New to Flatbed: What commodities "really" need tarping

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by TruckingNoob101, Mar 15, 2021.

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  1. TruckingNoob101

    TruckingNoob101 Bobtail Member

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    Hi y'all

    New to flatbed and my company is bringing on quite a bit of flatbed equipment and drv's this year.

    Trying to wrap my head around "tarping"

    Specifically what needs it and what doesn't.

    I hear lumper doesn't, roofing shingles doesn't.

    I understand the idea of protecting the freight from the elements and the road but wasn't sure if there was a beginners guide to this.

    Thanks for the help.
     
    TruckingNoob101, Mar 15, 2021
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  2. pavrom

    pavrom Road Train Member

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    LumPer has to be tarped - dead or alive
     
    pavrom, Mar 15, 2021
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  3. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    The customer will tell you if they want it tarped. You will however tarp loads that really don't need tarped. You will pick and deliver loads that are sitting outside and the consignee unloads you and puts the load OUTSIDE on the ground, this is after you tarped it ! Also, some brokers "sell" tarping the shipper as a bonus so to speak. Then they dispatch the load as needing tarped ! You will after awhile kinda' figure on your own what to tarp etc. And some are 'weather protect" loads that you don't need tarping unless it rains. Ever seen a flat under the freeway overpass tarping and it's raining ? have fun :salute:
     
    Allow Me., Mar 15, 2021
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  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    I've had to tarp highway guard rails.
    Depends on the customer.
     
    Chinatown, Mar 15, 2021
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  5. shooter19802003

    shooter19802003 Road Train Member

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    There is absolutely no rhyme or reason to tarping as stated above. There are loads you will tarp that will just pi$$ you off. Good luck. ;)
     
    shooter19802003, Mar 15, 2021
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  6. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    The last load of guardrails I hauled, I told the shipper I want to weigh the load before I tarp.
    He said, "Uh, OK." I already knew the weight was OK because I'd hauled them before. So, I left as if to go to a truck stop and weigh, and just keep going. Those loads were going from upstate New York to Virginia.
     
    Last edited: Mar 15, 2021
    Chinatown, Mar 15, 2021
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  7. shooter19802003

    shooter19802003 Road Train Member

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    Lol, sounds like something I would do.
     
    shooter19802003, Mar 15, 2021
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  8. Kyle G.

    Kyle G. Road Train Member

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    Our shop is next door to a major roofing supplier. They get loads of shingles coming in every day, almost always tarped. They then unload them and store them outside, uncovered, because logic.
     
    Kyle G., Mar 15, 2021
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  9. Dockbumper

    Dockbumper Road Train Member

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    You certainly wouldn't want ROOFING SHINGLES to get wet!
     
    Dockbumper, Mar 15, 2021
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  10. slow.rider

    slow.rider Road Train Member

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    After we tarp the lumpers, my vote is we all get a few whacks in with bars of soap wrapped in towels.

     
    slow.rider, Mar 15, 2021
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