With over 40 years of experience in the transportation industry, East Coast Transport offers leading dry van transportation services for all types of industries.
Dry van trucking is the most common form of freight transportation. The term “dry van” refers to the vehicle or compartment used to haul cargo. In other words, it refers to the trailers you see hitched to trucks on the highway. Sometimes called a box trailer, which is enclosed, dry van trucks are not temperature controlled. They carry almost any type of cargo except for perishable freight. For the most part, dry van transportation services are used to transport palatalized cargo or boxes of consumer goods (i.e. packaged foods, clothing, certain electronics, some machinery, furniture, etc.), but they can also be used to move other types of equipment. Dry van trucks are an important part of the supply chain, carrying goods to businesses and consumers all over the country. Read more about “What Is Dry Van Trucking?” on our blog!
Dry vans are primarily used to carry large shipments; however, they are also used for LTL (less than truckload) transportation. LTL carriers consolidate shipments to multiple destinations, reducing costs. Dry van trucks easily fit into loading docks. Using the drop and hook method, empty trailers and full trailers can be swapped quickly. With drop and hook, a driver drops his trailer at a location and hooks to another trailer, saving time as there is no need to wait to unload and load freight. Dry van trucking is a perfect solution for hauling cargo short and long distances, protecting the cargo from weather and temperature changes. Because goods are stored in a “locked” box, the dry van trailer, they are difficult to access, reducing the potential of theft.
A dry van truck is one of the most common and versatile methods of transport and can be used to ship a wide variety of goods. In most cases, dry vans are used to carry boxed items, palette materials, or any other material that does not have a sensitivity to extreme heat or cold. Some examples might include household appliances, electronics, retail goods or clothing. Dry van trucks may also haul non-perishable food products, such as canned foods, cereals, bottled foods or dry foods. These trailers cannot transport products that require refrigeration.
When hauling it is important to know the weight being transported. Depending on the size of the dry van, a normal load can carry up to 45,000 lbs. However, most drivers prefer to carry loads sizing between 40,000 and 44,000 in weight. When it comes to the amount of palettes a dry van can carry, a standard 48’ van will hold up to 24 48” x 40” palettes. Where a 53’ van can carry 26 48” x 40” palettes.
The major difference between a dry van and reefer all comes down to the goods being transported. A dry van is ideal for those goods that do not need to be temperature controlled. For example, dry vans can carry household products, packaged goods, and non-perishable items. Whereas a reefer allows the driver to carry items that are sensitive to increasing temperatures and need to be temperature controlled, as well as dry goods. This gives drivers a more versatile option in carrying or delivering goods because the worry of spoiled deliveries is essentially eliminated.
Whether you require a full truckload or LTL, East Coast Transport has the resources necessary to transport your freight at competitive prices. Using state-of-the-art technology and a dedicated team of professionals, we manage your cargo across town or across the country ensuring that time-sensitive deadlines are met. At East Coast Transport, client satisfaction is our number one priority.