Choosing between a dry van and a reefer is one of the first decisions in any freight request. Both move full truckloads across the country, but they protect your cargo in very different ways.
When a dry van makes sense
A dry van is an enclosed trailer without temperature control. It suits packaged goods, retail products, building supplies, paper and most non-perishable freight that only needs protection from weather and theft.
When you need a reefer
A refrigerated trailer, or reefer, holds a set temperature for the whole trip. It is used for food, beverages, pharmaceuticals and other products that can spoil or degrade if they get too warm or too cold.
Questions to answer before you request a quote
- Does the product have a required temperature range?
- Is the freight sensitive to freezing as well as heat?
- How is it palletized and how much does it weigh?
- Do the pickup and delivery sites have special requirements?
If you are not sure which trailer you need, share your product details with the team and ask. A short conversation up front prevents delays on the day of pickup.