Flatbed and dry van trailers carry different freight, move it differently, and come with different rate structures. Choosing the wrong trailer type means delays, rejected loads, or avoidable extra cost.
This guide covers what each trailer type is designed for, how rates compare, and how to decide which one fits your freight.
What Is a Dry Van?
A dry van is an enclosed trailer with walls, a roof, and a rear door. It protects freight from weather and provides security from external access. Standard dry vans are 53 feet long and accept palletized freight loaded from the rear.
Dry vans are the most common trailer type in US trucking. They move almost anything that can be palletized and does not require temperature control or open-deck loading:
- Consumer goods
- Packaged food (non-refrigerated)
- Paper and packaging materials
- Electronics
- Automotive parts (non-oversized)
What Is a Flatbed?
A flatbed is an open trailer with no sides or roof. Freight is loaded from the sides, rear, or top using cranes, forklifts, or ramps. Flatbeds are used for freight that is too large, heavy, or oddly shaped to fit inside an enclosed trailer.
Common flatbed freight includes:
- Steel coils and structural steel
- Lumber and building materials
- Construction equipment
- Machinery and industrial equipment
- Oversized and permit loads
Key Differences
| Factor | Dry Van | Flatbed |
|---|---|---|
| Weather protection | Yes — fully enclosed | No — tarps or chains required |
| Loading method | Rear dock loading | Side, rear, or crane |
| Freight size | Standard palletized freight | Oversized or non-stackable |
| Securement | Straps and blocking inside | Chains, straps, binders, tarps |
| Driver skill | Standard | Specialized — tarping and chaining required |
| Rate level | Lower — more available capacity | Higher — specialized equipment and skills |
When to Use Dry Van
Use dry van when freight is palletized and can be loaded from the rear, the destination has a standard dock, and the cargo does not require temperature control or open-deck access. Most standard retail, consumer goods, and manufacturing freight moves dry van.
When to Use Flatbed
Use flatbed when freight cannot fit inside an enclosed trailer due to height, width, length, or weight. Steel, machinery, and construction materials that require crane or forklift loading from the side nearly always move flatbed.
Flatbed is also required for freight that exceeds the legal limits for enclosed trailers — anything over 8.5 feet wide, 13.5 feet tall, or 48,000 to 52,000 pounds depending on the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can flatbed freight be covered?
Yes. Flatbed drivers carry tarps to cover freight that needs weather protection. The shipper or broker specifies tarp requirements when booking. Tarping adds time to loading and may add a charge.
Is flatbed always more expensive than dry van?
Generally yes, because flatbed equipment is more specialized and driver skill requirements are higher. However, lane and market conditions affect the rate difference significantly.
What is a step-deck trailer?
A step-deck (also called a drop-deck) trailer has a lower deck height than a standard flatbed, allowing taller freight to move without an oversize permit. It is the bridge between a standard flatbed and a lowboy trailer.
Need flatbed or dry van capacity?
SIOX Logistics books flatbed and dry van freight across major US corridors. Request a freight quote and get matched to the right trailer for your load.
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