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Do you know all the reasons you should consider a career as an OTR flatbed driver?

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flatbed and heavy haul guide

flatbed and heavy haul guide
DRIVE FLATBED
More Choices
More Opportunities

Do you know all the reasons you should consider a career as an OTR flatbed driver?

8 Reasons to Become an OTR Flatbed Driver

Why would an experienced trucker become a flatbed driver?

Obviously, there’s the challenge. If you want to haul oversized loads with awesome rigs, this job is for you. (And if you’re interested in open deck, Lone Star certainly is the place for you!)

More importantly, there’s the money. You’ll make more. There are at least eight great reasons to consider becoming a flatbed driver.

1. FLATBED DRIVERS MAKE MORE MONEY

Better Career Prospects

Typically, flatbed drivers

  • are paid more per mile for their skill level.
  • earn a higher Total CPM with extras like tarp pay and special project pay.
  • with experience, make more to haul high-value, oversized loads.

2. FLATBED DRIVERS GET AROUND

A More Active Lifestyle

Trucking can be a sedentary job. Many drivers are at risk for obesity or other health problems.

However, a flatbed driver can beat those odds with daily, on-the-job workouts. They climb around loads while maneuvering chains, winches, binders, straps, hooks, dunnage and coil racks. Protecting freight from dirt or the weather also means wrangling and regularly adjusting heavy tarps.

Checking loads at designated intervals every day, flatbed drivers get plenty of exercise. Most enjoy the workout.

3. FLATBED DRIVERS CAN MOVE UP TO HAUL SPECIALIZED LOADS

Valuable Expertise

It takes a skilled flatbed driver to deliver huge aerospace parts and wind turbines. Heavy haul drivers are paid more to haul larger loads — and more yet if they have what it takes to deliver high-value, supersized freight on a specialized trailer.

4. FLATBED DRIVERS ALWAYS HAVE A STORY TO TELL

Fascinating Challenges

These truckers don’t just drive. They solve – and prevent – problems. The best flatbed driver jobs demand skill, patience and concentration. Career growth means carrying bigger, longer and wider loads on more axles. It means earning the right to pull more exciting freight.

Great stories – great pay.

5. FLATBED DRIVERS ARE ALWAYS LEARNING SOMETHING NEW

Life-Long Learners

If you’re new to flatbed trucking, then you have much to learn. Start with flatbed training, or the “fine art” of load securement. Even after years of open deck, top drivers find something satisfying about discovering a better way to secure and protect a “lumpy load.”

An experienced flatbed driver also can go on to tackle over-dimensional loads. They grow to appreciate the complicated logistics of hauling highly regulated shipments. They look forward to the challenge of easing an extended trailer down a winding highway exit. And they’re grateful that there’s something new to master each day.

6. FLATBED DRIVERS COMMAND RESPECT

One of the Elite

Truckers admire the flatbed driver who rises to the challenge of an oversized load. They respect the experience, skill and training required to meet tight delivery deadlines safely. Flatbed and heavy haul drivers are recognized as the best and brightest of the trucking fraternity.

7. FLATBED DRIVERS BECOME THE INDUSTRY EXPERTS

Top of the Class

Everyone in the industry knows that flatbed drivers who haul over-dimensional freight know more — from shippers to carriers to fellow truckers.

Heavy haul drivers, in particular, are recognized for their expertise. They’ve studied complex federal and local transportation regulations. They’ve deciphered the demands of overlapping state, county, municipal and load-specific permits. And they’ve demonstrated that they’re the most skilled, technically precise drivers on the road.

Above all, a great flatbed driver knows how to deliver the most challenging freight safely and on time despite challenges.

8. EXPERT FLATBED DRIVERS CAN DRIVE FOR THE BEST

As a Flatbed Driver, You Have Options

Once you’ve mastered flatbed or heavy haul, you can join the ranks of the most sought-after and highest-paid truck drivers. Look for a carrier that respects professional drivers. Pick one that offers top dollar for your experience and sets you up to make more. Make sure it’s looking out for your health and safety.

Choose a company with integrity. Choose Lone Star.

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