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gross vehicle weight rating
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gross vehicle weight rating

Also known as: GVW rating
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Quick Summary

Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is a term used to classify trucks based on their maximum loaded capacity. This rating is crucial for regulatory purposes and helps categorize vehicles into light, medium, and heavy-duty classes.1

  • Light trucks have GVWRs up to 10,000 pounds (4.5 metric tons), with those under 8,500 pounds (3.9 metric tons) considered work trucks.1
  • Medium trucks range from 10,000 to 26,000 pounds (4.5 to 11.8 metric tons).1
  • Heavy-duty trucks, including tractor-trailers and off-road vehicles, exceed 26,000 pounds (11.8 metric tons), with some specialized vehicles reaching over 80,000 pounds (36.3 metric tons).1

"GW" is an abbreviation for "gross weight".2

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
2 Britannica Sources
  1. GW
  2. truck

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