Dry Van vs. Refrigerated Shipping: Which Option Is Right for Your Business?
When it comes to moving goods efficiently, choosing the right type of freight shipping can make all the difference in cost, speed, and product quality. Two of the most common options in trucking are dry van shipping and refrigerated shipping. While both rely on enclosed trailers to protect cargo from outside elements, their purposes, capabilities, and costs differ significantly.
Understanding these differences is crucial for shippers. Selecting the wrong method can lead to damaged products, higher expenses, and dissatisfied customers. This blog will break down the key distinctions between dry van and refrigerated shipping, examine the benefits and challenges of each, and help you determine which option best fits your business needs.
What Is Dry Van Shipping?
Dry van shipping is one of the most widely used forms of freight transportation. A dry van trailer is a fully enclosed, non-climate-controlled container—typically 48 or 53 feet long—designed to transport general cargo.
Because these trailers are versatile and readily available, they’re the go-to option for most shippers moving dry goods, packaged products, and non-perishable items. From clothing and electronics to furniture and building materials, dry vans are the workhorses of the trucking industry.
Advantages of Dry Van Shipping
Affordability – Since dry vans do not require special equipment or temperature control, they’re generally cheaper than refrigerated shipping.
Versatility – Suitable for a wide range of freight, making them ideal for businesses with diverse shipping needs.
Accessibility – High availability of dry van trailers and carriers means easy scheduling and competitive pricing.
Protection from the elements – Goods are shielded from weather, road debris, and theft during transit.
Limitations of Dry Van Shipping
No temperature control – Not suitable for perishable or sensitive products that require refrigeration.
Limited airflow – Can cause issues for items that are sensitive to humidity or ventilation.
Weight limits – Like all trailers, dry vans have a maximum weight capacity (usually around 45,000 lbs), which may restrict heavy loads.
What Is Refrigerated Shipping?
Refrigerated shipping uses temperature-controlled trailers equipped with refrigeration units. These trailers can maintain specific temperature ranges, typically between -20°F and 70°F, depending on the cargo requirements.
Refrigerated shipping is essential for industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, floral, and chemicals, where maintaining product integrity during transit is critical.
Advantages of Refrigerated Shipping
Temperature control – Maintains a consistent climate to ensure perishable goods arrive fresh and safe.
Product quality protection – Prevents spoilage, melting, freezing, or degradation of sensitive products.
Regulatory compliance – Meets stringent requirements for industries like pharmaceuticals and food safety.
Market expansion – Enables businesses to ship perishable goods long distances, expanding geographic reach.
Limitations of Refrigerated Shipping
Higher cost – Refrigerated units are more expensive due to specialized equipment, fuel for cooling units, and limited carrier availability.
Maintenance requirements – Temperature-controlled trailers require more frequent maintenance and monitoring.
Capacity constraints – Fewer refrigerated trucks are available compared to dry vans, making scheduling more competitive.
Cost Comparison: Dry Van vs. Refrigerated
Cost is one of the most important considerations for shippers. Generally, dry van shipping is more affordable, as it requires no specialized equipment or fuel. refrigerated shipping rates, on the other hand, are higher because:
Refrigeration units consume additional fuel.
Trailer maintenance costs are greater.
The pool of refrigerated carriers is smaller, creating higher demand.
For businesses transporting non-perishable products, dry vans are the clear choice. However, if cargo requires specific temperatures, the additional investment in refrigerated shipping is non-negotiable.
Use Cases for Each Option
When to Use Dry Van Shipping
Packaged foods, beverages (non-perishable)
Clothing, textiles, and footwear
Electronics and appliances
Building materials and furniture
Household goods and general merchandise
When to Use Refrigerated Shipping
Fresh produce, dairy, and frozen foods
Meat, seafood, and poultry
Pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and medical supplies
Floral products and plants
Temperature-sensitive chemicals
Factors to Consider When Choosing
If you’re debating between dry van and refrigerated shipping, ask yourself the following questions:
Does my cargo require temperature control?
If yes, refrigerated shipping is the only option.
What is my budget?
Dry van shipping is more economical if climate control is unnecessary.
How long is the transit time?
Longer transit times increase the risk of spoilage for perishable goods, making refrigerated shipping essential.
What regulations apply to my products?
Industries like food and pharma often have strict compliance standards that only refrigerated shipping can meet.
How important is flexibility and availability?
Dry vans are more widely available, which may reduce lead times and costs.
Emerging Trends in Dry Van and Refrigerated Shipping
The logistics industry is evolving rapidly, and both dry van and refrigerated shipping are being reshaped by new technologies and market dynamics:
IoT and real-time tracking – Shippers now have visibility into trailer conditions, including temperature, humidity, and location.
Sustainability efforts – Carriers are adopting fuel-efficient refrigeration units and alternative energy sources to reduce emissions.
E-commerce growth – Increasing demand for grocery delivery and fresh goods is driving refrigerated shipping innovation.
Hybrid models – Some logistics providers are offering flexible trailers that can switch between dry van and refrigerated modes, though adoption is still limited.
Which Option Is Right for Your Business?
The choice between dry van and refrigerated shipping ultimately depends on your product type, budget, and customer expectations.
Choose Dry Van Shipping if your goods are non-perishable, you want a cost-effective option, and you value widespread availability.
Choose Refrigerated Shipping if your products require strict temperature control, you operate in industries like food, pharma, or chemicals, and maintaining product integrity is non-negotiable.
In some cases, businesses may use both methods, depending on their product mix and distribution strategy. A hybrid approach ensures flexibility and helps optimize costs while meeting customer needs.
Conclusion
Dry van and refrigerated shipping are both essential pillars of modern logistics. While dry vans offer versatility and affordability for general cargo, refrigerated trailers ensure the safe and compliant transport of temperature-sensitive goods.
For shippers, the key is to evaluate product requirements, regulatory obligations, and cost considerations carefully. By selecting the right method—or combining both—businesses can protect product quality, control costs, and meet growing customer demands in today’s fast-paced supply chain.
The bottom line: if your goods don’t need climate control, stick with dry van shipping for its efficiency and cost savings. But if product integrity depends on temperature, refrigerated shipping is the investment that safeguards your brand and your bottom line.
