Flatbed vs dry van. refrigerated shipping and flatbed trucks.

Flatbed vs dry van flatbed shipping — which is more expensive, and why? What factors can lower costs, and what can rack up your final bill? ATS has the answers! Apr 19, 2018 · Dry Van vs Flatbed There are two main types of trailers that you will see on the road: dry van trailers and flatbed trailers. Learn key differences, pros, cons, and which shipping method suits your needs. Flatbed. Semi-trailer Sales No matter what you haul, we have the right semi-trailer for you. dry van Before diving into the specifics of flatbed rolling tarp systems, it's important to understand how they compare to flatbed and dry van trailers. Flatbeds are perfect for large item Flatbed vs dry van Can someone tell me how different it is to drive a flatbed than it is a dry van. Types of Commodities Hauled A curtainside truck is ideal for transporting: Hardwood floors in most dry van trailers are vulnerable to moisture from freight or open doors, limiting the trailer’s life span. When most people think about trucks that haul freight around NYC, they are picturing dry van trucks. Are you trying to decide between a dry van and a flatbed for your transportation needs? Let's break down the differences to help you determine which is bette Dry Van Trucking vs. Apr 29, 2025 · Discover the key differences between flatbed and dry van trucking jobs, including pay, workload, and equipment requirements. 5 depending on my right foot. Dec 16, 2024 · Dry vans are one of the most popular types of truck trailers on the roads today and don’t require as much training to learn how to operate. Conclusion Choosing between dry van and flatbed shipping depends on the specific needs of your cargo. It’s annoying, you got to be very very cautious and the pay isn’t that much better than reefer or dry van. But as far as money there’s some that pay more or less and dry van and vice versa. They excel at transporting oversized or irregularly shaped items—anything from industrial machinery to oversized steel pipes or prefab building components. Aug 20, 2012 · Flatbed vs. Oct 13, 2017 · Dry van trucking vs. TL;DR take it from an experienced reefer driver: dont do it. Dry Van Shipping In the logistics world, efficiency and flexibility shape daily operations. Dry vans are enclosed boxes that keep cargo safe and are typically loaded from the back. Flatbed rolling tarp systems vs. In most cases, dry van trailers are equipped with forklifts or pallet trucks, which will make the loading and unloading process easier. We offer an extensive inventory of new and used semi-trailers that include open deck, heavy haul, extendables, dumps, tanks, rolling tarp and curtain van systems, dry vans, and more. Dry van vs Reefer vs Flatbed vs Tanker by Jimmy (Kingman,Az) When you pull a dry van, it is the least amount of headaches. Reefers “Reefer” is a common nickname for an insulated, climate-controlled trailer. May 13, 2022 · A dry van trailer looks like a complete truck instead of being open-ended like the flatbed trailer. Here's a quick overview of the key differences between these two types of trailers. Shipping across Canada means choosing the right equipment for the freight you move. They are designed to be highly versatile and transport a wide range of freight types. dry van and reefer trucking thoroughly breaks down the differences. The most common type of trailer can haul a variety of dry freight products, both short and long distances. Learn about average salary, pay per mile, bonuses, and what impacts flatbed driver earnings across the U. If I went OTR again and got CPM, i could probably make even more. This type of trailer is suited for hefty and unusual loads. Flatbed By approaching GoShip. Contact Support Contact Support The decision between a flatbed and a dry van comes down to what you’re shipping, how it needs to be loaded, and whether it requires protection. Archived post. Flatbed: Pros and cons for Shippers Dry Van Most shippers prefer this method because of its high availability and affordability. A "dry van" protects freight and products from road debris and weather elements like rain and snow. Refrigerated vs. Mar 13, 2025 · Discover the key differences between dry van, flatbed, and reefer trailers to make smarter shipping decisions for your freight needs. On average, as a professional dry van trailer truck driver, you could earn up to $40,000 annually. Flatbed trucks are commonly used for transporting oversized and irregularly shaped items such as construction materials, machinery, and large equipment. However, dry vans are vulnerable to moisture and temperature issues. Along with flexibility, flatbed shipping holds another advantage over dry van shipping: There are multiple ways to load freight onto a flatbed. . Jul 15, 2025 · Explore how much flatbed truck drivers make in 2025. Compare pros, cons, and profits in one quick read. dry van Discussion in ' Flatbed Trucking Forum ' started by FloridaDudester, Jun 18, 2019. Dry van drivers earn, on average, 20% less pay per hour compared to flatbed drivers, so turnover is high. Have a quick guide and reference available to you. The most significant measure for determining profitability is the cost per mile. Compare box trucks, dry vans, and flatbeds to boost profit and choose smart equipment. Flatbed trailers are versatile. In this blog, we’ll explain how each of these can benefit your business. Updated for 2025. Apr 8, 2025 · Understanding the Basics: Dry Van vs Flatbed Trucking At its core, the choice between dry van and flatbed trucking comes down to the nature of your cargo and specific transportation requirements. Learn the fundamental differences in capabilities and costs of flatbed trailers vs. Sep 17, 2025 · Unlike flatbed or temperature-controlled trailers, dry vans are capable of handling a variety of shipments-from heavier business goods to smaller, palletized items. We look forward to Nov 2, 2022 · Dry van trucks provide drivers with protection from the elements, which is hard to come by with flatbed trucking, though the trucks don’t offer the same flexibility as flatbeds. When at gross averaging 6. Two of the most common trailer types are flatbed trailers and dry van trailers, each with unique advantages depending on the type of freight being transported. May 1, 2025 · Switching from dry van to flatbed is worth it if you're looking for higher pay, more variety, and don't mind physical work or being outdoors. Reefer Discussion in ' Ask An Owner Operator ' started by Wildcat74, Oct 27, 2013. And how the wind affects it? I’m thinking of maybe going flat bed. Dry vans are called this because they can keep freight and products protected from road debris and elements like rain and snow. Standard dry vans and other types of trailers simply cannot accommodate these loads, making flatbed the go-to solution for freight Whether you need a reefer truck for temperature-sensitive freight, a dry van for standard palletized goods, or a flatbed for oversized equipment, matching your load to the right trailer type is key to successful logistics planning. Optimize your transport costs with current pricing insights from Dynamic Logistix. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. On the other hand, dry van trucks are ideal for transporting goods that need to be protected from weather Feb 20, 2025 · The Reality of Flatbed Trucking Flatbed trucking involves hauling freight on an open trailer with no sides or roof. Whether you’re moving project materials, machinery, or packaged goods, understanding the differences between LTL flatbed and LTL dry van shipping helps you select the right option for your freight. Plus they hit you with the shitty tarp pay bonus which would be 40-$60 which sounds good but for most rookies coming in to flatbed, the tarping will take them 3 hours on majority of the loads which equals to about $20. Nov 6, 2014 · I have an 09 International Prostar with 07 MaxxForce 475hp that pulls flatbed. My flatbed company offers percentage and cpm but everyone takes the percentage. Get the latest Van, Reefer, and Flatbed trucking rates per mile in 2025. Managing the loads is also easier, especially since dry vans contain their cargo, compared to the openness of the flatbed. Dry Van: Which is Better for Your Business? When it comes to hauling freight, choosing the right trailer is critical for efficiency, cost, and cargo protection. Flatbed: Discover which freight type is best for your trucking business. Jul 14, 2022 · When it comes to flatbed vs. It loads like a flatbed but protects like a van with a ceiling, front wall, and rear doors. Jun 16, 2025 · Compare Conestoga trailer vs flatbed options to find the best fit for your freight. I like my company but we only do dry van. Dry van vs reefer vs flat bed, what’s best for solo money-wise Discussion in ' Questions From New Drivers ' started by Nyseto, Jan 22, 2019. Tanker vs. Flatbed Trailer Pros Flatbed drivers earn more per mile than most other trailer types, which helps driver Is better to start off on reefer/dryvan than flatbed no experience i was thinking getting experience first with reefer dryvan first then after maybe a year or two try flatbed feel like its a good way to get experience but what do you guys think Archived post. The dry van and reefer trailers are aesthetically similar trailer types in the trucking industry. Jun 8, 2023 · Check out this comprehensive comparison of flatbed vs dry van, listing the pros and cons and key characteristics of these trailers. There is a wide variety you can choose from, including dry van, refrigerated (reefer), flatbed and more. The below guide also guides shippers through legal weights and dimensions for Dry Van, Flatbed, Reefer, Straight Trucks, Hot Shots, and much more equipment types. Read to learn the pros and cons of each transit method. Cement Truck vs. Jul 2, 2025 · Advantages of Flatbed Trailers Versatility Flatbeds can haul freight that would never fit inside a dry van. This type of trucking is commonly used for oversized loads, construction materials, heavy machinery, and other large items that wouldn’t fit inside a dry van. Dry Van Flatbed vs Conestoga Trailer: The Key Differences So, what does dry van mean? Dry van trailers are easily the most popular semi-trucks. Aug 25, 2025 · Flatbed, Dry Van, and Reefer: What Shippers (and Logistics Managers) Need To Know. Jun 8, 2022 · Shippers need to know whether dry van trucking, reefer, or flatbed is the best choice for a load. 8mpg, @ 68 mph and empty 10. Feb 9, 2022 · Are you trying to decide between dry van trucking and flatbed trucking? There are pros and cons to both — but this article will help you make the right decision. refrigerated shipping and flatbed trucks. #maverick #mavericktransportation #flatbedtrucking Today, I talk about the difference between flatbed trucking and dry van truckingCheck out my Teespring Sto Nov 7, 2022 · Flatbed vs Dry Van Truck Driving Flatbed truck drivers receive higher salaries than dry van truck drivers. Heat or cold won't hurt the product. Jun 18, 2019 · flatbed vs. Apr 24, 2025 · Flatbed vs. Flatbed Trucking Flatbed trucks have open trailers, which make them ideal for transporting oversized or irregularly shaped items like construction materials, machinery, or large equipment. Apr 3, 2025 · Discover how Conestoga trailers revolutionize freight transport with their retractable tarping system. Flatbed: Which One Do You Need? Choosing between dry van and flatbed trailers depends on the type of cargo you need to transport and your specific logistical requirements. Feb 18, 2018 · Though dry vans and flatbed trailers are both extremely popular and common in the freight shipping industry, they have their distinct characteristics that make them better than the other for certain jobs. Dry vans are entirely enclosed boxes on the back of a freight hauler. A shipper must weigh the risks of damage to their cargo if a flatbed is used. Feb 20, 2025 · Dry van vs. Learn key differences, pros, cons, and ideal use cases in this quick guide. Decide which one will match your transport requirements. Discover the pros and cons of dry vans, flatbeds, and reefers to choose the best trailer for cost-effective, safe shipping with YK Freight. Mar 2, 2024 · Flatbed trucks and dry van trucks serve different applications in the transportation industry, each offering unique advantages. That sounds decent but do that in I started in flatbed because I wanted to get out and do things rather than sit and bump a dock. flatbed vs. Jun 17, 2025 · Dry van vs reefer — what’s the difference? Compare trailer size, height, width, temperature control, and the best use cases for each freight type in 2025. Apr 9, 2025 · With multiple options available, including flatbed trucking, dry van, and reefer freight, businesses must consider the best transport solution for their specific cargo. There’s more liability and I feel there The dry van trailer is an enclosed semi-trailer, and the cargo is usually loaded or unloaded from the rear of the trailer. They’re fully enclosed—like a big box on wheels—offering protection from weather, road debris, and theft. 4o In this video, we do an in-depth breakdown of the earning difference between dry van and flatbed drivers in the trucking industry. Key Difference: Dry van trailers are fully enclosed, safeguarding cargo from the elements. Dry Van Advantages The enclosed trailer protects freight against theft and adverse elements on the road. Learn about 53 feet dry van dimensions, flatbed pay rates, and which trailer suits your freight needs. If you’re moving oversized, heavy, or irregular cargo, a flatbed is the best option. Oct 9, 2025 · Flatbed vs dry van in 2025: driver quotes on pay, workload, gear, safety, lanes, and ROI so you can choose the trailer that makes you more. It uses cases to show which type of transport is more effective for various sectors and categories of cargo and freight. However, these two trailers have completely different use cases. If your freight needs security and weather protection, a dry van is the way to go. However, these higher salaries come with more work and greater risk. flatbed trailer - Flatbed trailers are designed to carry oversized or heavy-duty cargo, such as construction materials, large machinery, or equipment that don’t fit within the dimensions of a traditional trailer. But figuring out which one fits your needs best can be the difference between a smooth haul and unexpected headaches. Forklifts can Jun 5, 2025 · Comprehensive flatbed vs dry van comparison covering trailer specs, cargo types, and trucking careers. Like the backing and turning. Because of its closedness, it is often used to transport valuables or daily necessities that require a dry environment. Dry vans excel in shipping a variety of commercial goods, which is why they Sep 29, 2021 · Dry Van vs. Reach out with any questio Apr 6, 2023 · Finally, flatbed trailers require specialized equipment and training to operate safely, which can be more expensive and time-consuming than using a dry van trailer. Dry Van vs. Feb 6, 2025 · The standard weight capacity is 45,000 pounds, similar to flatbed trailers. Is flatbed a better experience arriving and departing shippers and receivers? Archived post. And, the reasons behind this are totally valid: dry van trucks are highly adaptable, and can service most needs. The interior height can vary depending on the design, but most conestoga offer up to 8 feet of clearance, allowing for the transport of taller items compared to dry vans. Heavy haul. Mar 3, 2022 · Dry van or reefer: Which is right for you? Before you start transporting loads, you need to understand the different shipping methods, trailer types, and which work best for different cargo. Apr 24, 2024 · Dry van vs flatbed for a fairly new driver? Discussion in ' Questions From New Drivers ' started by Jbrown87, Apr 24, 2024. Aug 6, 2025 · Compare flatbed vs dry van trailers to find the best fit for your freight. You get it loaded, pull up, close the doors, assuming you're legal and go. Discover the pay difference and which option suits you best! Jan 13, 2022 · Despite the few disadvantages, dry van shipping is an efficient, affordable method for moving goods. Jul 11, 2024 · Conestoga trailer vs. Learn the differences in flatbed vs dry van shipping and how each option supports Canadian freight needs. Jun 1, 2021 · Find out about the strengths and differences of dry van trailers and flatbed trailers. dry vans, drop decks, reefers, conestoga and more flatbed types. What Does LTL (Partial Shipping) Mean? LTL—Less-Than-Truckload, or partial Jun 25, 2025 · Choosing between flatbed, dry van, and reefer freight depends on your cargo’s size, sensitivity, and delivery requirements. Understand use cases, pros/cons, and how to choose the right trailer for your cargo. These are flatbeds, refrigerated units, and dry vans. Flatbed vs. However, choosing which option is best for your shipping needs is not always an easy task. Often May 9, 2025 · Dry Van vs. Beyond the miles, what's the real secret to a long and profitable career on the road? It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind. Best for: Palletized goods Consumer products Electronics Food and beverage (non-refrigerated) Anything that needs to stay dry and secure Pros: Feb 1, 2022 · When traveling the open road as a long haul driver, there are generally three options for what type of freight to carry. Dry van. Get expert tips from Roadlinx today. Jan 8, 2025 · For most freight jobs, dry van and flatbed trailers are two of the most reliable options, each designed to handle unique types of cargo. dry van A dry van trailer is one of the most popular types of semi-trucks. Jun 17, 2025 · Comprehensive flatbed vs dry van comparison covering trailer specs, cargo types, and trucking careers. This comprehensive research on flatbed vs. Bro flatbed is not fun wtf. Discussion in ' Questions From New Drivers ' started by TheShadow, Aug 24, 2012. Dry Vans On the other hand, while dry van drivers typically make less money, driving dry vans is easier, depending on the size of the van. Nov 20, 2023 · Dry Van Dry van trucks are the most popular type of truck for NYC trucking companies. Does this mean that reefer is the most profitable equipment type? Well, not necessarily. For many businesses the decision often comes down to flatbed vs dry van trailers. dry van: Which trailer is right for your freight? Compare types, rates, cargo compatibility, and best uses. Apr 30, 2020 · The dry van trailer and the flatbed trailer are the two most common trucking trailers used for freight delivery. Flatbed: Pros and Cons Now that you know how these trailers operate, let’s take a look at a side-by-side comparison of a dry van and flatbed trailer to determine which is better for your job at hand. Flatbed trucking pays more than dry van due to tarping, load securement, and extra effort. Flatbed bois, what are some of the pros/cons of pulling flatbeds as opposed to dry van, reefer, or whatever else? Archived post. Each option has strengths and each one works better for certain types of cargo. Understanding the differences helps decision Jun 18, 2019 · flatbed vs. Aug 2, 2023 · Final thoughts on choosing a reefer trailer vs dry van If you’re starting a new trucking business, one of the first and most important things you need to do is decide between a van or reefer. When comparing a reefer vs dry van, the main difference is that reefers are temperature controlled, which gives them more versatility. Dry vans get dry products such as electronics, appliances, non-perishable food, and generally any other Oct 9, 2022 · Stuck choosing between flatbed and dry van trailers for business cargo? Discover which transportation trailer is suitable for your needs in this guide. Flatbeds haul large equipment such as crates and even other vehicles that wouldn’t fit in the typical semi trailer. Jul 15, 2008 · Flatbed vs. Reefer vs. com, you can trust to find the best truckload freight shipping that suits your budget and needs. Flatbed vs dryvan? New driver here, I’ve been otr for about a month doing dry van and enjoy mostly everything about the job, except bumping docks and doing live loads/unloads at these distribution centers really kills the experience for me. Nov 23, 2021 · A curtainside trailer, or curtain van, is a dry van and a flatbed trailer combined into one trailer. 0mpg - 10. Each has its own unique set of features and benefits that make it well-suited for different types of loads. dry van is a tough one in some instances. Aug 10, 2024 · Choosing between Dry Van, Reefer, or Flatbed? Discover which trailer offers the best cargo protection and efficiency for your shipping needs. S. Because the freight is exposed, drivers have the responsibility of securing it properly with straps, chains, and tarps Dry van vs. If you can work extra hours and you welcome challenges, flatbed truck driving makes more sense than dry van truck driving. It’s a demanding job, but it comes with serious rewards — both financially and professionally. Flatbed is more physical but also ur securement on the load is more important than anything. Car Carrier vs. Sep 16, 2019 · Dry Van vs. What’s Better: A Flatbed or Dry Van? The decision to ship by flatbed vs. May 25, 2025 · Dry Van: The Workhorse of Freight Dry vans are the most common trailer on the road. Aug 13, 2025 · Comprehensive flatbed vs dry van comparison covering trailer specs, cargo types, and trucking careers. Sparrow Logistics helps you pick the right solution for every load. Stay dry van or go flatbed if you have to do something new. dry van trailers, you need to consider the dimensions, weight capacity, how each trailer is loaded, and what it can carry. Dry Van Trailers Dry Van Trailers Best for: Palletized, boxed, or lightweight goods that require weather protection. October 13, 2017 Before you can successfully transport freight, you must first determine the shipping option that best meets your transportation needs. I’m not sure. Subscribe to our channel fo Historically, dry van spot rates are on average lower than flatbed rates and flatbed rates are lower than reefer rates as demonstrated in the DAT Trendline graphic below. Choose a Flatbed If: Your cargo does not require refrigeration or climate control. If you’re looking for a new or used trailer, contact one of our highly qualified consultants today. You don't have to 'babysit' the load. Discover the best trucks for owner-operators in 2025. But the most successful drivers master the small things: smart Jul 19, 2022 · A continuation of the getting into trucking series, and hopefully some useful information for everyone about what you want to Haul. Learn about their types, benefits, weight capacity, and how they compare to dry van and flatbed trailers. Compare flatbed and dry van trailers for shipping in the U. 6 days ago · LTL Freight: Flatbed vs. Oct 16, 2024 · Depending on the goods' needs, dry van and flatbed trucking have unique advantages. Dry vans offer protection and security for standard-sized, weather-sensitive goods, while flatbeds provide flexibility and ease of loading for oversized and irregularly shaped cargo. Typically, these trailers can haul a maximum of around 45,000 pounds. pvkhcu foju msdn kiav jfmbr okp bqxb idh eqrhzn wcxrcv glt roupt gdvwe rbrjd ynlj