Dry Van
A fully enclosed, non-temperature-controlled trailer — the most common trailer type.
Definition
A dry van is a standard enclosed 53-foot semi-trailer with no temperature control, used to transport non-perishable freight. Dry van accounts for approximately 70% of all truckload freight in the U.S. It is the most common entry point for new CDL-A drivers because freight is abundant, loading is typically handled by warehouse staff, and no specialized endorsements are needed. Dry van trailers cost $30,000-$50,000 new.
Why it matters to you
Dry van is the default trailer and the usual starting point: no tarping, no temperature to watch, no hazmat paperwork. Because it is the easiest, it is also the most competitive, so rates sit at the bottom of the range. It is a good place to build the first year of experience that unlocks the specialised work that pays more.
FAQ
What does Dry Van mean?
A fully enclosed, non-temperature-controlled trailer — the most common trailer type.
Why does Dry Van matter to a driver?
Dry van is the default trailer and the usual starting point: no tarping, no temperature to watch, no hazmat paperwork. Because it is the easiest, it is also the most competitive, so rates sit at the bottom of the range. It is a good place to build the first year of experience that unlocks the specialised work that pays more.
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