Top 7 Dry Van Trailer Manufacturers

One client I worked with picked a manufacturer based on price alone. At first, everything seemed fine.

But after a few months, things started falling apart—literally. Roof leaks. Weak flooring. Cargo damage. The cost of fixing it? Way more than the original savings.

That’s when I started paying closer attention to who was building these trailers—and how.

Since then, I’ve spent years reviewing manufacturers, inspecting trailers firsthand, and talking to people who use them every day. I’ve learned which companies consistently deliver—and which don’t.

This article lists 7 dry van trailer manufacturers that have built solid reputations. I’ll walk you through each company’s background, where they’re based, when they started, how big they are, and what they do well—or not so well.

By the end, you’ll have a clear view of your best options.

So let’s get down to it!

Quick Comparison Chart

Before we dive deep into each brand, here’s a quick side-by-side snapshot. This table helps you compare the basics at a glance.

Now that you’ve seen the overview, let’s take a closer look at each manufacturer one by one.

1. Wabash National Corporation

I once saw a Wabash trailer at a shipping yard that had clearly been used for years—but it still looked solid. The paint wasn’t peeling. The frame wasn’t bent. It stood out in a row of rough-looking equipment. That’s when I realized not every trailer ages the same.

Wabash National was founded in 1985 in Lafayette, Indiana, by Jerry Ehrlich. Today, the company runs several manufacturing plants in the U.S. and Mexico and employs thousands of workers across North America.

Product Range

• Core categories: Dry van trailers, refrigerated trailers, platform trailers, tank trailers, and intermodal containers.
• Innovations: Developed DuraPlate panels, which are strong, lightweight composite walls that resist rust and impact
• Popular models: DuraPlate HD, DuraPlate Cell Core, and the standard DuraPlate Dry Van.
• Key features:
  • Strong side walls for fewer repairs
  • Lighter weight for better fuel use
  • Water-resistant floor design
  • Long lifespan under heavy use

Certifications & Compliance

• ISO 9001: Their plants follow a certified system to maintain product quality.
• FMVSS: All trailers meet U.S. federal safety standards.
• Environmental Focus: Lightweight builds help reduce emissions from fuel use.
• Manufacturing Compliance: Trailers align with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations.

Customer Support & After-Sales Service

• Communication channels: Contact available via phone or website form.
• Responsiveness and support quality: Most warranty and repair needs go through authorized dealers.
• Dedicated account managers: Offered for fleet and business customers.
• Handling of complaints and issues: Wabash provides product support, parts ordering, and returns.
• Training and support tools: Access to online manuals, literature, and spec sheets.

Final Verdict

Wabash is a solid choice if you need dependable, weatherproof trailers that hold up over time. However, since they focus on advanced materials and quality builds, expect a higher price tag than budget brands.

2. Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company

You know that feeling when a trailer holds up in bad weather—no leaks, no shifting panels, just solid performance? That’s what you notice with a Utility dry van. Even after years of hauling, these trailers still lock up tight and handle like they’re new.

Utility Trailer started in 1914 and is still family-owned today. They’re based in City of Industry, California, and run multiple manufacturing plants across the U.S. With more than 100 dealers throughout North and South America, they’ve built a wide support network for buyers like you.

Product Range

• Core categories: Dry vans, refrigerated trailers (also known as reefers), flatbeds, and curtainside trailers.
• Innovations: Their 4000D-X Composite series uses bonded panels to reduce rivets and lower maintenance without giving up strength.
• Popular models: 4000D-X Composite Dry Van, 3000R Reefer, and 4000AE Flatbed.
• Key features:
  • Strong walls that handle daily wear
  • Lightweight designs for better fuel efficiency
  • Weather-resistant interiors
  • Aerodynamic add-ons to save fuel on long hauls

Certifications & Compliance

• ISO-certified processes: Their factories follow quality control systems that meet international standards.
• FMVSS Compliant: Their trailers meet U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
• Green initiatives: Fuel-saving designs and recyclable materials help reduce environmental impact.
• Industry compliance: All trailers meet U.S. DOT and trailer manufacturing guidelines.

Customer Support & After-Sales Service

• Communication channels: You can contact them through a dealer or their online support form.
• Responsiveness and support quality: Their wide dealer network handles most service and parts needs.
• Dedicated account managers: Offered for business and fleet customers.
• Handling of complaints and issues: Dealers provide local help, backed by factory resources.
• Training and support tools: Manuals, diagrams, and product info are available online.

Final Verdict

If you need a dry van or reefer that lasts for the long haul, Utility gives you that confidence. However, if you’re looking for trailers outside the standard categories, their product range may feel limited.

3. Rhinotrail

I spotted a Rhinotrail dry van at a freight terminal near Shanghai. It had just returned from a long-haul job. The rear doors sealed tightly. The frame looked clean and solid.

Rhinotrail was founded in 2009 and is based in Shandong, China. With over 200 employees, the company supplies dry van trailers built for durability, freight safety, and everyday logistics work.

Product Range

• Core category: Dry van trailers for non-perishable, general freight
• Build options: Single or double axle, with reinforced side and rear panels
• Custom orders: OEM and ODM services based on your cargo and axle needs
• Key features:
  • Fully enclosed box design
  • Steel chassis and weather-resistant walls
  • Waterproof flooring for long-term load protection
  • Easy rear door access with dock-height compatibility
  • Strong underframe to handle heavy cargo safely

Certifications & Compliance

• Material checks: Welds, paint, and floors tested before shipping
• Export-ready: Meets international trailer height, width, and lighting rules
• Load-tested: Structural safety checked under working conditions
• Regulatory alignment: Complies with specs for Asia, Africa, and Middle East road use

Customer Support & After-Sales Service

• How to reach them: Phone, email, or contact form at rhinotrail.com
• Spare parts: Axles, suspensions, landing gear, and brake systems available
• Warranty help: Responsive team for questions and claims
• Fleet services: Bulk orders supported by account managers
• Support tools: Includes CAD files, specs, and user documents on request

Final Verdict

Rhinotrail builds dry van trailers that are tough, practical, and ready for real hauling. If your business needs dependable equipment for everyday freight, our company offers solutions that hold up under pressure—trip after trip.

4. Hyundai Translead

The trailer door closed with a clean, echoing click—tight, no rattle. The surface felt smooth, almost polished, and the corners were sealed like they came off a line built for aircraft. Every detail on that Hyundai Translead trailer looked intentional. Even after long use, it didn’t sag, squeak, or rust where others did.

Hyundai Translead was founded in 1994 and operates from San Diego, California. It’s part of the global Hyundai Motor Group. Their large-scale manufacturing takes place in Mexico, with offices and distribution throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Product Range

• Core categories: Dry vans, refrigerated trailers (reefers), flatbeds, container chassis, and converter dollies.
• Innovations: Their HT Composite walls offer impact resistance and weight reduction using durable non-metal materials.
• Popular models: HT Original Dry Van, HT Composite, HT ThermoTech, and HT GEN2 models.
• Key features:
  • Galvanized steel parts to reduce corrosion
  • Sealed doors to block moisture and dust
  • Strong underframe for long-term hauling
  • Smooth exterior panels for easier branding

Certifications & Compliance

• ISO 9001 Certified: Follows global standards for consistent quality management.
• FMVSS Compliant: All trailers meet U.S. federal vehicle safety standards.
• Green building focus: Trailer designs help lower emissions by reducing weight.
• DOT-aligned standards: Fully compliant with North American trailer regulations.

Customer Support & After-Sales Service

• Communication channels: Reachable through contact forms, phone, or authorized dealers.
• Responsiveness and support quality: Responsive via regional service teams and OEM parts network.
• Dedicated account managers: Offered to larger operators and fleets.
• Handling of complaints and issues: Resolved through service centers and warranty programs.
• Training and support tools: Online manuals, maintenance guides, and product literature.

Final Verdict

Hyundai Translead is a strong choice if you value engineering precision, clean design, and quiet durability. However, buyers in rural areas may experience slower access to parts and support due to its service model

5. Stoughton Trailers

The sound of a Stoughton trailer backing into a dock is solid and crisp—no rattling, no loose panels. The rear frame lines up clean, and the swing doors close with a satisfying clunk. It’s the kind of equipment that feels sturdy just by looking at the welds, bolts, and finishes.

Stoughton Trailers was founded in 1961 and is headquartered in Stoughton, Wisconsin. What started as a small family business has grown into a major trailer manufacturer with over 1,500 employees. They operate several production plants in Wisconsin and one in Texas.

Product Range

• Core categories: Dry vans, refrigerated trailers, grain trailers, intermodal chassis, and container chassis.
• Innovations: Their Z-Plate Dry Van features a composite side wall that adds strength and resists cracking from heavy loads.
• Popular models: Z-Plate Dry Van, PureBlue Refrigerated Trailer, and Stoughton Grain Trailer.
• Key features:
  • Anti-corrosion panels that handle harsh road salt
  • Strong floor design for forklift entry
  • LED lighting packages for better visibility
  • Options for side doors, liftgates, and aerodynamic kits

Certifications & Compliance

• ISO 9001 Certified: Uses quality control systems that meet international guidelines.
• FMVSS Compliant: Trailers meet U.S. federal safety regulations.
• Green initiatives: Lighter materials and smart assembly reduce waste.
• DOT-approved: All products are built to North American transportation codes.

Customer Support & After-Sales Service

• Communication channels: You can reach them by phone, email, or local dealers.
• Responsiveness and support quality: Dealers and service centers handle issues quickly.
• Dedicated account managers: Available for large or long-term fleet accounts.
• Handling of complaints and issues: Warranty programs and parts access are available through authorized partners.
• Training and support tools: They offer maintenance manuals and specs online.

Final Verdict

Stoughton Trailers delivers a solid, well-built trailer that’s made to handle daily work without falling apart. However, their models may not offer the same range of tech or tracking tools as newer tech-focused brands.

6. Vanguard National Trailer Corp.

“Is this really a 5-year-old trailer?” That’s what I asked the first time I stood next to a Vanguard dry van in a rental yard. The floor looked clean, the frame didn’t have rust, and the rear doors closed like they were new. My first thought was, this thing’s holding up better than expected.

Vanguard National Trailer Corp. was founded in 2003 and is based in Monon, Indiana. It’s a subsidiary of the China-based CIMC Group, which gives it global backing and a strong supply chain. They build trailers in their U.S. manufacturing sites and distribution across North America.

Product Range

• Core categories: Dry vans, refrigerated trailers, flatbeds, and composite plate trailers.
• Innovations: Their trailers include corrosion-resistant side rails and premium sealant systems to protect cargo from moisture and road debris.
• Popular models: VIP 4000 Dry Van, VXP Composite Dry Van, and VXP Reefer.
• Key features:
  • Steel-reinforced front wall for added strength
  • Seamless interior lining to protect freight
  • Advanced air and water sealing
  • Aerodynamic fairings for a better fuel economy

Certifications & Compliance

• ISO 9001 Certified: Maintains structured systems for consistent build quality.
• FMVSS Compliant: Meets federal trailer safety guidelines in the U.S.
• Sustainability goals: Focus on weight reduction to support lower emissions.
• DOT-Compliant: All models meet Department of Transportation manufacturing standards.

Customer Support & After-Sales Service

• Communication channels: Contact them through their website or authorized dealers.
• Responsiveness and support quality: Known for helpful parts and warranty teams.
• Dedicated account managers: Available for volume trailer orders.
• Handling of complaints and issues: Service support offered through nationwide partners.
• Training and support tools: Manuals and diagrams are easy to access online.

Final Verdict

Vanguard National Trailer Corp. offers tough, low-maintenance trailers that work well for businesses focused on long-term value. However, since they’re a newer player, some smaller markets may not have the same local support coverage as older brands.

7. Manac Inc.

I was once at a mill yard watching a Manac trailer get loaded with oversized pallet stacks. One of the workers leaned over and said, “This trailer can take it. We’ve run this thing hard for five years, and it still pulls straight.” That kind of feedback sticks with you—especially when you’re helping someone choose a trailer they’ll depend on every day.

Manac Inc. was founded in 1966 and is based in Saint-Georges, Quebec, Canada. They’re the largest semi-trailer manufacturer in Canada and one of the most diverse trailer builders in North America. Manac operates several manufacturing facilities across Canada and the U.S., producing more than 125 different trailer models.

Product Range

• Core categories: Dry vans, flatbeds, lowbeds, chip trailers, grain trailers, and logging trailers.
• Innovations: Their dry vans often include galvanized components, which resist rust and extend trailer life in tough conditions.
• Popular models: Manac Dry Van, UltraPlate, and Combo Flatbed.
• Key features:
  • Reinforced rear frames for heavy-use loading
  • Multi-material builds (steel, aluminum, composite)
  • Rust-resistant underbody and side rails
  • Available customizations for specific freight needs

Certifications & Compliance

• ISO 9001 Certified: Verified quality systems across all their plants.
• FMVSS Compliant: Meets U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
• Sustainability practices: Focused on efficient material use and recycling in production.
• DOT-certified: Fully meets transportation codes in both the U.S. and Canada.

Customer Support & After-Sales Service

• Communication channels: You can reach them by phone, web form, or through authorized dealers.
• Responsiveness and support quality: Known for good follow-up through North American service centers.
• Dedicated account managers: Offered to fleets and long-term clients.
• Handling of complaints and issues: Warranty claims and parts support handled regionally.
• Training and support tools: Product spec sheets and manuals are easy to find online.

Final Verdict

Manac Inc. is a smart pick if you want strong trailers that can be built around your specific cargo needs. However, since they focus more on heavy and specialty trailers, they may not be the go-to if you’re just looking for basic dry vans at scale.

Conclusion

You’ve just walked through 7 of the top dry van trailer manufacturers.

Each one has its strengths. Each one offers something different.

But at the end of the day, the right choice depends on what you carry—and where you’re going next.

If dry vans don’t fit your load, there are other trailer options worth exploring.

And if you’re open to something more flexible, we’d be happy to help you look.

Contact us today to get started.