Functional, budget-friendly and reliable—there are so many reasons to love using a dry van truck for shipping, but those are some of the top ones. If your business is considering utilizing a dry van trailer for shipping but is unsure if it’s the right match, it’s helpful to learn more about what exactly a dry van truck is and how to choose the best one for you.
GP Transco is here to answer any questions you have about the benefits of dry van trucks, whether you’re curious to learn more about the environmental implications of using one, the cost associated with doing so or how many goods you can transport.
What Is a Dry Van Truck?
A dry van truck is a type of semi-trailer. It is sometimes referred to as a box truck or a straight truck. A dry van truck is different from other logistics solutions because it is not temperature-controlled and cannot carry oversized goods, unlike a flatbed truck.
One of the hallmarks of a dry van truck is that it is entirely enclosed. Because of this, it offers protection from the elements for the goods that are being shipped inside, making dry van transport extremely popular.
Since it’s not able to be temperature controlled, the cargo inside the truck shouldn’t be temperature sensitive or perishable. (If you want a truck that can move perishable goods, you’ll want a “reefer.”)
The average dry van truck is usually 48-53 feet long, over 8 feet wide and about 8 feet tall. Of course, this can vary, but this is what to expect in general.
Because of these dimensions, dry van trucks can transport a significant quantity of goods in one trip. Their design also makes them an appealing option; they typically have doors in the back of the vehicle for simplified loading and unloading.
Versatility and Capacity
To better understand dry van shipping, let’s walk through some of the most common uses and industries that rely on this form of vehicle. (Spoiler: Many industries use this type of truck because of its versatility!)
Various retailers use dry van trucks to transport their goods, such as electronics, clothes, furniture and even non-perishable food. Additionally, eCommerce businesses love to leverage dry van trucks to deliver their items to consumers, thanks to their large capacity.
Finally, the shape of the dry van truck makes it an ideal option for palletized goods. This type of truck is also an excellent option for palletized goods due to its being fully enclosed and, therefore, protected from poor weather conditions.
Security and Protection
Next, let’s dive deeper into the security features that dry van trucks boast. Safety is a crucial reason why dry van trucking is so successful. The primary reason that dry van services are utilized for transportation of goods is the enclosed nature of the vehicle.
The truck's enclosed trailer protects items from undesirable conditions and ensures that the products do not get stolen, making it highly secure.
Another key feature of the dry van truck is its durable and secure walls and roof. Typically, dry van trucks are constructed from materials such as steel or aluminum, creating a secure environment for products to be transported.
You’ll also typically find interior features designed to keep your cargo safe. This includes E-Track rail systems that hold goods in their desired place so they will not shift around or get damaged in transit.
You can also decide if you want to take additional protective action, such as adding load bars and straps to your dry van truck. Again, the intention is to keep valuable cargo safe.
Sometimes, dry vans also include additional features such as internal lighting, making loading and unloading in dark conditions significantly safer and more effective. Plus, dry van trucks feature heavy rear doors that keep goods safe and prevent theft before the items arrive at their destination. All of these features combined make dry van trucks one of the most secure shipping methods.
Cost-Effectiveness
Another reason organizations choose to use this type of truck is because it offers secure yet cost-effective shipping. Here are some of the key reasons that dry van trucks are a cost-effective option for retailers to consider.
For starters, dry van trucks can transport many items due to their large capacity. Plus, these trucks are versatile, which lowers the cost associated with shipping, as there’s no need to hire a specialized vehicle for product transit. Their standard size means loading and unloading is a breeze and won’t require specialized equipment—again, a cost-saving effort.
They also require less energy than trucks that feature refrigeration systems (“reefers”), which again establishes dry van trucks as a cost-effective logistics option. From a logistics company perspective, this reduces operational costs, which you can pass on to your clients.
Next, there’s the factor of fuel efficiency. Since dry vans are enclosed, they are more aerodynamic than some other forms of vehicles. Because of this, using a dry van truck can be more fuel-efficient than a different type of truck.
Environmental Impact
That brings us to our next point: the environmental impact of using a dry van truck. Dry van logistics vehicles are more environmentally friendly than other types of trucks, such as refrigerated trucks or flatbed trucks. This is because dry van trucks are more fuel-efficient and have lower emissions than the alternatives.
The logistics industry at large is grappling with sustainability, and utilizing dry van trucks instead of alternatives is a step in the correct direction. According to the American Trucking Association, emissions from new trucks have been reduced by over 98% in the last three decades. You can take part in this movement towards sustainability in the trucking industry by utilizing dry van trucks.
Choosing the Right Dry Van Truck
Dry van freight transit is an efficient option. Here’s how to choose the best dry van truck for your specific needs.
For starters, you will want to select a dry van truck with a suitable capacity for the goods you would like to move. While dry van trucks are fairly standard in size, they can vary slightly.
Next, you’ll want to consider any important safety features. For instance, is it really important that you are able to secure your items? Make sure you choose your dry van truck accordingly.
You’ll also want to consider your cargo type. If you are moving food that is perishable, a dry van truck isn’t going to be the right option.
Overall, your best bet is to work with a reputable logistics company like GP Transco to help streamline your selection process. At GP Transco, it’s our goal to ensure you have access to the best fleet to get the job done efficiently, safely and securely.
Reach out today to learn more about our innovative dry van shipping solutions!
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