Straps Over Tarps?

I always secured the load (straps, chains, etc.) BEFORE tarping, so that I could see that the load was secure before I covered it up. Those rubber tarp straps do a good enough job securing the tarp....don't need to strap over it.

Besides, the tarp isn't meant to be used as edge protection for your straps. I would imagine by strapping OVER the tarp, you will wear holes in the tarp more frequently where the tarp is pressed into the load at the edges.

Also, by placing the tarp on the outside of the straps, the straps make a more uniform frame to tarp around as they stretch from the top of the load to the rub rail on the trailer. Otherwise, an irregular shaped load will leave a lot of loose spots on the tarp to flap in the wind.

The list goes on...

Whether it was legal or not, I never saw any benefit to strapping over the tarp...but had plenty of reasons in support of securing the load before tarping it.

 

I don't know about DB, but I cannot imagine any legal problem with putting straps over the tarp. (other than tearing up your tarp)

Where did you hear this? Truck stop? Channel 19?

I call BS.

 

As a company policy we are not allowed to strap over the tarp, but I have never heard it as a securement rule.

 

dont know if its illegal, but when I ran for a flatbed co. they had us secure the load before tarpping and then after tarpping they wanted at least 3 straps on top.

 

Sounds like truckstop lawyer 101. I have to call BS as well.

 

Load Securement Standard 10 covers Canada, USA and Mexico.

Please point out where it says you can't have straps over the tarp.


http://www.ccmta.ca/english/committees/cra/cargo/publications.cfm

 

Strapping over your tarps is perfectly legal...It's a stupid thing to do because it tears up the tarps but most company drivers couldn't care less about tearing up equipment so they do it anyway because they think it's less work than doing it the right way.

 

Why would anyone want to put straps on over their tarps, company driver or not? My take on it would be that anything put between your straps and the load would present the opportunity for load shifting or a strap loosening could be a possibility and worse, a liability...