Lease On Your Flatbed With a Partner Carrier
Flatbed pays $0.75–0.95/mile hauling steel, machinery, and construction materials. Run under a partner carrier's authority — splits typically 75–85% of gross.
Key Takeaways
- Lease on your flatbed under an FMCSA-authorised carrier's MC — no need for your own MC, insurance, or compliance filings.
- O Trucking does not hold carrier authority. We make the introduction; the lease agreement, authority and insurance are the partner carrier's.
- Flatbed lease-on pay runs $0.75–$0.95/mile at a typical 2,200–2,800 miles per week.
- Estimated gross earnings are $90,000–$145,000/year, with splits typically 75–85% to the owner-operator — the carrier sets the final terms.
- Most owner-operators start running freight within 7–10 days of applying, depending on the carrier's onboarding.
Flatbed Lease-On Pay
Per Mile
$0.75–$0.95
Weekly Miles
2,200–2,800
Weekly Gross
$1,800–$2,900
Annual Gross
$90k–$145k
Estimates based on solo driver running typical weekly utilization. You keep 75–85% of these gross figures.
Flatbed Freight Profile
Steel coils, lumber, building materials, machinery, oilfield equipment, pipe. Demand correlates with construction season — peaks Mar–Oct.
Equipment Required
48–53 ft flatbed (or step-deck if you have one). Securement gear required: chains, binders, straps, tarps, edge protectors.
Typical Lane Types
- OTR steel/lumber routes
- Regional construction sites
- Heavy-haul oversize (with proper permits + securement)
What You Get
Requirements
- Own/finance flatbed tractor + flatbed trailer (2015+ tractor, 2018+ trailer)
- Full securement kit (chains, binders, straps, tarps)
- Valid CDL Class A, 1+ year flatbed experience
- Clean MVR + PSP
- DOT physical + drug screen
- Be 21+ years old
Apply to Lease On Your Flatbed
We'll review your truck and driving history, then call you within 1-2 business days.
Flatbed Lease-On FAQs
Specific questions about leasing on with a flatbed.
Do I need to own tarps?
Yes for most flatbed loads. Tarps are an extra $50–150 per load when used. We can recommend tarp suppliers. If you only run un-tarped freight (steel coils, pipe, construction equipment) you can skip tarps.
Can I lease on with a step-deck instead?
Yes — step-deck and RGN trailers count. See /lease-on/step-deck/ for the dedicated step-deck program.
What securement training do I need?
FMCSA certification on tie-down rules. We provide training during onboarding if you need a refresh. Most experienced flatbed operators already have this.
How seasonal is flatbed?
March–October is peak (construction + outdoor projects). Nov–Feb has lower demand but rates can still hit $0.80+/mile if you stay in the South or run wind-energy/oil freight.