What dry van work is
The enclosed 53-foot dry van is the most common trailer on the road, hauling everything from retail goods to paper to packaged food that doesn't need refrigeration. Because there's so much of it, dry van jobs come in every flavor: OTR, regional, dedicated and local.
Why many drivers start here
Dry van freight is often no-touch (you don't load or unload) and frequently drop-and-hook, where you swap trailers instead of waiting to be loaded. That makes it a common starting point for new drivers.
Pay
Usually cents per mile or weekly salary. Rates can be a little below specialized freight like flatbed or tanker, but there's a lot of steady work. Compare miles, home time and detention policy.
Questions drivers ask
What does no-touch freight mean?
You don't load or unload the trailer yourself; the shipper and receiver handle it. Ask the carrier how much of their freight is no-touch.
What is drop-and-hook?
Instead of waiting while your trailer is loaded, you drop an empty or loaded trailer and hook to one that's ready. It cuts dock waiting time.