The efficacy of cargo-shipping and logistics depends on embracing new technologies and fostering interdepartmental communication. Logistics companies look for the most affordable and versatile options to enable smoother transportation of shipments.
While road transport is tedious and expensive, logistics companies choose road transport to ship commodities like clothing, furniture, electronics and even vehicles. Dry van shipping enables transporting these items in semi-trailers.
What Is a Dry Van?
Dry vans are shipping containers transported on semi-trailers which are not temperature controlled but can handle a wide range of dry freight. Normally, dry vans can protect cargo from external elements like rain and snow. Some dry vans can carry up to 45,000 pounds in flatbed containers and still reap high profits, especially when there is a capacity shortage.
Dry vans can transform logistics and affect transportation rates due to supply and demand forces, fuel costs, freight types, delivery distance, etc. Flatbed trucks can carry construction materials, retail and agricultural produce, automotive parts, beverages, healthcare equipment, etc.
What Are Dry Vans Used for?
Industries that require constant inflow and outflow of dry cargo, like construction, retail and healthcare need dry vans to facilitate their cause. Dry vans are known for their efficiency and their highly competitive pricing.
Dry vans are versatile and can handle non-perishable items across long distances. Since they are not temperature controlled, they cannot carry cargo that needs refrigeration or additional protection from adverse conditions.
Dry Van Trailer Dimensions
Depending on the requirements of the logistic companies, dry vans come in different dimensions. The dimensions differ in terms of pallet positions and weight accommodation limits. Three different types of dry vans are:
28-foot trailers: 28-foot or 'pup' trailers are containers measuring 28’ x 8’ x 9’ (l x w x h) and can accommodate up to 22,500 pounds of less than full container cargo. They can accommodate 14 standard pallet positions, and they are one of the easiest and fastest ways to transport cargo.
53-foot trailers: As the most commonly seen dry cargo carrier on the road, 53-foot trailers can carry up to 45,000 pounds of cargo. In terms of dimensions, they measure 53’ x 8’6” x 8’6” and have 26 pallet positions across their floor.
Straight trucks are suitable for intra-city cargo deliveries and measure 24’ x 8’ x 8’6”. These box-type semi-trailers or trucks can feature a tailgate depending on the cargo type.
How Do Dry Vans Work?
Dry vans are convenient and can carry both Full Truck Load (FTL) and Less Than Truckload (LTL) cargo over long distances. Typically dry vans have hardwood floors lined with multiple insulating layers to protect cargo from being exposed to moisture.
While loading cargo into dry vans, logistic companies generally employ inclined planes to allow easy entry/exit of cargo. Carriers carrying dry vans are normally made of wrought iron, galvanized steel and aluminium to keep the containers sturdy and stable.
Experts believe that dry vans enclos cargo from all directions and thus ensure cargo protection from theft or adverse situations. With a carrying capacity of up to 26 pallets, these containers can load and unload up to 45,000 pounds of weight.
Also Read: TEUs (Twenty Foot Equivalent Containers) in Shipping & Logistics
Factors Affecting Dry Van Freight Rates
Dry van freight rates are an important indicator for understanding the demand and supply of dry van shipping. It is the most common and variable expense any shipping business incurs. There are several factors on which dry van freight rates rely. They are as follows:
Supply-Demand Forces
Higher freight charges indicate a lesser supply of trucks and drivers in response to the demand for incoming containers. This inverse relationship holds good for all occasions, and sometimes external shocks like fuel prices, etc., can affect these costs. Excessive seasonal produce, for example, can also affect freight charges because of the unprecedented sudden rise in demand for dry van containers.
Freight Class Type
Since different freight types require different handling and special delivery instructions, freight charges are subject to varied freight types. Freight charges also correspond to transportation difficulties, which is higher for sensitive cargo. Various freight classes represent cargo fragility from 50 to 500, where higher freight classes demand higher charges.
Delivery Distance and Fuel Costs
Freight companies fix their rates in accordance with the delivery distance. Normally transportation in cities with ports well connected by highways and paved roads cost lesser than transporting cargo in rural areas. Freight charges are determined by fuel costs, surcharges, and taxes charged at state or city borders.
Freight Specifications
Freight charges differ according to freight type, weight, and density variations. Heavier freight charges are higher because they require more fuel. However, freight density also affects charges. Calculated as the ratio between cargo weight and volume, density determines how much space the package is occupying. Packaging cargo efficiently is thus quintessential for reducing freight costs.
Pros of Dry Van Shipping
Dry freight shipping involves the transportation of cargo enclosed in boxes in semi-trailers or trucks. Some benefits of choosing dry van shipping are as follows:
Protecting Cargo
Owing to their box-type shape and protected wooden or metal body, dry vans are ideal means of freight transportation. They can protect cargo from rain, heat, and snow and thus keeps the containers clean and dry. Long-distance travels do not pose severe threats to the cargo. Containers are also well defended from potential mishaps like theft or sudden impacts.
Cost-Effective
Owing to their flexibility and versatility, dry van freight shipping has gained importance. Despite the long distances, the cost of transportation per mile is quite bearable. However, the increasing demand for dry van shipping results in competitive pricing.
User-Friendly Setup
Loading and unloading cargo in dry van trailers is easy. Container doors are adaptable according to the freight type and thus saves time and effort. Since dry van trailers are available in various shapes, they can transport different load types. Their construction makes it impossible for others to sneak into the contents. These containers are generally well lit to allow easier access while loading and unloading.
Cons of Dry Van Shipping
High Rate of Fatal Crashes
Owing to the huge containers and the heavy freight that the trucks are carrying, they are subject to fatal crashes. Statistics show the fatality rate for dry van trailer linked crashes is more than 40%. Imperfect weight-to-volume ratio and occasional overloading may cause an imbalance in the trailer's centre of gravity which may cause accidents and loss of life and cargo.
Limited Transformational Needs
Despite the wide variety of cargo transported via dry van shipping, the absence of temperature control and special arrangements somewhat limit their usage. Since these containers can normally open only at one end, they cannot fit irregular or large cargo. Additionally, on prolonged usage, wooden floors are susceptible to humidity and moisture, which can destroy the cargo and damage the vehicle.
Also Read: 24 Types of Containers used in International Shipping
Difference between Dry Van and Reefer Trailer
Dry vans and reefer trailers are both secure transportation options and can protect cargo from theft or adverse weather conditions. However, the principal point of difference includes the following.
When Should You Use Dry Van Shipping?
Identifying the best mode for cargo transportation is crucial because that determines the general practice of shipping. For general cargo, companies looking for budget shipping options can choose dry van shipping. However, reefer trailers provide better versatility and thus allow a wide variety of cargo shipping.
Dry van trailer deficit generally occurs when there is an excess demand for cargo transportation. With the rapid growth of the retail sector, the demand for budget and fast transportation options has increased manifold.
Dry van shipping allows both FTL and LTL shipping. Thus, it also affects prices for cargo types that it transports, including clothing and retail products, household packaged goods, non-perishable food and beverages, electronics and textiles, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can reefer containers reap more profits for logistics companies? Although the transportation costs for reefer trucks are higher than dry van shipping, they are more versatile in terms of the cargo they can handle. Since they are temperature controlled, they can store perishable food and medicines, thus prompting retailers to charge more for reefer shipping.
2. How many pallets can fit in a dry van semi? Dry van containers come in fixed container sizes. The 28’ containers can fit 14 pallets, while the 53' containers can support 26 pallets. The pallets can either be laid on flatbeds or double-stacked.
3. What are the advantages of choosing full truckload cargo in dry van containers? FTL shipping is comparatively faster than LTL or rail cargo delivery options. They are also cheaper (low cost per unit) and can load up to 45,000 pounds of weight. Dry van containers are safer and can protect cargo from potential rain or humid conditions.
