If you’re shipping freight and not sure whether to go with a flatbed or dry van, you’re not alone. Shippers ask us this all the time—and the answer really comes down to what you’re moving and how it needs to be handled.
Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the right trailer for the job.
Dry Van: The Workhorse of Freight
Dry vans are the most common trailer on the road. They’re fully enclosed—like a big box on wheels—offering protection from weather, road debris, and theft.
Best for:
- Palletized goods
- Consumer products
- Electronics
- Food and beverage (non-refrigerated)
- Anything that needs to stay dry and secure
Pros:
- Full protection from the elements
- Easier to load/unload at dock-height warehouses
- No need for tarping or securing freight on open decks
Considerations:
Dry vans don’t work well for oversized or oddly-shaped items, and they require dock access for most loading.
Flatbed: Built for Heavy-Duty Freight
Flatbeds are open-deck trailers with no sides or roof, which makes them extremely versatile. If you’ve got something too big, bulky, or oddly shaped to fit in a dry van, flatbed is usually the way to go.
Best for:
- Machinery and equipment
- Building materials (like steel, lumber, or solar racking)
- Oversized or wide loads
- Freight loaded by crane or from the side
Pros:
- Load from any angle—top, side, or rear
- Ideal for oversized or non-standard freight
- Easier access at job sites or yards without docks
Considerations:
Because flatbeds are exposed, loads need to be secured with straps, chains, tarps, and sometimes edge protectors. Weather protection is limited unless properly tarped.
So, What’s Right for You?
If your freight is weather-sensitive, boxed, and fits neatly on a pallet—go dry van.
If it’s large, heavy, or doesn’t fit in a box—go flatbed.
At Clear Horizon Logistics, we help you figure this out fast. We don’t just ask what you’re shipping—we ask how it needs to get there and what’s at stake if something goes wrong.
