Flatbed drivers earn more than dry van drivers in 2026, averaging $65,000 to $85,000 per year compared to $55,000 to $75,000. The difference comes from the type of freight being hauled and the additional work required to secure it. Drivers choosing between these two paths are deciding between higher earning potential and a more physically demanding job.
How much do flatbed drivers make in 2026?
To understand where that higher pay comes from, it helps to look at how flatbed drivers are paid. Most are paid using CPM, or cents per mile, with rates typically ranging from $0.55 to $0.75 depending on experience and route.
Beyond mileage, flatbed drivers are also compensated for the work that happens outside the cab. Hauling steel, lumber, and machinery means loads must be secured with chains and straps and often covered with tarps. These tasks add time and responsibility, which is why drivers can earn an additional $3,000 to $8,000 per year through tarping, detention, and specialized freight.
Over time, that combination of mileage and task-based pay is what pushes total earnings above other freight types.
How much do dry van drivers make in 2026?
In contrast, dry van pay is built almost entirely around miles driven. Most drivers earn between $0.50 and $0.65 per mile, leading to annual earnings of $55,000 to $75,000 depending on experience and route consistency.
The work itself is simpler. Freight is enclosed, which removes the need for load securement beyond standard loading procedures. That means no tarping, no chaining, and fewer delays tied to freight handling.
As a result, drivers benefit from more predictable schedules and less physical strain, but they also miss out on the extra pay opportunities that increase flatbed earnings.
What is the pay difference between flatbed and dry van drivers?
When those pay structures are compared side by side, the gap becomes clear. Flatbed drivers earn about $10,000 to $15,000 more per year than dry van drivers at similar experience levels.
| Freight Type | Average Annual Pay | CPM Range | Additional Pay | Physical Demand |
| Flatbed | $65,000 to $85,000 | $0.55 to $0.75 | $3,000 to $8,000 from tarping and securement | High |
| Dry Van | $55,000 to $75,000 | $0.50 to $0.65 | Minimal | Low |
This difference is not just about higher mileage rates. It reflects how much of the job extends beyond driving.
How does experience affect pay in each segment?
That gap becomes more noticeable as drivers gain experience. While both segments offer pay increases over time, flatbed opens the door to higher-paying freight more quickly.
Drivers starting in dry van typically earn $50,000 to $60,000, while entry-level flatbed roles often start closer to $60,000 due to the added workload. After three or more years, dry van drivers tend to land in the $65,000 to $75,000 range, while flatbed drivers can reach $75,000 to $90,000 depending on the loads they handle.
The ability to move into specialized freight is what drives that separation over time.
Why do flatbed drivers earn more?
At its core, the pay difference comes down to responsibility. Flatbed drivers are responsible for securing and protecting the load throughout the entire trip.
That includes using chains and straps, applying tarps in changing weather, and monitoring exposed freight during transit. These added responsibilities increase both workload and risk, which is why carriers pay more for these roles.
Dry van drivers, on the other hand, are primarily responsible for transport, not load handling. That distinction is what keeps pay lower despite similar driving time.
Is a flatbed worth it for higher pay?
For drivers focused on increasing income, flatbed is one of the most direct ways to do it without becoming an owner-operator. The shift from dry van to flatbed often leads to higher weekly earnings once securement skills are in place.
That said, the tradeoff is real. The work is more physical, load times are longer, and weather becomes a bigger factor in day-to-day operations.
Whether it is worth it depends on how much value you place on higher pay versus easier working conditions.
Which option is better long-term?
Looking further ahead, sustainability becomes part of the decision. Dry van is easier to maintain over the long run because it involves less physical strain and more predictable routines.
Flatbed, while more profitable, requires consistent physical effort that may not be ideal for every driver over time. Many drivers use it as a way to increase income early, then transition into less demanding freight later in their careers.
The better option depends on how you balance income goals with long-term workload.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Do flatbed drivers always earn more than dry van drivers?
Yes, flatbed drivers earn more due to higher CPM rates and additional pay for load securement. The difference is typically $10,000 to $15,000 per year.
Q: Do I need special training to drive a flatbed?
Yes, drivers must learn load securement using chains, straps, and tarps. Most carriers provide training as part of onboarding.
Q: Is flatbed work harder than dry van?
Yes, flatbed requires physical labor to secure and sometimes cover loads, while dry van requires minimal physical handling.
Q: Which is better for new drivers?
Dry van is typically better for new drivers because it has a lower barrier to entry and simpler daily operations.
Q: Can I switch from dry van to flatbed later?
Yes, many drivers start in dry van and transition later to higher pay. Training programs are widely available.
Flatbed drivers earn more because they take on additional labor and responsibility tied to open freight. Dry van offers steady, lower-effort work but limits earning potential. The right choice depends on whether your priority is higher income or long-term ease of work.
The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.
Last Updated: April 21, 2026
