If you’ve ever driven on a highway, you’ve seen dry vans. These enclosed, non-refrigerated trailers are the backbone of freight shipping in North America, moving about 70% of all cargo. They’re simple, reliable, and cost-effective, which is exactly why they dominate the industry.
A standard dry van measures 48–53 feet long, 8.5 feet wide, and 9 feet tall, with a capacity of 42,000–45,000 pounds. That’s enough space for 26–30 standard pallets, and with rear swing doors and basic locking systems, they keep your freight secure without any complicated equipment. No refrigeration, no fancy systems, just a secure box on wheels perfect for ecommerce shipping needs.
When a Dry Van Won’t Work
The biggest mistake in logistics is choosing the wrong equipment, and with dry vans, the limitations are pretty clear. Temperature is the first dealbreaker. Dry vans have zero climate control, so the interior temperature swings with the weather. In summer, it can hit 120°F, and in winter, it can drop below freezing. If you’re shipping pharmaceuticals (even ones labeled “room temperature”), chocolate, cosmetics, wine, craft beer, or heat-sensitive chemicals, you need a reefer. Yes, reefers cost 20–30% more, but that’s a lot cheaper than replacing thousands of dollars in melted or degraded inventory.
Size is another non-negotiable factor. Those rear doors are only 8 feet wide by 8.5 feet tall, so if your cargo doesn’t fit through that opening, you’re out of luck. Industrial machinery, steel beams longer than 48 feet, agricultural equipment, or anything weighing over 45,000 pounds needs a flatbed truck. Here’s a common mistake: some shippers try to disassemble equipment just to squeeze it into a dry van. Before you do that, calculate the cost of disassembly, shipping, and reassembly, plus the downtime. A flatbed might actually save you money in the long run. For a deeper comparison, this breakdown of dry van vs flatbed trucks is useful.
Fragility is trickier because it’s not always black and white. Standard dry van suspension prioritizes efficiency over smoothness, so every bump and turn gets transmitted to your cargo. If you’re shipping fine art, precision medical equipment, or large quantities of glass, you might need specialized handling. That said, you don’t always need a different truck. Air-ride suspension, extra cushioning, or white-glove drivers can make a dry van work for fragile items, but you need to plan for it upfront.
Hazardous materials fall into a gray area. Some hazmat can travel in dry vans with proper documentation and a driver with hazmat endorsement, like limited quantities of batteries, aerosols, or paint. But flammable liquids, compressed gases, corrosives, or explosives need specialized equipment. Always check DOT regulations before booking.
Why Dry Vans Win
Despite these limitations, dry vans dominate freight shipping for good reasons. First, they’re everywhere. Making up 70% of the trucking fleet means you can find one tomorrow, even during peak season or on rural routes. That availability translates directly into flexibility and speed for your supply chain.
Second, they’re significantly cheaper. A dry van from Chicago to Dallas costs $2,200–2,800, while a reefer on the same route runs $2,800–3,600, and a flatbed costs $2,600–3,200. If you’re shipping 50 loads per year and choosing dry vans when appropriate, you’re saving $30,000–50,000 annually.
Security is built in. Being fully enclosed, dry vans protect against theft, weather, and visibility. This matters when moving high-value goods or new product launches. Loading is also faster. A 53-foot dry van trailer loads in 30–45 minutes, compared to 2–3 hours for flatbeds, reducing detention charges and speeding up transit times. For larger shipments, this guide on shipping freight in a 53′ dry van trailer covers key considerations.
Getting It Right
To maximize your dry van shipment, start with 48×40″ GMA pallets. The trailer is designed for 26 pallets, and using non-standard sizes wastes 15–20% of space. If you’re using less than 60% capacity, consider LTL shipping instead of booking a full truck.
Weight limits matter just as much. The 45,000-pound limit is federal law, and exceeding it can result in fines, load rejection, or both. Heavy products like bottled liquids, canned goods, books, and ceramic tiles are easy to underestimate.
While the dry van protects against outside threats, it doesn’t prevent internal shifting. Load bars, corner protectors, straps, and extra stretch wrap are essential. Spending $50–150 on securement can prevent damage claims averaging $2,500–8,000.
Comparing Your Options
When choosing between a dry van and a reefer, ask whether your product needs documented temperature control. If it sells in a non-refrigerated aisle, it can be shipped in a dry van.
Flatbed vs dry van decisions come down to dimensions, weight, and loading method. If it fits inside and needs weather protection, a dry van is usually faster and cheaper.
For long hauls, intermodal shipping can reduce freight costs, but longer transit times may tie up inventory, which has its own opportunity cost. Depending on volume, comparing truckload shipping options can help determine the best fit.
The Bottom Line
Choose dry van shipping when your cargo fits standard dimensions, doesn’t need temperature control, weighs under 45,000 pounds, and you want the most cost-effective and available option. At GoShip, we help match your freight with the right equipment every time. If you need pricing details, you can request a freight quote and evaluate the best option for your shipment.