For all you new Owner Operators out there using #tarps for your first time, here’s some information that will help you avoid a insurance claim for damaged cargo. As you already know, commercial trucking insurance is very expensive and it’s getting more expensive every year. Some insurance agents are even starting to refuse to insure new carriers.
Anytime you use a tarp, you need to face the bungee hooks outward away from the tarp, and freight. Otherwise bungee hooks can dig into the load damaging your tarp and the freight you have underneith it.
Notice in the pictures I’m posting how the bungee hooks that go through the tarp rings are turned out away from the tarp/load. That’s to keep them from wearing a hole through the tarp and to keep them from digging into the freight.
The metal hooks, the part that goes through the bungee cord itself, that end of the hook also needs to be bent shut so that part of the metal hook doesn’t dig in to the tarp or freight either.
Another thing that somebody tarping a load needs to do is pad all the sharp edges on the load so that the tarp doesn’t get torn. Typically we carry scrap pieces of cardboard, foam, cloth, rubber, carpet, and some tape to pad those sharp edges. If your tarp has, are gets a hole in it, it needs to be repaired immediately. If water gets inside/under it, it can damage your load. Making sure your load stays dry and damage free is your responsibility. The last thing any Owner Operator needs is a insurance claim for damaged cargo.
One last thing is when you tarp a load, you need to make sure it’s wrapped up well. If the tarp is loose and flaps going down the road it can damage both the load and the tarp. With vinyl tarps, when they’re flapping while going down the road it causes small hard to see spiderweb looking cracks in the vinyl and it will no longer keep water out.
Avoiding insurance claims for damaged cargo.
Discussion in 'Expediter and Hot Shot Trucking Forum' started by flatbedcarrier, Aug 28, 2018.
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Super-Nice write-up FBC...well put and pics! My wife & I haul alot of strapped freight and those pvc corner protectors are a miracle. We have used them not only for edge protection but anywhere you need your straps protected from wear as well as cargo protection. I've zip-tied them to some odd places, but better than finding a torn strap
One thing that saved us many insurance headaches is that we make sure to take plenty of digital smart phone pics before loading, loaded and then delivered. A receiver damaged some freight after a delivery we did and tried to put it on us...a few emailed pics later and all was off our back 
--a warehouseman lost his job over that false claim~ Take care and stay safe---
flatbedcarrier Thanks this. -
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