Key Takeaway:
Dry vans are enclosed semi-trailers that haul a variety of nonperishable goods, and this guide is for and this guide helps shippers, ecommerce sellers, and warehouse managers prepare freight and facilities for dry van freight pickup.
Dry van loading is the process of placing freight into a 53-foot trailer and applying freight securement methods to prevent freight shift and damage in transit.
Shippers utilize dry vans to carry nonperishable freight like fresh vegetables, shoes and clothing, or electronics. Dry van loading secures these freight types on pallets and uses equipment like pallet jacks or forklifts to move them from the facility and into the semi-trailer.
Freight securement is the process of stabilizing cargo inside a trailer using blocking, bracing, and tiedown systems to prevent movement during transit.
Warehouse teams prepare freight by labeling each pallet, verifying weight, and staging, aka placing, loads near the dock. Use this checklist to prepare for your shipment pickup:
Dry vans haul full truckload (FTL) or less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments.
LTL freight labels must have its National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) code. FTL loads are usually 26 pallets or more and LTL loads are usually six pallets or less.
Warehouse teams prepare freight by labeling, weighing, and staging pallets before loading begins.
Once pallets are ready, it’s time to assess your staging, or receiving, area. This area should be spacious enough for workers to move freely and avoid injury while handling freight. Loading equipment isn’t stored in the staging area, but should be nearby for easy access once the truck arrives to avoid time waste that may lead to detention charges.
Freight pickup appointments typically take place within standard business hours: 8 AM to 5 PM. Shippers should book appointments at least ten days in advance from pickup date and confirm the appointment time 24 to 48 hours before pickup to guarantee a driver will arrive on schedule.
Freight securement uses blocking, bracing, and tiedown systems to prevent freight movement during transit. Warehouse or distribution center teams apply load bars, straps, and dunnage materials to distribute weight evenly and comply with Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMCSA) cargo securement regulations.
Block and brace methods help shippers to:
Here are common block and brace tactics to protect freight on a dry van.
Dunnage packing material prevents movement, jostling, and damage. Use dunnage techniques to keep freight upright and secure inside or outside its packaging for efficient freight securement.
Dunnage materials include:
You can use these materials in any combination based on the needs of your freight.
Required paperwork for dry van shipping includes a Bill of Lading, shipment details, and seal records to verify freight securement and legal compliance.
Shipping documents are sent, reviewed, and signed electronically through the shipper or carrier’s transportation management system (TMS). They can also be completed by hand upon the driver’s arrival.
Let’s break down the shipping documentation you’ll need to move your load.
A Bill of Lading (BoL) is a legal document that outlines the terms of transportation between a carrier and shipper. The BoL includes the following information:
The BoL is a receipt of goods that provides evidence of contract of carriage. Only sign the Bill of Lading if freight shipment information is factual and accurate. Failing to review the BoL for mistakes before signing may lead to costly accessorial charges like freight reweigh or redelivery.
A seal is a plastic or metal device attached to dry van trailer’s doors for freight securement. Each seal has a unique series of numbers or letters that the shipper and carrier must log during transit to provide proof freight was not tampered with.
Seals are typically used for FTL loads instead of LTL loads as LTL loads require multiple terminal stops with drivers frequently opening dry van doors and handling freight.
Shippers should record the seal number and logs on their Bill of Lading, packing list, or shipping manifest.
The freight is ready, the loading area is staged, and paperwork is complete—now what? Here’s what to expect when dry van loading, including common red flags and how to avoid them.
If your warehouse or facility doesn’t have a loading dock, you’ll need liftgate services. A liftgate is a hydraulic or electronic platform mounted on the back of a dry van to load/unload heavy freight at locations without a loading dock.
Liftgate services are requested ahead of time before your pickup appointment because not every dry van has a liftgate. The carrier will send a driver with the appropriate dry van to load your freight.
Avoid these red flags, and make note of them if they occur, to ensure a smooth loading process.
Improper freight securement can result in load shifts that cause rejected deliveries, freight damage claims, or fines. FMCSA enforces safe freight transportation through 49 CFR §393.100-136.
Protect yourself and your freight with these dry van loading tips and partner with a trusted carrier who’s FMCSA compliant from load to unload.
We take special care of each shipment with our FMCSA-compliant carriers. Need to plan your next load? Get in touch with our freight experts today at (866)-353-7178 to schedule a freight pickup or send your questions to our freight experts through our contact form.
Sources:
Cargo Securement Rules, FMCSA, 2014
Applicability and General Requirements of Cargo Securement Standards, 49 CFR Part 393.100, 2026
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