In the world of transportation and logistics, dry freight plays a central role in keeping goods moving across cities, states, and countries. It is one of the most common types of freight shipped in the United States and is essential for industries ranging from retail and manufacturing to e-commerce and distribution. If your business ships non-perishable goods and doesn’t require temperature control, then dry freight is most likely your go-to option.
Understanding how dry freight works can help shippers reduce costs, improve efficiency, and select the right transportation solutions for their products. Companies such as Lading Logistics specialize in providing reliable, scalable, and flexible dry freight services to meet the needs of modern supply chains. Their Lading logistics Dry van freight solutions are designed to make shipping hassle-free, secure, and cost-effective for businesses of all sizes.
This guest post explains what dry freight is, how it works, why it matters, and what shippers should consider when choosing dry van transportation.
What Is Dry Freight?
Dry freight refers to goods that do not require refrigeration, temperature control, or special environmental conditions during transportation. These products are typically shipped in Dry Van trailers—enclosed, non-temperature-controlled trucks designed to protect cargo from weather, theft, and damage.
Common examples of dry freight include:
Consumer goods
Electronics
Clothing and textiles
Furniture
Machinery parts
Packaged foods (non-perishable)
Paper products
Plastics and building materials
Because of its versatility, dry freight represents the majority of truckload shipments across the United States.
What Is a Dry Van Trailer?
A Dry Van trailer is a fully enclosed rectangular box trailer, typically measuring 48 ft or 53 ft long. It offers protection from external elements like rain, dust, and sunlight, making it ideal for transporting general freight.
Key features of a Dry Van trailer include:
Weatherproof design to protect goods
Lockable doors for added security
Non-climate-controlled interior
Fits pallets, cartons, crates, and boxed goods
Easy loading using forklifts or pallet jacks
This combination of protection, capacity, and affordability makes dry vans the backbone of U.S. trucking.
How Does Dry Freight Work?
Dry freight shipping follows a structured process from pickup to delivery. Here's how it typically works:
1. Freight Classification and Preparation
Before booking a shipment, shippers must classify their cargo based on:
Weight
Dimensions
Number of pallets
Fragility
Loading requirements
Proper packaging—using pallets, shrink wrap, and padding—is essential to prevent damage during transit.
2. Selecting a Carrier or Logistics Partner
Choosing the right transportation partner ensures reliability, safety, and cost efficiency. Providers like Lading Logistics, which offer Lading logistics Dry van freight services, connect shippers with dependable carriers capable of handling various load sizes and schedules.
3. Booking the Shipment
Once the details are confirmed, shippers book dry van transportation through freight brokers or digital logistics platforms. Booking includes:
Pickup and delivery addresses
Cargo details
Pickup windows
Delivery deadlines
Rate confirmation
Digital platforms offer instant quotes and faster booking, enabling quick decision-making.
4. Loading the Dry Van
Loading typically takes place at loading docks or warehouses. Depending on the shipment, goods may be:
Palletized
Stacked in cartons
Secured with straps or load bars
Wrapped for stability
A well-loaded trailer reduces damage risk and helps carriers maintain weight balance for safe transport.
5. Transportation and Transit
Once loaded, the dry van begins its journey. During transit:
Cargo remains secure and protected
Drivers follow DOT safety regulations
Carriers provide updates through GPS tracking
Although Dry vans do not offer temperature control, they protect freight from outside conditions, theft, and road hazards.
6. Delivery and Unloading
On arrival, the driver backs the trailer into a loading dock, where warehouse teams unload the freight. Shippers receive:
Proof of delivery (POD)
Invoice
Any accessorial charge details
The process ends once the goods are unloaded, inspected, and verified.
Why Dry Freight is Essential in Supply Chains
Dry freight is the backbone of many industries because it offers several key advantages:
1. Versatility for a Wide Range of Goods
Dry vans handle nearly any non-perishable product, making them ideal for retail, e-commerce, manufacturing, distribution, and more.
2. Cost-Effective Transportation
Without added refrigeration or specialized equipment, dry vans offer lower shipping costs. This makes them perfect for high-volume and regular shipments.
3. Security and Weather Protection
Dry vans keep freight safe from:
Rain, snow, and dust
UV exposure
Road debris
Theft or tampering
Their enclosed structure makes them a secure option for valuable cargo.
4. Efficient Loading and Unloading
Standardized trailer sizes and rear-door access make dry vans easy to load with forklifts, pallet jacks, and dock equipment. This speeds up operations and reduces labor costs.
5. Widespread Availability
Dry vans are the most common trailer type in the U.S., ensuring easy availability even during peak seasons.
When Should You Choose Dry Van Freight?
You should choose dry van transportation when your shipment:
Does not require refrigeration
Needs protection from weather
Requires secure, enclosed transport
Is palletized, boxed, or crated
Is being shipped long distances
Needs affordable truckload or LTL options
In these scenarios, dry freight is the most reliable and economical choice.
Why Choose Lading Logistics for Dry Freight Shipping?
Lading Logistics has built a strong reputation for providing dependable and scalable dry van solutions for businesses across industries. Their expertise helps shippers move freight efficiently, safely, and at competitive rates.
Benefits of using Lading logistics Dry van freight services include:
Access to a wide network of qualified dry van carriers
Real-time GPS and shipment visibility
Fast and reliable load matching
Support for both FTL and LTL shipments
Competitive pricing and transparent billing
24/7 customer support
Expert guidance for routing, planning, and documentation
With Lading Logistics, businesses gain a trusted partner capable of meeting their daily shipping requirements with precision and consistency.
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Conclusion
Dry freight plays an essential role in modern supply chains by providing a secure, cost-effective, and versatile solution for transporting non-perishable goods. From consumer products to industrial equipment, dry vans support countless industries and keep goods moving efficiently across the nation.
With a trusted partner like Lading Logistics, shippers benefit from consistent service, reliable carriers, and end-to-end visibility. Their Lading logistics Dry van freight solutions make it easier for businesses to manage operations, reduce shipping costs, and maintain a smooth supply chain.
