Transportation
Dry van tractor trailers
Palletized drums, totes and containerized waste on scheduled routes.
Dry van tractor trailers carry palletized drums, totes and containerized hazardous waste. This is the standard equipment for scheduled routes and for consolidated pickups across multiple generators.
Source: 49 CFR Part 177What moves in a dry van
- Palletized 55 gallon drums, banded and shrink wrapped
- Intermediate bulk containers and totes
- Lab pack drums with segregated inner containers
- Boxed and containerized solid waste
- Universal waste including lamps and batteries
- Consolidated loads across several generators
Consolidation is where the saving is
Mobilization is frequently the largest single line on a small generator invoice. A dedicated truck for four drums costs what a dedicated truck costs, regardless of how little is on it.
Scheduled routes consolidate several generators onto one trailer with segregation maintained inside the load and separate manifests for each. For a site generating a few drums a month this is usually the difference between waste being a manageable cost and an irritating one.
Common questions
Can my waste share a truck?
Yes, with compatibility maintained and separate manifests for each generator. Incompatible materials never travel in contact, and segregation inside the load is planned rather than improvised.
How many drums fit?
A standard 53 foot trailer takes roughly 80 drums palletized, subject to weight limits. Dense waste hits the weight limit well before the space limit.
Do I need a dock?
It helps. Where there is no dock, a liftgate or a box truck is arranged instead. Access is confirmed when the pickup is scheduled.
Related services
Not sure how this applies to your site?
Send a profile, an old manifest, or photographs of the drums. A technical professional will tell you where you stand.
This page summarizes federal requirements and is not legal advice. State programs can be more stringent than the federal baseline. Verify against current federal and state regulations before acting. Last reviewed September 2026.