Dry van shipping is one of the most popular and widely trusted freight transportation methods available. It has remained a preferred means of transportation due to the high availability and numerous benefits of having an enclosed trailer throughout the shipping process. In today’s post, we will dive deeper into everything you need to know about dry van shipping.
What is a Dry Van Trailer?
Dry van trailers are attached to semi-trucks mainly for shipping large quantities of loads, goods, products, or bigger items like automobiles. In fact, dry vans are actually the most popular and common trailer you see behind a semi-truck today! The reason these trailers have coined the name “dry van trailers” is because they keep the goods and products “dry” and protected from external elements, like weather conditions, road debris, accidents, etc.
Dry van trailer dimensions
Dry van trailers are available in many different sizes and materials. The maximum length allowed for a dry van trailer is 53 feet long. The two most popular types of dry van trailers are ‘general trailers’ and ‘pup trailers’. General dry van trailers are 53-feet long, whereas the pup dry van trailers are 26-29 feet long.
Additionally, there are several materials in which dry van trailers are available. These trailers are mainly made from galvanized steel, aluminum, hardwood, or iron.
When do shippers use dry vans?
Shippers use dry van trailers for both short-distance and local shipments, as well as long-distance over-road shipping jobs. Dry van trailers are extremely versatile and can handle many types of freight, including non-perishable food, building materials, and more.
Some examples that dry vans are used for are:
1. Moving non-perishable foods and beverages, textile and clothing items, electronics, plastic, and building products.
2. Transporting cars, motorbikes, minibusses, other automobiles, and components of bigger machines like airplanes and ships.
3. Relocating household goods, furniture, electronics, and more during the moving process.
4. Transporting small machinery and equipment in the construction industry to move raw materials from the warehouse to the construction site, or vice versa.
Dry van shipping challenges
There are always a few small cons to every type of shipment, but luckily the list is very short for dry van shipping:
● There is no temperature control, insulation, or other climate alterations within dry van trailers. This means the dry van is not a proper solution for the goods and products that need to be refrigerated.
● The hardwood floors in most dry van trailers are vulnerable to moisture and condensation buildup that can come from freight or through open doors. This can lead to extra repair or replacement costs if the trailer takes on the damage.
All in all, dry van shipping continues to proves itself as one of the most affordable means of transportation that is able to accommodate both regional and short-haul shipments along with long-haul shipments.
Dry van shipping services
With the dry van, you can worry less about the security and safety of your freight. If you’re considering dry van shipping, PLS Logistics offers dry van trucking services, including full truckload and LTL shipments. To learn more about dry van freight shipments, visit our website or request a free dry van freight assessment now.
Types of dry van trailers
Dry van trailers are available in many different sizes and materials. The maximum length allowed for a dry van trailer is 53 feet long. The two most popular types of dry van trailers are ‘general trailers’ and ‘pup trailers’. General dry van trailers are 53-feet long, whereas the pup dry van trailers are 26-29 feet long.
Additionally, there are several materials that dry van trailers are available in. These trailers are mainly made from galvanized steel, aluminum, hardwood or iron.
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