Dry van vs reefer vs flatbed: which truck type fits which freight

Three trailers, three kinds of freight

Most owner-operators start with one of three trailer types: dry van, reefer or flatbed. Each one hauls different freight, needs different equipment and comes with a different day-to-day routine. Neither is "best". The right choice depends on the freight you want, the lanes you run and how you like to work.

Dry van

A dry van is an enclosed trailer for freight that does not need temperature control: boxed goods, packaged products, retail freight and many other palletized loads. It is the most common trailer on the road and usually has the largest number of available loads. Loading and unloading happen at docks, and you do not need to tarp or secure open freight. Read about dry van dispatch.

Reefer

A reefer is a refrigerated trailer for freight that must stay cold or frozen, such as food and some medical products. You have to run and monitor the reefer unit, keep to the temperature on the rate confirmation and look after the unit's fuel. Reefer work comes with extra responsibility, and freight claims over temperature are taken seriously. Read about reefer dispatch.

Flatbed

A flatbed is an open trailer for freight that does not fit in a box: steel, lumber, machinery and building materials. You secure the load with straps or chains and often tarp it. The work is more physical and takes more skill than hauling a sealed van, and it often means more time at pickup and delivery. Read about flatbed dispatch.

Other equipment worth knowing

• Step deck: an open trailer with a lower deck for taller freight.
• Power only: you bring the tractor and pull a trailer supplied by someone else.
• Box truck: a straight truck for smaller loads.
• Hotshot: a pickup with a trailer for fast, flexible loads.

How to decide

• Freight volume. Dry van usually has the most loads. Specialized equipment can have fewer loads, but less competition.
• Your lanes. Look at where freight for each trailer type is common near the places you want to run.
• Work style. Decide how much tarping, securing and temperature monitoring you want to take on.
• Costs. Equipment, insurance and upkeep differ by trailer. Work out your cost per mile before you commit, and read how to calculate it.

Need help picking loads for your equipment?

Dispatchero dispatches all seven equipment types. Tell us your equipment and lanes and we will find loads that fit. You approve every load.