Dry Van Dispatch in Delaware
Delaware sits on the I-95 corridor between Philadelphia and Baltimore, making it a strategic throughway for Northeast freight. The state's no-sales-tax advantage and chemical manufacturing corridor in Wilmington create unique opportunities for dry van operators.
Why Dry Van Thrives in Delaware
Delaware's position on I-95 means every truck traveling between Boston and Washington DC passes through the state. Wilmington is a corporate hub with Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, and major credit card companies operating distribution centers. The no-sales-tax advantage draws retail distribution. Sussex County poultry processing adds consistent outbound freight.
Top Dry Van Lanes in Delaware
Corporate distribution and consumer goods via I-95. 30 miles at ultra-premium short-haul rates of $5.50-$7.00/mile with daily frequency.
Chemical products, consumer goods, and corporate freight via I-95. 70 miles at $4.50-$6.00/mile.
Agricultural products and government supplies via US-13/I-95. 90 miles with consistent demand from federal agencies.
Chemical products and consumer goods via I-95/NJ Turnpike. 50 miles at premium Northeast rates.
Delaware freight is steady year-round due to its I-95 corridor position and chemical manufacturing. Poultry processing in Sussex County peaks September through November for holiday demand. Spring brings agricultural freight from southern Delaware farms. Summer sees construction material shipments for beach community development along the coast.
Dry Van Freight in Delaware
Delaware's zero sales tax makes it a popular spot for carriers to buy fuel, tires, and parts — schedule maintenance stops on your I-95 runs through the state to save $1,000-$2,500/year.
Dry Van Rates in Delaware
The Delaware Turnpike toll on I-95 is unavoidable — budget $12-$25 per crossing. But smart carriers offset this by purchasing fuel and supplies tax-free in Delaware. Many carriers time their fill-ups and tire purchases for Delaware stops. FF Dispatch factors all toll costs into rate negotiations.
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 Delaware
- ✓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 Delaware & 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 Delaware
How does Delaware's no sales tax benefit truckers?
Delaware charges zero sales tax on everything — fuel, tires, parts, supplies. Carriers save $1,000-$2,500/year by timing purchases for Delaware stops. Many carriers also register their businesses in Delaware for tax advantages. Combined with I-95 corridor access, DE is strategically valuable.
How much are Delaware I-95 tolls?
The Delaware Turnpike (I-95) charges trucks $12-$25 for the 11-mile section. E-ZPass is essential. There is no alternate route — every I-95 carrier pays this toll. FF Dispatch builds toll costs into every rate negotiation so your net revenue stays strong.
What freight comes from Wilmington?
Wilmington hosts corporate headquarters and distribution centers for Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, and major credit card companies. DuPont's legacy creates chemical and consumer product freight. The port handles imports including bananas, steel, and automotive parts. Diverse freight keeps loads available daily.
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 Delaware Today
Join Delaware carriers earning $2.95/mile with FF Dispatch. No setup fees, no contracts, no hidden charges.