 and Type 4 medium-duty trucks, ranging from 7.5 to 16 tons, are suitable for medium to long-distance transport, offering stable profits with moderate freight rates. Type 5 and Type 6 heavy-duty trucks, exceeding 16 tons, are ideal for large cargo transport but come with higher costs and more expensive toll fees. The national standard based on gross weight aims to balance freight pricing and safety. Businesses must accurately calculate truck classifications when planning their fleets to avoid penalties for overloading or inefficiencies. In short, smart scheduling can save money.
