Dry van moves more freight than any other trailer type — retail, packaged goods, paper, parts. That volume means the most openings, the most consistent miles, and the shortest wait between loads.
It's also the least physically demanding trailer to run. No tarps, no reefer unit to monitor, and on most accounts you're drop-and-hook rather than touching freight.
Why drivers pick dry van
The work is predictable. You're not securing steel in the rain or chasing a temperature alarm at two in the morning. On drop-and-hook accounts you swap trailers and go, which keeps your clock moving and your miles up.
It is also the easiest segment to enter with limited experience, which makes it the standard first year for most new CDL-A drivers before they specialise.
Pay and what shifts it
Dry van rates per mile typically sit a little below reefer and flatbed, because the work is lighter and the pool of qualified drivers is larger. Consistent miles often close that gap — a dry van driver running steady weeks can out-earn a specialised driver who spends days waiting on freight.
Watch for live-load accounts. Freight that has to be hand-unloaded, or that sits at a receiver for hours, eats the week. Ask what share of the account is drop-and-hook and whether detention pay starts at one hour or two.
Where it leads
A clean year in dry van opens every other door: reefer, flatbed, dedicated accounts, or a regional seat closer to home. Carriers read verifiable dry van miles as proof you can plan trips and manage hours.
If you want to specialise later, say so early — we'll flag carriers that let you move between divisions instead of making you start over somewhere else.
What you need to get started
- CDL-A
- Entry-level accepted at many dry van carriers
- DOT physical and medical card in date
- Clean or explainable MVR
- Comfortable with drop-and-hook and occasional live loads
Steady miles, straightforward freight.
Tell us whether you want OTR or regional and how often you need to be home. We'll match the van seats that fit.
Common questions
Is dry van freight no-touch?
Mostly. Many accounts are drop-and-hook or driver-assist-free, but some retail and grocery customers require live unloading or a lumper service. Ask before you accept a seat, and we will tell you what we know about the account.
Does dry van pay less than reefer or flatbed?
The rate per mile is often slightly lower, since the work is less demanding and more drivers qualify for it. Consistent weekly miles frequently make up the difference.
Can a new CDL-A driver start in dry van?
Yes — it is the most common entry point in the industry, and many carriers run training programs specifically in their van division.
Is dry van OTR or regional?
Both, in volume. It is the easiest segment in which to find either, which is why it suits drivers who want to change their schedule without changing what they pull.