FTL Dry Van Shipping
The workhorse of American freight — enclosed, versatile, and available nationwide
Dry van is the most common freight trailer type in the United States, accounting for roughly 70% of all truckload shipments. These fully enclosed, non-temperature-controlled trailers protect freight from weather and road debris while providing standard dock-height loading and unloading. Dry van carriers are available in every market, on every lane, making them the default choice for palletized, boxed, and packaged freight that doesn't require temperature control or open-deck loading.
Up to 45,000 lbs (typical loads 25,000–42,000 lbs)
Weight Capacity
$1.50–$3.50 per mile depending on lane, season, and market balance
Typical Rates
~500 miles per day (single driver). Coast-to-coast in 4–5 business days.
Transit Time
53' L × 8'6" W × 9' H interior (standard). 102" wide exterior. 3,000+ cubic feet of cargo space.
Dimensions
Key Features
Everything you get with our Dry Van freight service.
Fully enclosed trailer protects freight from weather, dust, and road debris
Standard dock-height (48–52 inches) for forklift loading/unloading
53-foot standard length with 3,000+ cubic feet of cargo space
Available in every US market — highest carrier availability of any equipment type
Swing doors or roll-up doors for rear loading
Air-ride suspension standard for freight protection
GPS tracking and ELD compliance on all carriers
Can be loaded with pallets, floor-loaded boxes, or hanging garments
Common Commodities
Freight types most commonly shipped via Dry Van.
Consumer packaged goods (CPG)
Retail merchandise
Auto parts and components
Paper and packaging materials
Electronics and appliances
Furniture and home goods
Non-perishable food and beverages
Textiles and apparel
Building materials (boxed/palletized)
E-commerce and fulfillment center freight
When to Choose Dry Van
Ideal For
Palletized consumer goods, packaged food (non-perishable), electronics, furniture, paper products, textiles, automotive parts, retail merchandise, e-commerce fulfillment freight, and any commodity that fits inside a standard 53-foot enclosed trailer.
Equipment Comparison
How Dry Van compares to other freight options.
Dry Van vs. Flatbed
Use flatbed when your freight won't fit through a trailer's rear doors, requires top/side loading, or exceeds standard trailer height. Dry van is better for weather protection, security, and dock-height loading.
Dry Van vs. Reefer
Use reefer when your freight requires temperature control (perishables, pharma, chemicals). Dry van costs 15–25% less but offers no climate control.
Dry Van vs. LTL
Use LTL when your shipment is under 10,000 lbs or fewer than 6 pallets. FTL dry van gives you the whole trailer — faster, less handling, but you pay for the full truck.
States We Serve with Dry Van
View detailed Dry Van freight information for each state, including local industries, key lanes, and regulations.
Dry Van Shipping FAQs
How much weight can a dry van carry?
A standard 53-foot dry van can carry up to 45,000 lbs legally, though most loads range from 25,000 to 42,000 lbs. The actual capacity depends on the tractor weight and state-specific weight limits on the route.
What are the interior dimensions of a dry van trailer?
Standard 53-foot dry van interiors are approximately 53 feet long, 8 feet 6 inches wide, and 9 feet tall. This provides roughly 3,000+ cubic feet of cargo space and can fit 26 standard pallets (48×40 inches) loaded two-deep.
How much does dry van shipping cost per mile?
Dry van FTL rates typically range from $1.50 to $3.50 per mile, depending on lane balance (supply vs. demand), distance, season, and fuel prices. Short hauls under 300 miles tend to cost more per mile due to fixed costs.
Is dry van the same as FTL?
Not exactly. FTL (full truckload) is a shipping mode — it means your freight gets a dedicated trailer. Dry van is an equipment type — the enclosed trailer itself. You can ship FTL on a dry van, flatbed, or reefer trailer.
When should I use dry van vs. flatbed?
Use dry van for freight that fits inside an enclosed trailer and needs weather protection. Use flatbed for oversized, heavy, or awkwardly shaped freight that requires crane/forklift loading from the top or sides — steel, lumber, heavy equipment, machinery.
Need a Dry Van Carrier?
Tell us about your Dry Van freight — origin, destination, weight, and timeline — and we will match you with a vetted, FMCSA-verified carrier. Usually within hours.
Mon–Fri 7AM–7PM CT | No obligation, no contracts