Shipping a car from the U.S. can be confusing if you don’t understand trailer sizes. This Dry Van Height and Width Guide breaks down the length, height, and width of semi-trucks and dry van trailers. Learn how these dimensions affect safety, legal limits, and shipping costs—so you can make smart, budget-friendly choices with YK Freight.
How Long is a Dry Van and Semi-Truck?
When most people picture a semi-truck, they imagine a massive vehicle cruising down the highway—but few realize just how long these trucks really are. A standard semi-truck with a dry van trailer measures about 70 feet from front to back, which is roughly the length of a bowling alley! Understanding these dimensions is important if you’re planning to ship a car, because the size of the trailer can impact both safety and cost.
Tractor Types and Their Impact on Length
The type of tractor, or truck cab, affects the overall length of the semi.
- Day cabs: These are simple tractors without sleeping space. They are usually around 20 feet long, making them shorter and more maneuverable.
- Sleeper cabs: Designed for long-haul drivers, these cabs include a bed and sometimes small living space. They are also around 20 feet long, but their extra features can slightly extend the total length when combined with the trailer.
Trailer Types
The trailer is the biggest contributor to a semi-truck’s length. Here’s what you might encounter:
- Standard 53-ft dry van: This is the most common trailer. It fits most cars and cargo types, making it ideal for budget-conscious shippers using YK Freight.
- Pup trailers: Shorter trailers, usually 28 feet, often pulled in pairs for a total length of about 56 feet. These are great for smaller loads but may have limitations for larger vehicles.
- Intermodal containers: Used for both rail and road, they typically range from 20 to 40 feet, though some reach 53 feet.
- Tankers and flatbeds: These trailers generally range from 48 to 53 feet and are specialized for liquids or oversized cargo.
- Specialty trailers: Extendable double drops and Removable Goosenecks (RGN) can reach 80 feet when fully extended. These are usually used for oversized vehicles or heavy equipment.
State Regulations on Length
Length regulations vary by state. Most states cap trailers at 53 feet, but some, like Texas and Oklahoma, allow up to 59 feet for certain freight. Understanding these rules helps avoid fines or delays during shipping.
Example for Budget Shippers
For someone looking to save on shipping costs, choosing a standard 53-ft dry van with YK Freight is often the smartest option. It’s long enough to carry most cars safely, widely accepted in all states, and avoids the extra fees associated with oversized trailers. For instance, a customer shipping a sedan from Florida to California can stick to a 53-ft dry van and enjoy a smooth, cost-efficient delivery without worrying about special permits.
How Tall is a Dry Van and Semi-Truck?
Most people don’t realize how tall a semi-truck really is until they see one next to a building or under a bridge. A standard semi-truck with a dry van trailer stands at about 13½ feet tall, which is roughly the height of a one-story building. Knowing the height is important when shipping a car because it affects clearance under bridges, loading docks, and tunnels.
How Tractor Type Affects Height
The tractor, or truck cab, contributes significantly to the overall height:
- Day cabs: These shorter tractors typically range from 6 to 10 feet tall, depending on the model.
- Sleeper cabs: Designed for long-distance hauls, sleeper cabs are similar in height to day cabs but often include a roof fairing or aerodynamic extension that adds to the total height, bringing the semi close to 13½ feet.
Trailer Types and Their Heights
Different trailers have different heights, which can influence what type of vehicle you can ship:
- Dry van trailers: Standard height is 13½ feet, with door openings around 9 feet—perfect for most cars.
- Flatbeds: Trailer bed is usually about 5 feet tall, but they can carry cargo that adds up to 8½ feet in total height.
- Intermodal containers: About 9½ feet tall to meet both road and rail standards.
- Step deck and double drop trailers: Much lower to the ground, ranging from 1½ to 3½ feet, mainly for oversized or heavy equipment.
State Regulations and Bridge Limits
Height is closely regulated to prevent accidents under bridges. Most semi-trucks rarely exceed 14 feet, thanks to Federal Highway Administration (FHA) standards. Bridges are built with a minimum clearance of 14 feet, so staying under that limit keeps your shipment safe and legal.
Example for Budget Shippers
Imagine you’re shipping a sedan from New York to California with YK Freight. By choosing a standard dry van trailer (13½ feet tall), you avoid extra fees or reroutes that might occur with oversized or unusually tall cargo. This simple choice keeps your shipping cost lower and your delivery predictable—important for anyone trying to save money.
How Wide is a Dry Van and Semi-Truck?
Width is another important dimension to understand when shipping a car. Most semi-trucks, including dry van trailers, are about 8½ feet wide. This width is fairly standard across the United States because it fits within the typical 12-foot highway lanes and avoids the need for special permits.
State Exceptions
While width is mostly uniform, there are a few exceptions. For example, Hawaii allows trailers up to 9 feet wide. Outside of rare cases like this, exceeding 8½ feet is considered an oversize load, which requires extra permits and often additional shipping costs.
Trailer Types and Widths
No matter the trailer type, width generally stays consistent:
- Dry van trailers: 8½ feet wide, making them ideal for most car shipping needs.
- Intermodal containers: Also 8½ feet wide, so they can be transported both on trucks and trains.
- Flatbeds, reefers, and tankers: Follow the same width standard, ensuring safe travel on highways without extra fees.
Tractor Types and Widths
The tractor, whether a day cab or sleeper cab, also follows the 8½-foot width rule. However, some features like mirrors, handholds, and safety equipment are excluded from this measurement. Trucks are allowed an extra 10 inches on each side for mirrors, meaning the total width can reach 10 feet.
Example for Budget Shippers
If you’re shipping a compact car or SUV with YK Freight, sticking to the standard 8½-foot-wide dry van trailer ensures your vehicle fits safely without extra costs. Oversized trailers may require special permits and can add hundreds of dollars to your shipping bill—something budget-conscious shippers want to avoid. Choosing a standard-width trailer keeps your shipment secure, legal, and cost-efficient.
Why Do Trailer Dimensions Matter for Your Car Shipping Budget?
When it comes to shipping a car, the size of the trailer—its length, height, and width—can have a big impact on the cost. Budget-conscious shippers often overlook this, but understanding trailer dimensions is key to saving money and avoiding surprises.
How Trailer Dimensions Affect Costs
- Length: Longer trailers may require special handling or permits if they exceed standard limits in certain states. Using a standard 53-foot dry van keeps your shipment within legal limits and avoids extra fees.
- Height: Taller or oversized cargo can trigger restrictions on highways or bridges. Standard dry van height (13½ feet) avoids reroutes, detours, or expensive oversize load permits.
- Width: Wider trailers beyond 8½ feet are considered oversize in most states. Oversize loads need special permits, which can increase shipping costs significantly.
Oversize or Non-Standard Trailers
If a shipment requires a specialty trailer—like a step deck, double drop, or extendable RGN—additional fees often apply. These can include:
- Permit costs for oversized loads
- Escort vehicle fees in certain states
- Scheduling challenges and potential delays
For someone trying to save money, these extra costs can quickly add up.
Practical Tips for Saving with YK Freight
The simplest way to stay budget-friendly is to stick with standard dry van dimensions: 53 feet long, 13½ feet tall, and 8½ feet wide. YK Freight can match your car to the right trailer, keeping it safe while avoiding unnecessary fees.
Example for Budget Shippers
Imagine you’re shipping a sedan versus an SUV. Both fit easily on a standard dry van trailer, keeping costs low. But if you had chosen a larger, specialty trailer for the SUV unnecessarily, you could face hundreds of extra dollars in permits and handling. With YK Freight, the team helps you pick the most efficient trailer, ensuring your shipment stays on budget without compromising safety.
How Can YK Freight Help You Navigate Dry Van Dimensions?
Shipping a car across the country can feel complicated, especially when it comes to understanding trailer sizes. That’s where YK Freight steps in. Their expertise ensures that your vehicle is matched with the right trailer, making the process safe, legal, and budget-friendly.
Matching Car Types to the Right Trailers
Not all trailers are created equal. Some are better for compact cars, others for SUVs, and some specialize in oversized or heavy vehicles. YK Freight helps determine which trailer type—standard 53-ft dry van, flatbed, or specialty trailer—fits your car perfectly. This avoids unnecessary expenses and reduces the risk of damage during transport.
Safe and Cost-Effective Shipping
By choosing the proper trailer, YK Freight ensures your shipment stays within state and federal regulations for length, height, and width. Staying within these limits means:
- No fines or permit fees
- Smooth travel without reroutes or delays
- Lower overall shipping costs
Real-Life Example
Consider a customer shipping a mid-size SUV from Florida to Texas. Initially, they thought a specialty trailer would be required. After consulting YK Freight, it was clear that a standard 53-ft dry van could safely accommodate the SUV. The result? The customer saved hundreds of dollars on extra permits and avoided potential delays while still keeping the vehicle secure during transit.
With YK Freight, you don’t just ship a car—you ship it smart. By understanding trailer dimensions and choosing the right option, budget-conscious shippers can save money and enjoy a stress-free delivery experience.
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