Dry Van and Flatbed Trucking Services
Asset-Based Dry Van and Flatbed Trucking Services
Buchanan Hauling & Rigging, Inc. is an asset-based dry van trucking company and flatbed carrier serving commercial shippers across the continental United States. Since 1996, we have provided truckload transportation for manufacturers, distributors, retailers, construction companies, industrial operations, and other businesses that depend on reliable freight capacity.
Dry van and flatbed freight require different equipment and loading strategies. Dry vans provide enclosed protection for standard truckload freight, while flatbed and open-deck trailers provide greater loading access for machinery, building materials, steel, equipment, and freight that cannot move inside an enclosed trailer. Buchanan operates both, allowing our team to match the equipment to the freight rather than applying the same solution to every shipment.
Dry Van Trucking for Enclosed Freight
Dry van trucking is commonly used for freight that fits within a standard enclosed trailer and benefits from protection from weather and road exposure. Buchanan provides dry van transportation for full truckload shipments moving across regional and long-distance freight lanes.
Typical dry van freight can include:
- Palletized products
- Packaged consumer goods
- Manufacturing materials and components
- Retail and distribution freight
- Automotive parts
- Food and beverage products appropriate for non-refrigerated transportation
- Paper products and packaging
- Other general commercial freight requiring enclosed trailer protection
Buchanan's 53-foot dry vans provide enclosed transportation for freight that can be loaded through the rear of the trailer. Before scheduling a shipment, shippers should consider the commodity, total weight, pallet count, loading method, pickup and delivery appointments, and any facility-specific requirements.
Benefits of Dry Van Freight Transportation
- Enclosed Protection: Dry van trailers help protect freight from rain, snow, road debris, and direct outdoor exposure during transportation.
- Truckload Versatility: Dry vans accommodate many common palletized and packaged commodities used by manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.
- Asset-Based Capacity: Buchanan operates company equipment rather than relying exclusively on outside capacity for its core trucking services.
- Shipment Visibility: Tracking and communication help shippers follow freight from pickup through delivery.
- Recurring Freight Support: Businesses with repeat lanes can discuss ongoing transportation needs, schedules, and capacity requirements with our team.
Manufacturers and other businesses managing recurring truckload freight can also review our Dry Van Capacity Planning resource for information about lead time, volume, and freight planning.
“Buchanan Hauling & Rigging helped us out on a food-grade dry van shipment. They sent in clean equipment and were in communication throughout the trip. Great job by this carrier.” – B.F.
Need pricing for a dry van shipment?
Flatbed Trucking for Open-Deck Freight
Flatbed trucking is used when freight needs side, rear, or overhead loading access or when the size and shape of the shipment makes an enclosed trailer impractical. Buchanan's roots in flatbed trucking go back to the company's beginning in 1996, when the operation started with one truck and two trailers.
Flatbed freight can include:
- Steel and structural components
- Building and construction materials
- Industrial machinery
- Manufacturing equipment
- Pipes, beams, and long materials
- Automotive and industrial components
- Agricultural equipment
- Crated or packaged freight requiring open-deck access
Loading method is one of the biggest reasons a shipper may choose flatbed transportation. Freight can often be loaded by forklift from the side, by crane from above, or from the rear depending on the equipment and shipment configuration.
Flatbed and Open-Deck Equipment
The correct trailer depends on the freight dimensions, weight, loading method, protection requirements, and route. Buchanan's open-deck capabilities include equipment such as standard flatbeds, step decks, Conestoga trailers, and other configurations available for specific shipment requirements.
A standard flatbed provides a single-level open deck for flexible loading. A step deck lowers the main deck closer to the roadway, which can help accommodate taller freight. Conestoga equipment combines open-deck loading access with a retractable cover for freight that benefits from additional protection during transportation.
Learn more about equipment selection in our Flatbed vs. Step Deck Trailer Guide or explore Flatbed Logistics for Industrial Freight.
Flatbed Securement and Shipment Planning
Open-deck freight requires securement appropriate for the commodity and trailer configuration. Depending on the freight, securement may involve chains, straps, edge protection, blocking, or tarping. Shipment planning should begin with accurate dimensions and weight so the equipment, securement approach, and route can be evaluated before pickup.
Oversized or unusually configured freight may require permits, routing considerations, or equipment beyond a standard flatbed. When that happens, Buchanan can also evaluate the shipment through our specialized freight transportation or heavy haul trucking services.
“We use them a lot for flatbed loads, they do a great job for us.” – N.H.
Have a flatbed shipment to move?
Dry Van or Flatbed: Which Does Your Freight Need?
The choice between dry van and flatbed transportation usually comes down to the freight dimensions, loading method, and need for protection during transit.
- Choose Dry Van when freight fits inside an enclosed trailer, can be loaded through the rear, and benefits from protection from weather and road exposure.
- Choose Flatbed when freight requires side or overhead loading, has an irregular shape, or cannot fit within a standard enclosed trailer.
- Consider Step Deck or Specialized Equipment when freight is too tall, heavy, or unusually configured for a standard flatbed.
If you are unsure which trailer fits your shipment, provide the commodity, dimensions, weight, origin, destination, loading method, and delivery requirements on our freight rate quote form. Buchanan can review those details and help determine an appropriate transportation option.
Asset-Based Equipment and Transportation Support
Buchanan Hauling operates more than 200 power units and more than 900 trailers supporting dry van, flatbed, expedited, specialized, and heavy haul freight transportation. Our asset-based operation gives customers direct access to company transportation equipment supported by drivers, dispatch, maintenance, and operations personnel.
Equipment availability and configuration depend on the shipment and current capacity. Buchanan maintains equipment through company maintenance operations and uses transportation technology to support shipment communication and visibility.
Our operating locations in Indiana, Arizona, Pennsylvania, and Texas help support freight movement across the continental United States. For a broader view of Buchanan's capabilities, visit our freight transportation services page.
Industries That Use Dry Van and Flatbed Transportation
Buchanan supports commercial shippers across industries with different equipment and freight requirements.
- Manufacturing: Components, raw materials, machinery, and finished products.
- Retail and Distribution: Packaged products, consumer goods, and recurring truckload freight.
- Construction: Steel, building materials, equipment, and project freight requiring open-deck access.
- Automotive: Parts, components, equipment, and manufacturing freight.
- Agriculture: Farm machinery, tractors, implements, and related equipment that may require flatbed or specialized transportation.
- Industrial and Energy: Materials, machinery, fabricated components, and equipment requiring dry van or open-deck transportation.
Dry Van and Flatbed Freight Across the United States
Buchanan provides dry van and flatbed transportation throughout the continental United States. Our team works with shippers on individual loads, recurring freight lanes, project requirements, and transportation programs that may involve more than one type of equipment.
For freight moving between the United States, Canada, or Mexico, review our Cross-Border Industrial Freight resource for additional planning considerations.
More Transportation Options When Freight Requirements Change
Some shipments begin as standard dry van or flatbed freight and later require additional transportation support because of timing, dimensions, weight, or capacity. Buchanan also provides expedited freight transportation, specialized transportation, heavy haul trucking, and 3PL managed logistics services.
Keeping these capabilities within the Buchanan Hauling operation gives customers additional options when their freight requirements change.
Buchanan Dry Van and Flatbed Project Examples
Buchanan has transported freight ranging from recurring dry van shipments to specialized flatbed projects. One example involved moving a digital glass basketball court to Indianapolis for an NBA All-Star event using Buchanan open-deck equipment.
See photos from Buchanan's NBA All-Star Game glass floor transport.
Request a Dry Van or Flatbed Freight Quote
Tell Buchanan about your freight, origin, destination, dimensions, weight, requested schedule, and loading requirements. Our team can review the shipment and determine whether dry van, flatbed, or another equipment configuration is appropriate.
