Flatbed truck pricing

For most individual buyers, a new flatbed truck is a significant investment. Even large fleet operators have to compare the costs to the additional revenue they'll bring in. While new and used truck prices can range considerably, there are some general guidelines you can keep in mind.

New integrated flatbed trucks can range from $40,000 to $70,000. The lower end of that range dips into medium-duty trucks with lower capacities and overall weights – these have the additional advantage of not requiring a commercial driver's license (CDL).

If you decide to go the tractor-trailer route, your costs will be quite a bit higher. New heavy-duty cabs typically range from $80,000 to $150,000. Add in $20,000 to $40,000 for the trailer and you're looking at an investment of $100,000 to $190,000 for a tractor-trailer flatbed.

Factors that will push your costs towards the high end of that range include high-horsepower engines, upgraded transmissions, full-sized sleepers, and the latest technologies for reducing fuel and other operating costs. Less expensive rigs typically have day cabs with single axles and lower overall capacities.

You'll also have the chance to splurge on extras like extended custom sleepers, heavy-duty 4-axle trailers, or custom paint and chrome jobs. While these kinds of extras can push your total costs well over $200,000, you may find that the extra investment up front can eventually be recouped. Extras like premium seats and sleeper packages hold their value and can help when it comes time to resell the truck.

Used flatbed truck costs
Used flatbed truck prices can vary almost as much as new trucks – but in a far lower range. Once a truck has a few hundred thousand miles on it, the resale price starts to drop considerably.

You can find reliable three- to five-year-old one-piece flatbed trucks for $20,000 to $50,000, depending on the size and extras included. Slightly older or higher-mileage flatbeds can go for $10,000 to $15,000 and still be fairly dependable, if purchased from a reputable dealer, but won't give you the same lifespan as a newer truck.

Good used flatbed trailers can be found for $10,000 to $20,000 for standard aluminum or wood floor, 2-axle trailers, and up to $30,000 for larger, newer flatbeds.

Financing and leasing
As with any major investment, you'll have to decide whether you want to purchase your truck or lease it. The decision really should be based on your financial situation and available lease options.

Owner/operators tend to purchase trucks more than lease, while fleet buyers lean more towards leasing. The main reason is that individual drivers tend to hang on to their trucks for much longer, while fleets turn over their vehicles more regularly.