DRY VAN VS REEFER

Whether you are a truck driver looking to purchase a new truck or are a shipper looking to transport your cargo, at some point you will need to consider the difference between a dry van versus a reefer.

Dry Van vs Reefer: A dry van transports dry goods while a reefer is refrigerated and can transport perishable goods. Both are trailers attached to a semi-truck. While you can turn the refrigeration off in a reefer to transport dry goods, you cannot move perishables inside a dry van. There are more dry vans than reefers, which makes it easier to transport dry goods. While a reefer trailer costs more money to purchase, there is a greater potential to make money with it.

Why is it called a dry van?

A dry van is called so because of the contents it carries. Basically, a dry can carry anything that is dry.

Even though it is called a dry van, however, it is not actually a van. Instead, it is a trailer that measures between 48 and 53 feet long.

When you see a trailer attached to a semi-truck, this is normally a dry van. It is the industry standard thanks to its versatility.

Why is it called a reefer trailer?

A reefer trailer gets its name as a sort of abbreviated version of a refrigerated trailer. It is meant to carry goods that need to be kept at a certain temperature.

A reefer trailer has a refrigeration unit that can be set to a temperature. This will either be cold for items such as produce and flowers or even freezing for items that need to remain frozen.

What’s the difference between dry van vs reefer?

Refrigeration

The biggest difference between a dry van and a reefer trailer is that a reefer trailer has the ability to be refrigerated. This is imperative if you are transporting perishable goods.

While it’s easy to realize that produce and frozen items need to be in a temperature-controlled area, there are other items that need this treatment. Medicine needs to be kept at a standard temperature and even flowers need to be kept cool.

Remember that the inside of a trailer can become warm quite quickly, especially if the truck is traveling through hot climates. Even cargo such as electronics may need to be in a reefer trailer as the sensitive components can become too hot in some areas.

Price

The overall cost of using a reefer trailer will be higher than with a dry van. A reefer trailer has a refrigeration unit attached, which means more overhead.

Compared to a dry van, a reefer trailer has a higher initial cost to it. Then, there is the cost of the coolant as well as maintenance.

Before you can even load your cargo, a reefer trailer needs to be cooled, which adds to the overall cost. Even the construction of the trailer is different as a reefer trailer needs insulation while a dry van just needs basic walls.

All these factors add up and the price difference is always passed on to the shipper.

If you have absolutely no need to keep your goods at a set temperature, it makes no sense to use the services of a reefer trailer. Instead, keep your costs low and use a dry van.

Availability

Are you a trucker looking to get into the trucking industry but aren’t sure what will have the most job security? Or are you in the shipping business trying to secure the appropriate truck? The answer to this question will determine what is better.

There are almost three times as many dry vans on the road as there are reefer trailers. This is great news for truck drivers and bad news for shippers.

If you are a truck driver and worried about how much work you will have, then starting off as a reefer trailer driver is a smart move. You will always be in demand as there is a constant need for reefer trailers.

In contrast, if you are trying to ship cargo and need a reefer trailer, it can be harder to find someone. You may have to pay extra to find someone who is available.

For shippers, it is much easier to contract the services of a dry van. There are always truckers available to transport dry goods.

Versatility

Even though reefer trailers are refrigerated, with a simple switch, you can transport them into ordinary dry vans. This means reefer trailers can be used to transport just about anything.

On the flip side, we’ve established that dry vans can only be used to transport dry goods. However, due to other factors, such as cost and availability, dry vans are still the primary choice to move dry goods.

Space

Even though dry vans and reefers will be the same length, there is less inside storage space in a reefer trailer. The refrigerated unit takes up valuable space, so you won’t be able to store as much as you would with a dry van.

Furthermore, the walls of a reefer trailer need to be insulated and even though this is only a few extra inches on either side, it can still take a dent out of what can fit.

Every trip on a truck costs money, so companies want to pack as much as they can inside a trailer. The extra space inside a dry van will increase profits, which most companies want to pursue.

Material build

The floor of a dry van is usually made from wood. This is a sturdy material and can withstand the thousands of pounds needed to carry all the cargo.

However, wood is not insulated and if it gets wet, it will warm and even start to grow mold. This is just one reason why dry vans can only transport dry goods.

Even if you are only transporting dry goods, the wooden floors can still be damaged. Loading and offloading trailers takes a long time and if this happens in wet or snowy weather, the floor can easily become wet.

With wet wood, you will need to replace the material more often. A reefer trailer, in contrast, will have metal flooring, so it will withstand damage a lot better.

What’s the best choice between a dry van and a reefer?

The best choice always comes down to what you are transporting. If you have any sort of cargo that needs a specific temperature, then you need to use a reefer.

Even though using a reefer trailer can cost more, having a shipment delivered that is unusable because it has melted or gone bad will result in thousands of dollars of loss.

If you are transporting dry goods, it is better to stick with a dry van. Although you can turn the refrigeration unit off in a reefer and make it a dry van, it is not as efficient as using a dry van, to begin with.

The refrigeration unit and insulated walls will still be present in a reefer, which means you can’t transport as much cargo as with a dry van. It is also easier to find and employ the services of a dry van.

Can you turn a dry van into a reefer?

After you’ve been driving for a while, you may want to switch specialties and turn to drive a reefer trailer. If you already own a dry van, perhaps you can simply modify your existing circumstances.

While it is possible to turn a dry van into a reefer, the amount of effort involved doesn’t make it worth it. In addition to adding in a refrigeration unit, you would also have to better insulate the sides, floor, and roof of the dry van. Then, you would need to add in evaporators and condensers.

It is much simpler and even usually more cost-efficient to simply sell your dry van and purchase a new reefer trailer.

Can you make more money with a reefer trailer than with a dry van?

In the trucking industry, profit always comes down to how busy you are. If you are always on the road, no matter what kind of truck you are driving, you will make more money than if you were sitting at home.

However, if you compare the number of hours driving a reefer versus a dry van, you will make more money with a reefer.

By specializing within the industry, you make yourself more in demand. The extra demand means you can charge more every time you drive.

Just remember that the initial costs are higher with a reefer. Compared to a dry van, a reefer trailer costs more money. You will also have to budget for maintenance and cooling costs.

Still, the overall potential to earn money increases if you have a reefer trailer rather than a standard dry van.  

Conclusion

Deciding between a dry van and a reefer trailer seems like it should be simple. Dry vans transport dry goods and reefer trailers transport cool or cold items. But you should also look at availability, space, and cost.