The Complete CDL-A Driver's Guide to Flatbed Hauling

Flatbed is a different world from dry van. The freight is heavier, the work is more physical, and the securement is your responsibility. But for drivers who enjoy hands-on work and want higher earning potential, flatbed is one of the best specializations in trucking.

Here's an honest look at what flatbed hauling actually involves.

What Makes Flatbed Different

In a dry van, you back into a dock, they load you, you close the doors, and you drive. Flatbed is more involved:

• You participate in loading. You're on the ground directing the forklift or crane operator, positioning dunnage, and checking weight distribution.
• You secure the load. Chains, straps, binders, edge protectors, and tarps — all of it is your responsibility. Improperly secured cargo is a moving violation and a safety hazard.
• You tarp when required. Tarping is physical, time-consuming, and sometimes done in bad weather. It's the part most flatbed drivers least enjoy.
• You inspect everything. You check securement at every stop. Straps loosen, chains shift, and tarps tear. If something moves in transit, it's on you.

This extra work is why flatbed pays more. You're not just driving — you're managing the cargo.

Load Securement Basics

The FMCSA sets minimum securement standards, but experienced flatbed drivers go beyond the minimum. Here's what you need to know:

Tiedown Requirements

• Cargo under 5 feet: Minimum 1 tiedown
• Cargo 5 to 10 feet: Minimum 2 tiedowns
• Cargo over 10 feet: 2 tiedowns plus 1 for every additional 10 feet
• Aggregate working load limit must equal at least 50% of cargo weight

Common Securement Equipment

• Chains and binders — for heavy items like steel, machinery, and concrete. Chains are rated by grade (Grade 70 and Grade 80 are standard in trucking).
• Ratchet straps — for lighter or palletized freight. Rated in working load limit (WLL), typically 5,000–6,000 lbs each.
• Edge protectors — placed where straps or chains contact cargo edges to prevent damage and keep the tiedown from cutting through.
• Dunnage — lumber or rubber mats placed between layers of cargo or between cargo and the trailer deck to prevent slipping and distribute weight.

Tarping

Not every flatbed load requires a tarp, but many do — especially lumber, paper products, and anything that can't get wet. Tarping involves:

• Climbing onto the load to position the tarp
• Securing tarp edges with bungee straps or ropes
• Working in all weather conditions
• Rolling and storing the tarp after delivery

A standard lumber tarp weighs 50–80 lbs. Smoke tarps (for covering just the front of the load) are lighter. You'll get faster at it with practice, but tarping is never fun — it's just part of the job.

The Physical Demands

Flatbed is the most physically demanding type of trucking. On a typical day, you might:

• Throw chains that weigh 30+ lbs each
• Crank binder handles with significant force
• Climb on and off the trailer multiple times
• Position and roll tarps in heat, cold, rain, or wind
• Handle dunnage and edge protectors

This isn't a desk job on wheels. You need to be in reasonable physical condition, and you need to take care of your body — good boots, gloves, and back support are essentials, not extras.

Pay and Earning Potential

Flatbed drivers typically earn more than dry van drivers. The premium reflects the additional skill, effort, and risk involved.

Typical flatbed driver pay (company):

• CPM: $0.55 – $0.75 (higher than van rates of $0.45 – $0.60)
• Tarp pay: $50 – $100 extra per tarped load
• Weekly average: $1,400 – $2,000+
• Annual: $70,000 – $100,000+

What affects your pay:

• Experience and safety record
• Region and lanes you run
• Whether you run OTR or regional
• Tarp frequency (more tarping = more pay)

The best flatbed carriers pay detention time, layover, and stop-off pay in addition to base CPM.

Common Flatbed Freight

As a flatbed driver, you'll haul:

• Steel — coils, beams, plate, pipe, rebar
• Lumber — bundles, engineered wood, plywood
• Building materials — roofing, drywall, concrete products
• Machinery — industrial equipment, generators, HVAC units
• Vehicles and equipment — tractors, forklifts, construction equipment
• Manufactured goods — wind turbine blades, solar panels, prefab structures

The variety is one of the best parts. Every load is different, and you learn something new with each one.

Is Flatbed Right for You?

Flatbed is a great fit if you:

• Like physical, hands-on work and don't want to sit in a cab all day
• Take pride in doing a job well — securement is a craft
• Want higher earning potential than van freight
• Enjoy variety in your loads and don't mind the weather
• Are in good physical condition

Flatbed is probably not for you if:

• You prefer the simplicity of dock-to-dock van freight
• Physical labor is a dealbreaker
• You don't want to deal with tarping in the rain
• You want the most predictable, routine type of driving

Getting Started in Flatbed

Most flatbed carriers provide securement training for new flatbed drivers. Even if you've been driving a van for years, expect a learning curve. The carriers that invest the most in training tend to have the safest operations and the most satisfied drivers.

At MDX Line, we specialize in flatbed and van freight. Our drivers get the training, equipment, and support they need to do the job safely. If you're ready to make the switch to flatbed, our team will make sure you're prepared.