Tarping a trailer load is important if you wish to keep the load from being damaged. There’s more that goes into it outside of a simple cover-up. It may sound self-explanatory to some but tarping is a key skill that all truckers must have. It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that the cargo is protected.
Before You Tarp
When not in use, be sure that your tarp is stored properly and is away from sunlight. Tarp is susceptible to rotting and mold if it isn’t clean and completely dry, so be sure you are taking proper care of the tarp when it’s stored away. Remember that if your tarp is dirty, that means your load can also be impacted. Also, be sure to fold your tarp as bunching it up and just stuffing it away can lead to tears. Rips in your tarp do not bode well for the load, especially during rain or snow weather. It’s also important to ensure that your flat top trailers don’t have any damage or signs of corrosion. You may consider buying a new Commercial Industrial trailer from Balance Trailers.
Find The Right Tarp For You
There are several types of flatbed loading tarps. These range from machinery tarps to smoke tarps. Finding the right tarp for your situation is key. There are companies that provide replacement tarps if you’re ever in need of one, as well. If you’re looking for the most durable material, nylon is the way to go. It is two times stronger than the standard polyester and is both tear-resistant and waterproof, which makes it durable under any weather conditions.
Correct Distribution
No area of the load is to be too long or too wide to tarp. That is where even distribution comes to play. This is why you’ll want to position your load correctly. The freight being transported will be what determines load positioning. Once that’s sorted out, it’s paramount to begin tarping from the back of your load as mentioned by Safe Rack. Heavy loads such as steel tend to be smaller and are placed with great care to avoid a disturbance in positioning. An uneven load will cause bunching once you take the tarp off.
Be Mindful Of Weight Distribution
When loading your flatbed trailer, it’s crucial that you adhere to the safety standards of transport. You are advised to calculate the gross vehicle weight rating. To achieve this, you would need to add the trailer capacity to the trailer weight. Ensuring that the vehicle hitch trailer tongue isn’t overloaded is also recommended to avoid the trailer from swaying. This is a sign of uneven weight distribution and a failure to adhere to the safety standards of transport. Exceeding the recommended GVWR is never a good thing and must be avoided at all costs.
These have been the four steps you’ll want to take for tarping a trailer load. All bases have been covered for your safety and convenience. It’s highly recommended that you do not cut corners when it comes to any of the steps listed above. You don’t want to find yourself in a dangerous situation on the road or having to deal with the hassle of improper loading.