Flatbed drivers earn more than dry van drivers. That much is consistent across every salary source. The average flatbed truck driver in the United States earns approximately $64,017 annually as of June 2025, compared to $55,000 to $70,000 for dry van drivers. What those figures do not tell you is why the pay is higher, what you are physically taking on to earn that premium, and what the federal regulations governing every load mean for your day-to-day compliance exposure.This article covers all three. If you are considering a move into flatbed or are early in the research process, the information below is more useful than a salary range and a list of pros and cons.What Flatbed Trucking Actually IsA flatbed trailer is an open platform with no sides, roof, or enclosure. Freight sits exposed on the deck, secured only by the driver's tiedowns, chains, straps, and in many cases a tarp. This is the fundamental difference between flatbed and enclosed freight: everything that keeps the load fr