Flatbed vs. Dry Van Trucking: How to Choose the Right Option for Your Freight

 

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Understanding Freight Transport Options

   • What is Flatbed Trucking

   • What is Dry Van Trucking

3. Key Differences Between Flatbed and Dry Van Shipping

4. When to Choose Flatbed Trucking

5. When to Choose Dry Van Trucking

6. Factors That Influence Freight Mode Selection

7. Pros and Cons: Flatbed vs. Dry Van

8. Frequently Asked Questions (PAA)

9. Final Thoughts: Which Freight Solution is Right for You

Introduction

Choosing the right freight transport option can make the difference between a smooth delivery and one that’s costly, delayed or damaged. If you're shipping goods across Australia or managing logistics from abroad, you've likely come across two major road freight options—flatbed and dry van trucking.

In this guide, you’ll learn the key differences between these two popular freight solutions, explore their respective benefits and limitations, and get expert insights to help you determine which mode suits your cargo best.

Whether you're a logistics manager for a mining operation or a small manufacturer aiming to scale distribution, understanding how each freight option aligns with your transport needs is essential—and that’s exactly what this article is here to deliver.

Understanding Freight Transport Options

What is Flatbed Trucking

Flatbed trucking refers to the use of open-deck trailers to transport cargo that doesn’t fit inside enclosed spaces. Flatbeds are ideal for heavy haul, machinery, construction materials, oversized loads and freight that needs to be loaded from the top or sides.

Key characteristics

• Open platform

• No roof or sides

• Accessible loading/unloading

• Commonly used for irregularly shaped or bulky goods

What is Dry Van Trucking

Dry van trucking involves enclosed trailers that protect cargo from weather and other environmental factors. It's widely used for consumer goods, electronics, palletised products and non-perishable grocery items.

Key characteristics

• Fully enclosed trailers

• Secure and weatherproof

• Designed for boxed or palletised freight

• Rear loading docks and ramps

Key Differences Between Flatbed and Dry Van Shipping

Feature	Flatbed Trucking	Dry Van Trucking
Cargo Protection	Minimal	High
Load Accessibility	Top, side, rear	Rear only
Cargo Type	Oversized, heavy haul, raw materials	Consumer goods, packaged freight
Weather Resistance	Exposed	Fully enclosed
Loading Flexibility	High	Limited
Equipment Required	Straps, tarps, cranes	Pallet jacks, forklifts

Flatbed offers versatility for complex freight tasks, while dry vans provide shelter and security for standard shipments. Your decision depends on what you're shipping, how it's loaded and where it's going.

When to Choose Flatbed Trucking

Flatbed trucking is the go-to option when:

• Your cargo is oversized or irregularly shaped (e.g. industrial equipment)

• You need side or crane loading at a worksite or warehouse

• Shipment doesn’t require full protection from the elements

• You're transporting construction materials or steel

According to Don Daseke, CEO of Daseke Inc., flatbed carriers are "integral for infrastructure, energy and manufacturing sectors."

Consider carriers such as Melton Truck Lines, TMC Transportation, P&S Transportation and Maverick Transportation for specialized flatbed logistics.

When to Choose Dry Van Trucking

Dry vans are optimal when:

• The goods require protection from weather, dust and theft

• Your cargo is palletised, boxed or contained

• You're moving long-haul consumer goods, electronics or packaged foods

• Timely and secure delivery is a top priority

Derek Leathers, CEO of Werner Enterprises, underscores that “Dry vans remain the workhorse of retail and industrial distribution chains.”

Major players in this space include Western Express, Roehl Transport and Prime Inc. (Dry Van Division).

Factors That Influence Freight Mode Selection

Choosing between flatbed and dry van trucking means evaluating multiple variables:

1. Cargo Type: Dimensions, fragility and packaging needs

2. Route & Distance: Urban vs. rural, long haul or local

3. Loading/Unloading Capabilities: Dock access vs. crane/forklift operations

4. Weather Sensitivity: Is protection from rain or heat critical

5. Regulatory Compliance: Oversized loads may require DOT permits

6. Budget Constraints: Tariff variations based on equipment and labour

According to Eric Starks of FTR Transportation Intelligence, freight mode decisions can cut logistics costs by up to 12% when optimized correctly.

Pros and Cons: Flatbed vs. Dry Van

Flatbed Trucking

✔️ Highly versatile
✔️ Ideal for heavy and oversized loads
✔️ Easy loading/unloading access

❌ Exposed to weather
❌ Requires more securement equipment
❌ Less protection means higher risk for fragile items

Dry Van Trucking

✔️ Secure and weatherproof
✔️ Great for a wide range of cargo
✔️ More available in standard freight markets

❌ Limited load sizes
❌ Rear loading only
❌ Not suited for large, open-air cargo

Frequently Asked Questions (PAA)

What is the main difference between flatbed and dry van trucking

The key difference lies in the trailer design: flatbeds are open-deck with no enclosure, ideal for oversized and heavy items, while dry vans are enclosed, protecting fragile and boxed goods from weather and theft.

Is flatbed trucking more expensive than dry van

Often, yes. Flatbed freight may incur higher costs due to securement requirements, special permitting or custom equipment. However, for certain heavy hauls, flatbeds are the only viable choice.

Can a dry van carry heavy freight

Yes, but within limits. Dry vans typically carry up to 22 tonnes in Australia, but they’re not designed for extreme dimensions or unpalletised equipment.

Do I need special permits for flatbed freight

Yes, in some cases. Oversized or over-dimensional loads may require DOT or local transport authority permits. Check with freight experts on platforms like Flatbed Shipping Services or Heavy Haul & Oversize.

Final Thoughts: Which Freight Solution is Right for You

Choosing between flatbed and dry van trucking hinges on the nature of your freight—not just its size and weight, but also how it needs to be handled, packaged and protected.

Here’s a quick recap:

• Choose Flatbed if your load is bulky, oversized or needs crane access

• Choose Dry Van if you need protection, efficiency and standard handling

For businesses operating across Australia's freight corridors or exporting to global markets, this decision directly impacts cost, transit time and customer satisfaction.

If you're still unsure, consulting with freight technology platforms like FreightPath or brokerage firms powered by MyRig or Convoy can allow real-time cost analysis and mode optimisation.

When in doubt, reach out to the experienced network of carriers, freight brokers and compliance organisations for tailored recommendations—and let your freight needs drive the decision.