Flatbed vs. Dry Van Trucking: Which Is Right for Your Shipment?

While there are plenty of trailers for shipping your business cargo, two commercial trailers stand out—flatbeds and dry vans. According to the American Trucking Association, 72.6% of freight in the U.S. is moved by trucks, with flatbeds and dry vans among the most utilized trailers. These two trailers are more popular, and your choice of shipment will depend on your needs. Are you transporting heavy machinery, consumer goods, or delicate items? It all comes down to ensuring the safety and efficiency of your shipment.

Flatbeds and dry van trucks each have unique advantages intended for specific cargo types, and understanding these differences is key to making the right decision. This article will cover the pros and cons of flatbed and dry van trucking, compare their features, and help you determine which option best suits your shipping needs.

What is a Flatbed?

A flatbed truck is a heavy-duty commercial vehicle with a large, open platform without sides or roof. It is typically used to transport oversized, irregularly shaped, or heavy freight, such as machinery, construction materials, and vehicles.

Flatbed trailers are available in various sizes, ranging from small trucks with a maximum capacity of about 3 tons to large ones carrying loads of up to 40 tons.

Advantages of Flatbed Trucks

Flatbeds are known for various benefits including:

• Easy loading and unloading – Cargo can be loaded and unloaded from all sides, top, or rear, making it highly accessible. It is ideal for oversized, irregularly shaped, or heavy items that can’t be handled by dry van trucks.

• No dimensional restrictions – Allows transportation of goods that exceed the standard dimensions of dry van trailers.
• Time-saving – The faster loading and unloading process reduces business downtime due to its open design.
• Higher weight capacity – Can often handle heavier freight compared to dry vans, depending on the truck configuration.
• Specialized use – Perfect for industries like construction, manufacturing, and agriculture that require transportation of non-standard freight.
• Adaptability for unusual loads – Flexible enough to carry goods like piping, lumber, and industrial equipment that would be impossible to fit into a dry van trailer.

Disadvantages of Flatbed Trucks

Flatbeds have their challenges, such as:

• No weather protection – Cargo is exposed to rain, snow, and other environmental elements, increasing the risk of damage. Tarping is required for weather-sensitive items.
• Higher risk of theft – Open design makes the cargo more vulnerable to theft during transit or stops.
• Requires specialized handling – Securing loads often requires extra time, effort, and skill to ensure safety. Improperly secured freight poses risks of shifting or falling during transport.
• Higher costs – Transportation costs often increase due to the need for experienced drivers, specialized equipment, and additional labor (e.g., tarping).
• Load restrictions in urban areas – Some urban environments or restricted routes may limit the use of flatbed trucks due to their size and the nature of their cargo.
• More challenging maintenance – Loads may cause wear and tear on the trailer, especially when transporting heavy or sharp-edged goods, leading to higher maintenance needs.

What is a Dry Van?

A dry van is an enclosed and fully protected trailer. It is typically used to ship cargo that needs protection from external influences like bad weather, theft, or temperature fluctuations.

Dry van trucks are the most common type of trailers and can carry a wide variety of cargo by road with minimal risk of damage. Most are 53 feet long and 8.5 feet wide and may be loaded with 45,000 pounds of freight.

Advantages of Dry Vans

Dry van trucks have lots of pros including:

• Complete protection – The enclosed design shields cargo from weather, dust, and other external elements. This makes dry vans ideal for transporting sensitive goods that need to stay clean, dry, and intact, such as electronics, furniture, or packaged foods.
• Security – A fully enclosed and lockable trailer protects goods from theft during transit or stops, giving shippers peace of mind when transporting high-value freight.
• Cost-effective – Dry vans are among the most common trucking options, making them more affordable for shippers. They are well-suited for standard shipments, helping businesses minimize logistics costs.
• Versatility – These trucks handle a variety of goods, from consumer electronics to household items, and can accommodate both palletized and non-palletized cargo. This makes them a preferred option for general freight needs across industries.

Disadvantages of Dry Vans

Despite their common nature, dry vans have a few disadvantages, such as:

• Limited loading options – Freight can only be loaded and unloaded through the rear doors, which can slow down operations, especially for large or awkwardly positioned shipments that require extra maneuvering.
• Size restrictions – The enclosed structure confines shipments to specific dimensions. Oversized or irregularly shaped items that exceed the height, width, or length of the trailer cannot be accommodated.
• Weight limitations – While dry vans can handle most standard loads, extremely heavy cargo might exceed the weight limits of the trailer or cause uneven weight distribution, which could compromise safety during transit.

Key Differences between Flatbed and Dry Van Trucks

When to Use Flatbed Trucks

A flatbed trailer is a reliable choice for cargo that exceeds the limitations of dry vans. Its open design makes it an essential tool for many industries and freight types. Here are some key scenarios where flatbed trucks are ideal.

1. Oversized or irregularly shaped cargo

If your shipment is too large to fit into a standard enclosed trailer like a dry van, a flatbed truck is the most reliable option for you. For instance, a construction company shipping oversized steel beams for a skyscraper project would rely on flatbed trucks to accommodate the load’s size and weight. The open platform also allows for easy loading via cranes, saving time and effort. Flatbed trailers can accommodate freight that’s up to 48 feet long and 8 feet wide.

2. Heavy or high-density freight

Flatbed trucks are designed to carry heavy cargo that may be too heavy for standard trailers. Freight like generators, transformers, concrete pipes, and heavy manufacturing equipment is easily fastened and transported.

3. Easy loading and unloading

Flatbed trailers are the best option for cargo that requires easy loading and unloading. This includes items such as machinery and crates. The open design of a flatbed truck allows forklifts or cranes to load and unload cargo from any angle. 

4. Cargo with no weather concerns

When the shipment consists of goods that are not sensitive to weather, such as raw materials or machinery, flatbeds offer a cost-effective and practical solution. Tarping can provide additional protection if necessary.

5. Supporting specialized industries

Flatbed trucks are essential in industries such as construction, agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. They transport everything from wind turbine components to farm equipment, showing their flexibility and industry-specific value.

When to use Dry Vans

Dry van trucks are ideal for cargo that require protection from external elements. Here are instances where dry can trucking is the best choice:

1. Freight that requires weather protection

Dry vans are enclosed, providing complete protection against rain, snow, dust, and UV exposure. For example, a retail business transporting electronics during the rainy season would benefit from the weather protection offered by a dry van, ensuring products reach stores in good condition. This makes them ideal for shipping weather-sensitive items like electronics, furniture, textiles, and packaged food.

2. Standard-sized cargo

When your shipment consists of goods that fit neatly within the dimensions of an enclosed trailer, dry vans are the most practical option. Examples include palletized goods, boxes, and other regularly sized items.

3. High-value or fragile items

For freights that require additional security, a dry van’s enclosed design ensures that cargo is locked and shielded from theft or damage. This is especially important for high-value goods like electronics or fragile products like glassware.

4. Retail and consumer goods

Dry vans are commonly used for retail supply chains, transporting everything from clothing and shoes to home appliances and electronics. The controlled environment helps maintain product quality during transit.

5. Non-perishable packaged foods

Dry vans are a great option for shipping canned, boxed, or non-perishable food items that do not require refrigeration but still need to stay dry and clean.

Factors to consider when choosing between Flatbeds and Dry Vans

When deciding on the right type of trucking, consider the following factors:

Nature of the shipment

Flatbed trucks are best for hauling oversized, irregularly shaped, or long construction items because they allow unrestricted loading from all sides. On the other hand, dry vans are suitable for standard-sized or boxed goods. Freight weight is another important factor. Flatbeds are better for heavy-duty loads, but it’s essential to confirm the trailer’s capacity and ensure even weight distribution to avoid safety issues.

Need for weather protection.

If your freight is sensitive to weather, such as furniture, electronics, or textiles, dry van trucking is the ideal option. Its enclosed design keeps cargo safe from rain, snow, wind, and sunlight, ensuring goods arrive in good condition.

Flatbed trailers expose goods to the elements, which may not be suitable for weather-sensitive items. While tarps can offer some protection, they don’t match the level of security provided by a dry van. Flatbeds are better suited for weather-resistant materials like steel beams, concrete, or other raw materials.

Loading and unloading logistics

If you have heavy cargo requiring a crane to load and unload it, then a flatbed is for you. They allow for any side loading, which makes them ideal for items that are too large or awkward for a standard loading dock. Cranes and forklifts can easily access the cargo, speeding up the process.

Dry vans, however, are limited to rear-loading and unloading. This can slow the process for large shipments or goods requiring accurate positioning within the trailer. But for palletized goods or standard boxes, rear-loading is usually sufficient.

Compliance with Legal and Safety Requirements

Regulatory considerations also play a role in choosing the right trucking method. Flatbed trucking often requires additional permits for oversized or heavy loads and may necessitate safety measures such as flags, lights, or escorts.

Dry vans, being used for standard freight, generally have fewer regulatory complications, making them a more straightforward option for most businesses.

Conclusion

Choosing between flatbed and dry van trucking ultimately depends on your business shipping needs. Flatbed trucks are great for handling oversized, irregular, or heavy cargo, while dry vans provide protection for standard-sized, weather-sensitive, and high-value goods.

By considering factors like the type of freight, loading needs, and weather protection, you can make the right choice for your business. At Flex Solutions, we specialize in both flatbed and dry van trucking, offering reliable, safe, and customized services to meet your shipping needs.

Take the next step in your logistics journey by contacting us today to discuss your shipping needs and learn how our tailored services can simplify your operations.