Dry Van vs Flatbed: Which Haul Type Is Right for Your Trucking Business?
- Darnell Brooks
- 2 min read
Dry van offers volume. Flatbed offers premiums. We break down startup costs, rates, workload and lifestyle so you can pick the equipment that fits your business.
Choosing your equipment type is one of the biggest decisions you'll make as an owner-operator. It determines your startup cost, your weekly routine, the brokers you work with and, ultimately, your profit. Here's an honest look at the two most popular options.
The quick comparison
| Dry Van | Flatbed | |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. spot rate (2025) | $2.40 – $3.10/mi | $2.75 – $3.60/mi |
| Used trailer cost | $25K – $40K | $30K – $55K + securement |
| Load volume | Highest in the U.S. | Moderate, seasonal |
| Physical workload | Low (mostly no-touch) | High (tarping, straps, chains) |
| Competition | Very high | Lower |
Dry van: volume and simplicity
Dry van freight is everywhere — consumer goods, retail replenishment, packaging, non-perishable food. That volume means you'll almost always find a load, which makes dry van the most forgiving choice for new authorities.
- Pros: easiest to learn, lowest physical demand, huge broker pool, dedicated lane opportunities.
- Cons: most competitive rates, long dock wait times, easy to get stuck in low-paying markets.
Flatbed: skill pays
Flatbed pays more because it's harder. Securement, tarping and weather exposure keep a lot of drivers out, which keeps rates higher. Construction, steel and lumber also create strong regional markets in the Southeast, Midwest and Texas.
- Pros: higher RPM, tarp pay, less competition, strong shipper relationships.
- Cons: physically demanding, seasonal slowdowns in winter, more securement gear and training.
If you enjoy the work and have the experience, flatbed often out-earns dry van by $400–$900 a week.
Which is better for a new authority?
For most new owner-operators with limited capital and no flatbed experience, dry van is the safer starting point. Broker setups are easier, insurance is usually cheaper and there's more freight to learn on. Experienced flatbed drivers, though, should strongly consider staying in flatbed — the skill premium is real.
Consider a step deck
If you're leaning flatbed, a step deck gives you access to both flatbed freight and taller machinery loads that pay a premium — a versatile middle ground.
The bottom line
Neither is "better" — it's about your experience, capital and lifestyle. Whichever you choose, the fastest way to profitability is smart lane planning and strong negotiation. Apex Truckin dispatches both, and we'll help you run the numbers before you buy. Explore our dispatch services.
