Dry Van

Overview

What is a dry van? It's a fully enclosed trailer with no refrigeration or temperature control, used to transport general freight that doesn't require special handling conditions. It's one of the most common trailer types in Mexico, available in 48-foot and 53-foot configurations with capacity up to 26 tons. Also known as a dry van trailer or dry box, it's used for both regional transport and long-haul highway routes.

Specifications

	48' Dry Van	53' Dry Van
Dimensions	14.63 × 2.60 × 2.70 m	16.15 × 2.60 × 2.70 m
Payload	Up to 24 tons	Up to 26 tons
Approx. Volume	~103 m³	~113 m³
Body Type	Enclosed	Enclosed

The Dry Van's structure is a fully enclosed box with rigid walls, a roof, and rear doors, sealed against weather and road debris unlike an open platform, cargo is fully protected during transit. It's offered in 48' and 53' lengths, each with its own load capacity detailed in the table above, with capacity up to 26 tons. Loading is done through the rear doors, so cargo needs to be arranged for that access point rather than from the sides or top

What Can It Carry?

Dry Vans are suitable for packaged consumer products, electronics, appliances, textiles, automotive parts, retail merchandise, and other non-temperature-sensitive goods. They are particularly useful for industrial freight, distribution, and material transportation where cargo benefits from an enclosed trailer. A Dry Van is generally not the right choice for temperature-sensitive products that require active refrigeration, or for large machinery and cargo that must be loaded from the side or above. In those situations, a Reefer, Flatbed, or other specialized truck may be more appropriate.

Which Size Should You Choose?

OpenFR8 provides access to different Dry Van configurations depending on shipment requirements. The 48' option works well for many standard freight loads, while the 53' option provides additional interior length and volume for larger shipments. Choosing between 48 and 53 feet depends on cargo volume and route. For dry van transport and rental in Mexico, OpenFR8 connects shippers with carriers offering both configurations.

Common Uses

Dry Vans are widely used for manufacturing, retail distribution, consumer goods, warehousing, and regional or national road transportation. Businesses can use truck rental or cargo truck hire services when they need transportation for individual shipments or recurring freight movements.