Dry Van Trucking Jobs
Dry van is the backbone of American freight, hauling everything from retail goods to packaged foods inside fully enclosed 53-foot trailers. It accounts for roughly 70% of all truckload freight in the U.S., making it the easiest segment to break into. Most new CDL-A holders start in dry van because freight is abundant, loading is typically handled by warehouse staff, and no specialized endorsements are needed.
Average Pay
$52,000 - $78,000
CDL Class
CDL-A
Demand Level
Very High
What Is Dry Van Trucking?
Dry van is the backbone of American freight, hauling everything from retail goods to packaged foods inside fully enclosed 53-foot trailers. It accounts for roughly 70% of all truckload freight in the U.S., making it the easiest segment to break into. Most new CDL-A holders start in dry van because freight is abundant, loading is typically handled by warehouse staff, and no specialized endorsements are needed.
Requirements
- Valid CDL-A license
- Clean MVR (no major violations in past 3 years)
- DOT medical card
- Minimum age 21 for interstate hauling
- Most carriers require 3-6 months experience or completion of a carrier-sponsored training program
A Day in the Life
Your alarm goes off at 4:30 AM in a truck stop outside Memphis. You do your pre-trip inspection — checking tires, lights, brakes, and making sure the trailer doors seal properly. By 5:15 you're rolling toward a Walmart distribution center 30 miles away for a 6 AM appointment. You back into a dock door, hand over your BOL, and wait. Sometimes they get you loaded in an hour. Today it takes two and a half. Once loaded, you verify the seal number matches your paperwork and hit the road. Your delivery is in Nashville, about 210 miles northeast. You settle into the right lane on I-40, cruise control set at 65. The trailer is riding smooth — 42,000 pounds of household goods. You stop once for fuel and a bathroom break at a Pilot in Jackson, TN. You arrive at the receiver by early afternoon, drop the trailer in their yard, and hook to a preloaded trailer your dispatcher arranged. This is the best part of the job — a live unload might have cost you another two hours. You pull into a rest area near Cookeville and shut down for the night with 520 miles on the day. After logging your hours in the ELD, you heat up dinner in the microwave, call home, and plan tomorrow's route. You've got a pickup in Knoxville and a delivery in Charlotte. It's not glamorous work, but the freight never stops and neither does your paycheck.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Easiest entry point for new CDL-A drivers — massive demand means carriers are always hiring
- No-touch freight is standard, reducing physical strain and injury risk
- Enclosed trailer protects cargo from weather, simplifying the job compared to flatbed or tanker
- Consistent year-round freight availability means steady paychecks without seasonal layoffs
Challenges
- Lower per-mile pay compared to specialized equipment like tanker or flatbed
- Detention time at shippers and receivers is common — you may wait 3-4 hours unpaid at some docks
- OTR routes can keep you away from home for 2-3 weeks at a stretch
- High competition from other drivers keeps rates compressed, especially on popular lanes
Top States for Dry Van Jobs
These states have the highest demand for dry van drivers based on freight volume, industry presence, and carrier activity.
Top Companies Hiring Dry Van Drivers
Werner Enterprises
#1Schneider
#2J.B. Hunt
#3Swift Transportation
#4Heartland Express
#5Ready to Start Driving?
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Van Trucking
How much do dry van drivers make per mile?
Most dry van drivers earn between $0.45 and $0.65 per mile depending on experience, carrier, and region. New drivers at mega-carriers typically start around $0.45-$0.50 CPM, while experienced drivers with clean records can negotiate $0.55-$0.65 CPM. Owner-operators running dry van typically gross $2.00-$2.50 per mile but must cover fuel, insurance, and maintenance from that figure.
Is dry van good for new truck drivers?
Dry van is widely considered the best starting point for new CDL-A drivers. The freight is abundant so you'll rarely sit without a load, the cargo doesn't require temperature monitoring or securement skills, and most loads are no-touch (warehouse staff handle loading and unloading). Many carriers specifically hire new graduates for dry van positions and provide additional training during your first few months.
What is the difference between dry van and reefer?
A dry van is a standard enclosed trailer with no climate control, used for non-perishable goods like retail merchandise, paper products, and packaged foods. A reefer (refrigerated trailer) has a built-in cooling unit that maintains specific temperatures for perishable cargo like produce, meat, and pharmaceuticals. Reefer drivers typically earn 10-15% more but deal with stricter delivery windows and the added responsibility of monitoring temperatures throughout the trip.
How many miles do dry van drivers run per week?
OTR dry van drivers typically run 2,200 to 2,800 miles per week, though top performers on favorable routes can hit 3,000+. Regional drivers usually run 1,800 to 2,400 miles weekly with more predictable home time. Your actual miles depend heavily on your carrier's freight network, how quickly shippers load you, and whether you're running solo or team.
Do dry van drivers have to load and unload?
The vast majority of dry van freight is no-touch, meaning warehouse workers handle loading and unloading with forklifts or pallet jacks. However, some loads — particularly LTL and retail deliveries — may require driver-assist unloading. Always clarify load requirements with your dispatcher before accepting a load. Carriers that advertise '100% no-touch freight' are specifically avoiding these types of shipments.