96 inch dry van?

Sure, but it would be an issue with high cube freight. And many pallets loads are being set up to take advantage of 102" plate trailers that have 100" inside width. But there is a LOT of freight that can be comfortably moved around in a 96" trailer, especially bulk loads. I haul a lot of small steel coils and bulk stuff that would easily fit in a 96" trailer. I pull around 53' x 102" plate trailers, but it is not that often that it is required. Look at what you do, and who you do it for, and see if it isn't viable for you. If price is good, it might be worth taking a shot.

 

If you're working random spot freight get a 53' x 102". You'll run across lightweight stuff that will pretty much cube out a 102". Plate trailers are ok but inherently flawed and weak won't last. I've been asked once in the last 3 years if i had one (plate), last week as a matter of fact, by some random unknown broker. Could most freight go in a 96" wide? Sure. But can guarantee it will also prohibit you from a lot of freight. That is why the price is so cheap. Not so versatile. They probably can't give them away.