Tips For Tarping A Flatbed Trailer Load In Inclement Weather

If you are a new truck driver and fear damaging a load of freight on your flatbed trailer when you are forced to drive during inclement winter weather, then it's important you know how to correctly use tarps. Tarping a load might seem like a simple process, but there are many ways it can go horribly wrong, so follow each of these time-tested tips to protect your valuable cargo:

Tip: Ask the Forklift Driver to Load Your Tarps on Top of Your Load

Since a forklift is being used to load the freight on your flatbed trailer anyway, ask the driver to place your tarps on top of the load once it has all been loaded. This will prevent you from having to lug around the heavy tarps and lets you use gravity to help with the tarping process. Once the tarps are on top of the load, you can then open them in place and easily drop them down each side to secure them in place.

Tip: Keep Your Tarps Where They Won't Freeze

Trucking tarps are already heavy enough, but when they get wet and freeze, they get even worse. In addition, frozen tarps are hard to handle, which will make the tarping process really miserable. To prevent this problem, make sure you always store your tarps in an area where they won't get wet or freeze when not in use.

Tip: Actively Develop a System To Use Every Time You Tarp and Un-Tarp

One of the best things you can do to reliably tarp and un-tarp your loads so they don't leak water is to develop a system you use each and every time you do it. Having a process to follow prevents you from continually having to climb on and off your trailer. This is easier on your body, and it will make tarping and un-tarping faster. Having a set process also prevents you from forgetting something important and risking your tarps flapping in the wind as you drive down the highway

Tip: Consider Installing a Custom Rolling Tarp System on Your Flatbed Trailer

Finally, if tarping your trailer becomes too much of a pain or you find your loads are still getting wet during transport, then you should consider installing a rolling tarp system. There are standardized systems out there, but for the best results consider a custom-made option that meets each need you have based on the loads you typically haul.