Dry van trucking is a popular and reliable choice for transporting freight. Its enclosed trailer offers numerous advantages and is easily accessible. As a result of its widespread use in freight transportation, there has been a noticeable rise in the demand for dry van freight services.
In this article, we will learn about dry van freight and its advantages and disadvantages. This will help you make an informed decision about hiring a logistic service for your industry.
What is Dry Van Freight?
The term “dry van” refers to the vehicle commonly seen on highways used for hauling cargo. It features a large, non-temperature-controlled storage container that is towed behind a truck, making it ideal for shipping non-perishable items.
A dry van’s fully enclosed design helps protect shipments from external elements. This versatile method can accommodate a range of freight, including palletized, boxed, or loose items. In fact, many of the products you use or handle on a daily basis were likely shipped via dry van.
What are Dry Vans Used for?
Dry vans are primarily used for transporting non-perishable items. This shipping method is ideal for various industries that need to move goods without requiring temperature control. Since dry vans don’t require specialized trailers, they are often a more cost-effective option compared to other freight methods. Additionally, these vans can carry up to 45,000 pounds of goods in larger containers.
Some examples of items that can be hauled by dry van trucking include:
Agricultural equipment and materials
Automotive parts and service products
Beauty products
Cleaning products
Clothing
Furniture
Healthcare instruments and equipment
Industrial equipment
Dry Van Advantages
Almost every industry that deals with non-perishable items relies on dry van shipping. Here are three key dry van transport benefits:
Dry vans can transport a wide variety of freight, making them suitable for industries that ship everything from building materials to medical equipment.
A dry van’s enclosed design provides added security for the shipment. It protects the cargo from external factors such as harsh weather and theft, and additional bracing can be used to secure the load further.
Dry van shipping is often the most affordable option, especially when selecting the right trailer size. It’s a budget-friendly choice for many businesses looking to keep shipping costs down.
Also Read, What is the Definition of Dry Freight Shipping?
Dry Van Disadvantages
While dry van shipping offers many benefits, there are some downsides to consider:
Unlike refrigerated trucks, dry vans do not offer temperature control, making them unsuitable for shipping perishable goods at an affordable price.
Limited to Standard-Sized Loads:
Dry vans cannot accommodate oversized or wide loads, unlike flatbed trailers that are designed for such shipments.
Many dry van trailers are prone to moisture damage. Issues like condensation buildup from freight or open doors can lead to water damage, and the hardwood floors often require frequent repairs due to this vulnerability.
Dry Van Trucking vs. Other Trailers
Before concluding the article, let’s quickly compare the dry van with other forms of trucks and trailers.
Flatbed Trailers
Flatbed trailers are best suited for oversized or unusually shaped cargo that doesn’t fit in a dry van. They are also ideal for shipments that need to be unloaded without a dock, as long as the cargo isn’t sensitive to weather conditions. Flatbeds are commonly used for transporting construction materials and heavy machinery, items that would either be too large or difficult to load and unload in a dry van.
Also Read, Where to Find Flatbed Trucks in the USA?
Refrigerated Trailers
Refrigerated trailers, or “reefers,” maintain a temperature-controlled environment ranging from 13°F below zero to 77°F Fahrenheit. While dry vans can be equipped with heaters to prevent freezing, refrigerated units are necessary for goods that need to stay cold or frozen, particularly perishables.
Tanker Trucks
Tanker trucks are used to transport bulk, unpackaged liquids. While dry vans can carry liquids when packaged in drums, totes, or other containers, liquids like fuel, oil, and chemicals often require tanker trucks due to the impracticality of packaging them for dry van transport.
Conclusion
Dry van freight remains a reliable and cost-effective option for transporting a wide range of non-perishable goods. Its versatility, security, and affordability make it a preferred choice across various industries.
While it may not be suitable for temperature-sensitive or oversized shipments, its benefits far outweigh the limitations for many businesses. Understanding how dry van shipping fits into the broader logistics landscape can help businesses make more informed decisions to meet their shipping needs.
We at Lading Logistics have professional feet and effective transport vehicles that can provide you with the best logistics services for your goods. Contact us today for all your requirements.
