5 Features of a Dry Van Trailer

What is a Dry Van Trailer?

A dry van is a type of semi-trailer that is built to be fully enclosed to protect shipments from outside elements. They are the most popular and commonly used means of transportation and storage.  This is due to their ability to protect loads from weather, damage, and theft. Below are 5 features of a trailer.

1. Size – Dry van trailers range from 28’, 45’, 48’, and 53’. The maximum trailer length allowed is 53’. These trailers range from 105.5” to 111” inside with a width of 8’6” and a height of 9’ tall. A 53’ trailer is capable of holding up to 45,000 pounds.
2. Grades of Trailers – Road and Cartage trailers can be used to haul different types of cargo, such as equipment, pallets, furniture, and food items. It is important to make sure that you have the correct style of trailer for the load that you are hauling. This is especially true for the interior of the trailer. If you are hauling perishable cargo, you will need to have a Reefer trailer, which has a coolant system to keep items fresh. Non-perishable items can easily be transported in a non-refrigerated trailer.
3. Interiors – There are two styles of interiors of non-cooled dry van trailers. Sheet and Post and Composite. Sheet and post trailers are built with plywood or a similar material. There are approximately 1” deep posts separating each section. This is where logistic slots can be installed to hold freight into place, while it is being transported. Sheet and post trailers are generally lighter than a composite trailer, but oftentimes end up having more repairs, due to the structure of the inside. Composite trailers have smooth interior walls. The interior design of these trailers helps to reduce snagging and damages when loading and unloading the trailer. Composite trailers are also approximately 2.5 inches wider than sheet and post trailers, due to not having the posts separating out sections, as the sheet and post have. This style of trailer works great for pallets, as it allows a little extra room to be able to stack and load pallets side by side. A sheet and post trailer does not leave enough room for any overhang of the shipment on pallets.
4. Suspensions – The suspension of a trailer can be a factor for not only the freight but the driver. There are two different types of suspensions. Air Ride and Spring Ride. Maintenance is lower for a spring ride and less cost for repairs is incurred. Some drivers feel though that the air ride suspension is a smoother ride, along with some clients feeling that it is a safer means of transportation and may request it for their cargo. The tractor can make the difference more so than the trailer though.
5. Doors – There are a couple of different style doors that you can choose from. Roll Up and Swing Doors (Barn Doors). Leaving a trailer docked for storage can be a determining factor in which door to choose. While either door style works well, a roll-up door is best for a docked trailer, since you can just roll up the door to have access to the inside of the trailer, without moving the trailer. Swing doors do allow for the most opening room to the inside of the trailer since they swing out.

Here at DP Trailer Rental, we have a variety of well-maintained trailers to choose from. We can help you assess your needs and help you choose the right trailer for you. Contact us today!