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.
FAQ
What does Dry Van mean?
A fully enclosed, non-temperature-controlled trailer — the most common trailer type.
Why is Dry Van important for truck drivers?
Understanding dry van is essential for truck drivers because it directly impacts your daily operations, pay, or compliance. 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.