Traveling America’s highways as a long-haul trucker is not necessarily for everyone. Those who wish to earn a steady income as a truck driver without driving long distances can secure a Class B driver’s license. This type of CDL allows professionals to operate certain vehicles with a gross combination weight of 26,001 pounds or more.

While that threshold mirrors a Class A driver’s license, individuals with a Class B driver’s license cannot lawfully tow a trailer or other load that exceeds 10,000 pounds. This distinction, although seemingly minor to those unfamiliar with the freight hauling industry, typically separates over-the-road (OTR) truckers from those working local or regional routes and occupations.

Types of Vehicles Operable with a Class B CDL

With a Class B driver’s license, drivers can operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) such as:

  • Straight Trucks: These are trucks with a fixed trailer, commonly used for local delivery and moving services.
  • Passenger and Public Transportation Buses: These include city buses, intercity buses, and other types of public transit vehicles.
  • Segmented Passenger Buses: These buses are used for transporting passengers in sections, often seen in airport shuttles.
  • School Buses: Many Class B CDL holders pursue endorsements to drive school buses, a vital role in public education systems.
  • Box Trucks: Commonly used for delivering goods and moving services.
  • Dump Trucks Pulling Low-Weight Trailers: Used in construction and landscaping for transporting loose materials.
  • Tractor-Trailers that Do Not Exceed Weight Thresholds: These include certain smaller rigs used for regional deliveries.

Endorsements for Class B CDL Holders

Qualified Class B CDL holders can also secure endorsements to expand their driving capabilities. Endorsements allow drivers to operate specific types of vehicles or transport certain types of cargo. One endorsement frequently pursued by Class B CDL holders is the "P" endorsement, which permits the operation of passenger vehicles such as school buses. This endorsement is especially valuable for those interested in roles within public transportation or educational services.

Salary Outlook for Class B Drivers

In 2023, workers with a Class B driver’s license earned an average wage of approximately $44,000, with top earners exceeding $50,000. Class B drivers enjoy steady employment opportunities and a job growth rate of around 5 percent year-over-year. The demand for Class B drivers remains strong across most regions, providing a stable and lucrative career path for those who prefer local or regional driving.

Class B CDL driving offers a viable alternative for individuals seeking a career in trucking without the long-distance commitments associated with Class A CDL driving. It provides diverse job opportunities, competitive salaries, and the ability to stay closer to home while enjoying the benefits of a professional driving career.

CDL Training 101

Get Your CDL B License Training at Smith & Solomon

Get your CDL Class B license training at Smith & Solomon and open the doors to a rewarding career in the transportation industry. With our comprehensive training program, experienced instructors, and state-of-the-art facilities, you can be confident in your ability to succeed in obtaining your CDL Class B license.

Whether you are looking to become a bus driver, delivery driver, or other CDL Class B licensed professional, Smith & Solomon can provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in your new career.

Contact Smith & Solomon today if you are looking to obtain your CDL B License and start your career in the trucking industry.

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That was the best career choice I could have ever made going to Smith&Solomon to get my CDL....So now because of it I'm driving trucks for one of the Fortune 500 companies out, Republic Service.

— Maurice D. Ferguson

Thanks to Smith & Solomon Commercial Driver school at Petro Plaza in Avoca, PA. I have been working as a Commercial Driver for Dimare Fresh Produce of Scranton, PA now for over 6 years.

— Ed Baun

Best decision I ever made! Graduated Feb 22, 2016. Recommend this school to anybody and everybody! I was at the Bordentown Campus. Tom, Don and Blair are amazing people and Tracy in the office is such a sweet woman and will help you with getting you all started!!!

— Jill Storicks

I passed my test/ I learned from the best/ I will succeed in the rest Clyde-your method of classroom teaching works & works well You taught me how to get a cdl thank you for all that knowledge Cheryl-you are amazing & helpful in every way from enrollment to job placement to counseling YOU are 100 PERCENT ACCREDITED TO ME Thank you & stay cool ur the best Mark-I got it! You taught me the bumps in the road & now I will glide on the rewards Thanks for listening Graduating Classmates Nov/Dec2015 GREAT TEAMWORK & GOOD LUCK & MANY SAFE MILES ThankYou Smith&Solomon DupontPA You gave me the tools & I will use them to my fullest advantage with all my options to be one of the best & proud truck drivers from your school.

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