Dry van shipping is a trucking method that moves freight in an enclosed, non-temperature-controlled trailer. It is one of the most common ways to transport palletised goods, packaged products, retail inventory, machinery, parts, and general cargo that does not require refrigeration or special handling. Dry vans protect freight from weather, road debris, and basic transit exposure, but they are not suitable for temperature-sensitive, oversized, bulk liquid, or hazardous cargo unless properly equipped and approved.
Dry van shipping uses a standard enclosed trailer with no temperature control to transport general freight, packaged goods, palletized cargo, and non-perishable items by road. It is the most common domestic U.S. trucking mode.
- Standard 53-foot trailer dimensions: 102 inches wide, 110 inches tall, 636 inches long
- Capacity: approximately 26 standard pallets or 44,000 lbs of freight
- Used for everything from consumer goods to industrial materials
- Not suitable for temperature-sensitive, oversized, or bulk cargo
For related logistics context, see glossary entries on FTL, LTL, Container, and liftgate fee.
