Pennsylvania to Virginia Dry Van Shipping Services
The Pennsylvania–Virginia freight corridor is one of the busiest short-haul lanes in the Mid-Atlantic. With Pennsylvania’s manufacturing and distribution hubs feeding Virginia’s ports, retailers, and government suppliers, freight flows both ways every single day.
For shippers, dry van full truckload (FTL) transport is the most reliable way to move goods between these two states. Fast transit times, consistent capacity, and competitive rates make this lane a cornerstone of supply chains for retail, industrial, food & beverage, and e-commerce sectors.
In this in-depth guide, we cover why FTL is the go-to solution, key lanes, typical commodities, transit times, current 2025 rates and cost drivers, how to choose the right carrier, and how MigWay runs this corridor with speed and control.
Why Choose Full Truckload (FTL) Dry Van from Pennsylvania to Virginia?
Full truckload shipping means one customer, one trailer, one destination. Your freight moves directly from pickup to delivery without sharing space or going through terminals.
- Direct delivery: Eliminates cross-docking and multiple stops, reducing risk of damage.
- Speed: Most PA→VA runs are completed in less than a day.
- Security: Freight is sealed and protected from weather and theft.
- Efficiency: Predictable schedules and pricing for regular runs.
- Capacity: Ideal for palletized shipments, retail replenishment, and manufacturing inputs.
With the PA–VA corridor averaging 150–400 miles, dry van FTL is a natural fit: short enough for same-day delivery, long enough for cost efficiency.
Key Freight Lanes: Pennsylvania → Virginia
Pennsylvania’s manufacturing and distribution centers are concentrated in Philadelphia, Allentown, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh. Virginia’s demand hubs include Richmond, Norfolk, Roanoke, and Northern Virginia (NOVA/DC suburbs).
- Philadelphia, PA → Richmond, VA (I-95)
- Allentown, PA → Norfolk, VA (I-78 / I-95 / I-64)
- Harrisburg, PA → Roanoke, VA (I-81)
- Pittsburgh, PA → Northern Virginia/DC (I-70 / I-270 / I-495)
These runs typically fall into the 250–400 mile range, making them ideal for same-day or next-day delivery.
What Fits in a Dry Van?
Dry van trailers are the workhorses of trucking—enclosed, secure, and versatile. They haul everything that doesn’t require refrigeration or specialized handling.
- Consumer goods & retail replenishment – Apparel, electronics, packaged goods.
- Food & beverage (non-refrigerated) – Canned, bottled, and dry goods.
- Industrial products & equipment – Machinery parts, tools, and supplies.
- Paper & packaging – Feed Virginia’s e-commerce and distribution hubs.
- Automotive parts – For Virginia’s manufacturing and defense supply chains.
- E-commerce fulfillment – Palletized parcel freight to NOVA and Richmond DCs.
If it fits on a pallet and doesn’t need temperature control, dry van FTL is the right choice.
Transit Times & Scheduling Advantages
The biggest strength of PA→VA dry van FTL is speed. With average runs under 400 miles, shippers can rely on same-day and next-day coverage.
- Same-day delivery: Philadelphia→Richmond, Harrisburg→Roanoke, Allentown→Norfolk.
- Next-day delivery: Pittsburgh→Norfolk, Allentown→Roanoke, or late pickups with early morning drop-offs.
Why this matters
- JIT supply chains: PA suppliers keep VA manufacturers and defense contractors running without large inventories.
- Retail replenishment: Next-day service supports grocery and retail network needs.
- E-commerce: NOVA and Richmond distribution centers depend on rapid replenishment from PA hubs.
Carriers with dedicated trucks on this lane can routinely achieve 98%+ on-time performance—if they control the fleet themselves.
Current Full Truckload Rates (2025)
As of mid-2025, average dry van FTL rates from Pennsylvania to Virginia range $2.05–$2.35 per mile.
Typical lane costs
- Philadelphia → Richmond: $650–$850
- Allentown → Norfolk: $700–$900
- Harrisburg → Roanoke: $750–$950
- Pittsburgh → Northern Virginia/DC: $900–$1,200
Rate drivers
- Fuel costs: Adjust weekly.
- Pickup/delivery locations: Urban centers vs rural access.
- Load/unload requirements: Live vs drop & hook, extra stops.
- Market demand: Peak retail seasons and port congestion.
- Accessorials: Detention, layovers, after-hours, liftgate/driver assist.
Pro Tip: Contracted rates with asset-based carriers are the best way to lock in predictable pricing and guaranteed capacity on this corridor.
How Rates Compare to Other Lanes
- PA→VA runs cheaper per mile than long-haul Midwest–West Coast lanes due to shorter distances and balanced flows.
- Rates are slightly higher than PA→NJ/NY lanes because of longer miles and demand near Virginia ports and NOVA/DC.
Overall, PA→VA is cost-efficient for shippers and attractive for carriers due to solid backhaul opportunities.
Why Asset-Based Carriers Outperform Brokers
When freight is time-sensitive, asset-based carriers provide control, speed, and accountability.
- Company-owned fleet: 269 trucks, 450+ trailers. No third-party handoffs.
- 24/7 dispatch support: Real people answering your calls.
- Live GPS tracking: Visibility from pickup to POD.
- Experienced drivers: Familiar with PA–VA routes, ports, and DC-area restrictions.
- Lower claims rate: Trained drivers and well-maintained equipment.
For shippers moving daily or weekly volume, this means fewer surprises, tighter delivery windows, and better customer satisfaction.
Best Practices for Shippers on the PA→VA Lane
- Provide accurate freight details: Weight, pallet count, pickup/delivery windows, special instructions.
- Book early for peak seasons: November–December retail surges tighten capacity.
- Use drop trailers where possible: Faster turns, reduced detention.
- Communicate site requirements upfront: Appointment windows, secure sites, MHE availability.
- Consider contract rates for recurring freight: Locks in cost and capacity.
MigWay: Your Pennsylvania → Virginia Dry Van Partner
At MigWay, the PA–VA corridor is part of our daily operations. We keep this lane covered with a dedicated fleet and 24/7 support.
- Next-day delivery to 80% of Virginia from Pennsylvania hubs
- 98%+ on-time performance with GPS tracking and driver scorecards
- No outsourcing: We own the trucks, trailers, and responsibility
- Customer-first operations: From Philadelphia to Richmond, Allentown to Norfolk—we run this corridor clean and fast
When freight must move, we don’t guess. We plan. We execute.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does FTL shipping from Pennsylvania to Virginia take?
Most lanes are same-day (6–10 hours). Some longer runs or late pickups deliver next-day.
What commodities are most common on this route?
Retail and consumer goods, non-refrigerated food and beverages, paper and packaging, industrial parts, automotive components, and e-commerce replenishment.
How much does a truckload from PA to VA cost in 2025?
Most loads range $650–$1,200 per trip depending on lane and requirements. Average rates are $2.05–$2.35 per mile.
Why choose an asset-based carrier over a broker?
Asset-based carriers control the trucks, trailers, and drivers—delivering better visibility, faster response, lower claims, and consistent on-time performance.
Can I set up contract rates?
Yes. Contract rates secure capacity and stabilize pricing for recurring PA→VA freight, especially during seasonal peaks.