The Transportation Impact of Dry Van Trailers — Industry Outlook

A New Dry Van Trailer Parked at the Dealership | The Transportation Impact of Dry Van Trailers | Royal Truck & Utility Trailer

The Role of Dry Van Trailers in Transportation

The freight industry shifts constantly, adapting to the needs of individuals, companies, and other entities needing access to quick, reliable transportation methods. One such logistics solution is the dry van — a roomy option that most people can instinctively operate. These well-known vehicles haul large quantities of cargo to their destinations.

Consumers steadily order more individual items online. Alternatively, they may purchase directly from a store. These shopping trends make durable, roomy dry van trailers more in demand than ever before. Royal Truck & Utility Trailer, a reputable dry van trailer dealer, delves into how these vehicles continue to transform the shipping industry.

Understanding the Functionality and Benefits

Dry van trailers are large, enclosed shipping boxes that connect to semi-trucks. They don’t haul large items like cars or heavy equipment, despite their size. Instead, shippers load them up with secure, packed pallets or loose goods. Three common types of equipment you might find on the interstate include:

  • Straight trucks: These chassis have bodies on them that vary in size, with the majority being 26 feet to haul cargo for in-town deliveries.
  • 28-foot vans: Trailers measuring 28 feet long typically transport cargo that requires less than a truckload.
  • 53-foot vans: These heavy-duty specimens assist in long transits with more cargo than the others.

Carriers love them because of their cost-effectiveness, weather resistance, and hauling versatility for various types of cargo. They securely transport different varieties of goods.

The Impact on Logistics and Shipping

How have such seemingly rudimentary modes of transport become such an essential staple in the logistics industry? Examine some of their pertinent influences:

  • Versatility: The van trailer’s utility spans industries, including medical, retail, manufacturing, and residential moving, and works well for both full loads and partial loads.
  • Adaptability: A van trailer can haul almost anything, from secured pallets and contained boxes to furniture and machinery.
  • Environmental friendliness: As consumers increasingly focus on retail’s environmental impacts, dry van trailers play a starring role in helping companies transport merchandise more sustainably.
  • Affordability: The trucking and heavy equipment market consistently changes. However, van trailers remain one of the most affordable options available.

Royal Truck & Utility Trailer: A Trusted Dry Van Trailer Dealer

When shopping for a dry van trailer for sale, examine our inventory first. Royal Truck & Utility Trailer won the National Trailer Dealers Association’s first-ever Trailblazer Award in 2023. How does a company win such a prestigious honor?

  • Excellent customer service: Our team values their customers. We genuinely listen to your needs and concerns before recommending equipment.
  • Commitment to its community: We care about the people and areas surrounding our business. Our leaders engage in philanthropic pursuits to help the surrounding communities thrive.
  • People over profits: We place employee well-being and customer satisfaction above our profits throughout our business interactions.

Royal Truck & Utility Trailer also works with Utility Trailer Manufacturing, a reputable producer of dry vans and accompanying trailers.

Factors To Consider When Looking for a Dry Van Trailer for Sale

Our team provided a few purchasing tips:

  • Tires: When you purchase a trailer, ensure it comes equipped with Tier 1 tires out of the gate.
  • Base rails: Heavy-duty hardware should connect the base rails to the trailer. Otherwise, the trailer could incur significant damage should someone sideswipe it.
  • Side panels: You need a damage-resistant model unless you transport exceptionally light and predictable cargo. We recommend galvanized steel sheets with a HDPE core.
  • Scuff liner: Most shippers use forklifts to load cargo. The forks could strike the liner, which damages the aluminum.

Carefully consider factors like each trailer’s load capacity, dimension, and additional features to see what meets your needs.

Royal Truck & Utility Trailer Sign In Dearborn, MI

Dry Van Trailer Dealer: Royal Truck & Utility Trailer

If you want a reliable shipping investment with incredible longevity, you’ll serve your transportation company well by adding a new dry van trailer to your fleet. They will evolve with your business needs and growing social consciousness. Dry van trailers offer:

  • Technological advances: Modern dry vans give you more control with evolving telematics solutions.
  • Sustainability: Many models use fuel-efficient designs that lessen your carbon footprint.
  • Versatile shipment capabilities: Don’t limit your business to one type of cargo for a specific industry.

Broaden your logistics horizons by exploring Royal Truck & Utility Trailer’s impressive inventory.

Anthony Sciara

Chief Legal Officer 

Anthony Sciara is our Chief Legal Officer, Corporate Secretary, and a Member of our Board of Directors. He has been a licensed attorney for nearly 15 years. Anthony earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern Michigan University in 2002 and his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois (Chicago) Law School in 2006. Anthony represented the company for eight years as outside counsel before formally joining the team in October of 2019. Anthony handles and/or supervises all legal and compliance matters for the company, including executive strategy, corporate transactions, and dispute resolution. In addition to his responsibilities with the company, Anthony serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Northville Educational Foundation, participates in the Association of Corporate Counsel, and was previously an Adjunct Professor of Lawyering Skills at the University of Illinois (Chicago) Law School. Anthony is most proud that his position allows him the opportunity to solve problems for us in creative ways, which minimizes risk and maximizes success. The thing Anthony loves most about being part of Royal Truck & Utility Trailer is the sincere and uncommon passion that ownership, leadership, and other employees share for the success of the company. 

Julie Igielski

Chief Financial Officer 

Julie Igielski is the Chief Financial Officer at Royal Truck & Utility Trailer. Julie attended Michigan State University and earned her Bachelor’s in Merchandise Management in 2004 before attending Eastern Michigan University to get a Master’s degree in Accounting. After graduating with her MSA, she received her Certified Public Accountant license. Prior to joining the Royal team in 2013, Julie held various accounting positions at both publicly and privately owned companies. Since deciding to continue on in the family business nearly 8 years ago, she has helped us accomplish so much. Julie is in charge of all of our finances, creates all of our financial statements, works closely with our CEO and COO when making executive decisions, and works with the bank when acquiring new properties and companies. She is most proud of her CPA license and all of the growth and success she has helped Royal achieve. The thing she loves most about her job is being able to work with her family and her co-workers who have become her family over the years. We are so happy that Julie decided to join the team, we are so appreciative of all she does for us every day. 

Adam Pigeon

Chief Operating Officer 

Adam Pigeon is the Chief Operating Officer here at Royal Truck & Utility Trailer. Adam joined the team in 2009 after graduating from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelors of Science in 2008. He first joined us as a Parts Counter Representative and advanced to Parts Purchasing Manager. Adam was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in January of 2015 and under his leadership we have seen such tremendous growth. Adam is tasked with overseeing all of our day to day operations between all four facilities and works closely with Corporate Officers, Department VPs, and Directors to implement the company’s strategic plan. When asked about his favorite part about being a part of Royal Truck & Trailer, he shared that he loves the people he works with every day. Something Adam takes pride in is all of the company growth that he has helped achieve over his time at Royal. With over 10 years experience, he has become knowledgeable about the industry and strengthened his skills in operations management, leadership, team building, and contract negotiation. Adam has served on multiple industry advisory and councils and boards. Adam is such an asset to our company and we are so proud of everything he has accomplished during his time with us at Royal Truck & Trailer. 

Ken Bumgardner

Chief Executive Officer

Ken Bumgardner is the CEO of Royal Truck & Utility Trailer. Ken is an extremely hardworking individual with interpersonal and problem-solving skills. He graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Business Management in 2001. Ken has been with the company since he was 12 years old, he was always helping out at the shop to spend time with his dad before joining the team full time in 2001. Before becoming our current CEO, he has held various positions working his way up in the company, such as: cleaner, parts runner, parts counter, parts manager, trailer salesman, office manager, vice president, and president. Ken wanted to join the family business because of his very close relationship with his family, and he loved working with and spending time with his dad. On a daily basis, he is in charge of merger and acquisitions and overseeing our C-level executives. In addition to these responsibilities, Ken also makes sure everyone at Royal is happy in their roles; he thoroughly enjoys working with all of the members of our team. Something he is very proud of is the acquisition of East Michigan Trailer Sales in 2017 because of how it has impacted the dynamic of Royal. He is on the Board of The National Trailer Association and formerly was on the Board of The Michigan Trucking Association. Under Ken’s leadership, we have accomplished great new highs and cannot wait to see what else we can accomplish in the future. 

Ken Bumgardner

Chief Executive Officer

Ken Bumgardner is the CEO of Royal Truck & Utility Trailer. Ken is an extremely hardworking individual with interpersonal and problem-solving skills. He graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Business Management in 2001. Ken has been with the company since he was 12 years old, he was always helping out at the shop to spend time with his dad before joining the team full time in 2001. Before becoming our current CEO, he has held various positions working his way up in the company, such as: cleaner, parts runner, parts counter, parts manager, trailer salesman, office manager, vice president, and president. Ken wanted to join the family business because of his very close relationship with his family, and he loved working with and spending time with his dad. On a daily basis, he is in charge of merger and acquisitions and overseeing our C-level executives. In addition to these responsibilities, Ken also makes sure everyone at Royal is happy in their roles; he thoroughly enjoys working with all of the members of our team. Something he is very proud of is the acquisition of East Michigan Trailer Sales in 2017 because of how it has impacted the dynamic of Royal. He is on the Board of The National Trailer Association and formerly was on the Board of The Michigan Trucking Association. Under Ken’s leadership, we have accomplished great new highs and cannot wait to see what else we can accomplish in the future.