Dry Van Truck: The Ultimate Complete Guide
What is a dry van truck?
Best explanation: dry van trucks, also called dry van trailers and straight trucks, are usually used for long-distance transport. They are completely enclosed semi-trailers. They work well for transporting pallets, bulk goods, and more. They insulate against the weather, protect goods, and are great for heavy transport. Plus, they boost efficiency.
Dry van trucks are mainly used by businesses and logistics companies. Many independent van drivers use them too. These trucks transport large amounts of goods easily. Most shipments are full truckloads. Following that, there are less-than-truckload (LTL), also known as ‘consolidation’ in maritime transport. They are widely used in various countries and regions.
What is the difference between a dry semi trailer and a straight truck?
They are both types of dry trucks, and both are mainstream medium- to long-distance haulers. They are similar to refrigerated trucks. They have the same load capacity and cargo temperature control. Their maneuverability and costs are also alike. Companies must think about these aspects. There are many differences between a dry semi and a straight truck; here’s how they differ:
| Comparison Items | Straight Trucks | Dry Cargo Semi-trailers |
|---|---|---|
| Chassis Structure | Integrated monolithic chassis, including cargo box, cab and sleeper | Semi-trailer chassis for bearing the weight of the cargo box |
| Cargo Box Features | Fixed | Maximum 53-foot large closed box |
| Load Capacity | Approximately 15 tons | Up to 30 tons |
| Handling Performance | Easy to operate | Difficult to operate, requires experience |
| Operating Costs | Low | High |
| Flexibility | High | Low, suitable for long-distance transport, with poor flexibility for short-distance transport |
Straight trucks:
- Chassis: The design integrates the monolithic chassis with the cargo box, cab, and sleeper.
- Cargo box: it is fixed.
- Cargo capacity: weak cargo capacity, usually around 15 tons.
- Manoeuvrability: It is easier to drive and operate the truck; it is shorter and less difficult.
- Operating cost: low operating cost, low fuel consumption; most companies can afford the operating costs.
- Flexibility: more flexible and convenient.
Dry cargo semi-trailer:
- Chassis: the chassis is a semi-trailer chassis structure, mainly used to carry the weight of the cargo box.
- Cargo box: the maximum can be a 53-foot large closed box.
- Carrying capacity: the carrying capacity reaches an amazing 30 tons to meet the requirements of large-scale logistics.
- Manoeuvrability: The driving operation is difficult and requires relatively more experience.
- Operating costs: extremely high operating costs, but also large profits, requiring sufficient experience in business management.
- Flexibility: poor flexibility; suitable for long-distance transport.
What sizes of dry van trucks are available?
Common types of dry van trucks in FTL and LTL:
53ft trailers
Usually 53 feet in length, which is 16.15 meters in metric. These large trucks can weigh up to 45 tonnes when fully loaded. They are ideal for long-distance transport of full truckloads (FTL) and can carry a high capacity.
48 ft. trailers
The length is 48 feet (14.63 meters). The loaded mass is about 30 tonnes, which can better balance the capacity and cost and is suitable for LTL and LCL freight.
28ft trailer
The length is 8.53 meters. It fits the 24–26 internal size. This vehicle is great for highways and big city roads. It’s ideal for moving and transporting small cargo.
26ft trailer
Length is 7.92 metres, suitable for small cargo distribution, short body, but compact yet efficient, agile handling.
Straight trucks
Straight trucks have more sizes; the length of the box truck body is 6 to 8 meters, and it is very compact; the cargo box and cockpit share a chassis. They are suitable for small cargo transport and are very light and flexible.
| Vehicle Type | Dimensions | Load Capacity | Application Scenarios | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53ft Trailer | 53 feet long (16.15 meters) | Up to 45 tonnes when fully loaded | Long-distance full truckload transport (FTL) | High transport capacity |
| 48ft Trailer | 48 feet long (14.63 meters) | About 30 tonnes | Less-than-truckload freight (LTL) and less-than-container load freight | Balances capacity and cost |
| 28ft Trailer | 8.53 meters long, internal size 24 – 26 feet | – | Highways, large city roads, moving and transporting small cargo | Adaptable to various road conditions, suitable for small-item transport |
| 26ft Trailer | 7.92 meters long | – | Small cargo distribution | Compact yet efficient, agile handling |
| Straight Truck | The box truck body is 6 – 8 meters long | – | Small cargo transport | Light and flexible, the cargo box and cockpit share a chassis |
LTL vs. FTL dry van truck trailers:
In transport, FTL stands for full truckload, while LTL means less-than-truckload. Insulated vans and reefer trucks often use these methods. They serve different needs and offer unique benefits.
FTL dry van truck transport:
FTL (Full Truckload Transport) is best for exclusive use. The goods go directly from the point of origin to the destination. It has a high load capacity and does not require transshipment, which saves a lot of time and costs. It can have a very high efficiency. Relatively high costs in front bear a very low average cost.
LTL dry van trucking:
The main focus is on consolidating shipments and small quantities of goods. In LTL transport, a truckload usually has multiple shippers with different origins and destinations, and the transport process may also involve transshipment. However, this reduces the cost of freight and is often more profitable for those in the LTL business.
Benefits of dry van trucking
High load capacity
Whether you are transporting a 15-ton load or a 30-ton load, it is very easy with a dry van truck or a cargo dry van trailer. The loading capacity is very high.
Protection of cargo
Enclosed cargo compartments bring total protection. They can protect the cargo well from external weather, dust, and rain, and can be completely isolated from the external environment. They reduce the risk of theft and damage.
Versatility
Dry van trucks can carry many products. They transport plants, furniture, food, machinery, clothing, and more. Although they do not have the temperature control of refrigerated trucks, they can withstand the effects of weather and external causes.
Affordable
Using a dry van truck as a means of transport is a great option. Dry van trucks are affordable, especially straight trucks. They save money and improve efficiency for transporting many types of goods.
High Demand
Dry van trucks are well suited for intercontinental transport, are in much higher demand than reefer trucks and small enclosed trailers, and are in season in all seasons. Although they are not temperature-controlled, they can transport more goods that do not require temperature control.
Suitable for medium- and long-distance transport:
Dry van trucks are suitable for long distances, for motorways and highways, and are more resilient to external risks.
What goods can be transported in dry van trucks?
Most transport needs don’t require strict temperature control. So, dry van trucks are typically used for these tasks. Usually, we can transport up to 30 tonnes with ease. They are suitable for transporting pallets, boxes, and other products. It is also possible to save costs compared to the use of dry vans.
The following goods can be transported on dry van trucks:
- wood, foam sandwich panels, aluminum panels
- Textiles, clothing
- Wooden furniture, leather sofas.
- Cosmetics, beauty equipment, and beauty products
- Component products, industrial equipment, and large machinery.
- Vegetables, fruits, and canned goods
- Plastic products, nonhazardous chemicals
What is the difference between a dry van truck and other forms of transport?
Refrigerated Transporters: Refrigerated transporters can usually transport products from -18°C to 7°C, have refrigeration units, and are suitable for transporting perishable goods.
Tanker trucks: Tanker trucks can transport products such as chemicals, petrol, and gases. Even cooking oil can be transported, but local laws need to be followed, and goods that have been transported with chemicals, etc. cannot be transported with goods such as cooking oil.
Choose a Composite Box truck.
Composite Box is a renowned dry freight box truck manufacturer. We offer box trucks up to 49 ft in length. We also manufacture and sell dry freight box bodies made from fiberglass sandwich panels. Our continuous fiber technology helps lower costs and improve durability. Our continuous fiber technology reduces costs and gives a longer lifespan. We have up to 20 truck kits to choose from, making your logistics and rental business more and more prosperous and helping your business grow!
Author introduction
Hello, customers
My name is Jack Yu and I am the Business Manager of Composite Box. I have been in the business of sandwich panels, refrigerated trucks and RVs for more than 10 years. Please feel free to contact us. I am happy to provide you with the best service and products.
Email: info@composite-box.com | Tel: 86+17280837525
