dry van truck is a popular method of shipping goods across the country. It’s versatile, convenient, and incredibly cost-efficient.
Dry vans are the most common type of trailer used in freight delivery. They come in a variety of sizes, but most typically measure 53 feet long. They can haul up to 26 standard pallet positions in their floor space.
Versatility
Dry van trucking is one of the most versatile freight shipping methods available. A dry van trailer can handle up to 45,000 pounds of weight, making it a great choice for full truckloads and less-than-truckloads. It also comes in a wide variety of sizes, so you can find the right trailer for your load.
For example, a 53′ dry van trailer can fit up to 26 standard pallets or “skids,” which is more than enough room to haul your shipment. A 48′ trailer can handle up to 24 skids, while a 28′ trailer can hold 14 skids.
Another benefit of dry van shipping is its affordability. It is cheaper than other methods of transportation, such as rail freight and air cargo delivery. The trailers are also lightweight, which reduces fuel costs, making them a more affordable option for your company.
Convenient
Additionally, dry van shipping is convenient. You can drop an empty trailer at your destination and pick up a full one, which speeds up turnaround times and prevents wasted time at either end of your runs.
Using a dry van truck can also help you avoid deadhead runs and layovers, allowing you to make a lot of money in short-haul shipments. It’s also a good way to earn extra income if you live in an area with high demand for freight deliveries.
In addition to their versatility, dry van trucks are also safe.
If you’re planning to ship items that need temperature control, however, you may want to consider reefer trailers instead. These vehicles can handle temperature sensitive cargo and are more flexible than dry vans, so you can ship more types of items in a single shipment.
If you’re not sure which shipping method is best for your business, check out our dry van vs reefer trailer guide to learn more about the differences and see which type of truck is right for your freight needs.
Flexibility
Dry van trucks are a versatile freight shipping method that can accommodate a variety of freight types. Their ability to handle both full truck load and less than truckload shipments has made them extremely popular in the shipping industry.
They can be used to ship a variety of items, including palletized goods, boxes, and equipment. They are also a good choice for temperature sensitive freight.
Another major benefit of using a dry van truck for your freight shipment is that they offer excellent weather protection. Because the trailers are sealed on all sides, they can withstand high winds, rain, and direct heat. Additionally, dry van trailers can be locked to add a degree of security against cargo theft.
There are many different kinds of dry vans, each with its own unique features and capabilities. One of the most common types is a 53′ x 8′ 6″ x 8′ 6″ (lwh) trailer, which can hold up to 45,000 pounds of freight and 26 standard pallet positions across its floor space.
Transporting
“Pup” trailers, which are often used for LTL shipments, measure 28′ x 8′ x 9′ (lwh) and can carry up to 22,500 pounds of freight and 14 standard pallet positions across their floor space.
In addition to offering great weather protection, dry van trailers are also easy to load and unload. They have container doors that are adapted to the type of freight they’re transporting, which saves time and hassle.
While there are a few limitations to dry van transportation, they can be an effective option for most shippers. For instance, they are not temperature controlled like refrigerated freight trucks, which is a drawback for some customers.
However, if temperature regulation is important to your business, then you may want to consider refrigerated reefer shipping. This option can be more expensive than dry van shipping, but it can protect your freight from the elements.
If you’re looking for a way to transport your freight efficiently, then you should consider partnering with a logistics company that has extensive networks and capabilities to handle your shipments. At RPM Freight, we have a network of over 30,000 monitored and vetted carriers that can help you meet your freight delivery goals. Our dedicated team will work with you to find the right carrier for your needs.
Safety
Dry van trucking is the most common type of freight shipping in the United States. This transportation method is safe and affordable for both short and long-haul shipments.
Unlike flatbed trucks, dry vans are fully enclosed and protected from the elements. This is especially important for shipments that could be damaged or stolen by the weather, such as non-perishable foods and chemicals.
These trailers come in a variety of sizes, including 48-foot and 53-foot models. Typically, they accommodate up to 45,000 pounds of cargo or 26 standard pallets.
As a driver, it is your responsibility to ensure that the freight you transport is properly secured. This can prevent damage to your clients’ goods, shifted loads, and even loose objects falling out of the truck during a crash.
Securing freight
Securing freight is also important to the safety of other drivers on the road, as well as your own. Improperly secured freight is a DOT violation that can result in costly fines, as well as impact your company’s CSA score.
Another benefit of using a dry van for freight shipping is the reduced risk of cargo shifting while the vehicle is in motion. This can save you money on damage to the product and prevent a delay in the shipment’s delivery date.
Finally, the fact that dry vans are closed off makes them much more fuel-efficient than open-bed trucks. This helps keep your fuel bill down and decreases carbon emissions.
A major disadvantage of dry vans is their wood flooring, which is often susceptible to moisture damage from the freight or through open doors in the trailer. Moisture can cause the flooring to rot and weaken, which can put your load at risk during bad weather.
The most important thing is to know how to safely secure a dry van trailer. This is a key aspect of trucking that should be practiced on every trip. It can help to reduce accidents and improve your driving skills.
Convenience
Dry van trucking is a popular shipping method for businesses that ship goods that aren’t perishable. It is also common for a variety of industries, including consumer packaged goods (CPG), foods, automotive equipment, cleaning products, and more.
This type of freight transport allows businesses to ship their preferred goods long distances, which can save them time and money in the long run. Additionally, it offers a variety of services to make the shipping process easier, such as drop trailers, pad and blanket wrapping, and white-glove deliveries.
Another advantage of dry van trucking is that it can be used for both full-truckload and less-than-truckload shipments. This flexibility lets you schedule shipments based on your needs and pick the most affordable option for your specific needs.
The convenience of dry van trucking can be especially valuable for small and medium-sized businesses that are looking to ship a variety of goods. This shipping method can help them save on costs by consolidating their shipments into one container, which reduces the amount of space needed.
Coordinate shipping
It can also help businesses save time and effort by reducing their need to coordinate shipping between different parties. Many dry van trucking companies offer regional and short hauls to give their clients more flexibility in scheduling shipments.
Finally, dry van trucking is an affordable way to ship non-perishable goods that aren’t sensitive to temperature. This makes it an attractive choice for a variety of businesses, whether they’re a manufacturer or an online retailer.
A dry van truck trailer is typically a 53-foot-long, rectangular container. This size can hold 26 pallets, and it’s the most popular dry van trailer on the road.
Unlike flatbeds, dry van trucks come equipped with theft protection and weather protection, which can help keep your cargo safe. This makes it an ideal choice for shipping a wide range of goods, from furniture to electronics.
However, it is important to note that dry van shipping doesn’t provide climate control, so it isn’t an ideal choice for refrigerated goods. Depending on your business’s specific needs, you may want to consider reefer trucking instead.
