How to Tarp a Flatbed Load

October 21, 2018 11:09 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Correctly tarping a flatbed load is an extremely important process in making sure your cargo gets to where you need it to go safely and unaffected by the elements. With this in mind, here are the steps you’ll need to take to make sure you’re getting the job done right when you’re working with a provider of flatbed shipping in Houston, TX.

First make sure you organize the load properly

A failure to properly organize the load before you tarp it can result in the cover getting torn and the freight getting damaged. In organizing the load, make sure the weight is evenly distributed on the trailer, as much as possible. There should be no especially large or wide areas on the load. While tarping, park the flatbed next to a large building that will give you some shelter from the wind—this will make the job a whole lot easier to accomplish.

Pick the right tarp for the job

It’s a good idea to invest in a high-quality tarp for flatbed shipping in Houston, TX, especially if you plan on regularly shipping loads in the future. This can be the difference between a smooth delivery and a delivery that results in damaged freight.

Any tarp you use should be durable enough to survive some of the harshest weather conditions. Heavy-duty vinyl tarps, for example, protect against rain and ultraviolet radiation. These types of tarps tend to outlast those made out of canvas or polyethylene.

Look for sewn edges when choosing a tarp—if you notice two rows of strong stitches woven into the entire tarp, this is a good sign of its durability.

Be careful when putting the tarp on top of the load

After you have your tarp and have properly organized the load, it’s time to put the tarp on top. Keep in mind that this tarp is going to be heavy—you might need the assistance of a forklift operator to get the tarp fully on top.

You’ll then probably need to use a ladder to get on the top of the load yourself. Make sure this is a sturdy, reliable ladder that extends at least four feet over the full height of the load, and that you have rungs and side rails on the ladder that are in good physical condition. Just to be sure, check the safety of the ladder before you get on top of the load.

From here, you can begin the tarping process. Begin unrolling the tarp facing forward, and unroll it until the load is evenly covered on each side. You can then start connecting the tarp to the trailer with a series of rubber tie-downs, centering the tarp as needed during the process. Use four-inch nylon ratchet straps to tie the tarp and load to the trailer. If your trailer has its own ratchet system, you’ll need to hook and secure those straps with a metal bar.

For more tips, contact Pro Delivery LLC about flatbed shipping in Houston, TX!

Categorised in:

This post was written by Writer

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *