Making the Most of Dry Van Trucks

Dry van shipping is the most common form of over-the-road freight shipping.  With the right vehicles and systems in place, businesses will maximize their dry van shipping experience. In this blog, we'll explore the advantages of dry van trailers and discuss best practices for making the most of them in your business.

What is a Dry Van Truck?

A dry van truck is is a type of tractor-trailer that features an enclosed cargo area that can be locked. With no temperature control, dry vans are ideal for carrying non-perishable goods.

Dry Van Trailer Dimensions

Dry van trailers come in a variety of sizes, allowing for different weight and volume capacities. The standard sizes are as follows:

• 53' dry vans: offers a maximum weight capacity of 45,000 pounds and can carry up to 26 pallets. This is the largest size allowed by regulations before being considered an oversized load.

• 48' dry vans": offers a maximum weight capacity of 43,000 pounds and can carry up to 24 pallets. This size is commonly used for LTL shipments.

• 28' dry vans: offers a maximum weight capacity of 22,500 pounds and can carry up to 14 pallets.

• Box truck: Box trucks, also known as straight trucks, include the cab and cargo section attached to one frame. The size and capacity of a box truck can vary.

When Should I Choose Dry Van Shipping?

Dry van shipping is a great choice for transporting commercial goods that do not need climate control, such as furniture, appliances, textiles, and electronics. Dry vans can also be used for non-perishable food to help prevent any contamination.

What are the Benefits of Dry Van Trailers?

Cargo Protection

A dry van has a completely enclosed trailer and robust construction, providing protection from the external elements and reducing the risk of damage to the cargo inside. The walls and roof are made from water-resistant, heavy-duty materials such as sheet metal, aluminum, and fiberglass. The interior is typically insulated with air vents delivering air circulation. For durability, dry vans are outfitted with aluminum or wooden flooring.

Security

The doors of a dry van trailer can be locked, and the contents monitored with tracking devices to ensure the dry van shipping containers are secure at all times. This provides peace of mind for the shipper and receiver, as they know that their goods are being handled safely without any risk of theft or damage.

Efficient Material Handling

Dry van trailers can be loaded directly at shipping docks, eliminating the need for extra loading and unloading equipment. With rear door access and an open cargo area, dry van freight can be organized quickly and efficiently.

Low Operating Cost

With no temperature control requirements, dry vans are generally more cost-effective than other shipping methods.

Because a dry van is fully enclosed, it has reduced air resistance and can move efficiently at high speeds. The frame and suspension are designed to be aerodynamic and lightweight, which improves fuel economy.

Dry vans require very low maintenance, making them an economical choice. The exterior is made of durable materials that are resistant to corrosion, rust, and extreme temperatures. Since the interior isn't exposed to bad weather, regular cleaning is reduced.

Tips for Making the Most of Dry Van Trucks

Utilize Space Efficiently

To maximize the cargo capacity, dry van freight should be loaded in a way that leaves the least amount of empty space. Boxes should be stacked in an orderly fashion with divider walls to help prevent shifting. Pallets can be used to fill more space with quicker loading and unloading turnaround times.

If any items are too large to fit in the trailer, they should be broken down into smaller parts or removed entirely.

If empty space is unavoidable, consider partitioning the van trailer into sections to allow multiple items to be shipped at once.

Balance Weight

An overweight trailer can cause a dry van to lose stability, resulting in unsafe driving conditions and increasing the chances of an accident. To prevent this from happening, dry vans should observe weight limits and never be overloaded. The dry van freight should be distributed evenly throughout the trailer to maintain balance.

Properly Secure Loads

Cargo shifting during transport can cause a dry van truck to become unbalanced. When freight is not securely fastened, it can move around in the trailer and cause the truck to veer off course. This can be dangerous for other drivers on the road, as well as cause damage to the dry van and its freight, resulting in costly repairs.

To protect freight during transport, all boxes and pallets must be properly secured with tie-down rings, straps, or other fastening mechanisms around boxes. Padding and cushioning should be used to protect fragile items from being jostled around.

Regularly Check and Maintain Trucks

A dry van trailer should be regularly inspected to help prevent costly delays due to unexpected problems. This includes checking the brakes, wheels, exterior, and interior, as well as investigating any suspected damage or leakage. Look closely over straps and other fastening mechanisms to ensure proper working order.

Additionally, the dry van exterior should be routinely washed and moving parts lubricated to extend the life of its components and reduce the risk of rust and corrosion from bad weather.

Incorporate Technology

Technology advancements in dry van trucking can greatly improve efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize the risk of accidents. Electronic logging devices (ELDs) can help to track vehicle mileage and monitor driver performance, ensuring that the freight safely is delivered promptly. Real-time GPS tracking can be used to locate the dry van trailer and its cargo and to receive notifications in the event of any delays. Sensors can be used to monitor temperature, pressure, and humidity, ensuring that goods remain secure and in their optimal condition. Automated alerts can be sent to notify shippers of any disruptions in the shipment. Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can be used to analyze data and identify potential problems with the shipment before they arise.

Conclusion

Dry van trailers offer an affordable, secure solution for transporting goods. When best practices are implemented, shippers can make the most of dry van shipping and ensure their goods reach their destination on time and in good condition.

To achieve dependable results, shippers should work with a trusted carrier that has experience. Revolution Trucking is the premier choice for reliable and cost-effective dry van shipping services. Our experienced team of drivers and access to the latest technology make us the perfect partner for your shipping needs.