Shipper guide

Dry van freight: the workhorse of American shipping.

A dry van is an enclosed, non-refrigerated trailer, most often 53 feet long. It carries palletized and boxed freight that needs protection from weather but not temperature control: retail goods, packaged food, paper, building supplies and more.

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Questions

Is a dry van the same as a box truck?

No. A dry van is a semi-trailer pulled by a tractor. Box trucks are smaller straight trucks used mostly for local delivery.

Do I need a full truckload?

Not always. If your freight fills only part of a trailer, ask about partial or LTL options.

General information, not legal advice. Last reviewed 2026-10-13.

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