Is there a difference between a van and flatbed driver? This is something a lot of people are wondering, especially considering the fact that some of them want to enter this type of business. It’s crucial to identify your niche, and in doing so, you need to figure out what’s the true difference between a van and a flatbed driver.

What is a flatbed driver?

The flatbed driver has a truck with an open flatbed at the back. This is versatile because it allows you to transport all kinds of cargo with it. That means you can easily ship a variety of items, even those that have unusual shapes or very large sizes. That being said, due to the open deck, you must tie down the cargo with straps or chains to ensure it’s secure at all times. The downside here is that you must have additional items that protect the cargo in case you deal with rain or other problems. On top of that, flatbed truck drivers tend to be the ones that help with unloading the item too. It also takes time to load and unload on a flatbed, which is definitely a bit of a challenge for newcomers.

But there are benefits too. You have access to a variety of loads, including ones that would not be accessible otherwise. Not only that, but you also get a higher rate of pay when compared to a van driver. And yes, the job variety is great since you can easily pick and choose the type of cargo you want. That’s not exactly something you see every day.

What is a van driver?

As the name suggests, the van driver has a dedicated van, which brings an enclosed shipping space. Right off the bat, the downside here is that you are limited to the overall size of the van, so you can’t ship anything. The upside here, however, is that the item you are shipping is protected against the elements. That means you are not forced to buy a tarp or anything else to protect your cargo. Instead, it’s all safe in the van.

The problem is that you are limited to what you can transport, and the overall amount of jobs is smaller when compared to flatbed truck jobs. It’s still very lucrative, but you do need to stick to various niches that have smaller, easier to transport items. That also means the total pay is smaller when compared to a flatbed trucker.

Conclusion

Both options are great, and you need to find what suits your needs the most. Every trucker has their own style and wants a certain type of job. You want to see what kind of job suits your needs, and then adapt accordingly. A flatbed truck is more expensive when compared to a van, for example. That’s why many truckers start with a van and then they upgrade. They are both offering great opportunities, so it’s all a matter of style, budget, and what suits your needs the most!