Flatbed Driver
Open deck. Open opportunity.
$55,000–$88,000
Moderate to Strong
Class A
OTR or regional; varies by employer
Overview
Flatbed drivers haul oversized or irregularly shaped cargo — steel coils, lumber, machinery, construction equipment — on open trailers. The work requires skill in load securement and tarping. Pay is above average and demand is tied to construction and manufacturing activity.
Tied to construction and infrastructure spending cycles.
A Day in the Life
Flatbed drivers spend significant time securing loads with chains, straps, and binders, and tarping cargo to protect it from weather. Delivery often involves coordinating with job sites or warehouses with limited space.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Above-average pay
- Variety of cargo
- Physically engaging work
- Strong demand in construction cycles
Challenges
- Physical demands of tarping and securement
- Weather exposure
- Load securement liability
- Specialized training needed
Top Employers
How Diesel Xtrem Prepares You
Our Class A program covers the pre-trip and backing skills that flatbed employers require. Load securement training is available as part of our skills preparation.