Dry Van vs. Reefer Trucking: Which Is Better?

Published Date: 11 March 2024

In the trucking industry, the reefer vs. dry van debate rages on—everyone has an opinion on which is better—but is there a right answer?

It’s complicated. As far as moving beverages go, both have their place and which is best suited for a job will depend on a variety of factors. You have to consider your need for temperature control, as well as your budget, security preferences, and more.

In this blog, we’re breaking down these considerations in more detail to help you determine whether to choose a reefer trailer or ship with a dry van.

Let’s talk trucks!

Uses & Versatility

If you’re opening up the reefer truck vs. dry van can of worms, it’s first important to establish when each can and should be used.

Dry vans (a.k.a dry van trailers) are most commonly 53’ with a weight carry capacity of up to roughly 45,000 lbs. They have the name they do because the cargo they carry is covered and therefore kept dry. When it comes to shipping, dry vans are normally used to move products that can be easily loaded onto pallets or floor-loaded, such as:

Electronics
Non-perishable food
Soda
Spirits and liquor
Smaller appliances

Conversely, reefer trucks (a.k.a refrigerated trucks) are frequently used to ship products that need temperature control. The length of their refrigerated trailers is usually 48’ to 53’ and is capable of carrying up to 44,000 lbs.

Some examples of temperature-sensitive freight include:

Fresh ingredients
Cosmetic products
Craft beer
Kombucha
Pharmaceuticals

In discussing versatility and the range of products that can be moved, the winner of this round in the reefer vs. dry van debate is the former. Reefer trailers are the superior option for anyone looking to ship temperature-sensitive goods, yet also provide the best of both worlds because they can be used to ship dry freight as well.

a reefer truck driving down an open freeway

Image source: Canva

Affordability

While the versatility we just mentioned is great, it does come at a price because using a reefer trailer is much more expensive than dry van shipping.

Dry vans are simpler in design and construction, meaning they require less specialized equipment to operate and don’t usually need as much maintenance. However, the real savings come from them not having a refrigerated component—this drastically reduces fuel consumption to lower the overall cost of your trip.

Reefer trailers come with significantly higher upfront costs and steeper operational prices. You’ll have to pay more for them because of their cooling equipment, then also pay to keep it up and running as intended. The trailer is often powered by a separate engine that also requires its own fuel, further increasing the costs.

On a per-mile basis, here is how their contract rates compare by price:

	Spot Rate	Contract Rate
Dry Van	$1.66/mile	$2.06/mile
Reefer	$1.92/mile	$2.39/mile

If you’re on a budget, the dry van vs. reefer debate really isn’t much of a debate at all: choose a dry van to save money. If you need the refrigerated component, there are sustainable cold-chain packaging solutions that can keep your products temperature-controlled without the need for refrigerated trailers.

Learn more about the Pallet Parka.

Security Features

Next in our reefer vs. dry van comparison is security, but the answer as to which offers more in this category is a bit less clear-cut.

Dry vans and reefer trailers are generally equipped with:

Sturdy doors
High-security locks
Tracking systems
Security seals

These are just to deter thieves; being fully enclosed also means your cargo is protected from snow, rain, harsh sunlight, and other elements.

One of the main differences is that reefer trailers typically have temperature-monitoring systems and alarms to ensure that the cargo remains within the specified temperature range throughout transit.

With all that said, you may be inclined to say that reefer trailers are more secure and you wouldn’t exactly be wrong. However, their cargo typically is of higher value and that makes them a more appealing target than dry vans.

Image source: Canva

Overall Convenience

Dry vans offer many features that make them the quickest and easiest choice for shipments. They allow drivers to use what’s known as the “drop and hook” method. This is when a trailer is dropped at a loading dock without being unloaded, then a new one is hooked on before the driver hits the road again.

A reefer truck and trailer do not afford such convenience, as they:

Must be pre-cooled before any cargo can be loaded into them.
Don’t accommodate the drop and hook load method, meaning drivers must wait for the truck to be unloaded before they can get moving.
Require frequent and extensive cleaning to remain consistent with the standards of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

Last but not least in this reefer trailer vs. dry van breakdown is their general ease of use. Which of the two makes it easier to move cargo?

However, reefer trucks offer the convenience of serving as additional cold storage for facilities that need it. They also protect products from freeze. It’s important to add that they run on diesel, so it’s most costly to do so.

If you’re hauling dry freight and care about efficiency, use a dry van.

Get the Best of Both Worlds With Brew Movers

The dry van vs. reefer debate is complicated, with each providing value to those looking to move freight. Just don’t forget how the vehicle itself is only part of the equation—having the right logistics team is what matters most.

At Brew Movers, we get your beverages from point A to B as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. Our crew uses both dry vans and reefer trailers in our operations; we tailor our services to whatever it is you’re moving. We handle: