One of the first decisions you'll make as a new owner-operator is what type of freight to haul. Dry van, reefer, and flatbed each have different rates, load availability, startup costs, and skill requirements. Here's the complete comparison.
Dry Van
A dry van (enclosed trailer, typically 53 feet) is the most common trailer type in trucking. It hauls general freight that doesn't require temperature control or special loading equipment.
| Factor | Dry Van |
|---|---|
| Trailer cost (new) | $40,000 – $70,000 |
| Load availability | Very high — largest freight segment |
| Typical rate/mile (2026) | $1.80 – $2.80 |
| Skill level required | Low-moderate |
| Freight types | Boxes, pallets, consumer goods, retail merchandise |
| Seasonal variation | Moderate — peaks before holidays |
Best for: New owner-operators who want the easiest entry point with maximum load availability. Most new carriers start with dry van.
Reefer (Temperature-Controlled)
A refrigerated trailer (reefer) maintains temperature for perishable freight — food, produce, pharmaceuticals, and temperature-sensitive goods. The reefer unit runs continuously and adds operating cost.
| Factor | Reefer |
|---|---|
| Trailer cost (new) | $70,000 – $110,000 |
| Load availability | High — consistent demand year-round |
| Typical rate/mile (2026) | $2.20 – $3.40 |
| Skill level required | Moderate — temperature management, pre-cooling |
| Additional fuel cost | $0.10-$0.20/mile for reefer unit diesel |
| Seasonal variation | Low — food moves year-round |
Best for: Carriers willing to invest more in equipment and learn temperature management in exchange for higher rates and consistent freight volume.
Flatbed
A flatbed trailer is an open, flat platform for freight that can't fit in an enclosed trailer — construction materials, machinery, steel, lumber, and oversize loads.
| Factor | Flatbed |
|---|---|
| Trailer cost (new) | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Load availability | Good — tied to construction/manufacturing cycles |
| Typical rate/mile (2026) | $2.00 – $3.20 |
| Skill level required | Higher — tarping, strapping, load securement |
| Physical demand | High — significant manual labor at every pickup/delivery |
| Seasonal variation | Higher — construction slows in winter in northern states |
Best for: Carriers who don't mind physical work, want better rates than standard dry van, and are comfortable with the technical requirements of flatbed load securement.
Bottom line recommendation for new carriers
Start with dry van. It has the lowest barrier to entry, the most loads available, and the most forgiving learning curve. Once you understand the industry — how brokers work, how to find loads, how to manage your finances — you can evaluate whether reefer or flatbed makes sense for your situation.