Dry Van vs. Reefer Trailer
Same footprint, very different businesses. How to choose between an enclosed dry van and a refrigerated trailer.
A dry van is an enclosed, unrefrigerated trailer for freight that only needs to stay dry — palletized goods, packaged food, paper, retail. A reefer is an insulated trailer with a refrigeration unit for temperature-controlled freight — produce, meat, dairy, pharmaceuticals, frozen food.
Dry vans cost less to buy and maintain and run the most freight overall. Reefers cost more (insulated box plus a refrigeration unit that needs its own service), but temperature-controlled freight typically pays higher rates. Choose based on the freight you can reliably book.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Dry Van | Reefer | |
|---|---|---|
| Freight | General, palletized, dry goods | Temperature-controlled |
| Purchase price | Lower | Higher |
| Maintenance | Box, doors, floor, tires, brakes | All of that + refrigeration unit |
| Interior space | More (thin walls) | Less (insulated walls) |
| Freight rates | Standard | Typically higher |
| Common lengths | 48 ft and 53 ft | 53 ft |
| Seasonality | Steady | Produce seasons drive demand |
What to Check on a Used Reefer
Beyond the box, look at the refrigeration unit’s hours and service history, insulation condition (wet or delaminated walls lose efficiency), door seals, and the floor. Nationwide Haul offers a used reefer unit trailer warranty.
What to Check on a Used Dry Van
Floor condition (soft spots, rot), wall construction (plate vs. sheet-and-post), doors and seals, and roof leaks. Our dry van buyer’s guide covers the spec trade-offs.
Shop: Dry vans · Reefer trailers · Vanguard · MAC
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a reefer trailer haul dry freight?
Yes. A reefer can run with the unit off and haul dry freight, which helps avoid empty miles. A dry van cannot haul temperature-controlled freight.
Which is cheaper to maintain, a dry van or a reefer?
A dry van. A reefer has everything a dry van has plus a refrigeration unit that needs its own maintenance and fuel.
Do reefer loads pay more than dry van loads?
Temperature-controlled freight typically pays higher rates than dry van freight, which offsets the higher cost of the equipment.
What size are dry van and reefer trailers?
Most over-the-road dry vans and reefers are 53 ft; 48 ft dry vans are still common in regional and drop-yard work.
Ready to Talk Equipment?
Browse current new and used inventory, or talk to a sales rep about financing, leasing and nationwide delivery.