Once you’ve got your CDL (commercial driver’s license) then what kind of truck are you going to drive? There are different options– but consider becoming a flatbed truck driver. Why? Well, there are several good reasons…
The Best Reasons to Become a Flatbed Driver
Truckers want to get paid well for what they do. Not all truckers make the same amount of money– that’s for sure. Some get paid more money than others, and guess what? Flatbed truck drivers get paid more than most! In fact, according to indeed.com there’s at least one trucking company that’ll pay a flatbed truck driver $130K a year. Not bad, right? In general, flatbed drivers typically earn at least $10K more than dry van drivers. So… the pay is GOOD.
Why be a flatbed driver? Well, because flatbed driver jobs are always available and they’re in demand. So, if you want to work and make lots of money, you can. Furthermore, haul large/specialized loads (like heavy machinery) and expect to make even more money.
With flatbeds you can expect faster load times than other versions of trucking; Forklifts and/or cranes load the freight on the flatbed. You don’t have to back up into a dock. You don’t have to wait for another truck to “pull out” before loading. And you most likely won’t need to make multiple pickups just to get fully loaded. In other words– flatbedders have faster load times so if you’re an impatient person, this is a good thing.
Flatbed truck drivers are drivers who appreciate variety because no two days are the same. One day they might haul lumber, and the next they might haul machinery or steel pipe. Local, regional and/or OTR positions are available. Companies usually offer greater flexibility regarding time off since there’s a driver shortage so they’ll go out of their way to please the drivers they do have. All in all, flatbed truckers have a pretty good life. Why not be one?