Any downside to ordering a dry van with portholes?

On the plus side you could haul watermelons with it. Or pumpkins. On the minus side commodities like paper may not be able to ship in it. I don't imagine they keep all the moisture out ...

 

we have a few on the fleet. i have not had any mositure problems they seal pretty good. i have not had any problems with shippers rejecting the trailer. one thing is you might want to get a hand full of cable seals for the doors. i had to seal them all up when i cross docked freight off of a container from Germany on to my trailer shipper policy was every thing sealed up PERIOD. the latch on it wont allow for a bolt seal and a plastic is not good enough for cnd/usa customs regs.

that load actuly went through the rain and snow 2500 miles not a drop leaked into the trailer.

 

Old Dominion's newer pup trailers all have them. Helps a little to see what you're doing in there. I like the translucent roof trailers that let the light in though.

 

They have been around for years, we used in hauling blanket wrapped freight in the middle 90's. Much more reliable than a totally translucent roof which has to be replaced periodically and makes the trailer hot as blazes
Most applications don't have anyone in the trailer that much, but if you are working (folding pads, finding addresses on ltl shipments) they are great.
Never heard of any leakage or rejection issues. If Challenger, who crosses tge border all the time you are ok there.

 

Lost many loads because of translucent roof to hot for many types of dry goods and can food. Also will sweat on cool nights put vents in mine to help cool in summer. Would never own another because of lost of loads.

 

Not meaning to hi-jack OP's thread, I too have a translucent roof trailer. While I've only lost a couple of load because of it in the year I've had it; I was considering coating the roof, and maybe adding vents. Any one here have any suggestions as to types of coatings, or to coat inside or outside?

 

loads for frito lay, wal mart, and any type of produce will not load translucent even coated tried that must be metal. You might try lining the inside with plywood but they put temp senors in trailer they go red you bought the load.