Is Flatbed Trucking Hard? Pros and Cons of Flatbed Truck Driver Jobs

This article dives deep into the world of flatbed trucking, exploring the pros and cons for drivers considering this specialized field. We’ll examine the challenges and rewards of hauling diverse cargo, the skills required, and what it takes to succeed as a flatbed driver, making this read worthwhile for anyone intrigued by this demanding yet potentially lucrative segment of the trucking industry.

What is a Flatbed Truck?

A flatbed truck is a type of truck with an open trailer bed that is not covered by a roof or sides. This design allows for the transportation of oversized or irregularly shaped cargo that wouldn’t fit within a traditional enclosed trailer, such as a dry van or reefer. Flatbeds come in various sizes, typically 48 or 53 feet long, and are used to haul a wide range of materials and equipment. My company, Flatbed Truck, Platform Truck Manufacturing plants, produces products for a wide range of industries, including Construction Companies, Road Construction Companies, Demolition Companies, Landscaping Companies, Scaffolding companies, Steel Manufacturers/Distributors, Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers, Precast Concrete Manufacturers, Lumber Mills/Wood Product Manufacturers, Generator Manufacturers, Freight Companies, Warehousing Companies, Ports and Docks, Freight Forwarders, Oil and Gas Companies, Wind Energy Companies, Solar Energy Companies, Power Companies, Farms, Forestry Companies, Government Agencies, Mining Industry, Shipping Industry, Exhibition Companies, Specialized Haulers, Equipment Rental Companies, Military-Industrial Enterprises.

There are some similarities between a flatbed truck and a flatbed railcar or a flatbed trailer that is pulled by a tractor. These terms might be used synonymously in some situations and that is why flatbed is a keyword that can help to get relevant users and expand to other markets.

How to Become a Flatbed Truck Driver?

Becoming a flatbed driver involves obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and gaining experience in truck driving. Many companies offer training programs for aspiring flatbed truckers, teaching them the specifics of load securement, tarping, and safe operation of a flatbed trailer. It’s also beneficial to have strong physical stamina and problem-solving skills.
To operate a flatbed truck, you must first obtain a commercial driver’s license. You can attend a CDL training school or get on-the-job training from a trucking company. The length of training varies depending on the individual, but it typically takes a few weeks to a few months.

You can also get endorsements on your CDL that allow you to operate specific types of vehicles or haul certain types of cargo. Some common endorsements include:

• H – Hazardous materials
• N – Tank vehicles
• P – Passenger
• S – School bus
• T – Double/triple trailers
• X – Combination of hazardous materials and tank vehicles

What are the Pros of Flatbed Trucking?

Flatbed trucking offers several advantages that appeal to many truck drivers. One of the primary benefits is the potential for higher pay. Due to the specialized nature of the work and the demand for experienced flatbed drivers, these trucking jobs often command higher rates than other types of truck driving jobs, such as those involving dry van or reefer trailers.

Another advantage is the variety of work. Flatbed drivers haul a wide range of cargo, including construction materials (lumber, steel), heavy machinery, and even oversized loads like wind turbine blades. This diversity means that no two days are the same, providing a dynamic and engaging work environment, especially when compared with hauling the same type of cargo every day, day after day in a dry van or reefer. A flatbed driver can be hauling lumber to the Pacific Northwest one week and steel coils in the Midwest the next, or could be hauling heavy machinery in the South. Flatbed loads can take a driver all over the country, even from coast to coast.

Flatbed trucking also offers more opportunities for active work. Unlike some truck driving jobs that involve long hours of sedentary driving, flatbed drivers are often involved in the loading and unloading process, which can be physically demanding. They must know how to secure and tarp loads which is much more physical than simply backing into a dock and waiting on loaders. Drivers often find that the active work involved in flatbedding is a pro because it helps to combat the sedentary lifestyle that many truck drivers face. As a flatbed driver, one of the cons is that you have to secure the cargo and sometimes tarp loads in inclement weather, such as in the pouring rain.

• Better pay than dry van or reefer
• More variety in work and location
• More active work
• More home time
• Develop specialized skills

What are the Cons of Flatbed Trucking?

Despite the benefits, flatbed trucking also has its drawbacks, and this is one of the main cons of flatbed trucking. One significant challenge is the physical demands of the job. Flatbed drivers are responsible for securing their loads using chains, straps, and securement devices, which requires strength and endurance, as the job can be strenuous and exhausting. Tarping loads can also be physically taxing, particularly in adverse weather conditions. You might wonder, is flatbed trucking hard? Well, flatbed truck driving is more physical than some other types of driving job. If you aren’t used to physical labor, flatbed driving might be a con, at least at first.

Another potential drawback is the increased responsibility for load securement. Flatbed drivers must ensure that their cargo is properly secure to prevent damage or accidents during transit. This requires knowledge of securement regulations and careful attention to detail. A flatbed driver needs to know how to properly secure the cargo using the securement devices on the trailer. In addition to chains and straps, flatbed drivers often use tarps to protect the cargo from the elements. Learning to secure and tarp loads takes time. Many drivers often find that the added responsibility is one of the cons of flatbed trucking.

Safety is another concern, as working with heavy equipment and securing loads can pose risks if proper precautions are not taken.

How Much Do Flatbed Truckers Make?

Flatbed truck driver salaries can vary depending on experience, location, and the type of cargo hauled. However, flatbed drivers generally earn more than drivers in other niches, such as dry van or reefer. According to industry data, the average annual salary for a flatbed trucker is around $70,000 to $90,000, with some experienced drivers earning over $100,000. Some of the highest paying flatbed jobs involve hauling specialized or oversized loads.

• Average salary is between $70,000-$90,000
• $1.50-$2.00 per mile is common
• $25-$35 per hour is common
• Owner operator pay is often higher than company driver

Of course, there is no guarantee of how much any individual trucker will make. Many drivers transition from other types of truck driving to flatbed, while others start in flatbed right away. A company may require a new driver to start in dry van for a while before moving to flatbed, i.e. Maverick used to require this, although that is no longer always the case.

Why Do Flatbed Loads Pay More?

Flatbed loads often pay more due to several factors. First, flatbed trucking requires specialized skills and knowledge, particularly in load securement and tarping. Companies are willing to pay a premium for drivers who can safely and efficiently transport their cargo. A specialized skill set is required to properly secure the cargo. Improper securement can result in damage to the cargo, damage to the truck or trailer, or even injury or death. Drivers who are proficient in this area can command higher pay.

Second, flatbed loads often involve high-value or time-sensitive freight, such as machinery or construction materials. Companies are willing to pay more to ensure that these goods are transported safely and on schedule.

Third, the demand for flatbed drivers is high, particularly in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and energy. This demand, combined with a limited pool of qualified drivers, drives up wages in the flatbed sector.

What Skills are Required for Flatbed Truck Driving?

Successful flatbed drivers possess a unique set of skills beyond those required for general truck driving. Key skills include:

1. Load Securement Expertise: Flatbed drivers must be proficient in using chains, straps, binders, and other securement devices to properly secure various types of cargo. They need to understand weight distribution, center of gravity, and the specific securement requirements for different loads. A flatbed driver must know how to secure the load to prevent it from shifting during transit. This is important for safety, as an improperly secured load can cause an accident.
2. Tarping Proficiency: Many flatbed loads require tarping to protect them from the elements or to comply with regulations. Flatbed drivers should be skilled in selecting the appropriate tarp size and material, as well as in properly securing tarps to withstand wind and weather. Tarping is an important part of flatbed driving, as it helps to protect the cargo from damage.
3. Physical Stamina: Flatbed trucking often involves physical labor, such as lifting heavy tarps, tightening chains, and operating securement devices. Drivers should be in good physical condition to handle these demands. Securing a load can be a physically demanding job, especially when working with heavy chains and binders. Drivers need to be in good physical shape to do this job effectively.
4. Problem-Solving Abilities: Flatbed drivers frequently encounter unique challenges, such as securing irregularly shaped loads or dealing with unexpected weather conditions. The ability to think critically and find solutions on the fly is essential.
5. Attention to Detail: Load securement requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure that all cargo is properly secure and that all regulations are followed. A single oversight can have serious consequences.

What are Some Common Types of Flatbed Loads?

Flatbed loads come in all shapes and sizes, but some common types of cargo include:

1. Construction Materials: Lumber, steel beams, pipes, concrete products, and other building materials are frequently transported on flatbeds.
2. Machinery and Equipment: Flatbeds are often used to haul heavy machinery, such as excavators, bulldozers, and cranes, as well as industrial equipment like generators and transformers.
3. Vehicles: Cars, trucks, and even boats are sometimes transported on flatbeds, particularly when they are being delivered to dealerships or auction sites.
4. Oversized Loads: Flatbed trailers are ideal for transporting oversized or unusually shaped cargo, such as wind turbine blades, modular homes, and large tanks.
5. Agricultural Products: Hay bales, farm equipment, and other agricultural goods are often hauled on flatbeds, especially during harvest season.

Is There a Lot of Tarping in Flatbed Trucking?

The amount of tarping in flatbed trucking varies depending on the type of cargo being hauled and the specific requirements of the shipper or receiver. Some flatbed loads require tarping to protect them from the elements, while others do not. The driver may be required to tarp loads that are sensitive to moisture, such as lumber or certain types of machinery. A driver might also tarp loads to keep them clean or to prevent them from being damaged by road debris.
Flatbed drivers are typically responsible for tarping their loads, although some facilities may provide assistance with this task. It’s important to note that tarping can be time-consuming and physically demanding, especially in adverse weather conditions.

Is Driving a Flatbed Truck Hard?

Whether or not driving a flatbed truck is considered “hard” depends on an individual’s skills, experience, and preferences. Flatbed trucking presents unique challenges compared to other types of truck driving, such as dry van or reefer. The added responsibility of load securement, tarping, and dealing with diverse cargo types can make it more demanding.
However, many flatbed drivers find the work rewarding and enjoy the variety and challenges it offers. With proper training, experience, and a strong work ethic, driving flatbed can be a fulfilling and lucrative career.

Is Flatbed Trucking Worth It?

Deciding if flatbed trucking it’s worth pursuing depends on your individual goals, preferences, and priorities. If you’re looking for a driving job that offers higher pay, variety, and the opportunity to develop specialized skills, then flatbed trucking may be a good fit for you. It is one of the highest paying sectors of the trucking industry, and many drivers find that they like flatbed more than other types of truck driving. Many drivers also want to learn how to secure the load, how to use tarps, and how to use load binders, as these skills can help them to advance in their career. Flatbed driving may not be for everyone, but for those who are willing to put in the work, it can be a great career.

However, if you prefer a more predictable routine, less physical work, or are uncomfortable with the added responsibility of load securement, then other types of truck driving might be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not flatbed trucking is worth it is a personal one that should be based on a careful assessment of your own needs and desires.

FAQs

Conclusion

• Flatbed trucking offers higher pay and more variety than other types of truck driving.
• Flatbed drivers are responsible for securing their loads and may be required to tarp them, which can be physically demanding.
• Load securement is a critical skill for flatbed drivers, requiring knowledge of regulations and attention to detail.
• Flatbed loads can include construction materials, machinery, vehicles, oversized items, and agricultural products.
• The amount of tarping in flatbed trucking varies depending on the cargo and shipper requirements.
• Driving a flatbed truck can be challenging but rewarding, and whether it’s worth it depends on individual preferences and goals.
• Many companies, including construction, manufacturing, and energy firms, hire flatbed drivers.
• To learn more about flatbed trucks, please visit our website or contact us directly.

If you are interested in flatbed trucking and want to learn more about our trucks, please contact us today. We have a wide selection of trucks for a variety of applications and we can help you find the perfect truck for your needs.