Published October 14, 2026 · 5 minute read · By the Logcon dispatch team
Use a 53ft dry van for large palletized loads on recurring lanes, a reefer when the freight must stay within a temperature range, a straight truck for mid-size loads or docks that cannot take a full trailer, and a cargo van for small, urgent or last-mile deliveries.
53ft dry van
The workhorse of Canadian freight. A 53ft dry van is an enclosed, unrefrigerated trailer that commonly carries around 26 standard pallets loaded single-stacked, though the real figure depends on pallet size, stacking and weight limits. Choose it for general cargo, scheduled retail and distribution runs, and any load big enough to fill a significant part of a trailer.
Reefer
A reefer is a refrigerated trailer that holds a set temperature for the whole trip. It is the right choice for food, beverage, pharmaceutical and other temperature-sensitive freight. Ask the carrier for a continuous temperature record, not just a set point on the unit, so you can show the chain of custody was unbroken.
Straight truck
A straight truck has the cab and cargo box on one frame. It is shorter and easier to manoeuvre than a tractor-trailer, which makes it the practical choice for mid-size loads, urban routes, multi-stop deliveries and receivers whose docks or streets cannot take a full 53ft trailer.
Cargo van
A cargo van is built for speed and agility. It suits small loads, urgent parts runs, same-day deliveries and last-mile work across a city. When the freight is small and the clock matters more than the volume, a van is faster and cheaper than sending a larger truck.
A quick way to decide
- How much freight is it, in pallets or cubic size, and how often does it move?
- Does it need temperature control, and what range?
- What can the receiving dock accept: trailer length, dock height, appointment rules?
- How urgent is it, and is it a single stop or several?
Frequently asked
How many pallets fit in a 53ft dry van?
A 53ft trailer commonly holds around 26 standard pallets single-stacked. The exact number depends on pallet dimensions, stacking and weight, so confirm with your carrier for your freight.
When should I use a straight truck instead of a tractor-trailer?
When the load is mid-size, when you have multiple stops in urban areas, or when a receiver's dock or street cannot take a full-length trailer.