Equipment
Complete Guide to Dry Van Trucking: Routes, Earnings & Equipment
December 11, 2025
8 min read
Dry Van Trucking: The Complete Guide
Dry vans account for over 60% of U.S. truck freight, making it the most common and accessible segment of the trucking industry.
Why Choose Dry Van Trucking?
- Year-round demand: Consistent work across all seasons
- Lower equipment costs: $15K-$35K for trailers vs. $45K-$75K for reefers
- Simple maintenance: No specialized refrigeration equipment
- Versatile freight: Wide variety of load types
Common Dry Van Freight Types
- Retail and consumer goods
- E-commerce distribution (Amazon, Chewy, etc.)
- Non-perishable food products
- Building materials
- Automotive parts
- Electronics and technology
- Paper and packaging products
Earnings Potential
By Experience Level
| Experience | Weekly Gross |
|---|
| New drivers (0-6 months) | $5,000 - $6,000 |
| Experienced (6-24 months) | $6,500 - $7,500 |
| Veterans (2+ years) | $7,500 - $8,500 |
Rate Per Mile
- National average: $2.15 - $2.45/mile
- Premium corridors: $2.30 - $3.22/mile
Top Dry Van Freight Corridors
| Route | Miles | Rate Range |
|---|
| Los Angeles to Dallas | 1,400 | $3,200 - $4,200 |
| Chicago to Atlanta | 715 | $1,600 - $2,000 |
| Atlanta to New Jersey | 900 | $2,200 - $2,900 |
Key freight hubs: Texas Triangle, Chicago, Atlanta, Southern California
Equipment Requirements
Tractor Specifications
- Class 8 truck with sleeper berth
- Clean DOT inspection record
- Reliable engine (prefer under 500K miles)
Trailer Requirements
- 53-foot dry van trailer
- Current DOT inspection
- Good structural condition (floor, walls, roof, doors)
Startup Costs
| Item | Cost Range |
|---|
| Used tractor | $35,000 - $75,000 |
| Used trailer | $15,000 - $35,000 |
| Insurance (annual) | $12,000 - $18,000 |
| Total Estimated | $64,500 - $133,500 |
Documentation Required
- MC number (operating authority)
- DOT number
- Insurance certificate ($1M minimum liability)
- W-9 Form
- Notice of Assignment (NOA) if using factoring
Tips for Maximizing Dry Van Profits
- Target high-volume lanes: Focus on routes between major distribution hubs
- Minimize deadhead miles: Plan round-trip routes when possible
- Build broker relationships: Consistent partners lead to better rates
- Track market rates: Use DAT and Truckstop for rate benchmarking
- Maintain your equipment: Breakdowns cost money and reputation
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