Tarping before or after securing?

I almost always strap before I tarp. The only time I have made an exception is if i'm tarping a soft load like hides I hauled awhile back. I think its hard on the tarps having the strap over the top of them.

I will throw a strap over a tarp if I have a sharp drop off on a load. Like when part of the load is 8 feet high and another part of the load is much lower.

 

I always liked strapping the load, then tarping it. That way, you know the straps are placed where they need to be.

 

depends on the load. my first company though, i strapped a lot over tarps. and that set was still good 18 mnths later when i left. 8 foot drops.

if you tarp it right. you can strap and not use much securement for the tarps.

i did a stint with an o/o company where i picked my loads. very seldom hauled tarped loads. they didn't pay enough and had to bounce to far. when i could pick up a better paying non tarped load and not have to bounce as far to get it. but if tarped loads is all that's available. it beats sitting around.

 

Strap first then tarp. 6' drop tarps should be fine. 8' drops are to big. IMO

 

You got to see where the straps are on the load so secure then tarp. Lumber would be one of the only exceptions.

 

In my 6 yrs of flatbed exp. I always secure then tarp. Also a couple of hand ratchet straps will work wonders. If the load has a sharp drop off contrast. These can be placed easily and almost any place on trailer. Another thing I cannot stress enough is your need of a copious amount of bungee's. IN ALL SIZES. Bring you some old blankets. These are to be placed over any sharp points. Then tarp over the blanket. This will save you from tearing the tarp. Side note: If you are tarping down a lot of, let's say pallets. Like 20 of em and they have an assorted shape. If you can strap down and put a few miles on load with out tarp. Straps can walk around if not happy. Then once you are confident in strap location and security, tarp. It will help with the all to familiar flatbedders anxiety of load security at night when you cannot see the load. Other then that bud. Welcome to the family. Trucking is like the mob. Once your in. There's no getting out.