Dry Van vs. Reefer: Choosing the Right Trailer Type for Your Freight

Dry van and refrigerated (reefer) trailers are the two most common equipment types in over-the-road trucking, and choosing between them is often straightforward — until it isn't. Products that are temperature-sensitive but not technically perishable, or commodities that need climate protection but not active refrigeration, frequently fall into a gray area that trips up shippers who haven't thought through the decision carefully.

When Dry Van Is the Right Call

Dry van trailers are fully enclosed, weather-resistant, and suited for virtually any cargo that doesn't require temperature control. They are the most widely available trailer type in North America — accounting for the large majority of the over-the-road fleet — which means competitive rates and strong carrier options across most lanes.

• Non-perishable packaged foods (canned goods, dry snacks, cereals)
• Consumer electronics and appliances
• Manufacturing components, automotive parts, and raw materials
• Retail merchandise and e-commerce fulfillment
• Building materials and industrial supplies
• Paper, plastics, and textiles

When Reefer Is Required

Refrigerated trailers maintain a controlled temperature range — typically between -20°F and 70°F — using a diesel-powered refrigeration unit mounted on the nose of the trailer. Reefer trailers cost more to operate, require additional fuel for the refrigeration unit, demand pre-cooling before loading, and need qualified drivers who understand cold-chain documentation. Carriers pass these costs to shippers through higher per-mile rates.

• Fresh produce, dairy, eggs, and fresh meat
• Frozen food products and ice cream
• Pharmaceuticals and biologics requiring cold chain documentation
• Fresh flowers, plants, and horticultural products
• Beverages requiring temperature stability (wine, certain juices)
• Certain chemicals and adhesives with temperature sensitivity

Carrier Availability by Lane

Because reefer trailers are more expensive to own and maintain, there are far fewer of them in the market relative to dry vans. Produce-heavy corridors out of California's Central Valley, Florida, and the Pacific Northwest have deep reefer capacity, but lanes running into less produce-dense markets can have limited options. Shippers who don't plan reefer procurement proactively often face service failures during peak seasons when every carrier is fully committed.