With many trailer options for shipping over-the-road (OTR), it can seem daunting to determine which type best fulfills your shipping needs. Both dry van and reefer trailers have their own sets of pros and cons.
By considering factors such as freight type and shipping needs, finding the best option for your business will be painless. Keep reading to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of dry vans and refrigerated trailers and to find out which is the best option to fulfill your unique shipping needs.
What Is a Dry Van?
Dry van trailers are a common type of shipping method in the trucking industry. More than 1.7 million dry van trailers are on the road in the United States, compared with only 400,000 reefer trailers. This is mainly because dry vans are versatile, secure, convenient, and cost-effective. Dry vans are covered containers instead of flatbed trailers, making them an excellent option for transporting valuable cargo.
Most dry van trailers measure approximately 48' or 53' long, 102' wide, and 13' 6" high, with an estimated weight capacity of 45,000 lbs. Dry van trailers can accommodate features such as loading ramps, roll-up doors, skirts, and aerodynamic e-track systems that lower fuel mileage.
What Are Dry Vans Used To Ship?
Dry van trailers typically ship dry goods or non-perishable items that you can quickly load onto pallets. Cargo shipped via dry van may include:
- Valuable items such as electronics
- Non-perishable food items
- Appliances
Advantages of Using a Dry Van
Dry van shipping is one of the most widespread shipping methods out there. As you’d expect for such a prevalent option, you get a lot of value from using dry vans. Here are four of the most important advantages of using a dry van for your shipping needs:
- Versatile
- Secure
- Convenient
- Affordable
Versatile
Dry van trailers can be used for many cargo types, making them a versatile shipping option. Depending on the shipper's needs, they can use dry vans for short or long-hauls.
Secure
Dry vans are secure since they enclose cargo in a covered container. The box trailer will protect van loads from lousy weather and reduce the risk of theft, as the trailer can be locked when it is not in transit.
Convenient
Dry van trucking allows for convenient transfers as the trailer can be reattached to a new truck bed with the drop and hook load method at the loading dock. Instead of having to unload and load cargo onto a new truckload, shippers can drop one trailer, pick up the next, and continue to deliver.
Affordable
Dry van trailers are one of the most affordable trailer options on the market. Dry van trailers' efficiency allows for consolidating various materials into one shipment, making it a cost-effective option for shippers. Dry freight also does not require refrigeration, meaning that shippers can pay less for fuel and save energy with dry vans.
Disadvantages of Using a Dry Van
One major drawback of dry van trailers is that they have hardwood floors, which can easily suffer from damage during transportation. Because moisture and wear can harm wood, dry vans can increase the need for frequent repairs and maintenance.
Another common issue is that dry vans are almost always in high demand, making it challenging for shippers to find capacity. Due to their size, dry vans also have little weight and height requirements. You cannot use dry vans for perishable, hazardous, or temperature-sensitive cargo shipments.
What Is a Reefer?
Reefer or refrigerated trailers provide freight temperature control using a portable heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit. A reefer unit contains an evaporator, a condenser, a compressor, and insulation to protect cargo from outside temperatures. Unlike dry van trailers, reefer trucks feature metal floors that aid in controlling temperatures inside the unit.
Reefer trailers typically measure approximately 48' to 55' long, 102' wide, and 13' 6" high. They can typically hold a weight capacity of 44,000 lbs and, like dry van trailers, consisting of a covered container.
What Are Reefers Used To Ship?
Reefer trailers typically transport less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments with items that require refrigeration. Commerce commonly shipped via reefer trailer may include:
- Frozen goods
- Pharmaceuticals
- Perishable food
- Chemicals
- Cosmetics
- Flowers
- Beverages
- Ice cream
Advantages of Using a Reefer
Reefer trailers have a lot of utility, which accounts for their widespread use in the transport industry. Here are three critical advantages of using a reefer:
- Demand
- Versatile
- Secure
Demand
Reefer trailers allow for the transport of perishable goods, making them an option that is easy to acquire in the freight shipping industry. Because they accommodate the shipment of popular items by trucking companies, such as perishable goods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, reefers are always in high demand.
Versatile
Reefer trailers allow for the consolidation of multiple LTL shipments into one container. They can also accommodate perishable and dry freight in a single refrigerated unit. Their cooling unit provides protection and temperature control for load during hot and cold seasons. It protects cargo from the effects of harsh weather conditions.
Secure
Like dry vans, reefer trailers feature a closed container that can be locked to prevent theft. If a truck driver steps away from the truck for a moment, truckers can keep the reefer trailer secure when it is not in motion. Refrigerated trailers also protect cargo from the effects of bad weather by containing and insulating cargo.
Disadvantages of Using a Reefer
While reefer trailers come with many benefits, there are several downsides to the reefer trailer shipping method. Reefers require additional maintenance, including cleaning between trips, temperature monitoring, and prep time for cooling equipment to get up and running without open doors.
Unlike dry van trailers, reefers do not have a drop and hook option, so cargo has to be loaded and unloaded onto a new, empty trailer at the loading dock if it is changing truck beds. This trailer can add extra time to loading and unloading at docks.
Refrigerated trucks can also increase the cost of shipping because the portable HVAC unit runs on motor equipment. They also feature added insulation, which, although protective for freight, can decrease the cargo space available to shippers.
Bottom Line
When deciding whether to use dry van shipping or reefer shipping, you must evaluate your unique shipping needs, your cargo type, and which shipping method you will use. Suppose you are transporting multiple LTL shipments containing both dry and perishable goods. In that case, reefer trailers may be the best option for you. If you are only shipping dry goods and would like to cut down on transit time and reduce costs, it may be a good idea to look into dry van trailers.
Regardless of which trailer type you decide to use, enlisting the help of a freight transportation provider can simplify the shipping process and take the work of coordinating off of you.
RPM specializes in providing transparent, authentic customer support and customer and carrier visibility that will give you an entirely seamless transportation process.
We will leverage our carrier network of more than 30,000 carriers to fulfill your transportation needs with advanced technology and tracking services to provide support at every step of the transportation process.
Are you interested in dry van trailers and reefer trailers? Visit our website to learn more.
Sources:
Dry Van vs. Reefer: Which is Best? | Truckstop
Pros and Cons of Different Trailer Types | PLS Logistics Services
Refrigerated or Reefer Trailers Weight and Dimensions | DSV Global Transit and Logistics
