Dry Freight Trucks

A dry freight truck is similar in style and construction to a semi-truck or a semi-trailer. They are essentially an empty box mounted on the back of a high-quality chassis, and they are designed to transport goods and materials over short or long distances. Dry freight trucks are often made from aluminum because the material is lightweight and highly durable. Dry freight trucks may be confused with two other types of shipping options: refrigerated vans (also called “reefers”) and flatbed trucks. Reefer vans or trucks come equipped with special cooling equipment. They are used primarily to haul food and other perishable items, such as plants. Flatbed trucks are used for a similar purpose, but they lack doors and walls, so they’re a better choice for items that must be protected from the elements.

Dry freight trucks are used across the nation to haul anything that doesn’t need to be refrigerated or frozen. They can be used to haul a variety of items, including alcohol, bottled water, canned goods, clothing, household decor, furniture, and building materials. These vehicles are used by restaurants, grocery stores, clothing stores, department stores, construction companies, furniture companies, and home goods chains. In some cases, to operate a dry freight truck, the driver will be required to hold a Class A CDL. In special circumstances, the driver may need to also hold a hazmat endorsement. Designed to haul freight of all shapes and sizes, dry freight trucks are a durable and highly cost-effective option when it comes to the transportation of non-perishable materials.

Although the design of a dry freight truck is fairly straightforward, there are multiple opportunities for customization. A standard dry freight truck will come equipped with a stainless steel rear frame, wheel well cover plates, a laminated hardwood floor with an undercoat, and three different door options: roll-up, swing, or slider doors. 

The vehicle can be customized further by ordering in custom lengths. Side doors are another option, and they can be ordered curb- or street-side in swing, sliding, and roll-up options. The floor of the vehicle may be built with aluminum, steel diamond plate, plywood, or laminated hardwood. The vehicle can be further customized with grab handles on the doors, a variety of cargo controls and configurations, toolboxes, interior and exterior lights, security cameras, hitches, and exterior paint and graphics.

Dry freight trucks are typically available in a few different body style choices. A nose cone front is a  gas-efficient option, while a cab-over attic front provides extra space for storage. 

The vehicles also come in a variety of body sizes, from 8 feet to 28 feet long, 96 inches to 102 inches wide, and 90.5 inches to 114.5 inches tall. In most cases, custom body sizes are available to accommodate specific needs. The body of the dry freight truck can be further customized with side doors on the curb or street side, swing or roll-up rear doors, or sliding side doors.

Dry freight trucks are a highly dependable form of transportation. They are extremely versatile, as they can haul nearly any type of good. They are designed to transport boxed freight, loose goods, or goods that are packaged into a pallet. The trucks can be loaded to full capacity or used to transport smaller loads along a route. 

Another advantage of using a dry freight truck is the fact that the vehicle is extremely safe and sturdy. These vehicles are built specifically to protect goods from poor weather and outside elements, and many vehicles come equipped with special locks to prevent theft.