Dry Van
A dry van is an enclosed trailer without temperature control, most commonly 53 feet long in the US, used for most palletized and floor-loaded general merchandise.
Why it matters for ecommerce brands
Most ecommerce truckload freight moves in dry vans. A 53-foot van typically holds about 26 standard pallets single-stacked, and federal gross vehicle limits usually cap cargo weight at around 42,000 to 45,000 pounds.
Common questions
- How many pallets fit in a 53-foot dry van?
- About 26 standard 48 × 40 inch pallets fit single-stacked when loaded straight, and up to about 30 when loaded turned, depending on the pallets and loading pattern. Stackable freight can double that if weight limits allow.
Cite this entry
"Dry Van." Fulfillment Lexicon, last reviewed October 16, 2026. https://fulfillment.wiki/glossary/dry-van/