Dry Van Dispatch in Virginia
Virginia is a Mid-Atlantic freight powerhouse with the Port of Virginia in Norfolk and two of America's busiest freight corridors — I-81 and I-95. Government freight from Washington DC, port distribution, and growing data center infrastructure create diverse dry van opportunities.
Why Dry Van Thrives in Virginia
The Port of Virginia (Norfolk) is the deepest on the East Coast and can handle the largest container ships without dredging, offering faster gate times than NY/NJ. I-81 through the Shenandoah Valley handles 30%+ truck traffic connecting Northeast to Southeast markets. I-95 provides the main Northeast-to-Florida corridor. Northern Virginia's proximity to Washington DC creates steady government and military freight. Data center construction in Loudoun County (the data center capital of the world) adds tech infrastructure loads.
Top Dry Van Lanes in Virginia
Port-to-capital corridor carrying import containers, military supplies, and government freight. 200 miles via I-64/I-95 at $3.20-$4.00/mile.
Mid-Atlantic connector via I-85 hauling consumer goods and manufacturing freight. 330 miles at $2.80-$3.30/mile with balanced flow.
Southeast corridor via I-85 moving port freight and consumer goods. 555 miles at $2.70-$3.10/mile with strong port volume.
I-95 corridor carrying consumer goods and distribution freight. 110 miles with quick turnaround and premium short-haul rates.
Virginia freight peaks August through November with port import season and holiday distribution. Military moves spike June through August during PCS (permanent change of station) season. The I-81 corridor sees consistent year-round volume. Government freight surges at fiscal year end (September). Winter is relatively mild, keeping operations consistent.
Dry Van Freight in Virginia
Port of Virginia offers faster gate times than NY/NJ — 30-minute truck turns vs. 2+ hours. Carriers who get TWIC cards and VIG registration can access premium port loads that many competitors skip because of the registration process.
Dry Van Rates in Virginia
Virginia implemented truck-only tolls on I-81 averaging $0.17/mile — E-ZPass required, no cash option. For a full north-south trip through Virginia on I-81, trucks pay $50-$60 in tolls. Factor this into every rate negotiation for I-81 loads. FF Dispatch always includes toll costs when negotiating rates.
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 Virginia
- ✓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 Virginia & 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 Virginia
How does the Port of Virginia compare to NY/NJ?
Port of Virginia (Norfolk) is the deepest East Coast port with 30-minute truck turns — much faster than NY/NJ's 2+ hour waits. Drayage pays $200-$400/container. Long-haul loads to the Midwest average $2.80-$3.20/mile. You need TWIC card ($125) and VIG registration.
Are there tolls on I-81 in Virginia?
Yes — Virginia has truck-only tolls on I-81 averaging $0.17/mile with E-ZPass required (no cash). A full north-south trip costs trucks $50-$60 in tolls. Always factor this into rate negotiations. FF Dispatch includes toll costs in every I-81 rate quote.
What government freight opportunities exist in Virginia?
Virginia has the highest concentration of military installations in the US — Norfolk Naval Base, Fort Liberty, Quantico, and the Pentagon. Government contracts provide consistent, well-paying freight year-round. Government fiscal year end (September) creates procurement surges with premium rates.
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 Virginia Today
Join Virginia carriers earning $2.85/mile with FF Dispatch. No setup fees, no contracts, no hidden charges.