Dry Van Shipping Explained: Basics, Use Cases & Best Practices

• Standard Dimensions: 53' long × 102" wide × 110" high (interior)
• Weight Capacity: Up to 45,000 pounds
• Loading: Rear-loaded via dock or forklift
• Features: Weather protection, security, dock-high loading
• Construction: Usually aluminum or composite walls with hardwood floors
• Interior Options: Logistics posts, E-track systems, load bars

1. Versatility: Dry vans accommodate an extensive range of non-perishable freight. They effectively transport consumer goods, manufacturing components, retail merchandise, industrial equipment, and numerous other product categories. This versatility makes dry vans the default choice for most general freight requirements.
2. Protection: The fully enclosed design provides comprehensive protection from weather conditions, road debris, and security concerns. This is a significant advantage over open transport options like flatbeds, particularly for goods requiring protection from environmental factors. The sealed nature of dry vans also offers enhanced security during transit.
3. Cost-Effectiveness: Dry van transportation typically costs less than specialized equipment alternatives. Refrigerated trailers incur higher operational expenses due to temperature control systems. Flatbed shipments often require additional labor for tarping and specialized securement. Specialized equipment commands premium rates due to limited availability and operational complexity. Dry vans offer economical transportation without these additional costs.
4. Availability: Dry van trailers are the most abundant equipment type in the transportation market. At Badger Logistics for example, our asset-based fleet combined with our extensive carrier network provides exceptional dry van capacity. This widespread availability translates to faster scheduling, more flexible shipping options, and reliable capacity even during challenging market conditions.
5. Loading Efficiency: Most warehouses and manufacturing facilities maintain standard loading docks designed specifically for dry van trailers. The standardized dock-high floor facilitates efficient loading and unloading operations using conventional equipment like forklifts and pallet jacks. This standardization eliminates the need for specialized loading equipment or procedures.

• Consumer Packaged Goods — Electronics, household items, toiletries, toys, and retail-ready products of all varieties.
• Non-Perishable Food Products — Canned goods, dry goods, bottled beverages, packaged snacks, and shelf-stable food items that don't require temperature control.
• Paper and Packaging Materials — Paper rolls, cardboard, plastic containers, and packaging materials. These moisture-sensitive items benefit significantly from dry van protection.
• Manufacturing Components — Parts, supplies, raw materials, and semi-finished goods moving between manufacturing facilities. This includes automotive components, electrical parts, plastics, and production inputs.
• Retail Merchandise — Clothing, footwear, furniture, housewares, sporting goods, and general merchandise destined for retail distribution.
• Industrial Equipment — Machinery, tools, and parts that conform to trailer dimensional and weight constraints.
• Construction Materials —  Building supplies, fixtures, hardware, flooring, windows, doors, and non-oversized construction materials.
• Home Furnishings: Furniture, decor items, appliances, and household goods requiring protection during transit.
• Office Supplies and Equipment — Everything from basic office supplies to furniture, technology, and fixtures that support commercial operations.

Full truckload dry van

Full truckload service dedicates an entire trailer to a single shipper's freight, regardless of whether the shipment occupies the entire available space. The vehicle travels directly from origin to destination without intermediate freight handling.

FTL service proves advantageous when:

• Freight volume or weight justifies full trailer utilization: Shipments occupying 24+ feet of trailer space or exceeding 15,000 pounds typically warrant FTL service from an economic perspective.
• Time-sensitivity requires direct service: Direct point-to-point transportation provides faster, more predictable transit times by eliminating intermediate stops and freight consolidation activities.
• Minimal handling is essential: FTL shipments undergo a single loading and unloading operation, minimizing handling events and associated damage risks.
• Security or damage prevention concerns exist: Eliminating shared trailer space removes potential freight compatibility issues and the risk of damage from other shippers' cargo.
• Direct service requirements exist: Specific facility requirements, scheduling parameters, or process optimization goals may necessitate dedicated trailer service.

Badger Logistics provides reliable FTL service through our asset-based fleet throughout the Midwest region, with nationwide coverage available through our extensive brokerage network.

Partial truckload dry van

Partial truckload service allows multiple shippers to share trailer capacity, creating an efficient middle ground between full truckload and traditional less-than-truckload (LTL) service.

Partial service offers advantages when:

• Shipment size falls below full truckload efficiency thresholds: Typically, shipments of 4-5 pallets or 4,000-5,000 pounds represent the optimal partial shipment profile where this service model delivers maximum economic benefit compared to traditional LTL.
• Cost optimization outweighs transit time considerations: Partial shipments may experience longer transit times due to multiple stops or consolidation activities, but the associated cost reductions often justify this trade-off.
• Delivery timelines permit some flexibility: While more predictable than traditional LTL, partial shipments cannot match the transit time reliability of dedicated FTL service.
• Freight characteristics allow mixed-loading compatibility: Some products present compatibility challenges due to odors, potential leakage, or other characteristics that make them unsuitable for mixed-loading environments.

Badger Logistics approaches partial shipments differently than traditional LTL carriers. Rather than utilizing a hub-and-spoke model with multiple handling points, our partial service often maintains freight on the same vehicle throughout transit, reducing handling events and associated damage risks. This approach delivers superior service quality compared to traditional LTL while maintaining significant cost advantages over FTL for appropriate shipment profiles.

• Palletize when it’s appropriate. Palletized freight facilitates efficient handling, improves load stability, and reduces damage risk. Standard 40"x 48" GMA pallets optimize compatibility with warehouse equipment and trailer utilization.
• Use appropriate packaging. Packaging must withstand transportation conditions including vibration, compression from stacking, and dynamic forces during transit. Inadequate packaging represents the primary cause of preventable freight damage.
• Distribute the weight. Distribute weight evenly across the trailer to maintain proper axle weights, ensure vehicle stability, and comply with regulatory requirements. Unbalanced loading creates safety risks and potential compliance violations.
• Apply clear labeling. All shipment pieces should display clear destination information, handling instructions, and any special requirements. This is particularly crucial for partial shipments where freight travels alongside other goods.
• Provide accurate dimensions and weight information. Precise measurements and weights enable proper load planning, prevent overweight situations, and eliminate billing disputes. Inaccurate information disrupts operational efficiency throughout the supply chain.

• Complete bills of lading. Ensure BOLs contain all required information: accurate piece counts, weights, descriptions, accessorial service requirements, and special instructions.
• Accurate NMFC classification. For partial shipments especially, correct freight classification affects pricing, handling protocols, and carrier liability. Verify proper NMFC codes and classifications for all shipments.
• Prepare detailed delivery instructions. Provide comprehensive delivery instructions including facility hours, contact information, and service requirements such as appointment needs, liftgate requirements, or notification protocols.
• Communicate any special handling requirements. Document any special handling needs explicitly, including stacking limitations, orientation requirements, or other handling constraints.

• Secure capacity early during peak periods. During high-demand shipping periods (particularly September through December), capacity constraints require earlier booking and proactive capacity management.
• Build weather contingencies into your planning. In the Midwest and Northeast particularly, winter weather can significantly impact transit times from November through March. Incorporate appropriate buffer time for weather-related delays.
• Recognize (and be ready for) seasonal capacity shifts. Certain industries experience predictable busy seasons affecting overall capacity availability. For example, produce season during summer months draws equipment to those higher-yielding opportunities, potentially reducing general freight capacity.
• Account for regional differences. Different regions face distinct seasonal challenges: the Upper Midwest contends with winter weather impacts, the Southeast with hurricane season disruptions, and the West with wildfire-related complications.

• Implement strategic stacking. Position heavier items on the bottom, distribute weight evenly across the trailer floor, and never place heavy items atop lighter or fragile items.
• Use appropriate securement. For full truckload shipments especially, proper securement is essential. This may include load bars, straps, dunnage bags, or blocking and bracing to prevent cargo shifting during transit.
• Optimize the space you have. Arrange cargo to maximize space efficiency while maintaining proper weight distribution. This proves particularly important for partial shipments where space utilization directly impacts cost.
• Assess load compatibility. For partial shipments, evaluate potential compatibility issues with other freight. Certain products require separation due to odors, potential leakage, or regulatory requirements.

Questions to ask potential dry van carriers:

• What geographic areas do you serve consistently with your own equipment?
• How do you handle service outside your core operating area?
• Can you accommodate trailer spotting at our facility? What are the requirements?
• Do you offer drop-and-hook service to reduce loading/unloading times?
• What complementary services (warehousing, consolidation) can you provide?
• What experience do you have with our specific type of freight?

Questions to ask potential dry van carriers:

• What is your on-time delivery percentage for the past 12 months?
• How do you measure and track pickup performance?
• What is your claims ratio, and how do you handle claims when they occur?
• Can you provide evidence of consistent performance rather than cherry-picked examples?
• Can I speak with current customers who have similar shipping profiles to mine?

Questions to ask potential dry van carriers:

• What are your current CSA scores in all BASIC categories?
• What insurance coverage do you maintain for both liability and cargo?
• What is the average age of your equipment, and what are your replacement cycles?
• How do you screen, train, and retain qualified drivers?
• What is your driver turnover rate compared to the industry average?

Questions to ask potential dry van carriers:

• What tracking and visibility tools do you offer?
• How do you communicate shipment status and potential issues?
• Who will be my primary contact, and what is your escalation process?
• How quickly do you typically respond to developing situations?
• Is after-hours support available for urgent situations?