PROFITABILITY ! Flatbeds Vs Dry Vans: Is it even worth Hauling Flatbed Loads?

Flatbeds Vs Dry Vans: Which Is More Profitable?
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Ever wondered what the difference in profit is between driving a Flatbed vs driving a Dry Van?? In this video, Ronen takes us through the comparisons between these divisions, and helps form your decision on which would be best for you and your lifestyle!
Which do you drive? Flatbeds or Dry Vans?? Let us know below!
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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:57 Long haul truck driver pay statement
01:27 Long haul dry van paycheck
01:45 Long haul flatbed paycheck
02:13 Local truck driver paychecks
02:23 Local driver dry van paycheck
03:13 Local driver flatbed paycheck
03:58 Spot rates & national averages
04:09 Lease operator paychecks, dry van
05:25 Lease operator flatbed paycheck
06:21 Owner operator dry van paycheck
07:00 Owner operator flatbed paycheck
07:22 Owner operator comparison
07:50 Why do truckers refuse to work in the flatbed division?
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[@starscream888]

When I did long haul for a living I was a flatbeder and loved everything about it I was a 350lb man dropped to 250 in no time it’s a great workout I was in the best shape of my life plus the money was way better then dry van

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Hey! Had to pin your comment. Thank you for sharing with us. Do you have any tips/advice for new/old drivers in staying physically active in shape during long hauls?

[@starscream888]

The number one tip I can give to drivers in flatbed wanting to get in shape is do not eat right before you go to bed for the night. Take a half hr or so after you load and eat your supper. (Loose the mentality of I need to be moving to make good time so I’ll eat when I stop for the night) Eating right before you hit the bed is the absolute worst thing you can do

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

@@starscream888 Thanks for the tip!

[@veracityseven]

There is a really easy way to alleviate and even stop lower back pain for truck drivers...Every morning, after your alarm goes off, before you even get out of bed...DO CRUNCHES! Not 'sit-ups', but 'crunches'. If you don't know what they are, look it up. Do as many as you can comfortably. I promise, that within a few days your lower back pain will be greatly reduced, if not gone entirely.

[@claudem.p.7969]

I started doing flatbed in june 2023. NO TARP but heavy loads. I am 67 years old. I am not rushing when I put the straps or chain. I refused to do tarp so one less pain in the back. I prefer b-train more than the 53 feet bed with 4 axels. My main concern is not the flatbed or dryvan but rather the car drivers who thinks that we can stop on a dime or make a turn like magic. HOURRA.

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Hey! Yes we agree with you with the car drivers. Here in the GTA we have the most expensive insurance because of bad drivers. Please take care of yourself on the road and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@thehovermatic1243]

I came to flatbed with 20+ years as a local household goods mover. I’ve never worked in such a sedentary job as long haul trucking. It’s nice to break a sweat for 1-2 hours ever other day but it’s not enough exercise to overcome the 11 hours every day in the drivers seat. I do enjoy flatbed and the money is great but after two years I’ve got more aches and pains than I ever did as a full time laborer.

[@melmusharaf]

I agree with everything you just said.... except the last part 😅

[@BarnacleBoy42069]

I started out with flatbed for more money and I wanted to haul cool shit, been pretty satisfied so far

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Hey thanks for the comment. How long have you been a flatbed driver? any tips for new drivers in the comments?

[@BarnacleBoy42069]

@@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News only been driving since January of 2023, for brand new flatbed drivers I suggest getting a step ladder for tall loads and secure your loads like your family is gonna be riding next to you the whole way, if you're not sure how to secure a particular type of load, ask someone! Other drivers are usually more than happy to help. And take breaks, if you run out of breath messing with the tarps take a little break, it gets easier over time.

[@futurelink5967]

I do flatbed for a company ,in including a lot of tarps, secure and unsecured, don't have a problem doing it because the end of the day it keeps me physically fit, neck pain is my only problem sitting up for more than 10 hours a day, plus we only do recap.

[@preppertrucker5736]

Flatbed is far more dangerous especially those without a headache rack so Definitely should be making far more 👍

[@GrdDog]

I have one of each , reefer, dry and a flatbed gives me versatility in with I'm going to haul, flatbed has been making me more $$ this year.

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Thanks for the comment John! Which do you prefer if $$ wasn't a factor? Do you like being able to be physical driving a flat bed compared to reefer/dry?

[@GrdDog]

@@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News I actually prefer reefer; I can also run dry if I want too, a variety is key.

[@ballavision1619]

Where’s the best place to find a steal of a deal on a used stepdeck trailer boss ?

[@offroadvehiclelover]

​​@@ballavision1619everywhere right now 😂😂

[@shayanali3981]

We have been making 7k-8k weely for Dry Vans. Volume for Flats has gone down and if in good areas can even get 3/mile for vans.

[@krazivon6659]

Just got my license and I'm looking into getting into the flatbed business

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Congrats on your license :) Welcome to the flatbed trucking business!

[@michaelboyle9512]

I've been flatbed for 3 years. I get a little tightness in my left shoulder to neck while driving around wreckless and risky city drivers (car or truck). I do think the exercise from flatbed keeps me in decent physical shape and keeps the old man pains away.

[@M0rmagil]

That’s not a good sign. I suggest you see a doc sooner rather than later.

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Hey Michael! Thanks for commenting! Its good to know that flatbed drivers benefit from the physical tasks from flat bed. Please get your left shoulder/neck checked out, better to check it while its just a little tightness. Thanks for watching Michael.

[@rickgregoire9041]

I drove flatbed for about 20 years and other than a couple of cuts and bruises, I felt I was in better shape than my later van days. I'm not saying van drivers are lazy but flatbed drivers are better physically off. The conestogas are alot easier than the company tarps( so many patches they weigh as much as two tarps) but as an owner op I had my own tarps and had them custom made to my specs and they were much easier to handle. In the colder weather though sometimes they were so stiff it was like trying to roll up a potato chip.For the most part ,I enjoyed my flatbed work and I did average more money,especially on the oversize work.

[@aaronfox5808]

Wow on the wages up there, in Arizona a flat bed local driver got &12.00 per hour. It is always min. wage here. I had 5 years over the road experience in flat bed zero accidents or violations. Class A here or Class 1 up there I assume. We also had to hand unload the trailer daily at receiver's. I respect your world up there.

[@chipinfoos]

I’m 3 months company roll tarp flatbedder and I love it, helps keep my blood pressure low 😂😂😂

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

That's amazing to hear!

[@melmusharaf]

It would be nice if big fuel franchises implemented wellness/fitness areas... move the mini casinos if they have too

[@user-jp7rk1uf2n]

I used to haul LTL flatbed loads to the desert southwest. I made darn good money. I was leased to Ranger. Then they got sucked down by Landstar. Next several companies started cutting the rates. I dropped my lease when Landstar invalidated my lease and wanted me to sign a cheaper one.

[@Clerrance]

Ronan’s great. Thank you for sharing!!

[@markjukes7486]

He should do a comparison with hazmat vs tanker vs flatbed vs van. I delivered compressed gases for a living.

[@Dark_Night22]

I run a roll tite and sometimes flatbed, I love it, keeps me mobile but I'm also physically active when at home as well

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Hey! Thanks for your comment. How long have you been in flat bed? and are you a young driver? That's amazing to hear that flat bed driving keeps you mobile and active.

[@Dark_Night22]

@@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News I’ve been driving class 1 part time from 1999-2020, then I went driving full time, and I’m 51. I meal prep all my meals, don’t eat fast food. Each day I dedicate 30 minutes to jump rope.

[@classicxl]

$23.50 is on the low end for local van drivers in the gta . Rates are Probably more like $25-27 a hr . So if you’re doing flatbed and have to carry those heavy A$$ tarps especially in windy conditions . If only being paid $28 a hr you as a individual have to really think is the extra $3 a hr worth it . Not to me it isn’t, especially with all the extra wear and tear you’re putting on your body . It would be a minimum of $30 for me to even consider it

[@M0rmagil]

Yes, but like everything else, you have to know what you’re doing. It’s an expanded skill set, and you have to get off your ass instead of just holding a steering wheel.

[@kevinfreyre1576]

Agreed, people make it sound easier than what it actually is. It’s a pain in the ass.

[@ne9835]

​What, truck driver?

[@M0rmagil]

Tarping isn’t fun this time of year, no doubt. Or most times of the year , for that matter. 🤪 I still take tarp loads on occasion when they pay significantly more then the other offerings.

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Thanks for your comment! We 100% agree. How long have you been a flat bed driver?

[@M0rmagil]

@@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News 5 years. I did 3 with Melton, who do train you well and provide good equipment, then I got my own truck and am working with DSV in Missoula, MT.

[@vishaltamang1914]

Great information thank you

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

No problem!!

[@roncreach753]

You always do flatbed/ dry van/reefer. Can you start adding tanker rates as well? Haz mat/Non Haz mat

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Hey! Thanks for the comment. I will share your comment with the media team at our next meeting. Thanks for watching!

[@detreknash4505]

REGARDLESS I I WAS TAUGHT TO WALK AROUND THE TRUCK 3X B FORE I SETTLE DOWN AND BREAKS. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER

[@dalegriffiths5334]

It's a bonus when you get loads preloaded before you leave. Then hopefully there's no waiting to off load then reload. It does suck having to start on weekend. All people I hang out with or date are off weekends. So you can't have a social life. Also I know your company runs Cascadia or volvo. Those are just throw away trucks. Why can't a lease operator get a nice 389 pete with cummins?? I would be proud to have a nice truck and love to own it eventually. Then it's a pleasure to run the highway. I mean its our home. If that was an option I would be a,pleasure to run flatbed.

[@ashaikh]

Ok I will be coming soon to join you as Flatbed Driver and after sometime I would buy my truck if I understood the route correctly

[@erazco6568]

Flat. Ed drivers make a average of 0.65 a mile the more you make the less miles you will get

[@Dr.Pravdin]

Hey, Ronan. By the national average, did you mean Canada or US in this video? Were the money amounts mentioned in Canadian or US dollar? Thanks ✌️

[@adambennett2176]

Hey Ronan!!! U better still be on your diet!!!! Happy health happy life!!!! Yes sir!!

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Happy health happy life! Thanks for the push Adam!!

[@Dragon_rls]

I wish I had went to work for Mr. Ronining. When I drove a truck back in the 2000s, I was working for food (barely.

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Hey Dragon! What made you stop driving? Did you at least enjoy it back then?

[@nexus-qb3bu]

Successful Indian true OO here. I play the easy Trucking game like a King with Reefer and Van. I will let American and Canadian borns to handle the Flatbed and Heavy hauling Super Trucker BS. 😂

[@michaelbleckler4379]

Because drivers are lazy! That is why no one wants to haul flat bed loads. Ronan im a fueler who does drops and pumps off and your are outside in the cold and heat.

[@rogersideas772]

Do you guys hire out of the Kansas City, MO. area???

[@OldE67]

Apologize about the auto text in the garbled message

[@NoobsofFredo]

Personally, the only reason I'm _not_ working flatbed is because TMC doesn't want to hire me until November when an accident I got into back in 2020 falls off my 3-year record. Once that happens though, and probably once I have 6 months of experience underway, it'll almost certainly be good-bye to Swift and hello to TMC.

[@mr.honeybee7661]

As someone who is currently working for tmc.. go somewhere else. This company is a joke and I'm average 1300 gross a week. This company has a ton of bullshit rules and lies out the ass. They are a sweat shop company that uses their shiny trucks to bring in rookies who dont know any better, work you for a few years or less and then hope you're smart enough to quit so they don't have to pay you the shares they gave you instead of putting it into a 401k or in your paycheck. Don't do it man. Go to Melton or maverick

[@offroadvehiclelover]

Very nice man you'll do great I'm sure. Best of luck, flabed sounds like something I'll like to try out as an owner operator. Currently company.

[@paramsodhi1408]

Can you please make a video on how to go from a driver to working as a dispatcher in your company.

[@jjones5818]

Treasonous bastard! lol

[@NoobsofFredo]

I'd be interested in this as well. Would like to start a company of my own in 15-20 years, and a path to learn the management part of the business would be wonderful.

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Hey! thanks for the suggestion, ill bring it up to the media/video team next meeting!

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

@@NoobsofFredo For sure! ill bring it up next media team meeting! thanks!

[@NoobsofFredo]

@@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News Much appreciated! Looking forward to it, for sure.

[@hodge2766]

Glad I haul fuel/ethanol/bio for $34 plus OT after 40 hours....

[@Gazakory]

Those numbers sound like company drivers numbers, not owner operators

[@kingboss24]

He forgot one thing when you are working hourly and you are over 40 hours per week you get paid time and a half as overtime

[@aleksv6961]

Seriously? A lot of flatbed companies pay no more or less than dry van.

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Which is insaneeeeeee

[@aleksv6961]

@@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News Melton, TCM... about 0.5cpm 0.65 for million milers with less 2500 miles per week. Tell me pls who pays 8-12,000gross

[@iboyioghenetejirigift2552]

I currently work as a flatbed driver in my country which i truly enjoy. I will be more than happy to come over and work with you if the opportunity present itself. Thank you.

[@mall_kelly]

25% dispatch fee?

[@jeyroot]

Depending on load and goods, in my case, unloading a flatbed with lumber sheet goods is always the best. Our dock is tight for dry vans. Only the true pro can back up using 3 points in less than 90 seconds. For the inexperienced dry van driver, it turns out to be a 20 mins event at our dock and laughable due to us seeing the grey hair OTR driver benchmark our dock like clock work!

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Thanks for sharing!

[@kevinfreyre1576]

It’s literally HORRIBLE driving flatbed!! I’m always carrying heavy ass tarps, with 8 foot drops. I’m also always having to tarp super tall loads while carrying an extremely heavy tarp to cover them!

[@BarnacleBoy42069]

You get used to it after a while, those tarps really can wear you out though. Still better than any other job I've had so far. And we get to haul cool shit sometimes lol

[@jayc4715]

​@@BarnacleBoy42069whoopie

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Hey Kevin, thanks for the comment. How long have you been in flat bed? can you express your pros/cons for the new drivers in the comments. Thanks!

[@bigvince1218]

Company driver is the way, you can make 100k annually without the headache

[@nicureality1427]

49 weeks😂, really? Every deiver wants 2days every 2 weeks, that is 46 days so 7 weeks+plus some layovers-1more week, now do the calculation qgain with 44 on duty weeks ))

[@bennfranksbeatz1581]

I usually go with 40 weeks just to be on the safe side.

[@392nightrunner]

I'm thinking grand theft auto when I think here in the gta

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

with all the thefts and violence, the GTA should be known as "Grand Theft Auto" lol

[@jaydarkfire3567]

All these guys in the comments saying flatbed is physical stop 🧢🧢 ive done flatbed for 20 years you all know you be asking the forift driver to pick the tarps up for you. Nevermind all the tarping stations

[@Brsrafal]

i took on a flatbed so i get to move around instead of sitting in the truck . Six years later i feel like flatbed is too much extra responsibility I haul heavy pipe flatbed can be dangerous . I'm looking into hazzmat tanker just drag the hoes dont have to worry about strapping chaining stuff down .

[@omararchivaldo3632]

25% dispatch fee

[@shhhhhhhhhhhhhh....]

Where is BRIAN

[@mr.honeybee7661]

Yeah... flatbed barely pays more. It's not worth the extra work.

[@lucasdalmola]

I wanna work for your company…

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Hey Lucas, visit out careers section on our website - www.ettransport.ca/careers/ :)

[@mguerrero8787]

Flat beds aren't are much better unfortunately

[@412hwc]

flatbed aint payin shiiit man if u catch a load over 2200 its prolly over size 😂😂 its been terrible as fucc for a while now man these brokers want u to work snd drive for 1.60 a mile all in...

[@user-dp2ck8nv6g]

You are absolutely right about that. I too own a Flatbed and my brother is the driver and I dispatch my own truck. Those brokers out there be trying people, not all but most of them. They really think that the trucks run on water and not on diesel. It's a mess right now in the trucking industy. My saving grace is that I had purchased my tractor and trailer cash. So I can breathe just a tad bit. But I really feel bad for the drivers that has to worry about those costs while the brokers trying to pull a fast one on us. But through it all I still make out with at least $6K-$8K a week. If it's a great week it will be at least $8K a week. If not it will be around $6K-$7K a week.

[@412hwc]

@@user-dp2ck8nv6g i do about tha same number just a higher over head so my take home is about half give or take i had a 9k week proffit two weeks ago and guess what. getting home to tha east from the west i put $270 in tha bank before tax💀💀 its tha nature of tha beast i guess man. i dont want to haul cheap freight but if something covers my fuel...well i kind of have too. but my last 3 loads have been terrible and the actual deadhead and work i had to put in wasnt even close to what i got paid....

[@user-ew8xz4dv2q]

@@user-dp2ck8nv6gNice! I’m saving to buy my own truck and flat bed. How much are you netting after the 6-8k?