Flatbed truckers move everything from lumber to steel to machinery. No walls or roof shield the cargo. This means it is up to the Tarp for protection.
Your Tarp is your first line of defense. If it fails, the cargo can get damaged. At a minimum, uncovered or poorly covered freight is going to be wet and or dirty.
This article breaks down what every Flatbed Trucking Tarp must have. Whether you haul steel, lumber, or machinery these features should not be optional in protecting your freight.
Why Flatbed Tarps Matter
You know the risks. Wind, sun, rain, snow, ice, and flying debris will all hit your load. Flatbeds have no protection from these. A Tarp is the protector.
Without Tarps:
- Cargo can get soaked and even ruined
- Dirt, grime, soot, and smoke create a messy load
- Flying debris can damage uncovered cargo
A cheap Cover that easily tears and even fails, will lead to problems. A quality Tarp prevents issues on the road.
Must-Have #1: Durability
Your Tarp goes through a lot. Highway speeds, rough edges, constant folding. If it is not built strong, a Tarp will not last too long.
What to look for:
- Heavy Duty Vinyl: 16 to 18 oz. Vinyl fabric is the sweet spot for many Truck Tarps. Easy to handle, yet strong enough for daily use.
- Heat-Sealed Seams: Stitching alone is not enough. Heat-sealing stops leaks.
- Strong Grommets: These eyelets get tugged on constantly. Durable, weather resistant Grommets work best.
- Abrasion Resistance: Dragging over rough edges? An inferior Tarp gets shredded fast.
Example: Tarps Now Steel Tarps use 18 oz. Vinyl. Built for heavy use. It is ideal for hauling steel products including plate, sheet, and bars. This Cover handles sharp-edged freight.
Must-Have #2: The Right Size
If your Tarp is too small, part of your load will be exposed. If it is too big, the Cover will be hard to tie down and can flap in the wind. Size matters more than you think.
Common Tarp sizes:
- Lumber Tarps: 24'-6” x 27' and 20’ x 27’ usually with 8' or 6' drops
- Steel Tarps: 16' x 27', no drops
- Coil Truck Tarps: 6’ x 6’ x 6’
- Machinery Tarps: 24’ x 24’ and 30’ x 30’, no drops
- Smoke Truck Tarps: 8’ x 8’ X 2’
Lumber Tarps are made for tall, stacked loads. The drops help fully cover the loads.
Steel, Coil, Machinery, and Smoke Tarps do not have drops. They are perfect for low-profile loads like steel, metal, or other materials.
Match your load dimensions and type of freight to find the best Tarp for your hauling. Carry at least two of each. Be prepared.
Must-Have #3: Waterproof Protection
Water ruins cargo. Even a small leak can lead to rust, mold, or worse. That is why full waterproof protection is important.
Look for these features:
- 100% Waterproof Vinyl: Tarps Now uses PVC-coated vinyl. Blocks all water.
- Mildew Resistance: Wet Tarps stored poorly start to have issues.
- UV Protection: The Sun damages cheap Tarps. Vinyl with UV resistance protects your Covers.
Waterproof protection is intended for all four seasons. Never underestimate the power of water. Snow melts and ice thaws, moisture will always find a way in if not protected.
Must-Have #4: Reinforced Corners and Edges
Corners and edges take a lot of abuse. This is where the most tension is experienced.
Key reinforcements:
- Double-stitched hems
- Reinforced D-rings
- Extra vinyl patches at corners
- Webbing under the D-rings for added grip
Tarps Now Tarps include reinforced edges and corners. They are built for high tension and frequent tie-downs.
No weak spots, keeping rips away.
Choosing the Right Tarp Product
Lumber, Steel, Coil, Machinery, and Smoke Tarps serve different jobs. Use the wrong one, and you waste time or leave cargo at risk.
Lumber Tarps
- Size: 20’ x 27’ and 24'-6” x 27'
- Flaps: Yes (6' or 8' drops)
- Best for: Lumber stacks, insulation, drywall
- Use when: You need full vertical coverage
Steel Tarps
- Size: 16' x 27'
- Flaps: No
- Best for: Steel plate, sheet, and bars along with machinery
- Use when: Load height is low and compact
Coil Tarps
- Size: 6' x 6' x 6’
- Flaps: No
- Best for: Steel, aluminum, and other material coils
- Use when: Coil in transit needs protection
Machinery Tarps
- Size: 6' x 6' x 6’
- Flaps: No
- Best for: Steel, aluminum, and other material coils
- Use when: Coil in transit needs protection
Smoke Tarps
- Size: 8' x 8' x 2’
- Flaps: No
- Best for: Covering the front end of loads helping shield against soot, smoke, and debris
- Use when: Freight in transit needs protection
Tarps Now delivers quality. You get full coverage on every load.
Common Flatbed Loads and the Tarp You Need
Lumber
- Needs full coverage
- Use: Lumber Tarp with 6’ and 8' drops
Steel Products
- Square edges, a variety of shapes from compact to long
- Use: Steel Tarp or Coil Tarp (Machinery Tarp can work too)
Machinery
- Irregular shape
- Use: Mix of Tarps including Machinery Tarps and Steel Tarps
Pallet Freight
- Depends on stack height
- Use: Steel Tarps, Lumber Tarps, or Machinery Tarps
Knowing your typical freight saves time. You do not always need every Tarp. They serve general coverage on many types of freight. But you do need the right one that will perform and protect for your specific cargo.
Extra Features That Help on the Road
Some features help make life even easier. Not all Tarps have these, the ones that do save you time, stress, and money:
- Durable Spur Grommets: Spaced equally around the perimeter of securing the Covers
- Built-in D-rings: Fast and secure tie-downs
- Corner and edge reinforcement: Extend tarp life and protect cargo
Quality features equal Big Help.
Tarp Care Tips
Even the best Tarp wears down if you do not treat it right. Here are some basic tips on Tarp care:
- Fold it dry: Wet tarps grow mildew fast
- Patch Small Tears: Inspect before and after each load, do not wait to repair
- Clean and Brush off Dirt, Grime and Debris: A clean tarp works better and lasts longer
- Store it right: Cool, dry place. Never on the ground
Take care of your Tarp and it will take care of your cargo.
Tarp Safety Basics
Do not rush tying down your Tarps. A loose flap can whip in the wind or come undone exposing your freight and leading to Tarp damage.
- Double-check every strap
- Avoid over-tightening: You might rip grommets
- Wear gloves: Edges and grommets get hot and sharp
- Use a ladder safely: Do not climb tires or loads
Most Tarp issues happen when drivers rush in applying them. Take five extra minutes and secure the Tarps right.
What Makes Tarps Now a Good Choice
You can find Tarps at any truck stop. But quality will vary and are usually intended to be used in a pinch.
Tarps Now stands out for many reasons:
- Heavy duty materials on quality Covers
- User friendly features
- Custom sizing available
- Fast shipping
- United States customer support team that knows trucking
These lumber, steel, coil, machinery, and smoke tarps hit every must-have on this list. They hold up. They fit right. And they ship fast.
Before You Hit the Road: Tarp Checklist
Make sure your Tarp has:
- 16 oz vinyl or heavier
- Waterproof and UV protection
- Reinforced edges and corners
- Proper size for your haul
- Strong grommets and D-rings
Keep backups. Check for wear. Do not risk it with cheap gear.
A Few Last Words
Your Tarp is more than a Cover. It is part of your rig. It protects your load and your paycheck. Get the right one. Use it right. And trust the gear that works every time. Tarps Now has what you need whether it is Lumber Tarps, Steel Tarps, Coil Tarps, Machinery Tarps, and Smoke Tarps. Built for the road. Ready for the job.
If you have questions or need help with finding the right Tarp, contact us today at (888) 800-1383 or sales@tarpsnow.com where a dedicated and pleasant team member located at our Michigan headquarters looks forward to speaking with you.
Flatbed Truck Tarps must be durable, waterproof, properly sized, and reinforced along the perimeter. Lumber tarps and steel tarps from Tarps Now meet these needs with heavy duty vinyl, strong grommets, and smart design. Match your tarp to your load, check for damage often, and secure it right every time.
* One More Thing *
We are Announcing the Tarps Now Monthly Customer Photo Contest
Tarps Now is excited to launch our Monthly Customer Photo Contest, giving you the chance to show off your tarps through our website in action, and win!
How It Works:
We invite all Tarps Now customers to submit photos of tarps, covers, or industrial curtains purchased from us being used in real-world applications. Whether it is a tarp protecting equipment or covering a truck, a creative shelter, a curtain system dividing a warehouse, or whatever application you may have, we want to see how our products are working for you.
Contest Details:
- Prize: A $200 Amazon Gift Card will be awarded to the winning submission each month.
- Deadline: Entries must be submitted by 11:59:59 PM ET on the final calendar day of each month.
- Entry Limit: Each photo can only be submitted once.
- Verification: Only images of Tarps Now products are allowed. Orders and customers will be verified before official entry.
Usage Rights:
By submitting photos, you grant Tarps Now the right to use your images at our discretion for product promotion, social media, website content, and other marketing purposes.
