Trucking offers diverse career paths, but two of the most common—and most debated—choices are flatbed and dry van driving. Both have pros and cons, but which one fits your skills, lifestyle, and career goals?
In this guide, we’ll break down:
✔ Key differences in freight, pay, and workload
✔ Pros and cons of each trailer type
✔ Which job suits different driver personalities
✔ How to get started in either specialty
Let’s compare these trucking jobs head-to-head.
1. The Basics: What’s a Flatbed vs. Dry Van?
Flatbed Trucking
- Trailer Type: Open, flat platform with no sides or roof
- Freight Hauled: Oversized, heavy, or oddly shaped loads (steel, lumber, machinery)
- Securement Required: Straps, chains, tarps, and sometimes permits
Dry Van Trucking
- Trailer Type: Enclosed, box-like container (standard 53-foot trailer)
- Freight Hauled: Packaged goods (retail products, food, non-perishables)
- Securement: Minimal (palletized loads, no tarping needed)
Which sounds more appealing to you—hauling bulldozers or delivering Amazon packages?
2. Key Differences Compared
| Factor | Flatbed Jobs | Dry Van Jobs |
| Pay | Higher (10-20% more due to specialized skills) | Lower but more consistent |
| Physical Demand | High (loading/unloading, tarping, securing) | Low (mostly drop-and-hook) |
| Freight Variety | Construction materials, industrial equipment | Consumer goods, electronics, food |
| Weather Impact | More exposure (rain, wind, heat) | Protected inside trailer |
| Job Availability | Steady (tied to construction/manufacturing) | Always in demand (retail/e-commerce) |
Fun Fact: Flatbed drivers often joke that dry van drivers are “rolling warehouses,” while van drivers say flatbed drivers are “glorified construction workers.”
3. Pay: Which Earns More?
Flatbed Trucking Pay
- Average:
- 0.55–
- 0.55–0.70 per mile
- Bonus Pay: Extra for tarping, oversized loads, or specialized freight
- Seasonal Upsides: Construction booms = more high-paying loads
Dry Van Trucking Pay
- Average:
- 0.45–
- 0.45–0.60 per mile
- Consistency: Steady freight year-round (no weather delays)
- Perks: Some companies offer bonuses for on-time delivery
Trade-Off: Flatbed pays more but requires harder work. Dry van is easier but often lower-paying.
4. Workload & Lifestyle Differences
Flatbed Pros & Cons
More money for skilled securement work
No detention times (usually faster loading/unloading)
Varied routes (not just warehouse-to-warehouse)
Physically demanding (strapping, tarping in bad weather)
More delays (permits, oversize load escorts)
Dry Van Pros & Cons
Easier work (minimal physical labor)
Predictable schedules (set delivery windows)
Climate-controlled (no freezing or sweating on the job)
Dock delays (waiting for loading/unloading)
Repetitive routes (same retail distribution centers)
Which fits your personality? Do you thrive on challenge or prefer a steady routine?
5. Which Is Better for New Drivers?
Flatbed Challenges
- Skill Requirement: Must learn securement laws and techniques
- Strength Needed: Lifting heavy tarps and chains
- Risk Factor: Load shifts can be dangerous if improperly secured
Dry Van Advantages
- Beginner-Friendly: Minimal training beyond standard CDL
- Lower Stress: No tarping or load balancing worries
- More Companies Hiring: Great for gaining experience
Verdict: Dry van is easier for rookies, but ambitious new drivers can succeed in flatbed with the right training.
6. How to Get Started in Each
For Flatbed Jobs:
- Get a CDL Class A license
- Train in load securement (many companies offer onboarding)
- Consider certifications like TIA’s Flatbed Certification
- Apply to flatbed carriers (e.g., TMC, Maverick, Roehl)
For Dry Van Jobs:
- Earn your CDL Class A
- Look for mega carriers (Swift, Schneider, JB Hunt) for training programs
- Gain 6-12 months of experience before switching to specialized van jobs
Pro Tip: Many drivers start in dry van, then transition to flatbed for higher pay later.
7. The Future of Both Markets
Flatbed Trends
- Infrastructure bills = more construction freight
- Specialization pays: Oversized/heavy haulers earn top dollar
Dry Van Trends
- E-commerce growth = endless retail freight
- Automation threat: Platooning and self-driving may impact long-haul van jobs first
Which sector do you think will grow more in the next 5 years?
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Pick Flatbed If You…
Want higher pay and don’t mind hard work
Enjoy varied, hands-on tasks
Like open-air driving (not stuck in a box)
Pick Dry Van If You…
Prefer consistent, low-stress work
Are new to trucking and want easy entry
Hate dealing with weather and tarping
Last Question: Current truckers—what’s your take? Flatbed or dry van, and why? Share your experiences below!