Dry Van Trucking: Everything You Need to Know

Tags: Fleet management

Dry van trucking is highly preferred and trusted for transporting freight. It’s widely available and has many benefits, such as an enclosed trailer. Due to its high preference for freight transportation, a noticeable demand for dry van freight has also increased.

We’ve highlighted what dry van means, what dry van trucking is, and the benefits and drawbacks of dry van freight shipping.

Read on to find out if dry van trucking is the best method for you.

What is a Dry Van Trailer?

The term “dry van” refers to the vehicle used to haul cargo you typically see on the highway. It has a large storage container being towed which is not temperature controlled. As a result, non-perishable items are typically shipped with this method.

Being fully enclosed, a dry van can protect shipments from outside elements. The versatility of freight can come as palletized, boxed, or even as loose freight. It’s safe to say that many of the items you regularly purchase or handle daily were probably shipped or received as goods that traveled by dry van.

What Do Dry Vans Haul?

Dry van freight is non-perishable items. Shipping freight via dry vans is good for many industries with shipping needs. It’s typically less expensive than other methods because the items don’t require temperature-controlled trailers. Dry vans can also hold around 45,000 pounds of goods in larger containers. 

For example, the following are items that can potentially be hauled by way of dry van trucking:

• Agricultural equipment or materials
• Automotive parts and service products
• Beauty products
• Cleaning products
• Clothing
• Furniture
• Healthcare instruments and equipment
• Industrial equipment

Companies rely on dry van trucking to keep their supply chain moving for various reasons, including efficiency and cost. However, not all goods can be shipped in this manner. The freight must be easily stowable (typically palletized) and not require any temperature control for dry van shipping.

The Pros of Dry Van Trucking

Almost every industry that produces or ships non-perishable items uses dry van shipping. Let’s dive into three advantages of using dry van shipping:

• Versatility: Dry vans can transport many types of freight. This method allows building materials, medical equipment, and more to be passed along.

• Security: The dry van trailer’s enclosed design allows the shipper and driver to feel more confident in the security of the freight. It is protected from outside elements like extreme weather conditions and theft and can be secured with additional bracing.

• Budget-Friendly: Depending on the trailer size of your choice, you can have an even more budget-friendly transit. Generally, a dry van is the most economical option for shipping goods.

The Cons of Dry Van Trucking

There are some downsides to dry van shipping.

• No Temperature Control: Dry vans are not temperature-controlled like refrigerated unit trucks. This limitation prevents them from shipping various goods at an affordable price.

• Cannot Ship Oversized Loads: Dry vans cannot support wide loads or oversized shipments like flatbed trailers can. 

• Susceptible to Water Damage: Most dry van trailers are vulnerable to moisture damage, often requiring repairs. With hardwood floors, condensation buildup from freight or open doors is a constant threat.

Dry Van Trucking vs. Other Trailers

Flatbed Trailers

Flatbed trailers are ideal for transporting oversized or abnormally shaped cargo that may not fit in dry vans. They are also ideal for cargo that needs to be unloaded without a dock—as long as it isn’t weather-sensitive. 

Flatbeds often transport construction materials and heavy machinery, neither of which would fit in a dry van or would at least be impractical for loading and unloading at a job site.

Refrigerated Trailers

Refrigerated trailers maintain a temperature-controlled environment, from 13 degrees below zero to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. While some dry vans can be heated to prevent cargo from freezing, reefer units are required for any goods, especially perishables, that must be kept refrigerated or frozen.

Tanker Trucks

Tanker trucks transport bulk, unpackaged liquids. Dry vans can transport liquids too; they just need to be prepackaged in drums, totes, or other containers. In many cases, packaging fuel, oil, and chemicals is impractical for the application, requiring the use of a tanker.

Is Dry Van Shipping Right for My Fleet?

If items are not temperature-sensitive, why spend extra money on refrigerated shipping? Dry vans are versatile, secure, and the industry standard for shipping most goods. 

Review the items and commodities you need to be shipped and consider dry shipping as your transportation method. You will save money and can send various items in an enclosed trailer safely and securely.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Can a Dry Van Haul?

A dry van can haul about 45,000 pounds of cargo. However, the size and weight of the cargo will ultimately determine if the items can be transported.

What Are Average Dry Van Rates?

According to DAT, dry van rates will range from $1.79 to $2.14 per mile across the country in 2024. The average dry van rate can vary depending on several factors, including location, demand, and fuel prices.

How Many Pallets Fit in a Dry Van?

A standard 53-foot trailer can fit 26 to 30 pallets. The size of the pallets and the pattern you pack the trailer will determine the number of pallets that can fit in the container.

Dry Van Trailers for Sale & Rent

Catch our dry van trailer lineup in motion, now available for purchase or rental. Whether shipping an entire trailer or a few pallets, Hale Trailer has dry van equipment with the capacity you need to haul more for miles. 

Browse our online inventory or visit one of our locations to learn more about how we can help you.