Exploring Dry Van Shipping: The Essentials of Enclosed Truck Trailers
Dry vans are essential in freight shipping, and their long, rectangular shapes are a common sight on highways. Often adorned with company logos, these vehicles transport goods across the nation.
Playing a crucial role in the economy, dry vans represent 2.05 million trucks on the road. They carry a wide range of commodities, from household items to food and furniture, moving these goods from production facilities to retail spaces.
These trucks are often the preferred method in the freight transportation industry. Let's explore why.
WHAT IS A DRY VAN?
A dry van, also known as a box trailer, is the most common type of enclosed trailer used for shipping goods across the country. As the name suggests, dry van shipping involves transporting "dry" goods, meaning they remain protected from the outside environment during shipment.
TYPES OF DRY VANS
The standard dry van is a 53-foot trailer, typically with an inside width of 96 inches and an inside height of about 110 inches, ideal for shipping larger items and bulk quantities.
However, the trucking sector recognizes that one size does not fit all. For smaller loads and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments, more compact dry vans are available. These smaller trailers offer the same protection and convenience as their larger counterparts, but are more suited for transporting smaller quantities of goods and navigating through cities or towns with narrow streets.
Aside from size variations, dry vans can come with options for additional reinforcement, insulation, and advanced locking mechanisms, among other customizations.
DRY VAN SHIPPING VS. OTHER SHIPPING OPTIONS
While versatile, dry vans are not the only type of trailer in use.
Reefer trucks, which look similar from the outside, are equipped with refrigeration units for climate control, making them ideal for transporting perishable items. In contrast, dry vans are designed explicitly for non-temperature controlled cargo.
Flatbed trailers, open on all sides, are another versatile shipping solution but lack the enclosure offered by dry vans. They are suited for oversized shipments that don’t fit within an enclosed structure.
Each shipping need is distinct, and the optimal transportation method varies based on multiple factors. However, given their security and considerable cargo space, dry vans continue to be a preferred choice for various shipping needs.
COMMON GOODS TRANSPORTED IN DRY VANS
Dry van goods are present in nearly every aspect of our daily lives, ranging from everyday household products to materials utilized across different industries. Here are some of the most frequently transported items in dry van shipments:
● Non-Perishable Food: Items such as canned goods, grains, and dry pasta are ideally suited for dry van transport. Without stringent temperature controls and with a low risk of spoilage, these items can be transported securely over long distances in a dry van.
● Household items: including furniture, appliances, and electronics, can all be transported using a dry van. Given the protection from external elements, it’s a preferred choice for items like these.
● Healthcare Supplies: Dry vans are frequently used to transport various healthcare supplies, including medical devices, non-perishable pharmaceuticals, and personal protective equipment (PPE). These items require secure and dry conditions to maintain their integrity and usability during transit, making dry vans an ideal choice for such sensitive cargo.
● Building Materials: Many construction materials, including lumber, concrete, and plumbing equipment, often find their way into dry vans. Although certain raw materials can be complex or heavy, dry vans offer a practical transportation solution.
● Industrial Equipment: Various industries use dry vans for shipping equipment and materials. Their capacity to accommodate various sizes enables them to transport everything from small mechanical components to larger equipment.
ADVANTAGES OF DRY VAN SHIPPING
The appeal of dry vans stems from the benefits they provide. Here’s an in-depth examination of these advantages:
1. Protection from Elements: The most critical benefit of using dry vans is the protection they provide. With their fully enclosed structure, dry vans safeguard cargo from external elements, such as changing weather conditions and road debris. Regardless of the weather conditions, dry vans ensure that cargo remains protected.
2. Protection Against Theft: Given the ongoing issue of cargo theft in the freight industry, the added security provided by dry vans offers a substantial benefit.The enclosed design of a dry van. The van container is designed to make it difficult for potential thieves to reach the goods while they are in transit. Some dry vans even come equipped with advanced locking mechanisms, adding an extra layer of security.
3. Wide Availability: Dry vans are one of the most common types of trailers, making them widely available for shipping needs. This ease of access can facilitate quicker and more efficient logistics planning.
4. Versatility: The all-rounded nature of dry vans makes them fit for carrying a wide array of goods.They're ideal for hauling non-perishable food, household goods, construction materials, loose cargo, and other items.
5. Dock Compatibility: Dry vans are designed to fit most loading docks, enhancing their accessibility. Their standard design and dimensions ensure they can be used effectively for loading and unloading at a range of dock types.
These benefits, along with the fact that dry vans are widely available and reasonably priced, make them a popular and practical choice for shippers who require quick access to shipping solutions.
DRY VAN SHIPPING CHALLENGES
While dry vans offer many advantages, they aren’t without their challenges.
One area where dry vans may fall short is with oversized shipments. Dry vans usually come with specific height and weight limits and are restricted by their size. In these cases, other types of trailers with no height limitations, such as flatbed trucks or trailers, may be more suitable.
Additionally, dry vans may not always be the best option for goods that require temperature control. While they offer protection from external weather conditions, dry vans do not provide a controlled environment within. Perishable items or goods with specific temperature needs are best transported in refrigerated trailers, which provide necessary cooling features.
The enclosed structure of dry vans can also pose challenges during the loading and unloading process. This design often restricts access to the cargo, making it difficult to maneuver large or awkwardly shaped items in and out of the trailer. Moreover, the restricted space in dry vans demands greater accuracy and time for effective organization and retrieval of goods, which can complicate logistics and prolong loading durations.
FACTORS THAT AFFECT DRY VAN FREIGHT RATES
If you’re looking to utilize dry vans for your shipping needs, it’s important to understand the factors that impact costs. This assists with budgeting, planning, and ultimately finding the most economical method for shipping your goods. Here are the key factors that influence dry van freight rates:
1. Location: The distance between the pickup and delivery locations is a key factor in determining freight rates. Longer distances generally result in greater fuel use and more driver hours, which contribute to higher costs.
2. Freight Type: The kind of goods being transported can significantly affect the cost. Heavier or more fragile items that need special handling or equipment during loading and unloading usually incur higher charges.
3. Distance and Route: The length of the haul and the specific route taken affect rates. Longer distances generally cost more, and certain routes may be more expensive due to tolls, road conditions, or traffic congestion.
4. Demand and Supply of Drivers: The freight industry is influenced by supply and demand dynamics. During peak times, such as the holiday season, freight rates typically experience an increase. Conversely, the availability of drivers can also change costs. Shortages of drivers may lead to increased rates due to the premium on their availability.
ASSET TRANSPORT CAN HANDLE YOUR DRY VAN SHIPPING NEEDS
Dry van shipping plays a crucial role in the logistics and trucking sector, accommodating nearly any type of cargo for transport. From clothing and non-perishable food to electronics, dry vans provide a flexible, secure, and efficient method for your shipping requirements.
For businesses looking for reliable shipping options, Asset Transport is the ideal partner for your logistics requirements. We have a proven track record of safety and reliability in shipping smaller goods to those with large volumes.