Flatbed Owner Operator Jobs: High-Earning Opportunities for O/O and Fleets in Florence, SC
Introduction
Discover lucrative flatbed owner operator jobs that offer weekly earnings of $4,500 to $5,000. If you’re an independent trucker or manage a flatbed fleet, partnerships like the one from American Trucking Group in Florence, South Carolina, prioritize your profitability and efficiency. This opportunity targets trustworthy professionals ready for consistent flatbed hauling work. Flatbed trucking remains a high-demand sector in the U.S. logistics industry, where owner-operators (O/Os) and fleets enjoy flexibility and top pay compared to dry van or reefer roles. In this guide, learn about the specifics, benefits, and steps to pursue these flatbed trucking opportunities.
What Are Flatbed Owner Operator Jobs?
Flatbed owner operators own their trucks and trailers, contracting with carriers like American Trucking Group for loads. These roles involve securing oversized, heavy, or irregularly shaped freight using tarps, straps, and chains. Unlike company drivers, O/Os retain more control over schedules while accessing carrier resources such as dispatch and backhauls.
Analysis
This job posting from American Trucking Group highlights a partnership model designed for flatbed O/O and fleets. Posted on October 12, 2025, it emphasizes operational efficiency and profitability, key concerns for independents facing fuel costs, maintenance, and deadhead miles.
Earnings Breakdown
Expected weekly gross pay ranges from $4,500 to $5,000 USD, aligning with top-tier flatbed rates. According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), average flatbed O/O earnings exceed $200,000 annually, but top performers in efficient partnerships hit $250,000+. After expenses (fuel at 25-30% of revenue, insurance, and repairs), net take-home can reach 20-30% margins.
Location Advantages: Florence, SC
Florence, South Carolina, serves as a logistics hub near Interstates 20, 95, and Port Florence. Proximity to manufacturing in the Carolinas reduces empty miles, boosting efficiency for flatbed fleets. The area’s lower cost of living supports higher net earnings compared to coastal hubs like Savannah or Charleston.
Partnership Structure
American Trucking Group seeks “trustworthy professionals,” implying requirements like valid CDL-A, TWIC card for secure loads, and clean MVR. Fleets benefit from volume dispatching, while solo O/Os gain steady flatbed loads such as steel, lumber, and machinery.
Summary
American Trucking Group’s opportunity offers flatbed owner operators and fleets $4,500-$5,000 weekly in Florence, SC. It focuses on profitability through efficient dispatching and partnerships, ideal for experienced haulers seeking independence without solo brokerage hassles. This role suits those with flatbed expertise, providing verifiable high earnings in a growing freight sector.
Key Points
- Company: American Trucking Group – established carrier partnering with independents.
- Job Type: Flatbed owner operator and fleet partnerships.
- Location: Florence, SC – strategic Southeast position.
- Weekly Pay: $4,500 – $5,000 gross (top 10% flatbed rates per ATRI data).
- Date Posted: October 12, 2025.
- Target Audience: Trustworthy O/Os and fleets prioritizing efficiency.
Practical Advice
To capitalize on flatbed owner operator jobs, prepare strategically. Start by verifying your qualifications and optimizing operations.
Steps to Apply
- Review Requirements: Ensure CDL-A with flatbed endorsements, DOT number, and $1M+ liability insurance.
- Gather Documents: MVR, medical card, equipment specs (e.g., 53-ft flatbed trailers compliant with 80,000 lb GVWR).
- Contact Directly: Use the “Apply for this job now” link or reach American Trucking Group via their site.
- Negotiate Terms: Discuss fuel surcharges, detention pay ($50-100/hour), and layover compensation.
Optimizing for Success
Invest in tarping tools and ELDs for HOS compliance. Track metrics like RPM (revenue per mile, target 3.50+ for flatbed) using apps like Trucker Path. Join networks like DAT for load boards to supplement carrier work.
Points of Caution
While promising, evaluate flatbed trucking opportunities carefully to avoid pitfalls.
- Verify Carrier Authority: Check FMCSA SAFER system for American Trucking Group’s MC number, out-of-service rates (<5% ideal).
- Contract Scrutiny: Watch for escrow deductions, forced dispatch, or non-compete clauses.
- Expense Management: Flatbed work demands physical labor; factor tarp time (30-60 min/load) into bids.
- Market Volatility: Freight rates fluctuate; 2023-2024 saw flatbed RPM drop 10-15% per Truckstop.com data.
- Scam Awareness: Legitimate postings don’t require upfront fees.
Comparison
Compare this opportunity to alternatives for informed decisions.
Vs. Company Driver Flatbed Jobs
| Aspect | Owner Operator (O/O) | Company Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Potential | $4,500-$5,000/week gross | $1,800-$2,500/week (OTR) |
| Flexibility | High (choose loads) | Low (assigned routes) |
| Expenses | Borne by O/O (fuel, maint.) | Covered by carrier |
| Startup Capital | Truck ownership ($100K+) | None |
O/Os earn 2x more but manage risks, per BLS Occupational Outlook.
Vs. Other Flatbed Opportunities
National averages: $3,200-$4,200/week (ATRI 2024). Florence beats Atlanta ($4,000 avg.) due to lower deadhead. Dry van O/Os earn 20% less RPM.
Fleet vs. Solo O/O
Fleets scale earnings via multiple units; solos focus on 2,500-3,000 weekly miles.
Legal Implications
Flatbed O/O partnerships involve federal regulations. As independent contractors, comply with FMCSA rules: 11-hour driving limit, ELD mandates, and drug testing (49 CFR Part 382). Lease agreements must specify percentage pay (often 88-92% of linehaul) without ABC test misclassification risks (per California AB5, varying by state). SC follows federal standards; verify IFTA for fuel taxes and IRP for plates. Carriers handle 1099 reporting; O/Os deduct expenses via IRS Schedule C. Non-compliance risks fines up to $16,000 per violation.
Insurance Requirements
Minimum: $750K primary liability, $1M trailer interchange. Bobtail coverage essential for non-dispatched miles.
Conclusion
American Trucking Group’s flatbed owner operator and fleet opportunity in Florence, SC, stands out with $4,500-$5,000 weekly pay and efficiency-focused partnerships. Ideal for seasoned flatbed pros, it combines independence with carrier support amid rising Southeast freight demand. Verify details, prepare documents, and apply to secure your spot in this competitive market. Flatbed trucking offers long-term viability, with ATA projecting 1.2 million driver shortage by 2030.
FAQ
What qualifications do I need for flatbed owner operator jobs?
CDL-A license, flatbed experience, DOT authority, and insurance. TWIC helpful for hazmat.
Is $4,500-$5,000 weekly realistic for flatbed O/Os?
Yes, for 2,800+ miles/week at 3.50+ RPM, per industry benchmarks.
How does Florence, SC, benefit flatbed fleets?
Central location minimizes deadhead; near I-95 for East Coast runs.
What are common flatbed loads?
Construction materials, machinery, lumber – often tarped oversized freight.
Can fleets of multiple trucks apply?
Yes, partnerships scale for volume dispatching.
Are there signing bonuses?
Not specified; inquire during application.
How to check carrier legitimacy?
Use FMCSA’s SAFER portal for authority and safety ratings.
What expenses should flatbed O/Os budget?
Fuel (30%), maintenance (10%), insurance ($10K/year).
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