When it comes to trucking, the debate of flatbed vs dry van pay has a clear winner. Flatbed drivers consistently earn more, and it’s not just luck. Higher pay in this sector is driven by a combination of specialized skills, the complexity of the freight, and the willingness to take on work that others avoid.

If you’re wondering why haul flatbed and whether the rewards outweigh the challenges, the answer is simple: yes, especially if your goal is to earn top-tier pay and secure steady, in-demand work.

Flatbed vs Dry Van Pay: The Numbers Tell the Story

On average, flatbed driver salary beats that of dry van or refrigerated haulers by a significant margin. Industry data shows that flatbed truckers can earn anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 more per year than dry van drivers, depending on experience, location, and freight type.

Why the pay bump?

  • Skill: flatbed drivers must master advanced load securement methods, from straps and chains to tarping irregular cargo.
  • Expertise: many loads are oversized or have unique handling requirements that demand precision.
  • Risk: the work often involves heavier, more complex freight and outdoor load handling, increasing both responsibility and earning potential.

Flatbed Job Benefits Go Beyond Pay

While money is the biggest motivator, there are other reasons drivers choose flatbeds:

  • More Load Variety: Instead of hauling the same boxed cargo, you’ll transport construction materials, machinery, steel, lumber, and more.
  • Less Competition: Not every driver is trained or willing to haul flatbed freight, which means more opportunities for those who are.
  • Stronger Demand: Industries like construction and manufacturing rely heavily on flatbed freight year-round.

Why High Demand Equals High Pay

Flatbed freight is essential to the economy, and the pool of qualified drivers is smaller than in other trucking sectors. This supply-and-demand gap is what keeps rates, and driver paychecks, higher. When shippers need freight moved quickly and safely, they turn to the pros who can handle complex loads without mistakes.

At Prime Fleet Management, we believe that mastering these advanced skills is the direct path to a bigger paycheck. Our mission is to provide hands-on training that gives you the expertise needed to succeed.

How This Training Aligns With Our Mission

Prime Fleet Management is not just about compliance, it’s about empowering fleet owners, drivers, and operators to run safer, smarter, and more profitable operations.

Offering this bootcamp reflects our mission to:

  • Reduce violations and liability
  • Train professionals, not just license holders
  • Build trust in our brand as experts in DOT compliance and safety
  • Help drivers and companies stay audit-ready and confident on the road

This program is part of our larger vision: hands-on training that helps fleets and drivers succeed.

The Bottom Line

Flatbed trucking isn’t for everyone, but for those willing to put in the work, the payoff is unmatched. Between the higher flatbed driver salary, the variety of freight, and the year-round demand, the flatbed advantage is clear.

Ready to start earning more? Your journey begins with proper training. Learn from the pros at our upcoming Flatbed Mastery Bootcamp.