Dry van trucking is a freight service that moves palletized or boxed goods in a fully enclosed, non-temperature-controlled trailer, most often 53 feet long. The trailer protects cargo from weather, theft and road debris. It is the most widely used trailer type in US trucking, and it is one of the core freight services GH Logistics runs with its own fleet.
How does dry van trucking work?
A shipper loads freight into the trailer at its dock, usually on pallets moved with a forklift. The trailer is sealed, and a driver hauls it to the receiver, where it is unloaded at a dock.
Most dry van freight moves as a full truckload (FTL): one shipper's freight fills or reserves the whole trailer and goes directly from pickup to delivery without being transferred to another truck. That means less handling and faster transit than consolidated shipments.
Dry van loads can be live loaded (the driver waits while the trailer is loaded) or handled through a drop trailer program (an empty trailer is left at the dock and picked up once it is full).
What equipment is used in dry van trucking?
- Trailer. Usually a 53-foot enclosed trailer, with 48-foot trailers also in use. A standard 53-foot dry van holds about 26 standard pallets on the floor.
- Weight. Federal rules cap gross vehicle weight at 80,000 pounds on interstate highways, which typically leaves room for roughly 42,000 to 45,000 pounds of cargo depending on the truck.
- Doors. Most have swing doors at the rear; some have roll-up doors for city deliveries.
- Tractor. A Class A tractor pulls the trailer, driven by a CDL-A driver.
What types of freight move in a dry van?
Any freight that does not need temperature control or an open deck is a good fit:
- Packaged consumer goods and retail merchandise
- Shelf-stable food and beverages
- Paper, packaging and plastics
- Household goods, furniture and appliances
- Building materials that fit inside a trailer
- Auto parts and manufactured components
Should you choose dry van, reefer or flatbed?
| Trailer type | Best for | Not suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Dry van | Non-perishable, palletized or boxed freight that needs protection from weather | Perishables or oversized loads |
| Refrigerated (reefer) | Produce, meat, dairy, frozen food, some pharmaceuticals | Freight with no temperature needs (it costs more) |
| Flatbed | Machinery, steel, lumber and loads too tall or wide for an enclosed trailer | Freight that must stay dry and secure |
If your product is shelf-stable and fits through a dock door, dry van is usually the most economical option.
What are the benefits of dry van trucking?
- Protection. Enclosed walls and a locked door shield cargo from rain, sun and theft.
- Availability. Dry vans are the most common trailer, so capacity is easier to find than specialized equipment.
- Cost. Without refrigeration units or special securement, rates are typically lower than reefer or flatbed.
- Flexibility. Dry vans fit almost any dock and handle a wide range of commodities.
What should shippers look for in a dry van carrier?
- Whether the carrier runs its own trucks or only brokers loads
- Coverage across the lanes you ship
- On-time performance and how they communicate delays
- Drop trailer options if you load on your own schedule
- System integrations such as EDI or API for tendering and tracking
How GH Logistics handles dry van freight
Dry van truckload is the backbone of GH Logistics. Since starting with one truck in 2014, the company has grown into a family-owned carrier and brokerage moving 2,000 to 3,000 loads a month across 48 states.
- Our own fleet. 170+ Class A units run regional and long-haul dry van freight.
- Extra capacity. 10,000+ qualified partner carriers for surge and off-network lanes.
- Drop trailer and trailer pool programs so you can load on your schedule.
- Dedicated contract services with committed equipment and drivers for recurring freight.
- Visibility. Real-time milestone updates and EDI and API integrations.
See all of our freight services, and if you also move perishables, read about our power-only trucking and refrigerated options.
Dry van trucking FAQs
How many pallets fit in a 53-foot dry van?
About 26 standard 48 by 40 inch pallets fit on the floor, or up to about 52 if they can be safely double stacked.
What is the difference between dry van and reefer?
A reefer trailer has a refrigeration unit that holds a set temperature. A dry van has no climate control, so it is used for freight that is not temperature sensitive.
Is dry van freight cheaper than refrigerated?
Usually, yes. Reefer equipment costs more to buy, fuel and maintain, and those costs show up in the rate.
What does FTL mean in dry van shipping?
Full truckload. One shipper's freight uses the whole trailer and moves directly from pickup to delivery.
Does GH Logistics offer dedicated dry van service?
Yes. GH offers dedicated contract services with committed equipment and drivers, along with standard truckload service.
