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ALL VEHICLES > 53 FT DRY VANS

53 Ft Dry Vans

If you have a large load to move door-to-door as fast as humanly possible, a 53’ dry van might be the best solution. Hooked up behind semi-tractors, dry vans ply the length and breadth of North America. Use the information provided below to decide if one is right for your express freight needs.

What are 53 Ft Dry Vans?

A 53’ dry van, also sometimes known as a box trailer, is the largest fully enclosed freight vehicle allowed on US highways. Often used for overnight freight and other expedited cargo services, their capacious volume makes them ideal for delivering large numbers of pallets, loose loads, or bulky items.
 
Dry vans are towed behind semi-tractors using a kingpin/flange plate coupling arrangement. This aids their maneuverability, but they still need plenty of room for making turns. They’re at their best on the highway and state routes, and their drivers would rather not take them through crowded city streets.
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Dry vans provide safe transport for a broad assortment of items.

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Cargo capacity up to 45,000 pounds of freight.

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Dry vans shine in medium- and long-haul shipping thanks to their spaciousness and swiftness.

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Floor sits at dock height, requiring the swing rear doors to be opened.

53 Ft Dry Van Cargo Capacity

The maximum payload of a 53’ dry van is 45,000 pounds. However, it’s uncommon for this to be the constraint on cargo capacity. More often, the volume is filled before the weight limit is reached.

The internal cross-section of a dry van is 108” tall and 102” wide. With a length of 53’, that makes for a total volume of 4,054 cubic feet.

Standard pallets measure 48”x40” but fork lift forks go in on the narrow side. This limits capacity to two rows of 13 pallets. However, if the pallets are designed so the fork truck can access them from the wide side, it’s possible to load two rows of 15 pallets.(To maximize the amount of palletized express freight carried, look closely at the pallets used.)
 
Dry vans protect freight from moisture but are not temperature-controlled. For this reason, they are not suitable for perishable or refrigerated cargo. Palletizing the load simplifies loading and unloading by fork lift truck. Bins and similar dunnage that can be moved by fork truck are also widely used (especially for automotive parts).
 

TYPES OF CARGO

The types of freight we move by dry van include:
 
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Palletized and loose cartons and boxes
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Automotive and aerospace components, like castings, forgings, circuit boards, wiring harnesses, and plastic moldings
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Urgently needed packaged items, including consumer products, electronics and glassware
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Packaging materials: Examples include glass and paper.
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Raw materials stored and moved in cages, bins and similar containers, but not bulk materials.
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Machine parts: For example, pumps, manifolds, filtration systems, motors, generators, and conveyors.
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Liquids in drums or tanks and secured to pallets.

Range and Routes

While capable of short trips and same day trucking, dry vans are used mostly for longer-distance expedited transportation. Their niche is moving large loads between warehouses and distribution centers and to and from factories and other industrial sites.

Semi-tractors carry at least 100 gallons of fuel, and many are equipped with larger or multiple range-extending fuel tanks. As mileage is in the 6-7mpg range, (depending on the load in the dry van and road and weather conditions), this lets them travel at least 600 miles between stops, and with twice the fuel they can go twice as far.

If you’re looking for cross-country or international expedited freight delivery, and what you’re shipping is too big for a Sprinter van or box truck, a 53’ dry van may well meet your needs.
 

End to End Solutions

Dry vans deliver exceptional capacity and safety for an extensive variety of goods, cementing their status as a go-to choice in freight transport. Their completely enclosed trailers shield cargo from rain, dirt, and theft, making them perfect for non-perishables, packaged items, and valuable loads.
 
On top of that, dry vans are wallet-friendly, particularly for full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) jobs. They offer a consistent transport method that streamlines logistics and cuts down on damage from overhandling. Today’s dry vans often come with real-time tracking and temperature sensors, letting shippers keep tabs on their goods and confirm timely arrivals. Blending reach, roominess, and safeguarding features, dry vans stand as a vital pillar in supply chain operations, enabling businesses to shuttle products nationwide.

KEY VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS

Maximum payload

Up to 45,000 pounds.

Maximum interior dimensions

Width: 102”, height: 108”, length: 53’

Interior volume

4,054 cubic feet. Holds two rows of 13 to 15 standard pallets, depending on their orientation and the ability of a fork truck to use every side

Overall height

13’6”

Floor rating (the maximum weight the front wheels of a fork truck can apply)

Typically 22,000 pounds

Range

Can be up to 2,000 miles between refueling stops, depending on road conditions and fuel tank capacity.

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53 Ft Dry Van Advantages

53-foot dry vans offer significant advantages for expedited freight transportation due to their large capacity, versatility, and protection for goods. With ample interior space, they can accommodate large volumes of cargo, maximizing efficiency and reducing the need for multiple trips. Their enclosed structure shields freight from weather, dirt, and other external elements, ensuring safe delivery of sensitive or valuable items. This makes 53-foot dry vans suitable for a wide range of goods, from consumer products to industrial supplies. Additionally, 53-foot dry vans are compatible with most loading docks and logistics networks, streamlining operations and minimizing delays, which is critical for expedited shipping. Their widespread availability and adaptability to various industries make them a reliable choice for time-sensitive freight needs.

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Capabilities

A dry van is a sturdy, enclosed trailer, typically white, designed to be towed by a heavy-duty truck or semi-tractor. It connects to the tractor unit via a fifth-wheel coupling—a slanted flange plate that securely locks onto the kingpin located beneath the front of the trailer. This setup allows for easy maneuvering and enables the tractor to detach from the trailer, facilitating efficient loading and unloading operations. The dry van’s design makes it an essential tool for transporting goods securely, protecting cargo from external elements like weather and debris. Its versatility allows it to accommodate a wide range of freight, from packaged consumer goods to industrial materials.
Capacity

Capacity

With 53' of interior length, the dry van provides the most enclosed cargo volume of any standard road vehicle in use in North America. Many thousands are at work every day, traversing interstate highways and major roads while laden with anything from automotive or machine parts to electronic components and packaging materials. Most modern dry vans incorporate air suspension technology. This provides better shock absorption than leaf springs, which helps ensure delicate items arrive undamaged. These innovations, combined with their versatility and capacity, make dry vans a backbone of the freight industry, capable of handling a diverse range of cargo reliably and efficiently.
Reliable Delivery

Transport

Dry vans shine in medium- and long-haul shipping thanks to their spaciousness, efficiency, and swiftness, positioning them as the top pick for freight traveling between cities or across state lines. They thrive running between hubs, factories, warehouses, and distribution centers—places with room to maneuver—but their bulk makes them ill-suited for narrow urban roads or “last mile” delivery tasks. Where they truly dominate, however, is in medium- and long-range transport, offering the quickest way to shuttle goods from point A to point B.
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Loading

Dry vans are loaded and unloaded by backing them up to loading docks (having first opened the rear swing-out doors). Given their interior length, these are usually loaded by fork truck, with their floors being engineered to be strong enough to take this weight. The top of a dry van is 13’6” from the road. Because of this, low bridges and underpasses can preclude taking some routes: efficient route planning is an essential component of every expedited freight service.
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Safety

The sturdy, sealed build of dry vans offers top-notch protection, shielding cargo from rain, dust, and other outside elements on the move. This makes them perfect for hauling diverse items like store merchandise, boxed foods, and industrial supplies. Their uniform design also slots effortlessly into most supply chain setups, aligning with loading docks and logistics networks. Pair this adaptability with their knack for managing big loads smoothly, and it’s clear why dry vans rank among the most widely used trailers in freight transport.
Technology

Tracking Technology

Dry vans operated by ExpeditedFreight.com come fitted with advanced real-time tracking systems. This allows us to pinpoint each truck’s location throughout its trip, delivering two key advantages:
 
Customers receive consistent updates and precise arrival times. Plus, if weather or traffic shifts, our team can adjust the route to keep deliveries on schedule.

THE EXPEDITED FREIGHT PROMISE

8 AM

10:30 AM

12 PM

1:30 PM

End to End Emergency Solutions with the 53FT Dry Vans Service

Emergencies, like a machine breakdown or a shortage of parts for production, often need only a small vehicle, but a big problem can require massive amounts of machinery, tools and materials to fix. This was the case at a gypsum mine that came to us for urgent help.

One of the biggest concerns in mining is flooding. Crack the water table and water rushes in, putting lives and equipment at risk. Sometimes, especially if the operators don’t respond fast enough, the mine can be lost forever. This was exactly the challenge the operators of this particular gypsum mine faced. They had a flood and needed lots of equipment bringing to the mine as fast as possible.

We sprang into action. Loads were picked up from around the country and moved as fast as legally possible to the mine. As the work went on and new needs emerged, they asked us to deliver more and more highly specialized tools and machinery. Each time we got them what they needed, when they needed it.

Over a period of three months we made 40 time-critical deliveries. The mine was saved, and the operators continue to use us for their expedited freight needs. It’s a success story we’re very proud of.
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Why Work with ExpeditedFreight.com?

A Single Point of Contact

From booking to delivery, you’ll have a dedicated expediter guiding you through every step of the logistics process. Experience seamless, personalized support from start to finish.

Real-Time Tracking, 24/7/365

With real-time updates and complete visibility, you can stay ahead of any potential delays and make informed decisions to keep your operations running smoothly.

Multiple Options

We proactively analyze ground and air traffic, anticipate weather challenges, and account for potential flight delays to keep your shipment on track. Our goal is to overcome any obstacles and ensure your deadline is always met.

Our Streamlined Process

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Single point of contact

Work with the same expeditor during your shipment’s entire process–no annoying call centers!
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shipment-to-vehicle matching system

We carefully match the size and weight of your shipment to the right vehicle.
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Vetted & exclusive carriers

We work with vetted, experienced carriers, so you get one vehicle for the entire delivery process exclusive.
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real-time monitoring & alerts

Our GPS tracking technology lets us know exactly where your shipment is at all times.

Types of Vehicles

53' DRY VAN
SPRINTER VAN
BOX TRUCK
STRAIGHT TRUCK
HOT SHOT TRUCK
FULL FLATBED

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Industries We Serve

Aviation & Aerospace

Every moment a commercial airliner sits on the ground, it costs an airline money. Expedited freight services by FullTruckload.com can get you back in the air with the prompt delivery of parts and equipment throughout North America. With a nationwide network of carriers and access to dedicated box trucks, straight trucks, and tractor-trailers, FullTruckload.com offers reliable and efficient transportation tailored to the aviation industry’s needs.
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Construction

Because one shipping delay can snowball and cause delays throughout your entire project, you need an experienced 3PL provider who understands the construction industry and has the logistical reach to deliver your freight on time, anywhere. That 3PL partner is FullTruckload.com. From heavy machinery and building materials to specialized tools and equipment, our logistics solutions are tailored to keep your project on track. With a robust network of carriers and expertise in handling oversized, time-sensitive, and critical shipments, we ensure that every delivery arrives exactly when and where it’s needed.
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Energy

The consequences from lost power production are serious for any business. Equipment failure is one of the biggest causes of energy production downtime. Losses compound exponentially with delay, loss of energy capacity, or the idling of plants for scheduled or unscheduled maintenance. Whether it's a hydroelectric power station or solar farm, you need a 3PL provider who can move your parts and equipment safely and securely while meeting your most stringent deadlines.
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Manufacturing

Every moment a manufacturing facility or factory sits idle costs a company money due to the high costs involved in lost sales and lost customers. With many manufacturers building to just-in-time production rates, any disruption threatens parts and vehicle inventories. This is where the speed, expertise, and experience of freight services from AirFreight.com make a difference throughout the entire manufacturing supply chain.
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Oil & Gas

The oil and gas industry faces challenging conditions in offshore and onshore oil rigs, often in remote locations with limited infrastructure. Don’t let oil pumps or pipelines sit idle, waiting for equipment. By having the right plans, parts, people, and a logistics partner such as FullTruckload.com, you can effectively mitigate plant or pump downtime, unscheduled disruptions, and equipment failures.
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Renewables & Environment

Wind turbines can be as tall as an 85-story building with a blade radius of an acre. Transporting just one wind turbine can take up to nine separate shipments. Solar equipment includes sensitive electronics and glass that are easily subject to damage. Constructing one solar panel requires nearly 40 different components, including precious metals, that need to get to the factory on time. With requirements like this, it's critical to work with the right 3PL provider that can flex with your needs when situations and requirements change.
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Retail

During downtime, retailers experience lost sales with the inability to process credit cards, access customer purchasing history, or locate items in stock at a distribution center or another retail location. Don’t let unexpected downtime due to point-of-sale equipment failures impact your brand or frustrate your customers. If you can’t serve your customers, your competition will!
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Technology

Unexpected IT downtime can bring down even the largest businesses—just ask airlines when their reservation systems go offline. The importance of e-commerce, online sales, and the computing infrastructure that supports it makes getting systems and servers up and running even more critical. With 98% of organizations reporting that a single hour of downtime costs over $100,000, you can’t afford a slow logistics partner.
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3PL

With today’s broken supply chains, even companies that specialize in logistics find themselves needing help. We provide an expansive network of expedited ground and air shipping options to make the trip in the air, to and from the airport, or complete the entire delivery on the ground. Through these resources and our centralized planning operations, we help 3PL providers overcome all the challenges of their industry.
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GET A FREE FREIGHT QUOTE

We provide freight transport services by ground and air for businesses in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. We tailor our express delivery services to meet your specific needs. Enjoy premium customer service with a single point of contact for support during the standardized shipping process. Wherever your business takes you, we’re with you—mile after mile.

Dedicated Single Point of Contact

At the heart of FullTruckload.com is a dedicated team of professionals working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every shipment arrives on time, and in optimal condition, at its final destination. We offer the fastest ground and air transportation options for B2B customers across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Get peace of mind with a dedicated single point of contact. We're with you along every mile of your journey. 

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Hi I'm Steve

Reach out today and let's solve your urgent shipping needs. I or a member of the team will be with you from start to finish. Let's chat

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