When it comes to freight transport, you must first determine what shipping option best meets your transportation specific needs. In the freight shipping industry, there is a wide variety of choices you can choose. Your options include refrigerated trucking, dry van, flatbeds and more. Each shipping method comes with advantages, drawbacks and pricing that affects both shippers and carriers who do the freight hauling.

Therefore, it is indeed a good idea to familiarize yourself with all of the available freight shipping methods available. Along with that, you should also consider the requirements of each shipping mode. In this article, we are going to outline the differences, costs and benefits of dry van trucking and refrigerated trucking. 

What is Dry van Trucking?

Dry van trucking is one of the most common, trusted and preferred freight transportation methods available in the freight industry. Up until now, it has remained the popular means of freight shipping and trucking due to the high availability and multiple benefits. A dry van is also an enclosed trailer. This makes it more convenient and reliable throughout the shipping process. 

A dry van trailer is often chosen for its convenience. Apart from being enormous and versatile, a dry van protects cargo from theft, bad weather, and potential damage. This trailer is also used for both full-truckload and LTL shipments. Full truckloads are scheduled with custom pick-up and delivery specifications, while LTL benefits from lower pricing due to freight consolidation.

Read further to discover some of the benefits and drawbacks of dry van trucking.

Benefits of Dry Van Trucking

• Dry van trucks are incredibly versatile. This method can ship a wide variety of freight, including non-perishable goods, construction materials, and more.
• When you choose a dry van, you can worry less about your freight’s security. Paying the cost of a dry van trailer means you enjoy its excellence at protecting your cargo from theft, bad weather and other potential damages. If you don’t want to use load bars with additional blocking and bracing, choose dry vans. Some dry vans don’t need chains, straps or other covers while shipping as they are enclosed.
• The dropping of an empty trailer and hooking up a loaded one, saves you more time and effort. When you manually load and unload the shipment, you save time. You can focus on more pressing needs during this period. 
• Dry van shipping is one of the most affordable modes of shipping and transportation. Aside from that, it can accommodate both regional short-haul shipments and long-haul shipments.

Drawbacks of Dry Van Trucking

• The hardwood floors in most dry van trucks are vulnerable to condensation buildup and moisture. This buildup can come from freight or can pass through open doors. Unfortunately, it will lead to extra repair and replacement costs if the trailer takes on the damage.

Dry Van Trucking Cost and Rates

According to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), the average trucking cost per mile in the US. is $1.82. It only means that if one of your trucks drove 100,000 miles last year, you had spent $182,000. That is the rate that keeps a single truck on the road.

How to Find the Best Dry Van Freight Rates?

If you’ve decided that dry van shipping is the ideal method to ship your goods, you’re in luck. There are a lot of dry van trucking companies in Toronto. You can visit All Freight Shipping. We are ready to accommodate your business’ specific needs in terms of  freight shipping and trucking. Finding rates that fit your budget should not be relatively overwhelming. We’ve got you covered!

What is Refrigerated Trucking?

Refrigerated trucking is a shipping method that is designed to transport temperature-sensitive goods and perishable food. It is also called reefer trucking. These trucking services work using temperature-controlled trucks with independent temperature compartments.

Mainly, it has refrigerated and temperature-controlled compartments to keep frozen products at 0-10 degrees Fahrenheit or refrigerated products at 32-36 degrees Fahrenheit. Reefer trucking ships do not work at a specific degree but a temperature range. Therefore, if your product needs to be kept at a particular temperature while being transported, it is not the best option.

Also, in the refrigerated trucking vs dry van argument, the former is the more complex mode of shipping due to the delivery time and distance travel limitations. Nevertheless, it is an excellent choice if you need to ship temperature-controlled freight safely. Read further to discover a few of the benefits and drawbacks of refrigerated trucking.

Benefits of Refrigerated Trucking

• There will always be a demand for fresh goods. Thus, reefer trucking will continuously be used to transport these products. This method of shipping allows you to easily and safely transport your goods and freight across the country.
• Refrigerated trailers are not only limited to refrigerated goods. You can also ship dry goods or temperature-sensitive products through reefer trucks.
• Reefer trailers are great for protecting goods from theft, spoilage, weather conditions, and possible damage.

 Drawbacks of Refrigerated Trucking

• Cleaning the truck after every load and controlling the cooling and thermometer equipment are some of the additional jobs. Drivers are often responsible for cleaning the trailers. However, this is the responsibility of the trucking company.
• It is a bit noisy due to the high-power motor that always runs.
• Expect a longer waiting time on shipping docks for the loading and unloading of items. 
• If the trailer experiences a breakdown, it could lead to potential damage to the freight or goods.

Refrigerated Trucking Freight Cost and Rates

The cost of moving refrigerated freight is an average of $1.96 per mile. While some reefer trucking companies have a high rate of $1.99 per mile, some have the lowest rates, with an average of $1.61 per mile. 

Key Takeaways

The key to transporting goods to its destination safely and cost-effective is to determine the right freight shipping method. Here at All Freight Shipping, our reefer trucking services can work as heating and cooling options. 

Also, trucking experts with years of experience handle our refrigerated trucks. Rest assured that your perishable goods are fully protected and kept at optimum temperatures. We also offer dry van shipping services. You can call us at 647-691-5535 or send us an email at info@allfreightshipping.com