Not every truck driving job requires the same CDL. Some drivers haul freight across the country, while others drive dump trucks, buses, fuel tankers, or local delivery trucks. The type of vehicle you want to drive determines the license and endorsements you'll need.

This guide explains the different CDL license classes, endorsement types, and the many career paths available to commercial drivers in the United States.

CDL License Classes

Class A CDL

A Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) allows you to operate combination vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the vehicle being towed weighs more than 10,000 pounds.

This is the most versatile CDL and opens the door to the largest number of driving jobs.

Common Class A Jobs

• Over-the-Road (OTR) Driver
• Regional Driver
• Local CDL Driver
• Dedicated Driver
• Flatbed Driver
• Dry Van Driver
• Refrigerated (Reefer) Driver
• Tanker Driver*
• Hazmat Driver*
• Heavy Haul Driver
• Car Hauler
• Livestock Hauler
• Intermodal Driver
• Container Driver
• Auto Transport Driver
• Team Driver

*Some positions require additional endorsements.

Class B CDL

A Class B CDL allows drivers to operate a single vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. These vehicles do not tow trailers weighing more than 10,000 pounds.

Many Class B jobs offer predictable schedules and allow drivers to return home each day.

Common Class B Jobs

• Straight Truck Driver
• Box Truck Driver
• Dump Truck Driver
• Cement Mixer Driver
• Garbage Truck Driver
• Utility Truck Driver
• Beverage Delivery Driver
• Furniture Delivery Driver
• Transit Bus Driver*
• School Bus Driver*
• Tow Truck Driver
• Local Delivery Driver

Class C CDL

A Class C CDL is required for certain smaller commercial vehicles that transport hazardous materials or carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

Although less common than Class A or B, Class C licenses are essential for many transportation careers.

Common Class C Jobs

• Passenger Van Driver
• Airport Shuttle Driver
• Hotel Shuttle Driver
• Small Hazmat Vehicle Driver
• Medical Transport Driver

CDL Endorsements Explained

Certain trucking jobs require additional endorsements beyond your CDL. These endorsements show employers that you've completed extra testing and meet federal or state requirements.

H Endorsement (Hazardous Materials)

The Hazmat endorsement allows drivers to transport hazardous materials.

Common freight includes:

• Gasoline
• Propane
• Chemicals
• Explosives
• Industrial gases

Drivers must also complete a TSA background check and fingerprinting before receiving this endorsement.

N Endorsement (Tank Vehicle)

The Tank Vehicle endorsement is required to haul liquid or gaseous materials in bulk tanks.

Common tanker loads include:

• Milk
• Water
• Fuel
• Chemicals
• Liquid food products

X Endorsement (Tanker + Hazmat)

The X endorsement combines both the Hazardous Materials (H) and Tank Vehicle (N) endorsements.

This endorsement is commonly required for fuel delivery drivers transporting gasoline, diesel fuel, or other hazardous liquids.

T Endorsement (Double and Triple Trailers)

Drivers pulling double or triple trailers must obtain the T endorsement.

These jobs are commonly found with:

• Less-than-Truckload (LTL) carriers
• Linehaul operations
• Parcel carriers

P Endorsement (Passenger)

The Passenger endorsement is required to transport passengers in commercial vehicles.

Common jobs include:

• Transit Bus Driver
• Charter Bus Driver
• Airport Shuttle Driver
• Tour Bus Driver

S Endorsement (School Bus)

The School Bus endorsement is required for anyone transporting students in a school bus.

Drivers must also hold a Passenger endorsement before receiving the School Bus endorsement.

Types of Truck Driving Jobs

Many trucking jobs are categorized by the type of freight being hauled.

Dry Van Driver

Dry van trailers are enclosed and carry general freight.

Common freight includes:

• Consumer products
• Retail goods
• Household items
• Packaged freight

Refrigerated (Reefer) Driver

Reefer trailers are temperature-controlled.

Drivers commonly haul:

• Fresh produce
• Frozen foods
• Dairy products
• Pharmaceuticals

Flatbed Driver

Flatbed trailers carry oversized or open-air cargo.

Typical freight includes:

• Lumber
• Steel
• Construction materials
• Machinery

Drivers often secure loads with chains and straps.

Tanker Driver

Tanker drivers transport liquids and gases.

Examples include:

• Fuel
• Milk
• Water
• Chemicals
• Food-grade liquids

Most tanker jobs require the N or X endorsement.

Hazmat Driver

Hazmat drivers transport regulated hazardous materials.

These positions often offer higher pay because of the additional training and safety requirements.

Heavy Haul Driver

Heavy haul drivers transport oversized and overweight equipment.

Examples include:

• Bulldozers
• Excavators
• Wind turbine blades
• Industrial equipment

Car Hauler

Car haulers transport new and used vehicles between manufacturers, dealerships, and auctions.

Livestock Driver

Livestock drivers safely transport animals, including:

• Cattle
• Hogs
• Poultry
• Horses

Intermodal Driver

Intermodal drivers move shipping containers between ports, rail yards, and distribution centers.

These jobs are often regional or local.

Types of Driving Schedules

Not all truck drivers spend weeks away from home. Driving jobs vary based on route length and home time.

Over-the-Road (OTR)

OTR drivers travel across multiple states and often spend several weeks on the road.

This position typically offers the highest mileage opportunities.

Regional Driver

Regional drivers operate within a specific area of the country and are often home every week.

Local Driver

Local drivers work shorter routes and usually return home every day.

These jobs are popular with drivers looking for a better work-life balance.

Dedicated Driver

Dedicated drivers haul freight for one customer on consistent routes.

Benefits often include predictable schedules and steady miles.

Team Driver

Team drivers work in pairs and alternate driving to keep freight moving almost continuously.

Industries That Hire CDL Drivers

CDL drivers are needed across many industries, including:

• Truckload carriers
• Food and beverage distribution
• Construction
• Oil and gas
• Agriculture
• Retail distribution
• Manufacturing
• Utilities
• Waste management
• Moving and storage
• Government agencies
• Parcel delivery

Which CDL License Is Right for You?

The best CDL depends on the type of career you're looking for.

If you want to drive tractor-trailers and have the most job opportunities, a Class A CDL is usually the best choice.

If you prefer driving dump trucks, straight trucks, buses, or other large single vehicles, a Class B CDL may be a better fit.

If you're interested in transporting passengers or certain hazardous materials in smaller commercial vehicles, a Class C CDL may be all you need.

Adding endorsements can also increase your earning potential and qualify you for specialized positions like fuel hauling, tanker driving, or passenger transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Class A and Class B CDL?

A Class A CDL allows you to operate combination vehicles, including tractor-trailers. A Class B CDL is designed for heavy single vehicles such as dump trucks, buses, and straight trucks.

Which CDL license pays the most?

Specialized Class A positions, including tanker, hazmat, heavy haul, and oversized freight, often offer the highest earning potential.

Can I upgrade from a Class B to a Class A CDL?

Yes. Many drivers begin with a Class B CDL and later complete additional training and testing to earn a Class A license.

What is the X endorsement?

The X endorsement combines the Hazardous Materials (H) and Tank Vehicle (N) endorsements, allowing drivers to haul hazardous liquids such as gasoline and chemicals.

Find Your Next CDL Job

No matter what type of CDL you have—or what kind of driving job you're looking for—there are opportunities across the country.

Whether you're searching for local routes, regional positions, OTR jobs, or specialized hauling opportunities, understanding your license and endorsements can help you find the right fit.

At Driver Junction, you can browse CDL jobs from employers across the United States and find opportunities that match your experience, license class, and endorsements.