Reefer Truck Vs Dry Van: What Are the Differences

When it comes to over-the-road freight transportation, two trailer types dominate the industry: dry vans and reefers. If you’re a new driver, an owner-operator planning to invest in your own fleet, or a shipper deciding on the right mode for your cargo, understanding the differences between reefer trucks vs dry vans is essential, because your choice can make or break your freight operations.

Both trailer types offer unique advantages, but they’re built for very different jobs. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about dry van vs reefer trailers – from dimensions and cargo type to maintenance and pay scales – so you can make an informed choice.

What Is a Dry Van Trailer?

A dry van trailer(often simply called a “dry van”) is the most common type of freight trailer in the United States. It’s a fully enclosed, non-climate-controlled trailer that protects cargo from weather and theft. Think of it as a big, box-shaped semi-trailer.

Typical dimensions of dry van trailer:

• Dry van trailer height: 13.5 feet externally and about 8.5 feet internally.
• How wide is a dry van trailer: external width is 8.5 feet, internal around 8.4 feet
• Lengths: 48’ or 53’ standard
• Payload: up to 45,000 lbs

What Is a Reefer Truck?

A reefer truck (short for “refrigerated truck” or “refrigerated trailer”) is a temperature-controlled trailer that uses an integrated refrigeration unit to keep cargo cold or frozen. These trailers are essential for transporting perishable or temperature-sensitive goods.

Typical dimensions of a reefer trailer:

• Reefer trailer height: 13.5 feet externally and about 8 feet internally.
• How wide is a reefer trailer? 8.5 feet externally, but the internal width is slightly narrower at 8 feet 1 inch.
• Payload: around 42,500 lbs

Dry Van vs Reefer: Key Differences

Temperature Control

The biggest difference between a reefer and a dry van is the refrigeration system. Reefers can maintain temperatures as low -22°F and as high as 95°F. This means reefer trailers can keep freight warm in the dead of a Minnesota winter or cold across the desert of Arizona. Dry vans have no such control, which limits what they can carry in extreme heat or cold.

Case Example: Imagine a truck carrying a load of fresh berries from California to Montreal. A dry van would lead to spoiled produce, resulting in significant financial loss. A reefer truck, however, ensures the berries arrive fresh and ready for market by maintaining a consistent cool temperature throughout the journey.

Cargo Type

The type of cargo each trailer can transport is directly linked to its temperature control capabilities.

• Dry vans: Ideal for palletized, boxed, or crated items – everything from electronics and furniture to non-perishable food like canned goods and pots for flowers. Hazmat dry vans can haul such dangerous materials as batteries, aerosols, or cleaning agents, provided they are non-temperature sensitive and properly placarded.
• Reefers: Perishables (meat, seafood, dairy, fresh fruits and vegetables, ice cream, flowers), temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, certain hazardous materials (Class 1 (Explosives), Class 2 (Gases), Class 3 (Flammable Liquids), Class 7 (Radioactive Materials) and others).

Trailer Weight & Capacity

Due to the refrigeration unit and insulation, reefers weigh more than dry vans and can carry slightly less payload. A standard reefer trailer can handle around 42,000 to 43,000 lbs, while a dry van maxes out at around 45,000 lbs.

The additional weight of insulation and refrigeration equipment in reefer trailers directly impacts payload capacity, requiring careful load planning to stay within legal weight limits.

Maintenance Requirements

• Dry vans are simpler mechanically, requiring minimal upkeep.
• Reefers need regular checks for the refrigeration unit, insulation integrity, and temperature sensors. Downtime for repairs can be costly.

Operating Costs

Running a reefer is more expensive. You’ll spend more on:

• Diesel fuel (for the reefer unit)
• Preventative maintenance
• Insurance (for higher-value or perishable goods).

That said, freight rates for reefers are typically higher, helping offset those costs.

Pay and Freight Demand Comparison

Which Pays More — Dry Van or Reefer?

Reefer loads generally pay better. According to recent DAT Freight & Analytics data (2025):

• Dry van average spot rate: $2.05 per mile
• Reefer average spot rate: $2.40 per mile

Dry van drivers earn on average around $31,446 per year while reefer drivers can make much more – $78,621 per year, depending on experience, region, and company. Owner-operators with reefer trailers often see better RPMs (rates per mile) due to the added complexity and urgency of loads.

Also, you can see how much do hazmat truck drivers make in 2025 in our recent overview.

Case Example:Mark, an owner-operator in Illinois, began with a dry van but transitioned to a reefer after one year. “The maintenance is more intense, but my average weekly gross jumped by 30%,” he shares. “I haul frozen meats from Chicago to Texas and pharmaceuticals back north.”

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between a dry van and a reefer depends on your specific needs and goals.

For Truck Drivers:

• Dry Van: Offers an easier entry into trucking, often with a wide range of routes and less specialized training.
• Reefer: It generally offers higher earning potential and more diverse freight loads. If you’re comfortable with temperature monitoring and additional maintenance, reefer trucking can be very rewarding.

For Owner-Operators and Companies:

• Dry Van: A reliable backbone for any fleet. It provides consistent work with a broad range of general freight, offering lower initial investment and maintenance costs.
• Reefer: While the initial cost and operational expenses are higher, the ability to transport high-value, temperature-sensitive goods opens doors to higher freight rates. For Fortune Carriers Inc., having both dry van and reefer truck capabilities allows us to serve a wider client base and adapt to various shipping needs.

Hazmat Transportation:

Both dry vans and reefer trailers can be used for hauling certain hazardous materials, provided they meet specific regulations, and a driver holds a HazMat endorsement on their CDL.

• Dry Vans for Hazmat: Can transport a wide range of hazardous materials that do not require temperature control. This includes many flammable liquids, corrosive materials, certain poisons, and various packaged hazardous waste. The key is that the material must be stable at ambient temperatures and properly packaged and placarded according to the DOT regulations.
• Reefer Trucks for Hazmat: Can transport hazardous materials thatdo require temperature control. This is common for certain chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and biological agents that are unstable or dangerous if exposed to extreme temperatures. The refrigeration unit ensures the material remains within a safe temperature range, preventing reactions, degradation, or explosive conditions.

At Fortune Carriers Inc., we are committed to providing the most cost-effective freight solutions for our clients across all 48 states of the U.S. If you are looking for a trusted dry van, flatbed or reefer freight carrier or ready to start or expand your trucking career, contact us to learn more about how we can support your transportation goals.