Dry van trailers are enclosed, non-refrigerated trailers used to transport thousands of different commodities across a wide range of industries. In fact, dry vans are the most common trailer type in the transportation industry.
If your business ships freight, you’re probably familiar with this enclosed 53-foot trailer designed to protect cargo from the elements. Often, dry van shipping can present an affordable solution for a company with all kinds of goods to move.
Here at Anderson Trucking Service (ATS), our dry van shipping services are supported by hundreds of drivers, trailers and trucks — primarily operating east of the Mississippi River. For decades, these drivers have hauled countless commodities to and from locations around the U.S.
In this article, you’ll learn what freight is most commonly hauled in a dry van so you have a better understanding of the capabilities of these trailers.
What Is a Dry Van Trailer Used For?
Dry van trailers are used to transport a wide variety of commodities. They're typically a good fit for freight that:
- Does not require temperature control
- Needs protection from rain, snow, wind, and other elements
- Fits within the trailer's size and weight limits
- Can be loaded through the rear doors
- Is palletized
Industries that commonly rely on dry van transportation include retail/general merchandise, food and beverage, healthcare, and manufacturing.
What Are Common Dry Van Commodities?
Common dry van commodities include:
- Clothing and textiles
- Non-perishable food products
- Non-perishable beverages
- Manufacturing parts and equipment
- Consumer and retail goods
- Furniture
- Household goods
- Electronics
- Plastics and rubber
- Medical equipment
- Select chemicals
- Fertilizers
- Stone products
- Building materials
- Christmas trees
This is not a comprehensive list of everything that can be transported in a dry van trailer, but it includes some of the most common commodities hauled through ATS' dry van services.
Because dry vans can transport such a wide range of freight, they are one of the most widely available trailer types. That availability can give shippers more carrier options, though dry van shipping costs still vary based on the shipment, lane, timing, and market conditions.
Related: What Impacts Your Dry Van Rates? (5 Factors to Understand)
What Are the Size and Weight Limits of a Dry Van Trailer?
A standard 53-foot dry van can generally accommodate freight within these limits:
- Length: 53 feet
- Width: 8 feet, 6 inches
- Height: 8 feet, 6 inches
- Weight: 42,000-45,000 pounds
Usually, dry vans are used to ship palletized cargo. Depending on how they’re loaded and the size of each pallet, a 53-foot dry van can typically fit 24-32 pallets.
Find the Right Dry Van Carrier For Your Business
There is a lot at stake for your business every time freight leaves your door. While choosing the right trailer is important, it's also important to choose a carrier you can trust to handle your shipment properly.
Now that you understand what commonly ships in a dry van trailer, the next step is choosing the right carrier for those loads.
Because dry vans are the most common trailer type, there are many carriers to choose from. That makes it important to evaluate your options carefully rather than selecting the first provider you find.
To help, the ATS team put together a free Freight Carrier Selection Checklist. It includes 30 questions to ask potential trucking companies before adding them to your carrier network.
Ready to see if ATS is the right fit for your dry van freight? Explore our dry van shipping services.
