Equipment / Securement
Tarp in trucking
Plain-English explanation
A tarp (tarpaulin) is a heavy-duty waterproof cover used on flatbed and open-top loads to protect cargo from rain, road spray, and weather during transit. Federal cargo regulations require that flatbed loads be covered if the freight would otherwise be exposed to weather damage or become a road hazard — tarping is not optional for most commodity types. Flatbed drivers are typically responsible for tarping their own loads. The process involves: 1. Spreading the tarp across the full load area 2. Pulling the tarp taut to prevent billowing at highway speed 3. Securing the edges with bungee hooks, straps, or wooden boards to prevent the tarp from lifting 4. Checking that all four sides and the front are sealed against water entry A full-size 20×24 foot flatbed tarp weighs 60-100 pounds and requires physical effort to spread and secure, particularly on tall or irregular loads. Tarping a fully loaded flatbed in rain or wind is physically demanding work. The labor involved is a legitimate accessorial charge — "tarping fees" or "tarp fees" of $25-$75 per tarp should appear on the rate confirmation if tarping is expected. Tarps are typically the carrier's equipment, maintained and replaced at the carrier's expense. A tarp that billows or comes partially loose on the highway is a safety hazard and a DOT violation. Tarp condition and securing technique are inspection items on flatbed loads.
Equipment terms are best read physically: what is on the tractor, what trailer is assigned, how the freight loads, and what the driver can inspect before rolling.
Why it matters in trucking
Tarping is a skill-and-equipment component of flatbed operations that significantly affects time, physical demand, and operating cost. New flatbed carriers who do not factor in tarp costs and time may underprice loads or be surprised by the physical requirements. Shippers should specify tarping requirements; carriers should confirm tarping is included in the rate before accepting.
The right equipment term helps prevent the wrong truck from being sent to pickup, especially for reefer, flatbed, liftgate, power-only, or drop-trailer work.
Example in real use
A flatbed driver loads a shipment of plywood. The shipper confirms tarping is required. The driver unpacks their rolling tarp system (a metal frame that helps spread tarps mechanically rather than by hand), positions it at the end of the load, and rolls the tarp across the full length of the load. They secure the front edge, pull the sides tight, and hook all the bungee anchors. Total time: 35 minutes. The rate confirmation includes a $50 tarp accessorial. The driver notes it for invoicing.
Where it shows up
Tarp requirements show up on open-deck loads where freight needs protection from weather or road exposure.
What to check first
- What type and amount of tarp coverage is required.
- Tarp pay, loading time, weather, and fall-risk plan.
- Padding for sharp edges and corners.
- Securement that prevents flapping, rubbing, or water pockets.
Common mistakes or confusion
- Accepting a flatbed load that requires tarping without confirming a tarp accessorial is on the rate confirmation — performing the work without pre-approved compensation puts the carrier in the position of doing extra labor for free.
- Tarping without checking tarp condition — a tarp with torn sections or failed bungee loops will not protect the freight or stay secured at highway speed.
- Skipping the tarp for "quick" moves in clear weather — cargo requirements and shipper specifications govern tarping, not the driver's weather assessment; skipping required tarping is a regulatory violation and a shipper relationship problem.
Related terms
Related guides
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Sources and last updated
Last updated: 2026-05-09