1

Local Flatbed Owner Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL

... local laws and regulations as well as company policies and procedures for transporting various ... Experience hauling steel a plus Minimum three year's operating flatbed. Driving record must be ...

If you're looking for consistent container freight, competitive rates, and a local team that understands port and rail operations, STG Drayage has opportunities ready now. Why Owner-Operators Choose ...

If you're looking for consistent container freight, competitive rates, and a local team that understands port and rail operations, STG Drayage has opportunities ready now. Why Owner-Operators Choose ...

If you're looking for consistent container freight, competitive rates, and a local team that understands port and rail operations, STG Drayage has opportunities ready now. Why Owner-Operators Choose ...

If you're looking for consistent container freight, competitive rates, and a local team that understands port and rail operations, STG Drayage has opportunities ready now. Why Owner-Operators Choose ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Local Flatbed Owner Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$287

$5.8K

$7K

How much do local flatbed owner operator jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average weekly pay for local flatbed owner operator in Chicago, IL is $5,825.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $4,646.15 and $6,934.62 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by local flatbed owner operators, and how can they be managed?

Local Flatbed Owner Operators often encounter challenges such as securing consistent loads, managing time efficiently for pickups and deliveries, and ensuring proper load securement to comply with safety regulations. Additionally, dealing with variable weather conditions and maintaining equipment can be demanding. Building strong relationships with dispatchers and shippers, staying updated on safety standards, and investing in reliable equipment can help overcome these challenges and contribute to a successful operation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a local flatbed owner operator?

To thrive as a Local Flatbed Owner Operator, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), a good driving record, knowledge of load securement, and experience with flatbed hauling. Familiarity with electronic logging devices (ELDs), GPS navigation systems, and Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance regulations is typically required. Strong time management, problem-solving abilities, and customer service skills help you efficiently deliver loads and build client relationships. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safety, legal compliance, timely deliveries, and business success in the competitive transportation industry.

What is a local flatbed owner operator?

A Local Flatbed Owner Operator is an independent truck driver who owns and operates their own flatbed truck, transporting goods within a specific local or regional area. They typically haul oversized or irregularly shaped loads that require flatbed trailers, such as construction materials or machinery. Unlike long-haul drivers, local operators usually return home each day and have more predictable schedules. As owner operators, they are responsible for managing their business operations, vehicle maintenance, and securing their own contracts or working with freight brokers.

What is the difference between Local Flatbed Owner Operator vs Local Flatbed Company Driver?

AspectLocal Flatbed Owner OperatorLocal Flatbed Company Driver
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), experience in flatbed haulingCDL, often less experience required
Work EnvironmentOperate own flatbed truck, manage own scheduleWork for a company, follow company routes and schedules
Employer & Industry UsageSelf-employed or leased to carriers, independent in industryEmployed directly by a trucking company
Search & Comparison IntentHigh overlap in credentials, independent work, industry usageSimilar credentials, different employment structure

In summary, Local Flatbed Owner Operators own and operate their trucks, managing their schedules and routes, while Local Flatbed Company Drivers work for a trucking company, following their employer's routes. Both roles require a CDL and flatbed hauling experience, but differ mainly in employment status and operational independence.

What are the most commonly searched types of Flatbed Owner Operator jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Flatbed Owner Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Local Flatbed Owner Operator jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Local Flatbed Owner Operator jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Local Flatbed Owner Operator jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Local Flatbed Owner Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Local Flatbed Owner Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $302,912 per year, or $145.6 per hour.

CDLA FLATBED OWNER OPERATOR

Valente Trucking Inc

South Holland, IL • On-site

Other

Medical, Vision

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Benefits:

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Training & development

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and professional Flatbed cdl Truck Driver to join our team. In this role, you will transport a variety of goods and materials from one location to another. You will be home almost every night., and perform Pré Trip & Post Trip vehicle inspections. The ideal candidate has experience driving Flatbed trucks and makes safety a number one priority.

Responsibilities

Pick up various materials, secure them properly in one location and transport to another location.

Perform routine safety inspections and preventative maintenance

Plan the safest and most efficient routes of travel

Adhere to delivery schedules

Maintain detailed driving log, including work periods, rest periods, and fuel expenses

Comply with all company policies and driving laws

Qualifications

Previous experience as a Flatbed Truck Driver is preferred

Valid commercial driver’s license (CDL-A or B with flatbed experience

Familiarity with GPS systems, CB radios, and Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) technology

Understanding of all relevant truck driving laws and regulations

Clean driving record

Ability to pass a background check and drug screening

local driving mostly 200-mile radius of Chicago