Safe way to tarp a flatbed

The platforms I have used and it made sense were at drywall manufacturing plants. The weyerhauser tarp machines are the best idea as the driver dont leave the ground. It would probably pay to have some platform ladders around in case someone doesnt want to use the machine.

 

ive used the harness before takes getting used to but it will help havent done the platform though most ive done is climb up roll em out and bungie down

 

Lafarge drywall has the best setup. The plant workers unroll the driver's tarps, and hook them to the lift. It lifts the complete tarp higher than the load, then the driver backs under it. The tarp is not drug over the freight. The plant workers then roll out the other tarp and the process is repeated. It ELIMINATES any fall risk as no one is ever on the trailer, period. A cheaper option is to weld up a piece of 14' tube steel, put some forklift pockets on one end and some eyebolts 4' off center. The tarp is hooked up to the eye bolts via bungees. The forklift then raises it as high as possible, then drives along side the trailer. The bungees usually release themselves when the forks are dropped. You'll need forks that can get at least 3-4 feet above your tallest load. This does drag the tarp on the product and requires a person on both sides to guide the sides of the tarp.

BTW, thank you for trying to find a better way to do business.

 

The trial lawyers are constantly hamstring us.

Leave us free to tarp our loads. If a driver falls, well that's Darwin's theory at work. He should have stuck to swinging doors.

I have more trouble dealing with all the dang railings, platforms, cables, harnesses, heavy clothing and accessories than if I could just be left alone to do my frikkin job unencumbered.

The day I trip and fall because of a railing or some other "safety" equipment some shipper requires is the day I lawyer up big time.

If you can't climb like a monkey stick to side kits or sliding tarps.

 

SHC had it HALF Right, why dont YOU tarp the loads, then you can do it however you want.


One of our customers loads, and tarps and even throws the straps and puts the edge protectors on for us, all we have to do is tighten the straps.....no danger no product damage....




American Trucker

 

Was everyone asleep on this post? Perfect smartbutt reply to this is "Safest way to tarp is NO TARP AT ALL"

 

That is the only other alternative that will ever work...but there is something that has to be added.

Either I'll tarp it the way I want...or the shipper can tarp it the way they want...but if the shipper tarps it, they assume the responsibility for the well being of the freight and any DOT violations that may be associated with the way they tarped it.

Making me tarp something a certain way (not my way)...and then telling me I am responsible for the well being of the freight just don't work for me.

But yes...put simply...either I tarp it, or you tarp it...no in between.

 

hard to answer without knowing what's being tarped.

-if its tall, a ladder or steps..
-if it has lots of gaps in the top, probably a harness + ladder/steps/platform
-if its something the driver can't walk on or has to walk on the rub rail to get around.. a platform on both sides..
-if its big machinery or other weird shaped things, then I have no idea.

ps I hate the harness.

*what I like to see most is an indoor area to tarp... out of the sun/wind/cold, on level ground.. ie., not on a lopsided street with 4 wheelers driving around me

 

The only claim I have ever had was when the shipper had their people load, tarp, and.secure it....a load of drywall out of Texas.

 

Besides the harness and the platform, just let the PROFESSIONAL driver tarp his/her way. Yes, the harness and cable will keep you from hitting the ground, even if you try to step down off the trailer to fast, the cable will lock, the harness will snatch your unmentionables. The cables are designed so you have to move slowly when changing heights.
Someone said something about having to wait in line twice, yeah it sucks when you have to wait 5 hours to get loaded, then another 2 hours before you can get to the tarping machine. You sit there in the truck, watching some slow *** taking his sweet time rolling out the tarps. Then he has to stop to make a phone call, then go to the cab to get a cigarette and something to drink. Anyway, some places I've gone to give you the option of using their tarping machines or leaving the property to tarp. (That means tarping on the side of the road)
Easy solution, print a very cheap piece of paper, that states if the driver refuses to use the shippers machine, then the driver claims all responsibility if he/she falls. (A waiver) I'd sign it, then tarp and be down the road 50 miles while the driver that got loaded in front of me was still waiting to use the tarping machine.