Guide · Truck categories
Truck types, simply explained.
Classes 1–8, tractor vs straight truck, day cab vs sleeper, box truck, dump truck and lowboy — the vocabulary of heavy trucks, from a dealer who sells them every day.
It starts with weight: Classes 1–8
In North America, trucks are classified by their GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating: the maximum weight of the loaded truck, PNBV in French). These eight North American weight categories are not Québec driver’s licence classes. The required licence depends on net weight, axles, vehicle combination and required endorsements.
At Camions Nord Sud, we specialize in Classes 4–8 — from the Isuzu box truck to the Kenworth W900.
| Class | GVWR | Examples | Licence (Québec) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1–2 | 0–4,536 kg (10,000 lb) | Pickup (F-150, RAM 1500), vans | Depends on net weight, axles and vehicle combination |
| Class 3 | 4,536–6,350 kg (14,000 lb) | F-350, RAM 3500, light box truck | Depends on net weight, axles and vehicle combination |
| Class 4 | 6,350–7,257 kg (16,000 lb) | Isuzu NPR, Hino S4, 12–14 ft box truck | Depends on net weight, axles and vehicle combination |
| Class 5 | 7,257–8,845 kg (19,500 lb) | Isuzu NRR, Hino S5, F-550 | Depends on net weight, axles and vehicle combination |
| Class 6 | 8,845–11,793 kg (26,000 lb) | Hino M5, Freightliner M2 106, 20–26 ft box truck | Depends on net weight, axles and vehicle combination |
| Class 7 | 11,793–14,969 kg (33,000 lb) | International MV, 10-wheel straight trucks | Depends on net weight, axles and vehicle combination |
| Class 8 | 14,969 kg and up (33,001 lb +) | Kenworth W900, Peterbilt 379/389, Freightliner Cascadia, all tractor-trailers | Depends on net weight, axles and vehicle combination |
Weight categories do not replace Québec licensing rules. Check your vehicle’s configuration with the SAAQ.
Tractor or straight truck?
The tractor (semi)
No cargo on the chassis: it pulls a detachable trailer using its fifth wheel. One tractor, several trailers — that is the flexibility of long-haul transport. Kenworth, Peterbilt, Freightliner, Volvo, Mack and Western Star make up most of our yard.
- • Day cab : day cab, for local/regional work
- • Sleeper : 36–86 inch sleeper, for long-haul work
- • 6x4 (two drive axles), standard in Québec for winter
The straight truck
The cargo sits on the truck chassis : box body, dump body, flatbed or tank. Easier to operate and more manoeuvrable in town. Check the required licence according to net weight, axles, vehicle combination and endorsements. It is the truck for delivery, construction and services.
- • 6, 10 or 12 wheels depending on load
- • Interchangeable bodywork through the upfitter
- • Hino and Isuzu: tough performers in city use
The main straight truck families
Box truck (van body)
An enclosed body on a chassis for deliveries, moving and dry cargo. From 12 to 26 feet. Isuzu NRR and Hino lead this category in cities: a tight turning radius, cab-over design and diesel reliability.
View our box trucksDump truck
A tipping body for bulk materials: soil, gravel, asphalt and snow. Six, ten or twelve wheels. A standard for Québec excavation and landscaping businesses. Inspect the PTO and hydraulic pump before buying.
Flatbed straight truck
An open deck on a chassis, often with an articulated crane or winch. Building materials, containers and equipment. Loading from three sides.
Refrigerated straight truck
An insulated box with a Thermo King or Carrier refrigeration unit. Food and pharmaceutical distribution. Always check reefer hours — it is a second engine to maintain.
Tanker
Liquids and powders: water, oil, milk and calcium. Usually Class 7–8. Specific certification and cleaning depend on the product carried.
Roll-off and towing
A hydraulic arm for waste containers, or a deck/hook for towing vehicles. Two profitable niches with specialized equipment to inspect closely.
Types of trailers
The standard enclosed 53 ft body, North America's most common trailer. General palletized cargo.
An insulated van with a refrigeration unit, for the food cold chain. Unit hours matter as much as the condition of the body.
An open 48–53 ft deck for steel, lumber and machinery. Crane loading is possible.
A two-level deck for loads taller than a flatbed allows beneath overpasses.
A low deck for heavy machinery: excavators, bulldozers and drills. A removable gooseneck (RGN) for front loading. From 35 to 82 tonnes. We sell them regularly.
A towed tipping body for high-volume bulk cargo, often used in double combinations in Québec.
Truck categories: your questions
What is the difference between a highway tractor and a straight truck?
What is a Class 8 truck?
Day cab or sleeper: which should I choose?
What licence is required to drive a truck in Québec?
Which truck category should I choose to start a delivery business?
Not sure which category you need? We will guide you.
Tell us your use — delivery, construction or long haul — and we will point you to the right truck, not the most expensive one.