Dry Van Trailer

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Overview

Dry Van trailers are fully enclosed, non-temperature-controlled trailers designed for standard dry freight. They protect cargo from weather during transit and are commonly used for palletized, boxed, and packaged shipments.

They are typically loaded through rear doors and work best for freight that fits within standard trailer dimensions and does not require refrigeration or specialized loading equipment.

Key characteristics:

Fully enclosed cargo space
Rear-door loading
Protection from weather during transit
Suitable for palletized, boxed, and packaged freight
Commonly available in 48 ft and 53 ft lengths
Designed for standard dry freight

Dry Van Trailer Image Gallery

Available Sizes & Configurations

Dry Van trailers are commonly available in two standard lengths:

48 ft Dry Van
53 ft Dry Van

Both configurations serve the same general purpose. The main differences are available cargo space and overall capacity, so they can be covered within the same equipment page rather than treated as separate trailer types.

Typical Dimensions & Capacity

Specification	Typical Range
Trailer Length	48–53 ft
Exterior Width	About 102 in
Interior Width	About 100–101 in
Interior Height	About 110 in (9.2 ft)
Door Opening	Approx. 95–100 in W × 104–110 in H
Payload Capacity	About 42,000–45,000 lbs

Note: Dimensions and payload capacity may vary by trailer configuration, manufacturer, and applicable weight regulations.

Best For / Not Ideal For

✅ Best For	❌ Not Ideal For
Palletized freight	Oversized freight
Retail and consumer goods	Over-height freight
Packaged products	Temperature-controlled cargo
Boxed cargo	Cargo requiring side loading
General commercial freight	Cargo requiring top loading
Standard warehouse-to-warehouse shipments	Specialized heavy equipment

Dry Vans are best suited for freight that fits within conventional trailer dimensions and can be handled through standard rear-door loading. Oversized or specialized cargo may require Flatbed, Step Deck, or RGN equipment instead.

Industries & Typical Cargo

Dry Van trailers are widely used for freight that does not require temperature control or specialized handling.

Retail & Consumer Goods

Packaged merchandise
Household goods
Consumer products
Boxed inventory

Manufacturing

Finished products
Packaged components
Standard industrial supplies

Distribution & Warehousing

Palletized freight
Boxed shipments
Warehouse transfers
General commercial cargo

Loading & Handling Considerations

Before booking a Dry Van, confirm:

Total cargo weight
Number of pallets
Cargo dimensions
Trailer door clearance
Loading and unloading method
Origin and destination facility requirements
Weight distribution throughout the trailer

When evaluating options, always note:

Dry Vans are generally rear-loaded, so freight requiring crane access, side loading, or top loading may be better suited to open-deck equipment, such as Flatbeds and Step Decks.
Cargo dimensions should also be checked against the trailer’s interior dimensions and door opening before loading.

When Should You Choose a Dry Van Trailer?

A Dry Van is usually a good option when your shipment:

Fits within standard trailer dimensions
Does not require temperature control
Can be loaded through rear doors
Needs enclosed protection during transit
Consists of palletized, boxed, or packaged freight
Does not require specialized loading equipment

A different trailer may be more appropriate when cargo is oversized, over-height, temperature-sensitive, or requires side, top, or ground-level loading.

FAQs

What is a Dry Van trailer?

A Dry Van is a fully enclosed, non-temperature-controlled trailer used to transport standard dry freight. It is commonly used for palletized, boxed, and packaged cargo that can be loaded through rear doors.

What are the typical Dry Van trailer sizes?

Dry Van trailers commonly used for North American freight are typically 48 ft or 53 ft long. LAC currently references Dry Van equipment within a typical 48–53 ft range.

What type of cargo can move in a Dry Van?

Common Dry Van cargo includes palletized freight, retail goods, packaged products, boxed cargo, consumer goods, and other standard commercial shipments.

Can oversized cargo move in a Dry Van?

Only when the cargo fits within the trailer’s interior dimensions and door-opening limits. Over-height, over-width, or otherwise oversized freight may require Flatbed, Step Deck, RGN, or other specialized equipment instead.

Is a Dry Van temperature controlled?

No. Standard Dry Van trailers do not provide active refrigeration or temperature control. Freight requiring controlled temperatures should generally move in a Reefer Trailer.

How much weight can a Dry Van carry?

A typical payload may fall around 42,000–45,000 lbs, but actual capacity depends on the specific equipment, tractor, axle configuration, cargo distribution, and applicable weight regulations.

Related Trailer Types

Need Dry Van Freight Support?

LAC coordinates Dry Van and other Ground Freight solutions across North America based on your cargo, route, timing, and equipment requirements.