Flatbed Trucking Jobs in Lexington, SC – Opportunities, Pay, and Benefits
Flatbed trucking jobs in Lexington, SC offer competitive pay, steady freight, and the satisfaction of hauling freight that builds America’s infrastructure. If you’re a CDL-A driver with at least two years of OTR experience, Lexington’s location gives you a strategic advantage in the Southeastern trucking market. This guide covers everything you need to know—from pay rates and equipment to training and career outlook—so you can make an informed decision about joining a flatbed carrier like MigWay.
Why Choose Flatbed Trucking in Lexington, SC?
Flatbed trucking in Lexington, SC is worth considering because the region’s economy supports consistent freight demand for construction, manufacturing, and industrial projects. The town’s location near I-20 and I-26 allows drivers to access major Southeastern and East Coast freight corridors within hours, meaning more miles without excessive deadhead. That geographic advantage translates directly into better earning potential and home time.
Flatbed freight differs from standard dry van hauling because loads are open-deck, meaning they require specialized securement with chains, straps, and sometimes tarps. Lexington’s proximity to Columbia, Augusta, and Charleston makes it a prime point for picking up raw materials like steel, lumber, machinery, and oversized freight. The diversity of loads keeps the work interesting and offers opportunities to develop valuable skills that increase your marketability as a driver.
Beyond geography, the local economy in Lexington is steadily growing, with new construction projects, infrastructure upgrades, and industrial expansion—all of which require flatbed transportation. This means drivers can expect year-round demand rather than seasonal spikes. Carriers operating in the region often reward reliable drivers with consistent lanes and priority freight assignments.
Additionally, the Lexington trucking market benefits from the Southeastern freight balance. Outbound loads from South Carolina are matched by strong inbound freight, allowing drivers to run triangle or round-trip routes efficiently. This keeps trucks moving and reduces downtime, which is essential for maximizing weekly revenue.
What Does a Flatbed Driver in Lexington, SC Do?
A flatbed driver in Lexington, SC hauls freight that is too large or irregularly shaped for enclosed trailers, ensuring it is properly loaded, secured, and delivered safely. The job involves more hands-on work than standard van driving because securement is critical for both safety and compliance with federal regulations. This includes inspecting chains, straps, binders, and tarps before every trip to ensure nothing shifts in transit.
Daily tasks for a flatbed driver often start with reviewing the load’s weight distribution and confirming it meets axle weight limits. Many Lexington-area loads originate from steel plants, lumber yards, or heavy equipment dealers, so drivers must be prepared for varied loading environments. Working with shippers and loaders to position cargo correctly is part of the job, as is double-checking the securement before leaving the yard.
In addition to load handling, flatbed drivers also navigate routes that accommodate the dimensions and weight of their loads. This is especially important for oversized freight that may require permits, escort vehicles, or alternate routing to avoid low-clearance bridges and weight-restricted roads. Understanding South Carolina and neighboring states’ route requirements is a key skill for flatbed professionals.
Physical fitness plays a bigger role in flatbed trucking than in some other driving jobs. Climbing onto trailers, handling heavy tarps, and working outdoors in all weather conditions are part of the routine. This active element is one reason some drivers prefer flatbed—it offers variety and breaks up the monotony of simply driving from point A to point B.
How Much Do Flatbed Truck Drivers Make in Lexington, SC?
Flatbed truck drivers in Lexington, SC can earn between $1,500 and $2,200 per week depending on their experience, carrier, and the type of freight they haul. At MigWay, CDL-A OTR flatbed drivers with at least two years of recent experience average around $1,800 weekly, with top performers exceeding that. This level of pay reflects both the specialized skill set and the additional work involved in flatbed operations.
One reason flatbed pay rates tend to be higher than dry van is the extra responsibility and skill required for securement and handling specialized freight. In the Lexington market, drivers who can handle both standard and oversized loads are particularly valuable because they allow carriers to bid on a wider range of contracts. This versatility often leads to better-paying assignments.
Many carriers, including MigWay, offer performance bonuses, safety incentives, and additional pay for loads that require tarping. In some cases, drivers can receive fuel efficiency bonuses or extra compensation for running premium lanes with time-sensitive freight. The combination of base mileage pay and these additional incentives can significantly boost annual earnings.
Consistent freight out of Lexington also means drivers can hit their target miles without excessive waiting between loads. For OTR drivers, this efficiency can mean the difference between averaging 2,200 miles a week and consistently running 2,800 or more—a major factor in weekly take-home pay.
What Equipment Do Flatbed Drivers Use?
Flatbed drivers in Lexington, SC typically operate 48- or 53-foot trailers, depending on the type of freight and customer requirements. At MigWay, we use well-maintained 2018+ Freightliner, Volvo, and Western Star tractors, available in both manual and automatic transmissions. Our in-house maintenance team ensures maximum uptime, meaning fewer breakdowns and lost miles for drivers.
Securement equipment is critical in flatbed operations. Drivers are provided with chains, straps, binders, tarps, edge protectors, and winches to handle a variety of loads. The condition and availability of this gear make a big difference in daily operations—having the right tools on hand allows drivers to work efficiently and stay compliant with DOT regulations.
Technology also plays a role in modern flatbed trucking. Many fleets equip trucks with GPS-based route optimization, ELD compliance systems, and weather tracking tools. For Lexington drivers running OTR, this tech helps avoid delays, plan fuel stops effectively, and stay ahead of changing road conditions.
Some specialized freight may require step-deck trailers, double drops, or extendable flatbeds. While not every Lexington carrier handles these loads, drivers who can operate this equipment expand their earning potential and versatility within the industry.
Is Training Available for Flatbed Trucking?
Yes, training is available for CDL-A drivers in Lexington, SC who want to transition into flatbed trucking. At MigWay, we offer flatbed orientation for drivers with at least two years of OTR experience, covering load securement, tarp application, and safety protocols. This ensures drivers meet both legal and company standards before hauling their first load.
Training typically includes hands-on practice in securing different types of freight, from standard pallets to irregular machinery. Drivers learn how to calculate working load limits, choose the right combination of straps and chains, and protect cargo from weather damage with tarps. The goal is to make these skills second nature so that securement becomes a smooth, efficient process.
In addition to practical skills, flatbed training also covers regulatory knowledge. This includes understanding FMCSA load securement rules, oversize/overweight permit requirements, and route planning for special loads. For Lexington drivers, this often means navigating urban delivery points in Columbia or handling freight bound for major Southeastern ports.
By combining classroom instruction with real-world application, drivers graduate from training ready to operate safely and efficiently. This preparation helps reduce mistakes on the road and increases overall confidence in handling any load.
Frequently Asked Questions – Flatbed Trucking Jobs in Lexington, SC
Do I need flatbed experience to apply?
A: No. While prior flatbed experience is an advantage, MigWay offers training for qualified CDL-A drivers with two or more years of recent OTR experience.
How much can I earn as a flatbed driver with MigWay?
A: Our Lexington-based CDL-A OTR flatbed drivers average $1,800 per week, with top earners making $2,000 or more depending on miles and load types.
How often will I get home?
A: Most MigWay flatbed drivers in Lexington are home every weekend, balancing strong earnings with valuable family time.
What kind of equipment does MigWay use?
A: We operate late-model Freightliner, Volvo, and Western Star trucks, along with well-maintained flatbed trailers and all necessary securement gear.
What areas will I run from Lexington, SC?
A: Our routes cover the Southeast, Midwest, and East Coast, depending on freight demand and driver preferences.
Does MigWay supply securement gear?
A: Yes. We provide all chains, straps, tarps, and other equipment needed for safe and compliant flatbed operations.