Dry Van Full Truckload (FTL) Freight Shipping Services

Dry van full truckload (FTL) shipping uses enclosed 48’ or 53’ trailers to transport non-temperature-controlled freight from origin to destination. The shipment is scheduled as a dedicated full truckload move, supporting direct routing and reduced handling compared to traditional LTL.

Dry van FTL is commonly used for palletized or packaged freight that requires protection from weather and road conditions during transit.

Dry van trailers are used for non-temperature-controlled freight that is palletized, boxed, or otherwise packaged for enclosed transport. Common examples include retail merchandise, industrial materials, packaged consumer goods, and certain shelf-stable food products.

Freight that requires refrigeration, open-deck loading, oversized handling, or specialized securement typically moves on other equipment types.

Dry van trailers are subject to an 80,000-pound gross vehicle weight limit on most U.S. highways. Because the empty weight of the truck and trailer can be 30,000–35,000 pounds, freight weights commonly fall in the 40,000–44,000 pound range, depending on equipment and lane requirements.

A standard 48’ trailer typically accommodates up to 24 standard 48” x 40” pallets, while a 53’ trailer can accommodate up to 26 standard 48” x 40” pallets in a single-stack configuration. Actual capacity may vary depending on pallet size, loading method, and shipment specifications.

Typical dry van specifications include:

• Length: 48’ or 53’ trailers
• Interior Width: approximately 98–101 inches
• Interior Height: typically 100–110 inches of vertical clearance
• Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): generally 80,000 lbs including tractor, trailer, and cargo
• Typical Freight Weight: often in the 40,000–44,000 lb range depending on lane and equipment
• Pallet Capacity: up to 24 standard 48” x 40” pallets in a 48’ trailer and up to 26 in a 53’ trailer (single-stack configuration)

Dry van FTL is often appropriate when freight fills most of a trailer, requires direct routing, or benefits from reduced handling compared to LTL. FTL can also support tighter scheduling and simplified coordination.