A dry van or reefer assignment in the transportation industry refers to the specific route or haul a driver undertakes utilizing either a standard enclosed trailer (dry van) or a refrigerated trailer (reefer). For instance, a driver might be assigned a route delivering non-perishable goods from a distribution center in Chicago to a retail store in Atlanta using a dry van. Conversely, a reefer assignment could involve transporting temperature-sensitive produce from a farm in California to a grocery chain in New York, ensuring consistent temperature control throughout the journey.
These designated routes are essential for efficient freight movement and supply chain management. Understanding the differences and requirements of each type of haul allows shippers to select the appropriate trailer type for their goods, ensuring product integrity and minimizing spoilage or damage. Historically, specialized trailers evolved to meet the diverse needs of transporting various goods, leading to the development and refinement of both dry van and reefer technologies and operational procedures.