In a world where unpredictable weather, cargo theft, and stringent safety regulations loom as constant concerns, tarps and covers have become indispensable in the rail transportation industry. Here are some key advantages to using tarps and covers during rail transport:
Protection from the Elements
Tarps and covers shield cargo from adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, sleet, and UV exposure. This protection prevents damage, spoilage, and degradation, ensuring that goods are delivered in top condition.
Security During Transit
Tarps and covers secure cargo in place, preventing shifting or movement during rail transit, which reduces the risk of damage and accidents caused by improperly secured loads.
Compliance with Safety Regulations
Tarps and covers help meet strict safety regulations for transporting goods, especially hazardous materials, by ensuring effective identification and containment of cargo.
Customized Cargo Protection
Tarps and covers can be tailored to fit specific cargo dimensions and requirements. This customization provides the necessary protection for fragile, hazardous, or temperature-sensitive goods.
Versatility
Tarps and covers can conform to diverse cargo varieties, including oversized or uniquely shaped items. This adaptability makes them a good choice for a broad spectrum of transport requirements.
When is Tarping Cargo Preferable to Using a Boxcar?
Tarps are preferred when cargo dimensions, weight, loading/unloading speed, or specific cargo protection needs dictate their use. Here are some scenarios where tarping cargo is preferable:
Oversized or Irregularly Shaped Cargo:
Tarps are ideal for transporting large machinery, construction equipment, or unusually shaped loads that may not fit a standard boxcar. They provide flexibility in securing and protecting such cargo.
Bulk Cargo
Certain types of bulk cargo, like logs, lumber, or large pipes, are efficiently transported using flatbed rail cars with tarps. The open design of flatbeds facilitates loading and unloading, while the tarps protect during transit.
Heavy or Dense Cargo
Cargo that exceeds the weight limits of standard boxcars, such as metal coils or concrete products, can be transported using specialized railcars like coil cars. Tarps are added to ensure proper weight distribution and cargo security.
Quick Loading and Unloading
Tarps on flatbed rail cars are advantageous when rapid loading and unloading are required. They eliminate the need for time-consuming boxcar door operations and can be uncovered and recovered with ease, saving valuable time.
Visual Inspection and Access
Some cargo, like construction materials, may require frequent visual inspection or access to specific sections during transit. Tarps on flatbed rail cars allow easy access and make it possible to check and secure the load without unloading it entirely.
Cost Efficiency
Sometimes, using a boxcar with a full enclosure may be cost-prohibitive. Tarped flatbed rail cars offer a cost-effective alternative for cargo that requires protection but doesn’t need complete enclosure.
Comparing Tarp Materials for Rail Transport
When selecting the ideal tarp for transport by rail, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of the cargo, environmental conditions, and the desired level of protection. There are three main types of tarps to choose from: canvas, vinyl, and reinforced polyethylene (RPE).
Canvas Tarps:
Canvas tarps are made from woven cotton or cotton-blend fabric and are available in various duty ratings. They are known for their strength and durability, resistance to abrasion, and breathability.
Advantages:
- Strength and Durability
- Breathability
- Resistance to Abrasion
Limitations:
- Limited Water Resistance
- Susceptible to Mildew
- Treated canvas can stain cargo.
Vinyl Tarps:
Vinyl tarps are made from synthetic materials, typically PVC or a similar polymer. They are highly waterproof, UV-resistant, and exceptionally durable. However, they are heavier than canvas tarps and do not offer air circulation.
Advantages:
- Waterproof
- UV Resistance
- Durability
Limitations:
- Weight
- Limited Breathability
- Specialized coatings may stain cargo
Reinforced Polyethylene (RPE) Tarps:
RPE tarps are constructed from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). They are reinforced with a woven or mesh scrim for strength and durability. They are lightweight, highly waterproof, UV-resistant, and less expensive than vinyl or canvas. However, they do not provide air circulation like canvas. They may not be as durable as vinyl tarps in extreme conditions.
Advantages:
- Lightweight and Flexible
- Waterproof
- UV Resistance
- Cost
Limitations:
- Less Durable Than Vinyl
- Limited Breathability
Each type of tarp has different characteristics, making it essential to select the most appropriate tarp for the cargo and transportation requirements. It’s also crucial to properly maintain tarps by cleaning them regularly, allowing them to dry completely, and storing them properly to prolong their practical lifetime.
Enhancing Cargo Security with Tarps and Covers
Tarps and covers are crucial in ensuring cargo security during rail transportation. They provide a protective shield that safeguards the cargo from many risks, ensuring that goods arrive at their destination intact and secure.
Physical Barrier
Tarps and covers provide a physical barrier to conceal and protect cargo. They create an additional layer of security that makes it challenging for unauthorized individuals to access and tamper with the shipment’s contents.
Theft Deterrence
By concealing the cargo, tarps and covers deter potential thieves from identifying valuable or attractive goods within a shipment. This concealment significantly lowers the risk of cargo theft during rail transportation.
Vandalism Prevention
Tarps and covers protect cargo from vandalism. They make it challenging for vandals to damage or deface the goods, which is especially important when transporting goods through areas where vandalism is a concern.
Privacy
Tarps and covers ensure privacy for the cargo, preventing prying eyes from observing the shipment’s contents. This added level of confidentiality is especially valuable for sensitive or confidential cargo.
Cargo Integrity
Securing cargo under tarps and covers prevents it from being compromised by external factors. Tarps minimize the risk of damage caused by debris, weather conditions, or any other elements that could affect the integrity of the cargo.
Compliance with Regulations
In some cases, regulatory requirements mandate that certain types of cargo be covered and appropriately secured during transit. Tarps and covers ensure compliance with these safety and security regulations.
Documentation and Tracking
When cargo is covered, it becomes easier to maintain accurate documentation and tracking. Using tarps and covers helps ensure the cargo’s condition and contents remain consistent throughout its journey.
Overall, tarps and covers provide multiple benefits in enhancing cargo security during rail transportation. They act as a physical barrier, deter theft and vandalism, ensure privacy, protect cargo integrity, comply with regulations, facilitate documentation and tracking, and offer environmental protection.
Improving Efficiency and Supporting the Bottom Line
The use of tarps and covers in rail transport can enhance efficiency and promote cost savings in several ways:
Fuel Efficiency
By reducing wind resistance, tarps minimize aerodynamic drag on trains, improving fuel efficiency and cost savings.
Quick Loading and Unloading
Tarped flatbed rail cars allow for easy uncovering and recovery of cargo, saving time and increasing overall efficiency in rail logistics.
Versatile Cargo Transportation
Tarps and covers are adaptable and versatile, suitable for many cargo types. This versatility allows rail operators to use the same equipment for different types of cargo, increasing operational flexibility.
Using tarps and covers in rail transport enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and contributes to a more cost-effective and sustainable rail transportation system.
