Dry Van Dispatch in California
California is the largest consumer market in the US and the gateway for 40% of American imports. The ports of LA and Long Beach create massive outbound dry van freight, while inland distribution in the Inland Empire and Central Valley keeps trucks loaded.
Why Dry Van Thrives in California
California ports generate more dry van freight than anywhere else in America. The Inland Empire (Riverside/San Bernardino) is the largest warehouse market in the world, with Amazon, Walmart, and Target operating massive distribution centers. Outbound loads from CA ports pay premium rates because demand consistently exceeds supply.
Top Dry Van Lanes in California
Import containers and consumer goods via I-10. 370 miles averaging $2.80-$3.40/mile — the busiest westbound backhaul lane in America.
Port freight and retail goods via I-10/I-20. 1,430 miles with strong year-round demand, especially during import surges.
Tech equipment, wine, and consumer goods via I-5. 810 miles with premium rates for reefer-capable loads.
Distribution center overflow to Vegas market via I-15. 270 miles with quick turnaround at $3.20-$4.00/mile.
August through November is peak season as holiday imports surge through the ports — dry van rates spike 15-20%. January-March is the slowest period as import volumes decline. Consider repositioning to Arizona or Texas during the slow window. CARB compliance is mandatory — non-compliant trucks face $1,000/day fines.
Dry Van Freight in California
CARB compliance is mandatory for all trucks in California — non-compliant trucks face $1,000/day fines with no exceptions for out-of-state carriers.
Dry Van Rates in California
The Inland Empire has so many warehouses that parking overnight is easy — most shippers have driver staging areas. But LA port drayage requires appointments booked 24-48 hours in advance through Advent eModal. FF Dispatch handles appointment scheduling so you focus on driving.
Best Dry Van Lanes Nationwide
Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis to Atlanta, Charlotte, Memphis. High volume consumer goods and automotive parts. Rates: $2.50-3.20/mile.
Los Angeles, San Francisco to Dallas, Houston. Heavy retail and consumer product flow. Rates: $2.80-3.50/mile.
New York, Philadelphia, Boston loop. Dense population centers with consistent demand. Rates: $2.60-3.00/mile.
Dallas, Houston, San Antonio circuit. Strong industrial and retail freight. Rates: $2.40-2.90/mile.
Dry Van Equipment for California
- ✓53-foot dry van trailer (most common)
- ✓Standard commercial insurance ($1M liability minimum)
- ✓No special certifications required
- ✓Air ride suspension preferred but not required
Dry Van Challenges in California & How We Solve Them
High Competition
Dry van is the most common equipment type, leading to intense competition for loads and pressure on rates.
Our exclusive broker relationships and premium load board access get you loads other carriers never see. We negotiate rates 20-30% higher than posted rates.
Rate Volatility
Dry van rates fluctuate significantly with seasonality, with slow periods in Q1 and peaks in Q4.
We track seasonal patterns and position you in high-demand lanes before peak seasons. We also secure contract lanes for consistent income during slow periods.
Deadhead Miles
Finding quality backhauls can be challenging, especially from less populated areas.
Strategic load planning and our network of shippers reduces your deadhead by 40%, keeping you loaded and profitable.
Detention Time
Dry van loads frequently experience delays at warehouses and distribution centers.
We negotiate detention pay upfront ($50-75/hour) and aggressively pursue detention claims, averaging $400-600/month in recovered fees.
Dry Van Dispatch FAQs for California
Do I need CARB compliance to run dry van in California?
Yes — all trucks must have 2010 or newer engines. Non-compliant trucks face $1,000/day fines. There are no exemptions for out-of-state carriers. If your truck is pre-2010, you cannot legally operate in California.
What is the Inland Empire and why is it important?
The Inland Empire (Riverside/San Bernardino counties) is the largest warehouse market in the world — over 600M sq ft of distribution space. This is where most port freight gets sorted and redistributed nationwide. It is the single biggest source of outbound dry van loads in the US.
Are California dry van rates worth the higher fuel costs?
Yes. California diesel costs $0.40-$0.60/gallon more than national average, but rates are 10-15% higher to compensate. On a 400-mile run, you pay $40-$60 extra in fuel but earn $80-$120 more in revenue. FF Dispatch always factors CA fuel costs into rate negotiations.
What makes dry van dispatch different from other equipment types?
Dry van is the most versatile and common freight type, meaning more load availability but also more competition. Our dispatch service gives you an edge by accessing loads and rates that self-dispatching carriers can't find. We specialize in dry van freight patterns and have relationships with brokers who prefer working with professional dispatch services.
What are typical dry van rates in 2024?
National average for dry van is $2.10-2.30/mile for spot market loads, but rates vary significantly by lane and season. Our dispatchers consistently negotiate $2.60-3.20/mile by leveraging market data and broker relationships. High-demand lanes like CA to TX or Midwest to Southeast can command $3.00-3.50/mile during peak seasons.
Start Dry Van Dispatching in California Today
Join California carriers earning $2.95/mile with FF Dispatch. No setup fees, no contracts, no hidden charges.