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What It Takes to Pull a Flatbed: Regulations and Requirements for Drivers

  • Regulation, Trucking Business
  • August 17, 2022
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What It Takes to Pull a Flatbed: Regulations and Requirements for Drivers

Flatbed trucking is one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs in the transportation industry. Unlike hauling dry van freight, flatbed drivers are responsible not only for safely operating their vehicles but also for securing often oversized or irregular cargo. Because of the added complexity and risks, there are specific regulations and qualifications a driver must meet to pull a flatbed.

CDL Class A Requirement

To legally operate a flatbed truck in the U.S., a driver must have a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). This license allows drivers to operate vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, including towed units over 10,000 pounds — a standard for most flatbed setups.

Minimum Age

Drivers must be:

  • At least 18 years old to drive intrastate (within one state).

  • At least 21 years old to drive interstate (across state lines), which most flatbed drivers do.

DOT Medical Certification

Flatbed drivers must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam conducted by a certified medical examiner. This ensures they are physically capable of handling the demands of the job — including load securement, tarping, and extended periods of driving.

Hours of Service (HOS) Compliance

Like all CDL drivers, flatbed operators must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) hours-of-service rules, which include:

  • 11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off-duty.

  • 14-hour limit on the work shift.

  • 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving.

  • 60/70-hour limit over 7/8 consecutive days.

These rules are enforced through Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs), which track driving time and duty status.

Load Securement Regulations

One of the most important — and unique — aspects of flatbed driving is load securement. The FMCSA has clear guidelines under Part 393, Subpart I of the Federal Regulations, which include:

  • Minimum tie-down requirements based on weight and length of the load.

  • Edge protection for tie-downs when sharp edges are present.

  • Working load limit (WLL) of securement devices must be adequate.

  • Periodic inspections of load securement: at the start of the trip, within the first 50 miles, and every 150 miles or 3 hours thereafter.

Failure to secure loads properly can lead to citations, fines, accidents, or loss of CDL.

Tarping Expectations

Although tarping isn’t a federal regulation, many shippers require it to protect sensitive or weather-prone freight. Tarping is physically demanding and requires training in safe techniques to prevent injuries. Some companies now use Conestoga trailers to eliminate the need for tarping altogether.

Oversize Load Requirements

Flatbed drivers who transport oversize or overweight loads (e.g., machinery, steel beams, construction equipment) must comply with special permits and:

  • Escort vehicles, depending on state laws and route.

  • Warning signage, such as “Oversize Load” banners and amber lights.

  • Restricted travel times — certain loads can only move during daylight hours or outside rush hours.

Training and Experience

Most flatbed jobs require:

  • At least 6–12 months of CDL-A experience, often with some time pulling flatbed specifically.

  • Hands-on securement training provided by the employer or third-party safety programs.

  • Clean driving record and drug testing compliance.

Safety First

The combination of open loads, weather exposure, and height risks makes safety a top priority. Flatbed drivers must be trained to:

  • Use PPE (gloves, safety vests, harnesses).

  • Operate forklifts, cranes, or chains if required at load sites.

  • Handle emergency situations (load shifts, breakdowns, etc.).

Final Thoughts

Flatbed trucking offers high earning potential and the satisfaction of moving the equipment that builds America. But it comes with serious responsibility. From CDL licensing and DOT compliance to advanced load securement and safety protocols, flatbed drivers must stay sharp, trained, and fully aware of the regulations that govern the road.