Over-specifying adds unnecessary cost. Under-specifying risks product loss. Here's a practical framework for matching your freight to the right equipment — and avoiding both mistakes.
In This Guide
What It Means
The choice between a reefer and a dry van is one of the most consequential equipment decisions in freight planning. Choosing wrong in either direction has real consequences: over-specifying adds 15–30% to every shipment cost; under-specifying risks product loss with limited insurance recovery.
What Each Trailer Type Does
- Dry van: an enclosed trailer without active temperature control. Protects freight from direct weather exposure but tracks ambient temperatures over time — warming in summer, cooling in winter.
- Reefer (refrigerated trailer): an enclosed trailer with an active temperature-control unit, typically diesel-powered. Can maintain or achieve any temperature from -30°C to +30°C regardless of outside conditions.
- Heated trailer: a trailer with a heating unit for protect-from-freeze applications without requiring refrigeration. Less common than reefers but sometimes the appropriate choice.
Why It Matters
- Using dry van for temperature-sensitive freight creates product loss risk with limited insurance recovery
- Using reefer unnecessarily adds 15–30% to freight cost on every shipment across every lane
- Canadian winters create a specific 'protect from freeze' scenario many shippers handle incorrectly
- Some freight appears temperature-insensitive but has specific requirements — always verify before booking
How It Works
Equipment Decision Framework
- Does the product have a manufacturer-specified temperature requirement? → Use reefer, specify the set point exactly
- Will the product be damaged by freezing in Canadian winter? → Use heated trailer or reefer at minimum positive temperature
- Is the freight shelf-stable with no stated temperature sensitivity? → Dry van is likely appropriate
- Is it summer and could heat damage the product (chocolate, certain beverages, adhesives)? → Consider reefer even without a stated refrigeration requirement
- Is the freight cannabis requiring chain-of-custody and temperature control per your SOP? → Reefer with specified set point
Common Set Points by Product Type
- Frozen goods: -18°C to -23°C
- Fresh meat and seafood: -1°C to +2°C
- Fresh produce (leafy greens, berries): 0°C to +2°C
- Stone fruit and root vegetables: 0°C to +5°C
- Pharmaceuticals (common): +2°C to +8°C
- Protect from freeze (beer, wine, paint): +2°C to +4°C
- Tropical produce: +10°C to +15°C
Common Challenges
- Booking reefer by default for products that don't require it — common in cannabis shipping
- Using dry van for products that should be temperature-controlled due to perceived cost savings
- Running a reefer at 'ambient' (unit off) for protect-from-freeze shipments — provides no protection
- Specifying incorrect temperature set point leading to product damage
- Not accounting for seasonal conditions when selecting equipment type
Best Practices
- Verify temperature requirements with your manufacturer or quality assurance team — never assume
- Specify the set point in writing when booking — don't leave equipment operation to carrier discretion
- For winter cross-country freight, consider protect-from-freeze set points even for products without a stated refrigeration requirement
- Understand the rate differential for your lanes and build it into your annual freight budget
- Review equipment decisions annually as your freight mix and seasonal risk profile change
When to Use This Service
Use Reefer For:
- Fresh produce, dairy, meat, and seafood
- Pharmaceuticals with temperature specifications
- Cannabis products where temperature control is required by your SOP
- Frozen goods
- Fresh flowers and plants
- Any freight where a temperature deviation causes product loss or compliance failure
Use Dry Van For:
- Packaged shelf-stable food
- General merchandise and consumer goods
- Building materials and industrial equipment
- Non-temperature-sensitive packaged goods in moderate weather
OTR Logistics Solutions can help you select the right equipment for your freight profile. Our carrier network includes reefer, dry van, heated, and multi-temp options across Canada and cross-border into the US.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost difference between reefer and dry van?
Reefer rates are typically 15–30% higher than equivalent dry van loads on the same lane, reflecting higher equipment capital costs and refrigeration unit operating expenses. The gap widens significantly during harvest season when reefer demand peaks.
Can I use a dry van in winter for protect-from-freeze freight?
Generally not. A dry van will track ambient temperatures during Canadian winter transit and can easily drop below freezing on overnight stops or in cold snaps. For protect-from-freeze freight, use a heated trailer or a reefer set to a minimum positive temperature (e.g., +2°C).
My product says 'store at room temperature.' Do I need temperature-controlled freight?
In most cases, a dry van is sufficient in moderate weather. However, extreme summer heat or winter cold can push dry van interior temperatures outside acceptable ranges. Confirm acceptable temperature ranges with your quality team and consider seasonal risk on your specific lane.
Is a reefer trailer more fuel-intensive than a dry van?
Yes. Reefer trailers consume additional fuel to power the refrigeration unit — typically 1–3 litres per hour for the unit alone. This higher operating cost is part of why reefer rates carry a premium over equivalent dry van loads.
Related freight pages
Explore services and local freight-broker pages that fit this topic.