by Abdullah Faraz
March 27, 2025
Reviewed by Ford
Truck Dispatch Specialist
Yes, a flatbed pays more than a dry van. The obvious reasons for the high pay rate of flatbed trucking are that flatbed trucking requires extra labor and skills with higher risk and responsibility. Demand for specialized freight and seasonal trends increase the rate per mile.
However, dry van carriers can earn competitive wages, and if they work strategically, they may earn more than flatbed drivers. It depends on the level of experience of the carrier, how he/she handles dispatching and expenses.
To make an informed decision on whether you should choose a flatbed or dry van, read on.
Understanding Flatbed and Dry Van Trucking
Understanding the difference between flatbed and dry van can help you get an idea of why flatbed loads are higher-paying than dry van loads. Let’s take a look.
What is a Flatbed Truck?
A flatbed truck is a vehicle designed for hauling large, bulky, or oversized cargo on a flat, open-deck trailer with no sides or roof, allowing for easy loading and unloading from any direction.
What is a Dry Van Truck?
A dry van truck, also called a dry van trailer or box trailer, is a fully enclosed semi-truck trailer designed for transporting nonperishable dry goods while keeping them protected from the elements and theft.
Key Differences Between Flatbed and Dry Van
Here are the key differences that must be taken into consideration before selecting a flatbed or dry van.
| Feature | Flatbed Trucking | Dry Van Trucking |
| Trailer Type | Open trailer, no walls or roof | Enclosed trailer, fully protected |
| Cargo Type | Oversized, irregular loads (machinery, lumber, steel) | Packaged goods, electronics, furniture, food products |
| Load Securement | Requires straps, chains, tarps | Basic securing with load bars or pallets |
| Physical Labor | High drivers must secure loads and tarp them | Low – no need to secure most loads manually |
| Pay Rates | Typically higher per mile ($0.05–$0.15 more) | Lower per-mile rates but steady loads |
| Tarping Pay | Extra bonuses ($50–$100 per load) | No extra pay for load securement |
| Workload & Risk | Higher workload, greater risk of injury | Less physical effort, lower risk |
| Weather Exposure | Exposed to rain, wind, and snow | Cargo is fully protected from the elements |
| Freight Availability | Seasonal variations (higher in the construction season) | More consistent freight year-round |
| Entry Level Suitability | Requires more experience and training | Easier for new drivers to start |
Pay Comparison: Flatbed Vs. Dry Van
Although there are many load options with varying rates per mile, owner-operators and company drivers may earn different salaries depending on their contracts. However, here we’ll get a rough idea of the average pay of both truck drivers.
Average Pay Rates For Flatbed Truckers
Average pay rates depend on what type of earnings and monetization you select. The most common are hourly, mileage-based based and independent load picking.
Hourly Vs. Mileage-Based
According to ZipRecruiter, as of Mar 17, 2025, the average hourly pay for a Flatbed Truck Driver in New York is $33.67 an hour. A salary-based driver can earn $684 to $2135 per week.
If you are working as a company driver, then you can expect to earn 55–75 cents per mile (CPM).
Owner-Operator Earning Rates
Since owner-operators do not work for companies and operate flatbeds independently, we will focus on their per-mile rates for individual loads.
As of March 26, 2025, the national average flatbed spot rate is around $2.13 per mile, with the Midwest having the highest average at $2.64 per mile.
Average Pay Rates for Dry Van Truckers
So, what is the average pay rate and rate per mile per load for dry vans?
Here is a detailed breakdown of the latest industry trends.
Hourly Vs. Mileage-Based
The weekly earnings range from $1,200 to $1,491, and as of Mar 19, 2025, the average hourly pay for a Dry Van Driver in the United States is $15.13 an hour.
Owner-Operator Earning Rates
Dry van truck drivers can charge $1.84 to $2.18 per mile. These rates are closely related to flatbed rates, but flatbed drivers earn bonuses for tarping, extra care, etc.
Factors Influencing Pay
Below are the three main factors that increase the pay for flatbed carriers over dry vans.
Experience Level: Flatbed trucking often pays more because it requires specialized skills that not every truck driver possesses. Like load securement knowledge, regulatory compliance, and specialized freight handling.
Freight Demand and Seasonality: The type of freight each trucking method handles significantly impacts pay differences. For example, flatbed freight is more seasonal while dry van freight is more consistent.
Risk and Liability: Flatbed trucking comes with significantly higher risks. These risks are related to loads, physical injury, weather exposure, etc.
Expert Advice
Do not overthink about selecting a truck. No matter what truck you have, if you dispatch the truck efficiently and track expenses carefully, you can earn much more than you expected. Alternatively, you can hire a reputable truck dispatching company to help maximize your weekly earnings, regardless of your truck type.
When Dry Van Trucking Can Be More Profitable?
It is clear that flatbeds pay more than dry vans, but there are special benefits that are tied to dry vans only, and these perks make dry vans more popular and the first choice of carriers. But how do you earn more as a dry van carrier than a flatbed driver?
Below are the three main reasons for selecting a dry van rather than a flatbed.
Consistency in Freight Availability
One of the biggest advantages of dry van trucking is the steady and predictable availability of loads.
More Loads, Less Deadhead Miles: Dry van carriers commonly pick consumer goods, retail products, electronics, and packaged foods, which are in demand year-round.
Predictable Schedules: Many dry van carriers operate on fixed delivery schedules, which means drivers can plan their routes and home time more effectively.
Who Benefits the Most?
- Drivers who prefer steady income without major seasonal fluctuations.
- Those who want to minimize empty miles and maximize drive time.
Lower Workload and Risk
Unlike flatbed trucking, which involves physical labor and higher accident risks, dry van trucking is relatively easier.
No Heavy Lifting or Load Securement: Dry van loads are typically pre-packaged and palletized. So drivers don’t have to spend time securing cargo with straps, chains, or tarps.
Reduced Risk of Injury: Flatbed trucking requires climbing onto trailers, handling heavy materials, and working in extreme weather conditions (rain, snow, wind).
Who Benefits the Most?
- Drivers who prefer less physically demanding work.
- Those who want to minimize injury risks and avoid long-term strain on their bodies.
Easier Entry for New Drivers
Lower Training Requirements: Flatbed trucking requires securement training, load balancing knowledge, and sometimes special certifications. That’s why dry van training and driving are easy.
More Job Opportunities: Flatbed jobs, on the other hand, often require prior experience before hiring. On the other hand, Large trucking companies and freight carriers hire dry van drivers in bulk.
Who Benefits the Most?
- New drivers looking for entry-level opportunities in trucking.
- Those who want to start earning quickly without additional training costs.
Which One Is Better for You?
Selecting between flatbed and dry van trucking depends on several factors. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what a driver should consider when choosing between the two:
1. Experience Level and Training: Dry van is the best starting point because it requires minimum training. As a flatbed carrier, you need more experience than just driving, like load securement, weight balancing, and tarping techniques.
2. Earning Potential Vs. Stability: Flatbed drivers earn more in all cases hourly, job-based per mile, or as independent owner-operators. While dry van carriers’ earnings are stable and consistent due to more availability of load options.
3. Workload and Physical Effort: Flatbed drivers must strap, chain, and tarp loads, which takes extra time and physical effort. Most dry van loads are palletized and forklift-loaded, meaning drivers don’t have to secure freight manually.
4. Home Time and Work-Life Balance: Flatbed schedules can be unpredictable due to delays in load securement and inspections. Dry van drivers often have fixed schedules and are more likely to get regular home time.
5. Risk and Safety Considerations: Flatbed comes with more safety risks while cargo is enclosed and protected from weather and theft in the case of dry vans.
6. Long-Term Career Growth: If you have long-term career goals, both options offer valuable opportunities for growth. With flatbed experience, you can move into heavy haul, oversized loads, and high-paying specialized freight. Dry van trucking is ideal for running your own business with fewer specialized requirements.
| Factor | Flatbed Trucking | Dry Van Trucking |
| Best for New Drivers? | ❌ No, requires extra skills | ✅ Yes, easy to start |
| Higher Pay Potential? | ✅ Yes, higher per-mile rates + bonuses | ❌ No, but steady income |
| More Consistent Loads? | ❌ No, seasonal demand | ✅ Yes, year-round freight |
| Physical Labor? | ❌ Yes, requires securing loads | ✅ No, easier workload |
| Safer Work Environment? | ❌ No, higher injury risk | ✅ Yes, fully enclosed freight |
| Better Work-Life Balance? | ❌ No, unpredictable schedules | ✅ Yes, regular home time |
| Career Growth? | ✅ Yes, leads to specialized hauling | ✅ Yes, good for owner-operators |
Conclusion
Flatbed pays more than dry van because extra bonuses are added due to special compliance requirements, load securement and tarping, and time usage. Dry van is still a good and profile option for quick start and consistent earnings.
Both trucks have their benefits and drawbacks, and selecting one of them depends on your personal preferences, like pay, safety, work-life balance, etc.
If your main priority is high earnings, then flatbed trucking is for you. For free consultation and more information, feel free to reach us.