CDL-A Flatbed Owner Operators Needed in Richardson, Texas
Gross $6,000–$9,500+ Per Week With 100% Fuel Surcharge, Weekly Settlements, No Forced Dispatch and Flexible Home Time.


Lone Star SteelSpan Transport is seeking experienced CDL-A flatbed owner operators in Richardson, Texas, and surrounding Dallas–Fort Worth communities.
We are looking for dependable independent contractors who understand open-deck transportation, cargo securement, customer service, and the responsibilities involved in operating an independent trucking business.
Available opportunities may include Texas regional, dedicated, short-haul, and over-the-road flatbed freight. Depending on customer demand and owner-operator qualifications, freight may include steel, pipe, lumber, building materials, machinery, industrial equipment, fabricated metal, construction products, and project cargo.
Whether you want to operate throughout Texas and neighboring states or stay out longer to maximize weekly revenue, our operations team will help identify freight that aligns with your equipment, preferred lanes, revenue goals, experience, and home-time needs.
No forced dispatch. You decide which available loads make sense for your business.
Richardson Flatbed Owner-Operator Position Overview
Position: CDL-A Flatbed Owner Operator
Location: Richardson, Texas
Contract Type: Independent Contractor
Equipment: Class 8 tractor with an approved open-deck trailer arrangement
Freight: Flatbed, step deck, Conestoga, and specialized open-deck freight
Operating Area: Texas regional, dedicated, Southeast, Midwest, or OTR
Home Time: Home-weekend opportunities available on selected regional lanes
Potential Weekly Gross: $6,000–$9,500+
Premium Weekly Gross Potential: $9,000–$12,000+ on qualifying specialized or high-mileage weeks
Compensation: Percentage of linehaul revenue
Fuel Surcharge: 100% of applicable fuel surcharge
Settlement Schedule: Weekly direct deposit
Dispatch: Non-forced
Trailer Options: Bring your own approved trailer or use an available carrier trailer
Experience Required: Recent verifiable CDL-A and open-deck experience
Flatbed Owner-Operator Compensation
Qualified flatbed owner-operators may receive:
70%–75% of linehaul revenue when using a carrier-provided trailer
80% of linehaul revenue when bringing an approved flatbed or step-deck trailer
Opportunities to earn up to 82% based on equipment and program qualifications
100% of applicable fuel surcharge
100% of approved accessorial compensation
Potential weekly gross revenue of $6,000–$9,500+
Potential to gross $9,000–$12,000+ during qualifying specialized, oversize, high-mileage, or premium-freight weeks
Weekly settlements
Direct deposit
Fuel advances on approved loads
Tarp compensation
Detention compensation
Layover compensation
Additional-stop compensation
Truck ordered not used compensation
Driver-assist compensation when applicable
Oversize and overweight compensation
Permit and escort reimbursement when approved
Referral incentives
Clean roadside-inspection incentives when offered
Actual revenue depends on freight rates, accepted loads, equipment, mileage, operating region, deadhead, commodity, securement requirements, market conditions, time on the road, and the owner-operator’s business decisions.
Gross revenue is the total amount paid to the truck before fuel, maintenance, insurance, taxes, trailer charges, tolls, permits, equipment costs, and other business expenses.
No particular gross-revenue or take-home amount is guaranteed.
Owner-Operator Transition Bonus
Qualified flatbed owner-operators may be eligible for a transition bonus of up to $5,000, paid in scheduled installments.
A sample bonus schedule may include:
$1,000 after completing the first qualifying load
$1,000 after 30 days of active service
$1,000 after 60 days of active service
$2,000 after 90 days of active service
The contractor must remain active and in good standing to receive each installment.
Complete eligibility requirements, minimum activity standards, payment dates, and repayment conditions—if any—will be provided in writing before onboarding.
Richardson and Dallas–Fort Worth Flatbed Freight
Richardson-area owner-operators may have access to open-deck freight originating in or moving through Dallas, Fort Worth, Garland, Plano, McKinney, Mesquite, Arlington, and other North Texas freight markets.
Available commodities may include:
Structural steel
Steel coils
Steel plate
Pipe and tubing
Fabricated metal
Construction materials
Roofing materials
Lumber
Engineered wood
Concrete products
Scaffolding
Industrial machinery
Manufacturing equipment
Agricultural equipment
Construction equipment
Oilfield equipment
Electrical equipment
Transformers
Generators
HVAC equipment
Crated machinery
Palletized industrial products
Valves and fittings
Tanks
Cable reels
Precast materials
Project cargo
Oversized freight
Overweight freight
Freight availability varies according to customer demand, equipment, season, operating area, commodity, and owner-operator qualifications.
Available Open-Deck Freight Types
Opportunities may include:
Standard flatbed freight
Step-deck freight
Conestoga freight
Curtain-side freight
Building-material freight
Steel freight
Pipe freight
Machinery freight
Construction-equipment freight
Industrial freight
Dedicated customer freight
Texas regional freight
Short-haul freight
Round-trip freight
Multi-stop freight
Over-the-road freight
Oversize freight
Overweight freight
Expedited open-deck freight
Power-only open-deck opportunities
Project cargo
Load availability and trailer requirements vary by customer and operating region.
Available Trailer Types
We are interested in owner-operators using or experienced with:
48-foot flatbed trailers
53-foot flatbed trailers
Step-deck trailers
Drop-deck trailers
Conestoga trailers
Curtain-side trailers
Removable gooseneck trailers
Double-drop trailers
Stretch trailers
Extendable flatbeds
Specialized open-deck equipment
Trailer type affects load availability, freight rates, securement requirements, operating costs, and compensation.
Bring Your Own Flatbed Trailer
Owner-operators with an approved flatbed, step deck, or Conestoga trailer are encouraged to apply.
Bringing your own trailer may provide:
A higher percentage of linehaul revenue
Greater control over trailer availability
Access to freight matching your equipment
Fewer delays waiting for an assigned trailer
No carrier trailer rental charge
Greater flexibility when choosing loads
More control over trailer maintenance
Access to specialized freight
The ability to use familiar securement equipment
Owner-provided trailers must generally:
Pass a complete DOT inspection
Be structurally sound
Have safe flooring
Have operational lights and brakes
Have safe tires and suspension
Meet customer loading requirements
Be properly registered and insured
Carry the required securement equipment
Meet applicable trailer-age requirements
Have a safe working deck
Be free from unresolved mechanical or structural defects
Final trailer approval is subject to inspection.
Carrier Trailer Options
Flatbed and step-deck trailers may be available to qualified contractors who own a qualifying tractor but do not currently own an open-deck trailer.
Trailer options may include:
48-foot flatbed trailers
53-foot flatbed trailers
Step-deck trailers
Fixed weekly trailer rental
Percentage-based trailer programs
Maintenance programs
Tire-replacement programs
Roadside-repair assistance
Dedicated customer trailers
Securement-equipment packages
Trailer availability varies by location, customer demand, and equipment inventory.
All trailer charges, maintenance responsibilities, damage policies, tire expenses, inspection requirements, and insurance obligations will be explained in writing before equipment is assigned.
There should be no trailer charge before the equipment is assigned to the owner-operator.
Power-Only Flatbed Opportunities
Qualified contractors may also be considered for power-only open-deck opportunities.
Power-only freight may include:
Preloaded flatbed trailers
Dedicated trailer moves
Trailer repositioning
Customer-owned equipment
Short-haul open-deck freight
Regional flatbed freight
Project-based freight
Construction-material freight
Steel and pipe loads
Seasonal freight
Power-only contractors must meet all trailer-interchange, insurance, equipment, securement, and customer requirements.
The contractor remains responsible for inspecting the trailer, cargo, and securement before departure.
No Forced Dispatch
You are operating an independent trucking business.
You may evaluate available loads based on:
Total load revenue
Rate per loaded mile
Estimated rate per all mile
Origin and destination
Loaded miles
Estimated deadhead
Commodity
Cargo weight
Freight dimensions
Tarping requirements
Securement requirements
Appointment schedule
Loading method
Unloading method
Toll costs
Permit requirements
Escort requirements
Return-freight availability
Preferred operating area
Home-time plans
You are not required to accept every load offered.
Our dispatch team will help identify freight based on your tractor, trailer type, current location, securement experience, preferred lanes, revenue goals, and home-time needs.
Final load selection remains with the owner-operator, subject to customer, safety, equipment, insurance, and contractual requirements.
Texas Regional Flatbed Opportunities
Regional owner-operators may operate throughout:
Texas
Oklahoma
Arkansas
Louisiana
New Mexico
Kansas
Missouri
Mississippi
Alabama
Regional flatbed opportunities may provide:
Home-weekend scheduling
Home during the week on selected lanes
Repeat customers
Shorter trips
Predictable operating regions
Texas intrastate freight
North Texas freight
Dedicated and round-trip lanes
Reduced time away from home
Construction-material freight
Steel and machinery freight
Oilfield-support freight
Industrial freight
Home time depends on freight availability, accepted loads, destination, loading requirements, current location, and the owner-operator’s schedule.
Richardson and North Texas Operating Markets
Richardson provides convenient access to freight markets throughout Dallas County, Collin County, Denton County, Tarrant County, and surrounding North Texas communities.
Potential operating markets may include:
Richardson
Dallas
Garland
Plano
Allen
McKinney
Frisco
Carrollton
Addison
Farmers Branch
Lewisville
The Colony
Irving
Grand Prairie
Mesquite
Rockwall
Rowlett
Arlington
Fort Worth
Denton
Greenville
Sherman
Denison
Waxahachie
Midlothian
Ennis
Terrell
Weatherford
Cleburne
Specific freight lanes and volumes vary by customer demand and market conditions.
Over-the-Road Flatbed Opportunities
OTR owner-operators may have access to open-deck freight throughout:
Texas
The Southeast
The Midwest
The Great Plains
The Southwest
The Mid-Atlantic
Other approved operating regions
OTR opportunities may provide:
Longer average trip lengths
Higher weekly mileage potential
Greater load-selection options
Specialized freight
Higher gross-revenue potential
Oversize opportunities
Multi-state freight
Reduced dependence on one market
Flexible home-time scheduling
Planned routes back toward North Texas
Owner-operators may identify preferred operating regions, subject to customer demand and available freight.
Dedicated Flatbed Opportunities
Dedicated open-deck opportunities may be available for qualified contractors.
Dedicated freight may include:
Consistent customer accounts
Repeat pickup and delivery locations
Building-material freight
Steel products
Pipe and tubing
Manufacturing equipment
Industrial machinery
Construction products
Predictable operating regions
Round-trip freight
Regular schedules
Consistent weekly mileage
Home-weekend options
Home-daily opportunities in selected markets
Dedicated lanes are not guaranteed and may depend on customer contracts, equipment, performance, location, and availability.
Specialized and Oversize Freight
Qualified owner-operators may have access to specialized, oversize, or overweight freight.
These loads may include:
Construction equipment
Agricultural machinery
Industrial machinery
Transformers
Generators
Large tanks
Structural components
Oilfield equipment
Heavy fabricated products
Project cargo
Wide loads
Long loads
Tall loads
Overweight shipments
Specialized freight may require:
Additional permits
Route surveys
Pilot cars
Escort vehicles
Restricted travel hours
Additional securement equipment
Warning lights
Flags and banners
Customer-specific qualifications
Prior oversize experience
Owner-operators should not accept specialized freight unless their equipment, experience, insurance, and permits meet all applicable requirements.
Fuel Discount Program
Fuel is one of the largest operating expenses for an owner-operator.
Qualified contractors may receive access to a national fuel-card and discount program.
Potential benefits include:
Fuel discounts at participating truck stops
Network fuel pricing
Fuel advances on approved loads
Fuel purchases deducted from weekly settlements
Detailed transaction records
Mobile access to fuel prices
Reduced out-of-pocket fuel costs
Discounts based on network volume
Separate identification of fuel advances
Fuel-tax reporting assistance
Actual discounts vary by provider, location, fuel volume, and market conditions.
Flatbed Accessorial Compensation
Flatbed freight may require additional work beyond normal driving responsibilities.
Depending on the load and customer agreement, approved accessorial compensation may include:
Tarp pay
Detention
Layover
Additional stops
Driver assist
Truck ordered not used
Redelivery
Scale tickets
Toll reimbursement
Trailer repositioning
Oversize permits
Overweight permits
Pilot-car expenses
Escort expenses
Route-survey expenses
Additional securement
Jobsite delays
Loading delays
Crane delays
Customer-requested equipment
Other approved load-related expenses
Receipts, arrival times, departure times, bills of lading, permits, and supporting documents must be submitted according to company procedures.
Accessorial compensation is subject to customer approval and proper documentation.
Tarp Compensation
Loads requiring tarps may qualify for additional compensation.
Tarp pay may depend on:
Load size
Number of tarps required
Commodity
Weather-protection requirements
Multi-stop delivery requirements
Whether tarps must be removed and reapplied
Customer contract
Load complexity
The tarp-pay amount should be confirmed before accepting the load.
Owner-operators remain responsible for using safe tarping procedures and properly maintaining their tarps.
Weekly Owner-Operator Settlements
Owner-operators are paid weekly through direct deposit.
Settlement statements should clearly identify:
Each completed load
Customer linehaul revenue
Owner-operator percentage
Fuel surcharge
Tarp compensation
Detention
Layover
Additional stops
Driver-assist compensation
Oversize compensation
Permit reimbursement
Escort reimbursement
Fuel purchases
Fuel advances
Insurance charges
Trailer charges
ELD charges
Plate and permit charges
Escrow contributions
Tolls
Other authorized deductions
Rate confirmations and supporting load documents should be available for owner-operator review.
Transparent Deductions
All recurring and load-related deductions will be disclosed before the contractor signs a lease agreement.
Depending on the selected program, deductions may include:
Flatbed or step-deck trailer rental
Physical-damage insurance
Non-trucking liability insurance
Occupational accident coverage
ELD service
License-plate program
IFTA administration
Permit charges
Fuel-tax adjustments
Escrow or maintenance accounts
PrePass or toll programs
Fuel-card transactions
Securement-equipment purchases
Voluntary equipment or service programs
All program fees, trailer charges, insurance costs, and recurring deductions will be clearly explained in writing before the owner-operator signs the contractor agreement. Each authorized deduction will also be itemized on the weekly settlement statement.
Owner-Operator Support
Qualified contractors may receive access to:
Experienced flatbed dispatchers
Load-planning assistance
After-hours operational support
Fuel-card assistance
Customer appointment assistance
Permit coordination
Oversize-load assistance
Pilot-car coordination
Roadside-service coordination
Safety and compliance support
Cargo-securement guidance
ELD assistance
Settlement support
Document-scanning technology
Mobile load-document submission
Maintenance discounts
Tire discounts
Trailer options
License-plate and permit programs
IFTA reporting assistance
Route-planning support
Our goal is to provide support without interfering with the owner-operator’s responsibility to operate an independent business.
Flatbed Owner-Operator Responsibilities
Owner-operators are expected to:
Safely operate and maintain their tractor
Inspect the trailer before accepting it
Inspect cargo before departure
Verify commodity, weight, and dimensions
Properly distribute cargo weight
Use appropriate securement devices
Protect freight from weather and damage
Tarp freight when required
Conduct required securement inspections
Maintain chains, binders, straps, and tarps
Follow bills of lading
Confirm pickup and delivery appointments
Communicate delays promptly
Maintain accurate electronic logs
Submit load documents promptly
Report cargo damage or shifting immediately
Follow customer facility rules
Comply with FMCSA regulations
Maintain required insurance coverage
Keep the tractor and trailer roadworthy
Maintain professional communication
Meet pickup and delivery commitments
Follow all jobsite safety procedures
Cargo-Securement Responsibilities
Flatbed owner-operators must understand applicable cargo-securement requirements.
Before departure, the contractor may be required to:
Inspect the trailer deck
Verify cargo placement
Confirm axle weights
Select appropriate chains or straps
Use the proper working-load limits
Install edge protection
Use coil racks and coil mats when required
Secure machinery against forward and lateral movement
Protect straps from sharp edges
Tighten binders properly
Install tarps securely
Confirm all loose equipment is secured
Complete a final walk-around inspection
During transit, the owner-operator must perform securement inspections as required and whenever cargo movement is suspected.
The owner-operator should stop immediately in a safe location if the load shifts or a securement device becomes damaged or loose.
Minimum Owner-Operator Qualifications
Applicants must generally meet the following requirements:
Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License
At least 23 years of age
At least two years of verifiable tractor-trailer experience
At least one year of recent flatbed, step-deck, or open-deck experience
Current DOT medical card
Acceptable motor vehicle record
Acceptable PSP and safety history
Compliance with FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse requirements
Ability to pass a DOT-compliant drug screening
No recent serious preventable accidents
No recent reckless-driving convictions
No recent DUI or DWI convictions
No recent excessive-speeding violations
Ability to pass company and customer background requirements
Professional communication skills
Dependable pickup and delivery performance
Working knowledge of cargo securement
Ability to safely tarp and secure freight
Ability to maintain accurate electronic logs
Willingness to comply with customer and jobsite safety requirements
Final qualification decisions depend on the carrier’s insurance, safety, compliance, cargo, and customer standards.
Preferred Qualifications
The following qualifications may provide access to additional freight:
TWIC card
Hazmat endorsement
Tanker endorsement
Coil-hauling experience
Coil certification
Steel-hauling experience
Pipe-hauling experience
Step-deck experience
Conestoga experience
Oversize-load experience
Heavy-equipment experience
Machinery-hauling experience
Oilfield-freight experience
Port or rail experience
Military-freight qualifications
Canada eligibility
Passport
Clean roadside-inspection history
Strong on-time delivery record
Experience with permits and pilot cars
Tractor Requirements
Owner-operators must provide a safe and properly maintained Class 8 tractor.
General tractor requirements may include:
Sleeper tractor for regional or OTR operations
Model year 2016 or newer preferred
Older equipment considered after inspection
Pass a current DOT inspection
Safe tires and brakes
Functioning lights and safety equipment
No active fluid leaks
Reliable heating and air conditioning
Electronic logging capability
Proper fifth-wheel height
Ability to pull an approved open-deck trailer
Ability to meet customer and insurance requirements
Professional exterior appearance
No unresolved safety defects
Adequate power for heavily loaded and mountainous routes
Day-cab tractors may be considered for local, dedicated, or short-haul opportunities.
Final equipment acceptance is subject to inspection.
Required Flatbed Equipment
Depending on the freight, owner-operators may need:
Grade 70 transport chains
Chain binders
Winch straps
Ratchet straps
Coil racks
Coil mats
Dunnage
Edge protectors
Corner protectors
Steel or lumber tarps
Smoke tarps
Bungees
Flags
Oversize banners
Warning lights
Load locks
Tool storage
Fire extinguisher
Reflective triangles
Safety vest
Hard hat
Safety glasses
Steel-toed boots
Gloves
Flashlight
Measuring tape
Basic emergency equipment
Customer-required personal protective equipment
A complete equipment list will be provided before the contractor accepts freight requiring specialized securement.
Physical Requirements
Flatbed work can be physically demanding.
Owner-operators may need to:
Lift and position chains
Operate chain binders
Carry and position straps
Handle tarps
Climb onto or around the trailer when safely permitted
Bend, reach, pull, and push
Work outdoors in changing weather
Inspect cargo from multiple angles
Install edge protection
Tighten securement devices
Enter active construction or industrial sites
Applicants must be physically capable of safely performing the essential functions associated with the freight they accept.
Freight Security and Jobsite Requirements
Certain loads may involve high-value products, construction sites, industrial facilities, or restricted customer locations.
Owner-operators may be required to:
Use approved locks
Follow designated routes
Maintain communication
Park only in approved locations
Avoid unauthorized stops
Follow customer check-in procedures
Wear required personal protective equipment
Complete site-specific safety orientations
Follow crane and forklift instructions
Remain clear of suspended loads
Use spotters when required
Report cargo damage immediately
Protect bills of lading and delivery documents
Follow chain-of-custody procedures
Failure to follow freight-security or jobsite-safety procedures may result in removal from a customer account or termination of the contractor agreement.
Orientation and Onboarding
Qualified applicants should expect an onboarding process that may include:
Application review
Driving-history verification
CDL verification
Medical-card verification
Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse query
PSP and MVR review
Drug screening
Background review
Tractor inspection
Trailer inspection, if applicable
Securement-equipment inspection
Contractor-agreement review
Insurance review
Plate and permit setup
ELD installation or activation
Cargo-securement evaluation
Safety orientation
Fuel-card setup
Settlement setup
Customer-specific training
Oversize-load procedures
Document-submission training
No owner-operator should sign an agreement without receiving and reviewing the complete compensation, insurance, trailer, escrow, equipment, and deduction schedules.
Richardson-Area Owner Operators Encouraged to Apply
We are recruiting qualified flatbed owner-operators in and around:
Richardson
Dallas
Garland
Plano
Allen
McKinney
Frisco
Murphy
Sachse
Wylie
Addison
Carrollton
Farmers Branch
The Colony
Lewisville
Coppell
Irving
Mesquite
Rowlett
Rockwall
Grand Prairie
Arlington
Fort Worth
Denton
Little Elm
Prosper
Celina
Melissa
Anna
Greenville
Sherman
Denison
Waxahachie
Midlothian
Owner-operators located elsewhere in North Texas, East Texas, southern Oklahoma, or western Louisiana may also be considered.
Why Lease On With Lone Star SteelSpan Transport?
Experienced flatbed owner-operators need more than an impressive weekly revenue claim.
You need dependable freight, transparent compensation, understandable deductions, suitable trailer equipment, fuel savings, responsive support, and the freedom to make informed decisions for your business.
Our owner-operator program is designed around:
Competitive percentage compensation
100% fuel surcharge
Approved accessorial compensation
Tarp compensation
Oversize compensation
No forced dispatch
Weekly settlements
Transparent deductions
Open-deck freight opportunities
Regional and OTR options
Dedicated lanes when available
Home-weekend opportunities
Trailer flexibility
Fuel discounts
Experienced flatbed dispatch support
Permit and specialized-load assistance
Long-term owner-operator partnerships
We are looking for professional contractors who value safety, communication, proper securement, dependable service, and business independence.
Apply for Flatbed Owner-Operator Jobs in Richardson, Texas
Qualified CDL-A flatbed owner-operators can apply by submitting:
Full legal name
Telephone number
Email address
Current city and state
CDL state and class
Years of CDL-A experience
Years of owner-operator experience
Years of flatbed experience
Tractor year, make, and model
Trailer year and type, if applicable
Securement-equipment information
Endorsements
TWIC status
Preferred operating area
Desired home time
Current carrier status
Earliest available start date
A recruiter will review your qualifications and contact you to discuss:
Available open-deck freight
Operating regions
Compensation percentage
Fuel surcharge
Trailer arrangements
Securement-equipment requirements
Insurance requirements
Weekly deductions
Home-time options
Orientation
Onboarding requirements
Available start dates
Apply today for CDL-A flatbed owner-operator opportunities in Richardson, Texas.
Call 980-258-0570 or complete the online application to speak with an owner-operator recruiter.
Contact Us
Whether you are an owner operator, CDL driver, box truck owner operator, or trucking company looking for driver prospects, we’re here to help. Fill out the form below and tell us what you need, and we’ll follow up with you shortly.
Give Us a Call: (980) 258-0570
Flatbed Owner Operator Jobs in Richardson, TX
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