Flatbed with flat pay per load

Hi everyone,

I am considering a flatbed position with a flat pay per load. The operation is regional, not OTR, and really the runs are only within 4 states. Therefore, the runs are not long distances so shorter miles. The RPM are excellent, average of $5, but that is not a surprise since the runs have shorter miles. DH is limited to 80 miles. Total load pay fluctuates...may be as low as $400 or as high as $1,100. RPM minimum is 2.35 so I feel like RPMs are always pretty decent. Owner says he used to do 25-30% of load rate and then he switched to .90cpm of loaded miles. Both methods had issues. Paying by cpm, they had to always watch the driver to make sure they were not doing personal miles or purposely taking the longer route. After catching a few drivers trying to manipulate mileage, they switched to %pay. With the %pay, drivers would get upset if they had to run a $400 load to get closer to a better setup for a higher paying load so driver morale was fluctuating.
Hence they now offer flat pay per load of $200 ($100 PU/$100 Delivery). This way of paying is new to me but I can see the pros and cons. I don't have to watch their load confirmations or worry about getting questioned on extra mileage. If I run 2 load per day, I can get $400 for the day/ $2k for the week! If I run 1 load per day, I am still looking at $1k per week, which I think is still decent. They don't do tarped loads so that's good.
Some people are saying flat pay per load means if they book a load for $1500, I get shorted. I can see the point but also, isn't that pocket watching? They own the company so they should get more to keep the business open. I would love to get 25% of $1,500 but then that means I would also be susceptible to only 25% of a $400 load.
I am not a veteran but I think it seems like a good deal for me. Am I wrong? I would love to hear from the seasoned drivers out there! Thank you for your time and thoughts.

 

Hi, what is a reasonable weekly compensation for regional flatbed driver? What should I look for or negotiate? I thought it was pretty good because they don't tarp, home every weekend and only running regional. I can't do OTR. I tried and it is not for me. I want a Monday-Friday but I hate being in an office. I did look at other companies and found mega companies are not for me. I found a couple other small flatbed companies that quoted me weekly average pay of $1500-2000 but they both required regular tarped loads. I hate tarping!!! It dangerous and takes too much time. I'd rather deal with chains/binders and coil racks.

 

Hello
What should I look for in weekly compensation? I may be able to negotiate but what basis would I present to negotiate for a higher pay? Any tips.

 

I do like doing flatbed...I just don't like tarping. I am good with all other load securement. Alot of flatbedders have started refusing to tarp but it is hard to find the larger companies that won't book flatbed loads. I think the smaller companies are trending towards refusing tarped loads, too because the tarps are expensive, have to be replaced frequently, takes 2-4 hours to tarp and most brokers do not pay enough to compensate for that loss of time. There is so much to move in flatbed without ever touching a tarp. Moving machines with chains and binders pays very well. Securing coil racks pays good. Lumber, steel, piping, etc. If I ever get my own flatbed, I will not move tarped loads...unless brokers start compensating appropriately. I know of a few truckers that got injured tarping those tall loads. I got blown off when there was a strong gust of wind while he was on top tarping. Another fell off the side of load while tarping. He caught himself on the band of the load but he was out of commission for a few weeks. It's just not worth it! Too many other ways to make money with flatbeds.
I like the standard hours of flatbed, too. I call it the corporate version of trucking . Yes, I am a safe driver. No issues there. I don't mind the physical labor because too many truckers have health issues from the constant sitting of dryvan/reefer. I just don't see that truckers are fairly compensated for the time and risk of tarping. I won't do it.