A flatbed tarp, typically made of waterproof materials like vinyl or canvas, is a robust shield to cover and secure cargo on flatbed trucks or trailers. It plays a crucial role in ensuring cargo protection in several ways:
Weather Protection:
Flatbed tarps safeguard cargo from weather conditions, including rain, snow, or sunlight. This ability is especially vital for delicate or vulnerable items that can be damaged by exposure to moisture or extreme temperatures.
Cargo Security:
These tarps provide a secure covering for cargo during transportation. By tightly fastening them to the truck or trailer, they ensure that the load remains in place and doesn’t shift or fall off, promoting safety and preventing accidents on the road.
Regulatory Compliance:
Many regions have specific laws and regulations governing cargo transportation on open flatbeds. These regulations often mandate using tarps to cover the load, preventing debris from falling off and endangering other road users.
Types of Flatbed Tarps
Lumber Tarps
Lumber tarps are the most popular choice among truckers and haulers due to their exceptional versatility. Lumber tarps cover flatbed trailer loads that are typically around 8’ tall and 8’ wide. The term “lumber” refers simply to the rough size and shape of the cargo. In reality, these tarps can be used to cover almost any material.
For those just entering the industry, lumber tarps offer an excellent one-size-fits-all solution, providing the flexibility to accept a wide array of jobs with the assurance that you’ll have the right tarp to cover almost any load.
Steel Tarps
Steel tarps are primarily used for securing and protecting steel cargo during transportation. This cargo includes many steel products, such as steel sheets, bars, beams, and other steel components. Since these loads are generally shorter than lumber, steel tarps are usually available with 4’ drops.
Steel is vulnerable to corrosion when exposed to moisture, making weather protection crucial. Waterproof tarps work well to keep rain and snow from coming into direct contact with the cargo.
Parachute Tarps
Parachute or parachute fabric tarps are specialized tarps designed to cover and protect cargo loads during transport on flatbed trucks and trailers. These tarps are known for their unique design, combining the durability of heavy-duty waterproof material with the breathability and flexibility of parachute fabric.
The top portion of a parachute tarp covers the load and provides waterproof protection. At the same time, the sides are made of lightweight, breathable, and durable parachute fabric. This combination makes parachute tarps particularly well-suited for loads that require protection from rain and other weather elements while benefiting from the breathability provided by the parachute fabric.
Machinery Tarps
Machinery tarps are tailored to cover and protect specific heavy equipment, industrial machinery, and other large and uniquely shaped loads, including excavators, cranes, combines, and CNC machines. These tarps are fabricated with reinforcements in areas vulnerable to sharp edges and abrasion.
Canvas Tarps
Canvas is a versatile and durable material often used to manufacture truck tarps, specifically for flatbed trucks and trailers. Canvas truck tarps offer a combination of strength, breathability, and durability, which makes them a practical choice for securing and shielding goods carried on open flatbed trucks. It’s essential to note that canvas is water-resistant, not waterproof. In light rain, this quality may not be an issue, but with prolonged exposure, heavy rain, or puddled water, some moisture is likely to seep through. They may require additional treatments to enhance moisture resistance.
The canvas used in truck tarps is typically made from woven cotton fabric. However, some modern variations may incorporate synthetic materials or cotton blends. The fabric is tightly woven, contributing to its strength and tear resistance.
Hay Tarps
Hay is a sensitive cargo, and its condition can significantly impact its value and usability, so it’s crucial to take proper precautions when transporting it. Hay tarps are typically heavy-duty, waterproof fabric that protects from rain and UV rays. They come in several sizes and should have anchor points to secure them tightly over the hay.
Smoke Tarps
Smaller than other vinyl tarps, smoke tarps protect the leading edge of a load from smoke, soot, or exhaust from a truck’s cab. They’re essential for specific cargo types, like PVC pipes, and may be required by certain shippers and receivers.
Mesh Tarps
Ideal for windy conditions, mesh tarps allow wind and light to pass through tiny holes, preserving the integrity of the fabric. These tarps are perfect for applications where wind resistance is crucial.
