Dry van containers are one of the most used container types when it comes to dry freight or dry bulk cargoes. In this article, we are going to cover important information about the dry van containers that you should know.
Containers have been one of the most integral parts of the logistics industry, global supply chain, international trade, and transport. To support the movement of goods across countries, shipping containers become the mainstay. If we look back to history, one can see a plentiful of challenges people had faced before the invention of containers. The uncountable obstacles had made the shipping process tedious and inefficient. Right after their invention the year 1956, various amendments were made in the container’s dimensions, design, structure, materials, etc.
As we moved ahead, different types of containers were made that could contribute to the shipment of almost all kinds of goods existing in the world. And today is the day when we have actually achieved that milestone. Talk about any goods you would come across, shipping containers can ship everything-from electronics, automobiles, construction items, perishable goods, petroleum, to even human. But there has to be a specific container type for differentiable cargoes.
Out of many container boxes, here, we will talk about one of the most used boxes- Dry van containers aka standard boxes.
What are dry van containers?
A dry van is an enclosed, non-temperature-controlled truck trailer used to ship non-perishable dry freight. Around 90% of the goods shipped by sea are loaded in dry containers. In fact, dry van shipping is also known to be the most common and sought-after method of moving cargoes. Being versatile in nature, it possesses the capacity to store and ship a wide range of cargoes. Whether it is for domestics or cross border shipping, a typical dry van can haul up to 45,000 pounds at once.
Dry Van- Design and structure
A dry van, otherwise known as a box on wheels,’ provides an enclosed container where freight goods are stored. It doesn’t allow anything to enter the box-like moist, humidity, water, sunlight, dust, etc. It makes sure that whatever is being transported inside the box remains free from any kind of contamination from the outer environment. It is manufactured from steel, though aluminium has been used in the past but not so often. It is totally enclosed and weatherproof. It has a rigid roof, sidewalls made up of corrugated steel. Like other shipping boxes, dry van too has wooden flooring. It opens at the rear end and has two-leaf doors. With some modifications done in them, it can also be used for certain types of bulk cargoes.
What are the different dimensions of dry van?
The specific dimensions and weight load capacity of dry van may vary depending upon the brands and manufacturers. Yet given below is the approximate data of its dimensions and capacities:
20ft Dry Van
- Internal dimension- 19’4×7’8×7’10
- External dimension- 19’10x8x8’6
- Door opening- 7’8×7’5
- Max gross weight- 67200 pounds
40ft Dry Van
- Internal dimension- 39’5×7’8×7’10
- External dimension- 40x8x8’6
- Door opening- 7’8×7’5
- Max gross weight- 67200 pounds
40ft High Cube Dry van
40ft high cube containers are 30cm higher than normal shipping boxes. They should be transported by taking extreme care from height-restricted ways such as tunnels and bridges. Due to their extra height, they may require the use of some special chassis or wagon.
- Internal dimension- 39’5×7’8×8’10
- External dimension- 40x8x9’6
- Door opening- 7’8×8’5s
- Max gross weight- 67200 pounds
45ft High Cube Dry Van
- Internal dimension- 44’5×7’11×8’10
- External dimension- 45x8x9’6
- Door opening- 7’8×8’5
- Max gross weight- 67064 pounds
What are the benefits of dry van containers?
Affordable
Dry van is ubiquitous. It is the most common type of truck trailer used by shipping companies. Things that come easily available usually have reasonable rates. Since so many container suppliers offer this specific type of box, companies are constantly trying to edge out their competitors by offering a discounted or fair price.
Protection from outer elements
Dry van is known to restrict the outer elements from entering the box. The four sides enclosed box offers full protection to cargoes from outer factors like rain, snow, or wind. Long-distance travel over road, rail, seas can make your cargo go through anything. But a dry van ensures complete safety to your goods.
Protection from theft
Theft and robbery are the major concern every customer has when their freight is in transition. Dry van containers are known to provide ultimate safety to cargoes. It not only protects freight from outer environmental factors but also from any kind of theft. It is suitable to transport goods that need protection and security like antique masterpiece, exotic cars, jewelry, artwork, and other valuable possessions.
Although freight can be claimed under cargo insurance, having a safer mode for shipment becomes crucial for such products. Knowing your shipment is safe, you can rest assured that your freight will be delivered safe and sound.
Allows for freight Consolidation
You must have heard about the term FCL and LCL (different ways of freight consolidation). Freight consolidation is a way that allows multiple shippers to consolidate their freight into one single container. Many carrier companies offer discounted rates to consignees who are willing to have their freight consolidated in the same cargo box. Dry van comes to be the perfect option for freight consolidation since it allows goods to be stacked pallet-wise.
Versatile
Dry van containers are widely known for their versatility. It can transport a wide variety of goods. They are enclosed trailers that do not let freight expose to the outer environment like humidity, moisture, dust, water, sunlight. Freight that needs to remain dry and free from any kind of outer exposure find dry van as the best container solution. Right from the port of origin to the port of destination, the freight remains in the same condition.
Best suited for any industry
All dry van containers meet ISO standards as well as C.S.C. criteria (Convention for Safe Containers) and thus match the specific cargo needs of any industry. It is capable of carrying a wide range of goods and is a great asset to any supply chain. It is suitable for commodities in bundles, cartons, boxes, bulk, loose cargoes. In fact, it is also used extensively by the clothing industry as it can be modified and hangers can be installed in it to hang garments.
Fully multi-modal
All dry van containers are intermodal containers which means they can be commuted across different means of transportation namely rail, road, and seas. It enables easy transit by ship, train, barge, and truck. Intermodal containers exist in many types and standardized sizes, but 90% of the global container fleet are so-called dry freight or general-purpose containers.
In a nutshell, a dry van box is versatile fulfilling most of your cargo shipment needs. If you’re looking to sell or buy shipping containers, BOXXPORT could be the best option. Without needing you to go anywhere, it can take you on a virtual tour where you can select from the thousands of container types and sizes. It has been consistently providing personalized, responsive, and accommodating services to customers worldwide. 
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