Dry Van
Enclosed trailers for palletized and general freight.
Dry van is the most common type of enclosed trailer in freight transportation. It protects general, non-temperature-sensitive cargo from weather and road conditions, which makes it a flexible option for a wide range of products.
How Dry Van works
A dry van is a fully enclosed, non-refrigerated trailer. It is typically used for palletized freight, boxed goods and other cargo that does not need temperature control or an open deck.
Shippers choose dry van for everything from retail and consumer goods to packaged products and materials, whenever protection from the elements is the main requirement.
Best for dry van freight shipments
- Palletized and boxed general freight
- Cargo that must stay dry and protected
- Loads loaded and unloaded at docks
- Regular shipments of consumer and packaged goods
What to prepare before you request a dry van freight quote
- Commodity, number of pallets and total weight
- Pallet dimensions and whether freight is stackable
- Dock or liftgate availability at pickup and delivery
- Appointment windows and receiving hours
- Any special handling instructions
What affects the quote
Every shipment is different. These are the main factors that influence a freight quote:
- Lane and distance
- Weight and number of pallets
- Loading and unloading requirements
- Pickup timing and appointments
- Market conditions on the lane
Before you ship, you can verify any carrier on the FMCSA SAFER System.
Frequently asked questions
What can I ship in a dry van?
General, non-temperature-sensitive freight such as palletized or boxed goods. If your product needs temperature control, ask about refrigerated service.
Does dry van protect freight from weather?
Yes. The trailer is fully enclosed, which protects cargo from rain, wind and road debris.
Can you handle dock or liftgate requirements?
Tell us about dock access, liftgate and appointment needs when you request your quote so we can plan accordingly.
Other freight services
Full Truckload (FTL), Less Than Truckload (LTL), Refrigerated (Reefer), Expedited, Dedicated.
Ready to move your freight?
Send us your shipment details and request a free quote, or call us and tell us what you need.