Buying A Used Dry Van Advice/Input?

Now that equipment prices are returning to a more sane level I'm considering picking up a used 53' dry van. I plan on running spot freight with it whenever the market conditions decide to improve.

I'm thinking air ride, swing doors, and non-translucent roof to start as prerequisites. Anyone want to share your thoughts on what to buy as far as specs/features? What else should I be considering to maximize freight opportunities off the boards?

I have very little experience pulling a van as my 24 years of driving experience has so far consisted of 90 percent open deck and dump work. This is where I'm relying on you guys for help/advice/input, thanks.

 

Insulated roof and vents.

 

Upper and lower E tracks for load straps.

 

Aluminum walls for loads of empty beverage cans. Vertical e tracks every 2 feet for loads that require decking. Vents in front and back for loads of packing foam.

Those sometimes pay better than average.

 

Normally, I would recommend buying a brand new but the last time I checked with Utility dealer it was $60k.
The two most important aspects of a used dry van are
1. Solid looking wood floor.
2. Solid looking roof - better if there are no patches.
This is to ensure no repetitive water leakage, which is always a pain in the ### to deal with.

Other than that, swing doors, composite (not wooden) walls with logistic posts.
Sometimes, shippers/brokers require trailer age to be less than 10 years, especially for heavier paper rolls or water loads.
Of course, the over all DOT Inspection readiness.

 

Buy a reefer.
So you can be versatile. Get one with Logistics Posts.
Only a handful of dry loads you can't haul. Like Paper rolls .

 

What he said.

I wouldn't get a reefer either, I don't think he wants to deal with lumpers and groceries. A lot of lightweight high cube loads won't load on a reefer.

 

Make sure it’s “food grade” if you care to. Lots of load board loads requiring it, my trailer is old with wood walls and floors and I had to pass on a lot of opportunities because it’s not food grade.

I’d be careful about the reefer. Lots of loads out there that need full cube and reefer would disqualify you. But it’s an idea if you’re looking for versatility just be prepared for the random load you may not be able to take.

 

Think of it as a Swiss tool. Reefer loads pay way more than dry.
If your in a dead zone. Better chance of getting outbound when you have both capabilities.

Lumber get reimbursed anyways. Wait times you get paid to sleep. Most unloads occur during the night. So sleep and get paid detention sounds good

 

I've hauled loads that require food grade trailers with wood lined dry vans.
You ask everyone they have a different answer. Most important is must be clean dry no holes or protruding