Flatbed trucks are used to transport cargo that is open to the air as they lack walls or a roof. This leaves the goods susceptible to weather, road debris and other damage. Drivers place tarps on the cargo to cover and protect it and to keep them safe. Tarps are a major component of driving on the flatbed and thus help to protect goods and comply with rules.
This article brings up what exactly tarps are, why they’re used on flatbed trucks and how they contribute to safety and efficiency.
What Are Tarps used in Flatbed Trucking?
Tarps are short for tarpaulins and are generally tough covers made from tough materials such as vinyl or plastic. On flatbed trucks, tarps are used over the cargo and are secured by straps, bungee cords or ropes.
Tarps are made to:
- keep cargo dry
- stop debris from flying off
- lessen damage while moving
- meet safety rules
Why Are Tarps Used in Flatbed Trucking?
Tarps are required because flatbed cargoes are completely open. Without them, a lot of stuff might get damaged before it reaches its destination.
Common reasons for tarps:
- protect from rain, snow, ice
- keep dust and grime off
- stop wind damage
- reduce rust on metal
- keep things clean and dry
- make driving safer
Types of Tarps Used in Flatbed Trucking
Different cargo requirements different tarps. Typical flatbed tarps are:
Lumber tarps – made from wood and building goods. Big and wide. Protect wood from water.
Steel tarps – steel tarps are stronger and heavier than lumber. Used for steel coils, pipeline and metal goods. Often have flap protection.
Smoke tarps – small tarps that are placed at the fore or astern of a load. They help reduce exposure to wind, and they are used with larger tarps.
Coil tarps – steel coils made for. They are circular in shape with reinforced centres.
What Types of Freight Do They Need to Tower?
Not all flatbed loads require the use of a tarp, but many do. Cargo that is usually tarped:
- lumber and plywood
- steel coils and metal sheets
- machinery and equipment
- construction supplies
- paper products
- delicate industrial parts
Concrete blocks or scrap metal may not require tarps; this will depend on the shipper.
Are Tarps Required by Law?
Often, tarps are not required by law, but they aid in preventing debris or material from falling off the trailer.
FMCSA rules specify that cargo should be secured so that it does not shift or fall. If there is a need for a tarp for that, tarping is compulsory.
Shippers, receivers or brokers may also request tarps as a proposal as part of a delivery contract.
How Tarps Improve Safety
The use of tarps is a way of creating safer, life-saving roads, which:
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Reducing risks for other drivers: – reducing the chances of accidents for other drivers
A badly covered load may be as dangerous as an unsecured one.
How Tarps Are Secured
Tarps should be latched tightly so that they do not flap or tear. Common ways:
- rubber bungee cords
- straps
- ropes
- edge protectors
Wrongly secured tarps may:
- tear while moving
- fly off on the road
- lead to DOT violations.
Challenges of Using Tarps
The tarps are useful but difficult to use:
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- takes a long time to put on and take off
danger while climbing on a truck - harder in bad weather
Due to the additional work, loaded trucks tend to cost more.
Responsibility of Tarpping and Flatbed Driver
On flatbed trucks, generally, drivers deal with tarping. They must:
- pick the right tarp
- cover everything
- fasten tarps correctly
- check tarps when loading
If the tarps are not the right ones, the cargo may be damaged, or the delivery may be refused.
When Tarping Is Not Required
Some loads may require no tarps, such as:
- concrete blocks
- scrap metal
- some heavy machinery
- cargo with marking ‘no tarp required.’
But drivers must make a check with dispatch or with the load details.
Final Thoughts
Tarps are one of the most important tools in flatbed trucking. They ensure cargo is safe, roads are safer, rules are followed, and deliveries are completed well. Though tarping is an effort, it keeps the cargo safe and the roads safe.
Knowing what tarps are and their uses, drivers, dispatchers and logistics people are better able to do their jobs safely and efficiently.
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