Flatbed vs. Van Freight: Which Service Does Your Shipment Need?
One of the first decisions shippers face when booking a full truckload is the trailer type. Flatbed and dry van are the two most common options, and choosing wrong can mean wasted money, damaged cargo, or a load that doesn't fit.
Here's a straightforward breakdown to help you make the right call.
What is Flatbed Freight?
A flatbed trailer is an open platform with no walls or roof. Cargo is loaded from the sides or top using forklifts, cranes, or other equipment, then secured with chains, straps, and tarps.
Flatbed is the right choice when:
- Your cargo is oversized, oddly shaped, or too heavy for van loading
- The freight needs to be loaded from the top or side (not through a rear door)
- You're shipping construction materials, steel, machinery, or lumber
- The load dimensions exceed standard van trailer interior limits (roughly 8'6" wide × 9' tall × 53' long)
Common flatbed freight includes:
- Steel coils, beams, and pipe
- Lumber and building materials
- Heavy equipment and machinery
- Precast concrete products
- Solar panels and wind turbine components
What is Van (Dry Van) Freight?
A dry van is the enclosed box trailer you see on every highway. Cargo is loaded through rear doors and protected from weather, theft, and road debris.
Dry van is the right choice when:
- Your freight is palletized and fits standard dimensions
- Weather protection is important
- The cargo is consumer goods, packaged products, or anything that needs to stay dry and secure
- You want the simplest, most cost-effective FTL option
Common dry van freight includes:
- Packaged consumer products
- Electronics and appliances
- Food and beverage (non-temperature-controlled)
- Retail inventory
- Boxed or palletized industrial supplies
Key Differences at a Glance
| Factor | Flatbed | Dry Van |
|---|---|---|
| Loading | Top, side, or rear | Rear doors only |
| Weather protection | Tarps (if requested) | Fully enclosed |
| Cargo types | Oversized, heavy, irregular | Palletized, standard-sized |
| Securement | Chains, straps, tarps | Pallets, load bars, straps |
| Cost | Higher (specialized) | Lower (standard) |
| Availability | Tighter capacity | Widely available |
When It's Not Obvious
Some loads could go either way. Here are common situations where shippers hesitate:
Building materials that fit in a van but are heavy: If the weight is under 45,000 lbs and the dimensions fit, a van is usually cheaper. But if the load needs to be unloaded by crane at the job site, flatbed is the only option.
Palletized goods that are slightly oversized: If pallets are just over van height limits, a step-deck flatbed gives you the extra clearance without the cost of a permit load.
Mixed loads: If you're combining different cargo types in one shipment, talk to your carrier. An experienced dispatcher can recommend the best equipment match.
Cost Considerations
Flatbed rates are typically 15–30% higher than dry van for comparable lanes. This reflects:
- Specialized equipment and securement materials
- Additional time for loading, tarping, and securing
- Tighter capacity — there are fewer flatbed trailers on the road
- Driver skill premium — flatbed drivers handle securement themselves
That said, trying to force oversized freight into a van to save money often backfires. Damaged cargo, rejected loads, and rework are always more expensive than the right trailer.
Making the Call
If you're unsure, give your carrier the freight dimensions, weight, and delivery requirements. A good carrier won't just take the order — they'll recommend the right equipment and explain why.
At MDX Line, we run both flatbed and van trailers across 48 states. Our dispatch team matches every load to the right equipment, and we own the trucks that haul it. No guesswork, no middlemen.