A plain-English guide for carriers and fleets on Class A and Class B commercial licences, endorsements, and how to match drivers to the work.
Hiring the wrong licence class wastes weeks. Before you post a driver vacancy, it helps to be precise about what your trucks actually need. Here is a practical guide for carriers and fleets.
What is a CDL-A?
A Class A commercial driver's licence covers combination vehicles: a tractor pulling one or more trailers, where the towed unit is heavy. In practice, CDL-A is the licence for tractor-trailers, including dry van, reefer, flatbed and tanker freight. Because it allows the widest range of vehicles, CDL-A holders are usually in highest demand, and many carriers recruit exclusively at this level.
What is a CDL-B?
A Class B licence covers single heavy vehicles, such as straight trucks, box trucks, dump trucks and some buses, with only a light trailer or none. CDL-B roles are common in local delivery, construction and municipal work, and are often home-daily.
Endorsements that change who you can hire
Endorsements add permissions to a licence. The ones carriers ask about most:
- H (Hazmat): hazardous materials loads.
- N (Tank): tank vehicles carrying liquids or gases.
- T (Doubles/Triples): pulling more than one trailer.
- X: combined tank and hazmat.
If your freight requires an endorsement, say so in the job description. It filters candidates early and saves everyone time.
OTR, regional or local? Match the lifestyle to the lane
Licence class is only half the picture. Over-the-road (OTR) drivers run long distances and spend extended time away from home. Regional drivers cover a defined area with more predictable home time. Local and dedicated drivers are home daily and often serve fixed customers. Drivers who are placed on a route that fits their lifestyle stay longer, and retention is where most of the cost savings are.
A short checklist before you post the role
- Confirm the licence class and endorsements your freight requires.
- State pay structure, home time and equipment honestly.
- Decide your minimum experience and safety-record requirements.
- Plan fast communication, because good drivers rarely wait.
- Prepare a clear first-90-days onboarding plan.
Need help filling the seats?
RAST Consultants runs specialised CDL driver recruitment: we source, screen and present qualified drivers so your team spends its time interviewing, not chasing. Book a free consultation to talk through your needs.
This article is general information and not legal advice. Licensing and compliance rules vary by jurisdiction.