What is a Tractor Truck?

When it comes to transportation, there is a lot of lingo to learn! Some terms are used interchangeably, which doesn’t make it easy to keep track of your vocabulary, but there are standard definitions that can help you understand different types of vehicles and equipment. Our team at DTI Trucks is proud to be a resource for drivers across the country, so continue reading to find out what exactly a tractor truck is.

Definitions 

A tractor truck is defined as a specific type of truck made to pull trailers. They differ from other trucks because they have a fifth wheel mounted above the rear axle, allowing them to transport a trailer. Tractor trucks are commonly referred to as semi-trucks. 

A truck, in general, refers to a pickup truck or a vehicle that would classify for everyday driving. 

Qualifications

In order to drive a tractor truck, you must have a CDL. The weight of the total setup determines what type of CDL you’ll need; Class C, Class B, or Class A. Class C CDL allows you to drive vehicles that are carrying more than 16 passengers, hazmat materials, and trailers. Class B CDL is for vehicles with a gross weight of 26,000 pounds or less, generally including box trucks, buses, and straight trucks. Class C CDL allows you to operate vehicles that have larger than 26,001 gross weight, typically including tractor trucks, flatbeds, and large livestock trailers. 

Tractor trucks are crucial for today’s economy and transportation industry. Hopefully, we were able to answer your questions and now you’ll be ready to browse our selection of products in Wheat Ridge or Denver, CO. We offer rentals, towing, and fabrication services along with our traditional dealership services.