Protecting Your Cargo and Your Business

Protecting cargo in commercial trucking is about more than just preventing damage. Doing so safeguards your business's reputation, helps with regulation compliance, and keeps your business on track to meet its bottom line. 

For these reasons and more, truck tarp systems are integral to many businesses in the transportation industry, protecting everything from construction materials to agricultural products. 

At Debrovy's, which sells tarps and tarp systems, among other transportation accessories like aluminum cab racks, we know that choosing a good tarp system can make for a successful haul and mitigate against costly damage to goods.

Understanding Truck Tarp Systems

Truck tarp systems can withstand highway speeds, weather extremes, and the rigorous demands of commercial hauling. These systems use heavy-duty tarp materials and securing mechanisms. Some have automated deployment systems that make covering and uncovering loads easy, efficient, and safe.

Whether you are hauling municipal solid waste (MSW), agricultural products, or other cargo, exposure to "the elements" (wind, rain, and snow can be particularly troubling) and debris can lead to cargo damage or loss. 

Beyond cargo protection, tarp systems help truck operators comply with Department of Transportation regulations on coverage for certain types of loads to prevent spillage or debris from creating road hazards.

Common Types of Truck Tarp Systems

• Roll-Off Tarp Systems: These can be useful for covering the entire load on a truck, making roll-off tarp systems popular in industries like waste removal. Such systems typically cover the load by going from the front to the back, and usually quickly deploy. 
• Swing Tarp Systems: these have swing arms that swing out from the trailer sides to position the tarp over the cargo. This works well for truckers working with loads with heights. Elevating the tarp above the cargo can reduce wear from direct contact. Swing mechanisms deploy quickly while providing secure coverage.
• Flip Tarp Systems: These flip tarps over cargo from the side or front to back to create a secure seal over the load, preventing spillage of loose materials. This can be especially effective for cargo loaded from the top like grain or aggregate materials.
• Electric Tarp Systems: These premium systems offer push-button operation to automate the physical effort associated with manual systems. For truckers who frequently load and unload, these systems can cut down on labor time and improve safety by minimizing the need for drivers to climb on trailers and work with heavy equipment.

Material Considerations

A tarp system's effectiveness depends on what materials it is made of, along with the tarp itself. 

Truck tarps are heavy-duty vinyl and mesh, as this tarp material is best at withstanding extreme conditions.

Vinyl tarps' water resistance and durability making these tarps adequate for protecting cargo from moisture. These are also relatively easy to clean and maintain—important for operations that haul messy materials. 

Installation and Maintenance

Professional installation of truck tarp systems ensures mounting points are in the correct positions, with reinforcement to handle highway travel. 

At Debrovy's, our experienced technicians understand the specific requirements for different trailer types and can recommend mounting configurations optimal for your use case.

Regular maintenance can extend tarp systems' service life, in addition to making sure the system works well. 

Be sure to regularly inspect tarp material for tears, holes, or weak spots that could cause problems during transport. Lubricate springs, cables, and pivot points, and test these and make any necessary adjustments.

For electric automated systems, check that connections are clean and dry, as wiring damage can come from road debris or normal wear. 

We recommend operators perform comprehensive routine maintenance schedules in line with regular vehicle inspections, so that tarp systems receive consistent attention.

Safety and Compliance Benefits

Truck tarp systems are great for road safety, as these can prevent cargo spillage and reduce the risk of debris-related accidents. 

Department of Transportation regulations require covering for many types of loads. Failure to comply can result in substantial fines and legal liability if an accident occurs.

Beyond meeting regulatory compliance standards, tarp systems generally protect others on the road by keeping cargo from falling from trailers. 

That protection extends to the cargo itself by reducing damage claims and maintaining customer satisfaction. 

For operations hauling valuable or sensitive or toxic materials, proper tarping can be the difference between profitable transportation and costly losses.

Choosing the Right System with Debrovy's

The experts at Debrovy's can assist you in selecting the appropriate tarp system, giving careful consideration to your specific hauling needs. We consider factors like the types of cargo transported, dead loads vs. live loads, frequency of loading and unloading, budget constraints, and truckers' preferences and capabilities.

Operations frequently hauling large quantities of different materials can benefit from roll tarp systems, while specialized haulers could use systems optimized for specific cargo types. Electric systems offer convenience and efficiency but require higher initial investment and more complex maintenance.

Want to learn more about truck tarp systems? Reach out to Debrovy's!