If you belong to the heavy hauling transport shipping business, you must know when it comes to freight transport there are many vehicles to choose from. Two of the most common ones are: Dry van truck and Heavy Haul Flatbed  While there are multiple reasons why these two trailers are most popular among Heavy Machinery Transportation vehicles – there are many differences between the two.   If you are also confused about which one is the right choice for your business here, we have a detailed discussion about the difference between a heavy haul flatbed vs. a dry van.

Heavy Hauling Transport Flatbed or Van

What is a Flatbed?

As the name suggests, a heavy haul flatbed is an oversized vehicle used for transporting heavyweights on its flat back. The flatbed is considered an extremely versatile transport vehicle, as it can conveniently transport a variety of oddly shaped heavy items.   A flatbed is designed in such a way that it has open sides, an open back, and no roof. It is literally a flat surface where over-dimensional heavy items are placed using forklifts.  

What is a Dry Van?

Completely opposite a flatbed, a dry van is a fully enclosed trailer. It is shaped like a box where oversized objects are loaded and unloaded through its rear end.   You may ask, where does the name dry van come from? Well, the reason is evident. Since dry vans are enclosed and covered, they can keep the cargo protected from different weather conditions – in other words, they keep the cargo “dry”. Hence the name, dry van.  

Dimensions and Capacity

Considering their shape, both dry vans and flatbeds have different dimensions and different capacities to hold oversized items.  

Flatbed

Most flatbeds from Flatbed Trucking Companies are about 48 feet in height. Their dimensions and legal requirements vary for the different kinds of loads they are hauling. For example, for objects over 10 feet, you will be required to use a flatbed with a double drop.   Heavy hauling transport flatbeds can vary in size and length depending on the items you want to transport. Some extendable flatbeds can also reach up to a length of 80 feet. Whether a single or double drop trailer, flatbeds have a standard weight capacity of 48,000 pounds. Anything above that might need a special permit.  

Dry Vans

Flatbed Shipping Companies dry vans are designed in multiple standard dimensions – for example, 53 feet in length, 13.5 feet in height, and 102 inches in width are the most common standard configuration. In other variations, trailers can be 48 feet to up 28 feet in length.   The standard average capacity of a dry van is lower than that of a flatbed. They can carry up to 45,000 pounds as a tall, 53-feet configured trailer has up to 26 palette locations for loading cargo.  

Pros and Cons

There are various pros and cons of using both, flatbeds and dry vans. These can help you decide what is fit for your business.  

Flatbed

Pros

Since it has no walls, loading and unloading are easier and less time-consuming   Their capacity limit is higher than that of dry vans and holds a larger weight   It is perfect for tall and oddly shaped Equipment Transporter items that can fit an enclosed trailer  

Cons

Requires absolute vigilance, as there are no walls or roofs to hold the items.   Items need to be carefully packed to avoid road accidents or objects falling off.   Cargo is exposed to various conditions.  

Dry Van

Pros

Cargo is enclosed and protected from environmental conditions   Heavyweight objects are secured, no chance of them falling out   Convenient for shipping commercial goods    

Cons

Can only load and unload objects from one end   Cannot carry oddly shaped or tall items   Wooden floors are susceptible to damage.    

Bottom Line

Both dry vans and flatbeds are in high demand for heavy hauling transport of oversized items. Whether you choose a heavy haul flatbed or a dry van, make sure you consider the characteristics of both the trailers carefully and make a choice that fits your cargo.   Looking for good and affordable heavy haul flatbed trucking companies? Contact Heavy Haul Transporting today!