Flatbed vs. Dry Van vs. Reefer Freight: Which Is Right for Your Load?
Choosing the right freight method isn’t just about getting from Point A to Point B; it’s about ensuring your cargo arrives safely, efficiently, and in the right condition. Whether you’re shipping construction equipment, boxed goods, or temperature-sensitive products, selecting the proper trailer type is essential to avoiding damage, delays, and added costs.
At Sparrow Logistics, we help businesses make smart shipping decisions every day. Here’s a breakdown of three of the most common freight options: flatbed, dry van, and reefer, and when to use each.
Flatbed Freight: Built for the Big Stuff
Best for: Oversized loads, machinery, building materials, equipment, and loads requiring top or side loading.
Flatbed trailers are open and without sides or a roof, making them ideal for freight that can’t fit inside a traditional enclosed trailer. From lumber and steel beams to large industrial machinery, flatbeds allow for easy loading and unloading via crane or forklift.
Because the cargo is exposed to the elements, flatbed shipping is best for weather-resistant goods or goods securely covered with tarps. It’s also a go-to option when your freight doesn’t fit typical dimension limits and requires special permits or routing.
At Sparrow Logistics, we’re experts in coordinating flatbed freight, especially for industries like construction, railroad, rental and manufacturing. We ensure every detail, from strapping to route planning, is handled.
Dry Van Freight: The Workhorse of Shipping
Best for: Palletized goods, packaged products, consumer goods, electronics, and non-perishable freight.
Dry vans are the most commonly used trailers in freight shipping. These fully enclosed, 53-foot trailers protect cargo from weather, theft, and road debris. They’re ideal for freight that doesn’t need refrigeration or special handling, think retail goods, furniture, boxed items, and raw materials.
Dry vans offer an efficient, cost-effective freight solution for both full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments. This is likely your best option if your freight is standard-sized and doesn’t require temperature control or open-air loading.
Sparrow Logistics works with a vast network of reliable dry van carriers to transport your goods safely, quickly, and on budget.
Reefer Freight: Keeping It Cool
Best for: Perishable goods, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, or anything requiring temperature control.
Refrigerated trailers, or “reefers,” are insulated and equipped with built-in cooling units. They maintain specific temperatures, whether frozen, chilled, or just climate-stable, making them essential for sensitive shipments.
Reefers come with added complexity: managing temperature logs, ensuring equipment reliability, and choosing the fastest, most secure routes. That’s where partnering with an experienced logistics provider like Sparrow makes all the difference.
We coordinate reefer shipments with precision, ensuring regulatory compliance, reduced spoilage risk, and consistent delivery times.
Not Sure What You Need? That’s What We’re Here For.
At Sparrow Logistics, we don’t expect you to be an expert in trailers or transport; we handle that for you. Our team helps evaluate your load size, type, and delivery needs to match you with the best freight solution. Whether it’s a flatbed for a generator, a reefer for frozen food, or a dry van for electronics, we’ll ensure your freight gets where it needs to go, the right way.
Let’s simplify your shipping.Contact Sparrow Logistics today to find the right freight solution for your next shipment.