If you’re already engaged in the logistics industry, you are most likely to encounter the concept of dry van shipping. Since then, most people in Canada are becoming interested in the importance of dry van freight shipping to their businesses. Dry van trucking has several types and benefits that every business will enjoy. Many manufacturers and companies choose to ship different products via dry van due to its affordable rates and versatile functions. If your business has specific shipping needs that require a dry van load to haul the freights, then dry van shipping is the right mode for you.

What is Dry Van Freight Shipping?

Dry van freight shipping is one of the widely used freight transportation methods, both local and nationwide. It remains the most preferred means of freight transportation due to its high availability and several benefits. Besides, since a dry van is an enclosed trailer, it makes the shipping process more convenient. With that, dry van shipping is considered one of the best modes of shipping in Canada.

What is a Dry Van Trailer?

Dry vans are also called a dry van trailer or box trailer. It is one of the most common trailers used for local-to-nationwide shipments. A dry van is a semi-trailer type that’s fully enclosed to protect your shipments from outside elements. A dry van trucking is designed to carry palletized and boxed or loose freight. However, dry vans don’t have temperature-controlled features, unlike the refrigerated or reefer” trucks. It can’t take oversized shipments as well, unlike flatbed trailers.

Besides, dry vans can be used for a variety of less-than-truckload (LTL) or truckload freights. Most packages or freights that you received are most likely travelled on a dry van.

Types of Dry Van Trailers

Dry van trucks are available in a variety of sizes and types of materials. For its size, the maximum length allowed is 53 feet long. The most common types of dry van trailers are general trailers and pup trailers. General dry vans are 53-feet long, whereas the pup dry van trucks are typically 26-29 feet long.

General Dry Van (53-foot trucks) 

This type of dry van trailers is the most common dry van that you can see on the road. These trucks’ typical dimensions are 53’ x 8’ 6” x 8’ 6” (LWH). These trucks can accommodate 45,000 pounds of shipments and up to 26 standard pallet positions across its floor space.

Pup Dry Van (28-foot trucks)

Pup dry vans are also commonly used in dry van freight shipping, particularly for moving less-than-truckload (LTL) freights. Its typical measurement is 28’ x 8’ x 9’ (LWH) and can accommodate over 22,500 pounds of freight and 14 standard pallet positions across its floor space.

Straight trucks 

Aside from general and pup dry vans, straight trucks or box trucks are also common types of dry van trailers. They are typically used for local deliveries and often designed with a liftgate. Straight trucks come in different sizes. Their standard measurement is 24’ x 8’ x 8’ 6” (LWH).

Advantages of Dry Van Freight Shipping

Besides knowing the different types of dry vans, you should also take some significant benefits of a dry van that will surely boost your business shipping growth.

Reasonable Prices

Dry van freight shipping doesn’t require any extra service or other special shipping operations. It is the main reason why it is one of the most affordable shipping options in Canada. Besides, You can also use it for long-distance trips, making it a cost-effective shipping option.

Goods Full Protection

One of the biggest benefits of a dry van trailer is that it can provide full protection for any type of freight. The truck is enclosed on all sides, so your shipments are protected against road elements and weather hazards like high winds, rain, or sunlight. You can lock the trailers’ enclosure as well, providing a more layer of protection from cargo theft.

Versatile

The main reason why dry vans trailers are the most commonly used shipping trucks is their versatility. They work best for transporting all types of packaged goods and other shipments that don’t require temperature-controlled features. Dry van trailers are useful in almost all loads, from clothing, apparel and house furniture to electronics and non-perishables. 

Related article: Advantages of Small Freight Shipping

Factors that Affect Dry Van Freight Rates

Knowing the dry van freight shipping market and understanding how it works is crucial when you work in the shipping industry. Besides, understanding how the fluctuations in the market works can result in significant savings and more convenient shipping services. However, you should first realize some of the factors that affect shipping rates.

Location

Dry van freight service rates are highly influenced by the pick-up location and its delivery location. Shipping by road has different lanes that will also have different rates. Even if two lanes have the same distance, it’s still possible for them to have varying costs. These rate differences can also occur for several reasons.

Current Supply and Demand

Supply and demand also determine the rates for full truckload shipping, including the dry van freight shipping is not exempted. The biggest factor that affects the demand for transportation is the production season, which begins in spring and continues until early summer. During this time, food shippers’ need for trailers increases significantly.  So, if you are not in the production market, it is highly recommended to plan around this time.

The Freight Itself

The freight itself can also significantly affect the shipping rates, particularly your freight’s weight and density. The heavier your shipments are, the more gas they are going to use when transporting it. Therefore the higher the cost is.  

Bottomline

Dry van freight shipping is one of the most reliable, convenient and cost-effective shipping methods in Canada. Dry van trucking can usually accommodate both regional and nationwide short-haul and long-haul shipments. With the use of dry van shipping, you can guarantee that your freight will reach its destination with full protection and security.

If you’re looking for dry van shipping services, you may consider visiting Roadlinx. We offer dry van shipping services for both LTL and full truckload shipments. You may call us at 905-760-1141 to get a free estimate today.