dry van dispatch services are semi-trailers that have been enclosed to protect shipments from outside elements. They can carry palletized, boxed or loose freight and aren’t temperature-controlled (unlike refrigerated “reefer” units).
Dry van truckers can make a good living hauling freight. However, it can be difficult to find loads when the market is low.
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Dry Vans
Dry vans are an ideal way to transport a variety of cargo, including consumer packaged goods. The fully enclosed container protects shipments from the weather and other elements, making this method of freight transport one of the most popular options among shippers.
A dry van is a semi-trailer that is able to carry palletized or boxed freight. It is not temperature controlled like refrigerated “reefer” trailers, but it can also carry oversized loads that flatbed and step deck trailers can’t handle.
There are many advantages to using dry vans, including the fact that they’re easy to secure and can be transported in a variety of shipping lanes. Additionally, they’re one of the most reliable and enduring forms of freight transportation.
They are a great choice for most types of freight, though some companies may choose to use refrigerated or flatbed trailers for certain types of products. It’s also possible to combine different types of shipments into a single shipment or LTL shipment, which can save you time and money.
These trailers come in a variety of sizes, with the most common being 48- and 53-foot models. These standard sizes can accommodate 26 to 30 pallet positions.
Compared to other trucking types, dry vans are the most affordable option for most people. They’re also a good choice for small businesses that want to keep costs low.
The most important aspect of a dry van is that it’s able to haul a variety of freight. From furniture to electronics, machinery and more, it can be used for almost anything.
While they’re relatively inexpensive to buy, they require regular maintenance and aren’t always the best option for long trips or heavy cargo. They’re also susceptible to moisture damage, so they’re typically out of commission for a few weeks or months after being damaged.
Dry vans are also not a good option for perishable goods that need controlled temperatures. They’re also more expensive to rent, so they’re less cost-effective for long-distance shipments.
If you’re looking for a flexible, hassle-free dry van dispatch service, turn to the experts at RPM Logistics. Our team of expert dispatchers will work hard to find you the most convenient loads, while keeping you safe and protected. They’ll also help you avoid costly mistakes and keep track of your payments so you don’t end up owing your shippers more than you have to.
Refrigerated
Dry van trailers are the most common type of truckload trailer on the road. They are typically used to transport every-day-use cargo, including electronics, clothing and packaged food items.
However, they do not have the temperature control that refrigerated truckloads, or reefers, have. This means that if you’re looking to ship something that needs refrigeration, you’ll have to get a reefer trailer instead.
Refrigerators are a necessity for anyone who is looking to store perishable goods, such as food and medicine. These products can spoil very quickly if not kept properly.
They are also important for other shipments, such as water and other drinks. They can help prevent bacteria from getting into the product, which could lead to illness and other problems.
When you’re sourcing freight, it’s important to choose a third-party dispatch service that specializes in finding loads for the kind of cargo you haul. This will save you time and effort, allowing you to focus on running your business.
You’ll also want to find a load board that serves up high volumes of quality loads and only allows reputable, professional brokers to post them. This will help you avoid scammers and fraudulent activity.
In addition, you should choose a dispatch service that offers 24/7 support. This will make it easier for you to stay on top of your load schedule and keep up with a busy workload.
As a result, you can enjoy increased productivity and efficiency as a driver. This is especially true when you’re a reefer driver, as your hauls are more likely to last longer than dry van, port & rail or flatbed drivers.
At Knight Transportation, our reefer truck drivers average 700-800 miles per haul on average, compared to 450 for dry van and port & rail drivers. This makes it easy for them to get in more miles and earn more money.
While a reefer is more expensive to operate than a dry van, it can be more versatile, which helps you maximize your profit margins. Moreover, you can use the same trailer for both refrigerated and non-refrigerated loads, which can help you reduce the amount of equipment you have to keep on your trucks.
Flatbeds
Flatbeds are a popular option for dry van dispatch services. They are often used to transport oversized cargo that does not fit into a standard dry van trailer. This includes materials like building materials, tires, super sacks, and more.
These types of freight can be heavy and challenging to maneuver on a flatbed truck, which is why they tend to require more skill than dry vans. Drivers must ensure the cargo is balanced correctly over the axles to avoid handling issues. They must also keep the load centered on the axles, especially when driving through tight spaces or inclement weather.
The most common use for flatbeds is hauling building materials. They can transport metal piping, I-beams, and steel frames. They are also useful for transporting other construction equipment, such as backhoes and cranes.
They can even handle large pieces of machinery, including tractors and other farm equipment. In addition, flatbeds are often used to transport military equipment.
Other specialized types of flatbeds include tow trucks and logging trucks. They are also used for shipping bales of tires, which can weigh as much as 2000 pounds.
Some of these loads may require additional safety measures, such as tarping. To protect the cargo during transportation, a tarp must be placed over the freight and secured using anchors.
These tarps are heavy and bulky, so they should be placed with a forklift and then anchored securely to prevent them from coming loose during transport. If the tarp comes loose, it is important to reattach it quickly so that no damage occurs to the cargo.
Another benefit of flatbeds is that they do not accumulate as much dirt and debris as walled-in trailers. This makes them easier to clean and maintain.
While there are many different types of flatbeds, they all have similar benefits. The major difference is how they are used.
Flatbeds are a common choice for hauling building materials, but they can be used to transport all kinds of freight. They are also popular for transporting large machinery and storing and shipping super sacks, which are flexible intermediate bulk containers.
Rookies
Dry vans are the most common type of freight carriers and the best place to start your trucking career. The best dry van dispatch services are able to match you with a steady stream of freight while offering the tools you need to succeed. For example, dry vans are a cinch to load and unload while providing the reassurance that your cargo is secure. In addition, the best dry van dispatch companies offer top-tier benefits and incentives that include paid medical, 401(k), perks, bonuses and of course home time.
The best dry van dispatch services also have the requisite customer service skills to ensure your business is a hit with customers and suppliers alike. A good example of this is Ninja Dispatch, North America’s premier truck dispatch company. This company has a laudable track record in booking hefty loads and offering a competitive rate for its drivers. In the words of their VP, Joey Deas: “Ninja Dispatch is an exceptional partner for our clients. We offer the industry’s most competitive rates and provide the highest level of customer service to ensure our client success.” Whether you are just starting out or looking for the next big thing, the best dry van dispatch company is waiting for you.
