If you are an OTR flatbed driver, then you already know that the working conditions and the need for flatbed drivers aren’t the same everywhere. This is important info if you’re new to the job market or thinking about switching careers. You’ll want to know what the best states for flatbed driver jobs are. If you have the flexibility to choose where you deliver, it’s smart to know which states offer the best and worst rates for outbound freight.
For example, in North Dakota, flatbed drivers make around $79,485 a year on average. Compare that to Florida, where the average is $48,257, the lowest for flatbed drivers. This huge difference shows how much your location matters for your job. Based on what we found, North Dakota is the best state for flatbed driver jobs, while Florida is at the bottom.
10 BEST STATES FOR FLATBED DRIVERS IN 2023
You’ll want to know which places offer the best opportunities for flatbed driver jobs. For instance, the median salary for flatbed drivers in North Dakota is a hefty $79,485. Compare that to Florida’s median of $48,257, which places it at the bottom for flatbed drivers. So, here’s a detailed look at the 10 best states for flatbed drivers to haul freight:
1. BEST STATES FOR FLATBED DRIVERS – North Dakota
With a strong 2,059 flatbed driver jobs, North Dakota boasts an average annual salary of $79,485. Earnings range from $55,000 for the lowest earners to an impressive $113,000 for the top performers. The state’s job concentration, as measured by the location quotient, stands tall at 1.97.
2. BEST STATES FOR FLATBED DRIVERS – Illinois
Illinois stands out with a substantial 18,909 flatbed driver jobs, offering an average annual salary of $74,859. Earnings span from $51,000 for those starting out to an impressive $109,000 for top performers. Illinois secures a notable location quotient of 1.41.
3. BEST STATES FOR FLATBED DRIVERS – Wyoming
Wyoming, with 659 total flatbed driver jobs, offers an average annual salary of $72,853. Earnings range from $49,000 for the lowest earners to $107,000 for the highest. Wyoming’s location quotient settles at 0.98.
4. BEST STATES FOR FLATBED DRIVERS – Tennessee
Tennessee boasts a significant 8,533 flatbed driver jobs, offering an average annual salary of $66,212. The pay scale spans from $45,000 for the least earning 10 percent to a top-tier of $96,000. The state’s location quotient sits at a promising 1.29.
5. BEST STATES FOR FLATBED DRIVERS – South Dakota
With 2,141 flatbed driver jobs, South Dakota yields an average annual salary of $65,005. Earnings span from $44,000 for the lowest earners to $94,000 for the highest. South Dakota’s location quotient stands solid at 1.78.
6. BEST STATES FOR FLATBED DRIVERS – Indiana
Indiana offers a solid number of 10,124 flatbed driver jobs, with an average annual salary of $65,901. Earnings range from $45,000 for the lowest earners to $96,000 for the top performers. The state secures a location quotient of 1.37.
7. BEST STATES FOR FLATBED DRIVERS – Delaware
Delaware offers 1,516 flatbed driver jobs, yielding an average annual salary of $70,223. Earnings span from $47,000 for the lowest earners to $103,000 for the highest. Delaware’s location quotient stands at 1.07.
8. BEST STATES FOR FLATBED DRIVERS – Kentucky
Kentucky contributes 7,648 flatbed driver jobs, with an average annual salary of $63,549.The pay scale spans from $43,000 for those at the lower end to $92,000 for the higher earners. The state’s location quotient settles at an impressive 1.85.
9. BEST STATES FOR FLATBED DRIVERS – Montana
Montana adds 703 flatbed driver jobs, offering an average annual salary of $70,469. Earnings range from $47,000 for the lowest earners to $103,000 for the highest. Montana’s location quotient is 0.54.
10. BEST STATES FOR FLATBED DRIVERS – Nebraska
With 3,602 flatbed driver jobs, Nebraska provides an average annual salary of $65,108. Earnings span from $44,000 for the lowest earners to $94,000 for the top tier. The state secures a location quotient of 1.44.
Flatbed Freight Rates – August, 2023
Presently, the national average for flatbed rates is $2.50 per mile, marking a $0.02 decrease from July’s average.
The Midwest boasts the highest flatbed rate average at $2.62 per mile, whereas the West showcases the lowest rates with an average of $2.26 per mile.
On a national scale, the load-to-truck ratios have settled at 5.30, a decline from July’s 7.13 ratio. The Southeast and Pacific Northwest have the highest load ratios, while the Midwest reports the lowest. For more detailed insights, you can refer to Dat.com.
*Diesel Fuel Price Update – August, 2023
Examining fuel prices, the national average diesel price rests at $4.39 per gallon, a minor uptick from the $4.38 average a month ago, yet a decrease of $0.52 in comparison to a year prior.
On the East Coast, diesel prices average at $4.42 per gallon. The Midwest observes an average price of $4.30 per gallon. Meanwhile, California experiences a higher average at $5.54 per gallon.
Conclusion
The differences in wages and opportunities across states highlight the significance of location. Exploring the top states for flatbed driving in 2023 opens doors to various possibilities. By examining the top 10 states spotlighted in this guide, both newcomers and experienced flatbed drivers can gain valuable insights that guide their career choices toward success.
FAQ
Flatbed Updates FAQ
The top 10 states for flatbed drivers in 2023 were determined based on factors such as average annual salary, job concentration (measured by location quotient), and earning ranges. These states were selected based on data provided by DAT, a transportation industry data and analytics company.
The average annual salary for flatbed drivers varies across the top 10 states. It ranges from around $63,549 in Kentucky to $79,485 in North Dakota. The earnings depend on factors like experience, location, and performance.
Location quotient is a measure of job concentration in a particular state compared to the national average. A location quotient above 1 indicates a higher concentration of jobs in that field in the state. States with a higher location quotient for flatbed driver jobs generally offer better job opportunities and potentially higher earnings.
The load-to-truck ratio, which reflects the demand for trucking services, has decreased from 7.13 in July to 5.30 as of August 23, 2023, on a national scale. The Southeast and Pacific Northwest regions have the highest load ratios, while the Midwest reports the lowest.
The national average diesel price as of August 23, 2023, is $4.39 per gallon, showing a slight increase from the previous month but a decrease of $0.52 compared to the previous year. Diesel prices vary across regions, with the East Coast averaging at $4.42 per gallon, the Midwest at $4.30 per gallon, and California experiencing a higher average at $5.54 per gallon.