A dry van is an enclosed, non-refrigerated 53-foot trailer and the most common truckload equipment in North America. It carries about 26 standard pallets on the floor and roughly 42,000 to 45,000 lb of freight that needs to stay dry and secure but does not need temperature control.
What ships in a dry van
- Packaged consumer goods and retail freight
- Non-perishable food and beverages
- Paper, plastics and packaging
- Boxed or palletized industrial products
Loading
Dry vans load through the rear doors from a dock. If either site has no dock, tell us: a liftgate truck or a ramp may be needed. Drop trailers, team drivers and multi-stop routes are available on request.
When a dry van is the wrong choice
- Freight wider or taller than the door opening needs a flatbed.
- Freight that must hold a temperature needs a refrigerated trailer.
- Shipments under about six pallets usually cost less by LTL.
| Measure | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Inside length | About 52 ft 6 in |
| Inside width | About 98 to 100 in |
| Inside height | About 108 to 110 in |
| Floor pallets (48 × 40) | 26 straight, up to 30 turned |
| Freight weight | About 42,000 to 45,000 lb |
Common questions
How many pallets fit in a 53-foot dry van?
Twenty-six standard 48 × 40 inch pallets loaded straight in two rows, or up to 30 when pallets are turned. Double-stacking doubles that if the freight and weight allow.
What is the weight limit for a dry van?
Most dry vans carry about 42,000 to 45,000 lb of freight. The legal gross weight for the truck, trailer and cargo together is 80,000 lb in the United States without a permit.
Written by the MeritSpan Logistics team. Last reviewed November 9, 2026. Figures are typical values; equipment and carrier rules vary.