Tarp Systems for Flatbed Trucks: Lumber, Steel, and Smoke Tarps

Why Flatbed Tarps Matter

Tarping a flatbed load serves two purposes: protecting cargo from weather damage and meeting legal requirements. Many states require covered loads on public roads, and shippers increasingly demand tarp protection as a condition of freight contracts. A driver who can tarp efficiently and properly earns premium freight rates and avoids cargo claims.

Tarp Types

Lumber Tarps

The largest and most common flatbed tarp. Designed to cover the top and all four sides of a typical flatbed load (8 ft wide × 8-10 ft tall).

• Typical size: 24′ × 27′ (covers up to 24 ft of cargo length)
• Material: 18 oz vinyl-coated polyester (most common) or 14 oz lightweight
• Weight: 60-100 lbs per tarp
• Features: D-rings every 24″ along edges, reinforced corners, 4-ft drop flaps on all sides
• Best for: Lumber, building materials, machinery, any tall cargo requiring full coverage

Steel Tarps

Shorter than lumber tarps, designed for low-profile loads like steel coils, plate steel, and pipe that don’t need tall side coverage.

• Typical size: 16′ × 27′ or 20′ × 27′
• Material: 18 oz or 22 oz vinyl-coated polyester (heavier for abrasion resistance against steel edges)
• Weight: 50-80 lbs per tarp
• Features: Reinforced grommets, heavier-duty webbing, abrasion-resistant bottom panel
• Best for: Steel coils, plate steel, pipe, any low-profile metal cargo

Smoke Tarps (Nose Tarps)

Small tarps that cover just the front 4-8 ft of the load, protecting cargo from exhaust soot, road grime, and wind-driven rain.

• Typical size: 6′ × 8′ or 8′ × 10′
• Weight: 10-20 lbs
• Best for: Loads that need front-face protection only (the rest is weather-resistant)

Coil Tarps

Circular or fitted tarps designed to cover individual steel coils. They wrap around the coil’s circumference and tie down through the eye.

Machine Tarps

Custom-sized tarps for oversized or irregularly shaped machinery. Often made to order with specific dimensions and reinforcement points.

Tarp Material Guide

Weight	Durability	Cost	Best For
14 oz vinyl	Light duty, 1-2 years	$150-$300	Lightweight cargo, occasional use
18 oz vinyl	Standard, 2-4 years	$250-$500	Most flatbed applications
22 oz vinyl	Heavy duty, 3-5 years	$400-$700	Steel, abrasive cargo, harsh conditions
Iron Horse (vinyl + nylon)	Premium, 4-6 years	$500-$900	High-value cargo, maximum protection

Tarping Technique

Solo Tarping (Most Common)

1. Position the tarp: Fold the tarp accordion-style. Climb the load (use 3 points of contact) and unroll from front to back.
2. Center the tarp: Equal overhang on both sides. The front edge should extend 6-12 inches past the front of the cargo.
3. Secure the front: Attach bungee cords or tarp straps to the front D-rings first — wind will try to lift the tarp from the front.
4. Work back: Secure sides alternately (left, right, left, right) working toward the rear.
5. Tension the rear: Pull the rear flap tight and secure. The rear is most susceptible to wind billowing.
6. Check for billowing: Walk around the load. Any loose sections will flap at highway speed, causing premature wear and potential tearing.

Tarp Securement Requirements

• Tarps must be secured with bungee straps, rubber tarp straps, or ratchet straps — never rely on the tarp’s own weight
• Strap spacing: every 24 inches along the tarp edge (matches D-ring spacing)
• No loose flaps or billowing sections visible at highway speed
• Tarp must not obscure the vehicle’s lights, reflectors, or license plate

Safety While Tarping

Tarping is one of the most dangerous activities for flatbed drivers. Falls from loads are a leading cause of driver injury and death.

• Use a tarping system: Side-kit roller systems, standing platforms, or tarping machines eliminate the need to climb the load
• Three-point contact: Always maintain 3 points of contact when climbing (two hands + one foot, or two feet + one hand)
• Wind awareness: A 24′ × 27′ tarp acts like a sail. In strong winds, it can pull a driver off the load. Don’t tarp in winds above 25 mph.
• Wet/icy loads: Steel and lumber become extremely slippery when wet. Use non-slip footwear and extra caution.
• Partner system: When possible, tarp with a partner — one on the ground, one on the load.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding these common errors can prevent equipment failure, regulatory violations, and serious safety incidents in the field.

• Insufficient Aggregate WLL: FMCSA requires total WLL of all tie-downs to equal at least 50% of cargo weight. For a 40,000 lb load, you need at least 20,000 lbs of total tie-down WLL, which could be 10 ratchet straps rated at 2,000 lbs each.
• Relying Solely on Friction: While friction helps (rubber mats provide coefficient of 0.6-0.7), it cannot be the only securement. FMCSA requires positive securement devices in addition to friction to prevent cargo movement during emergency maneuvers.
• Not Securing Against All Directions: Cargo must be secured against forward, rearward, lateral, and vertical movement. Many drivers only secure against forward movement. Use a combination of direct tie-downs and blocking or bracing to prevent movement in all four directions.
• Wrong Securement for Cylindrical Loads: Coils, pipes, and drums require specialized methods per FMCSA 393.120. They cannot be secured like boxed cargo. Coils must use at minimum one tie-down per coil for eye-up positioning, or specific blocking arrangements for other positions.
• Failing to Re-Check Tie-Downs: FMCSA requires inspection within the first 50 miles and every 3 hours or 150 miles thereafter. Straps loosen due to load settling, vibration, and temperature changes. A tight strap at departure can be dangerously loose after 100 miles.