Safe way to tarp a flatbed

That's a great start!

The other thing you may want to do is to have a cable and "fall protection harness" for the drivers so if they do fall off the top of their load they don't land on your platform or the ground.

The best places I have loaded at used their overhead crane to drape the unfolded tarp(s) over the load and then I worked from the ground to finish securing the tarp.

 

The stands on each side is a good idea. Something like that will probably help you get more trucking capacity as well. We don't generally send our trucks to places that load tall equipment on open-deck trailers that has to be tarped unless it originates from out hometown where we can bring the load into our building and get a couple people helping.

The fall hazard it too great to allow a single driver to try and get an 80 pound tarp on top of a tall load, roll it out, and secure it. Throw rain/ice/snow/wind into the mix and you're really asking for trouble.

 

The stands only work for loads that are a regular shape and height though. I personally, because of my shorter stature to have often found it more dangerous trying to use a platform to reach my load when it doesnt fully come to the rub rails. Tarping machines like what Weyerhauser is using is a much better option to prevent the driver from even needing to get his/her feet off of the ground. Your options will definately depend on what you are shipping. Tarping machines can be problamatic when the load is sharp, as in the case of extruded aluminum.

 

Exp. flatbed drivers are normally lot more careful climbing on top and unfolding their tarps. I see more accident problems climbing on and off the load and trailer than actually spreading out the tarps unless it very oddly shape.
Inside out of the wind and rain or snow really helps safty as well.

 

I don't think there will be many problems with snow and ice in Rialto, CA. It is ggod to see a shipper that cares about the safety of drivers. What is the product you are shipping?

 

Im with dieselgrl. The type that weyerhauser uses IMO are the easiest from a drivers standpoint.

 

I've been flat bedding for a long time...and I'm 1 driver that despises any sort of tarping contraption...I drive for Maverick and we've butted heads over this BS more than once.

Driving between 2 platforms....leaves a space big enough to step in between the platform and trailer...I'd rather fall off a load lumber than step in that again.

The machines that drag the tarps over the load...they waste my time, making me wait in line twice...once to get loaded, once to get tarped.

Just put the tarps up on the load, get out of the drivers way...and let them do their job. Too #### much hand holding going on...

 

I actually prefer rolling it out on top of.load.vs.tarp machine. Harnesses are great.
Some places have nets that attach to side of trailer.

 

Why don't you just change your entire operation and manufacture something that does not need tarped????

Seriously tho, depending on what it is would either be a help or a hindrance with the platforms.