Tarping Coils v Conestogas

I had a broker tell me that a shipper will only load Conestogas or curtain vans for steel/tin coil loads. I've hauled steel coils many times and was always able to just tarp them for protection. If the coils are coated/sealed by the shipper before loading anyways - what additional protection or difference is there between tarping and using a Conestoga (besides just the time it takes to secure?)

 

are {water tight} if no holes in tarp.

 

No matter how well you tarp a coil, there is always the chance that water can blow underneath your tarp and get the coil wet. High winds can also tear a tarp or blow it away from the coil and allow moisture to get on the coil. There are some loads where the shipper doesn't want the tarp to touch the coil. Tarps can sweat and that moisture can transfer to the coil. There are some shippers that will only load a Conestoga or side kit for that reason. After a heavy rain, water can collect in a tarp. That can be transferred to the coil when you untarp your load. That is not as likely to happen with either a Conestoga or side kit.

 

Had a disagreement about tarp pay when pulling a conestoga. When I pulled a regular flat, almost all of the loads were tarp loads, with tarp pay. Suddenly, I get a conestoga and there's no tarp pay? Am I wrong to want tarp pay with every load on a conestoga?

 

I am inclined to say no, but I do see your point. You are making sure the load is protected, it just isn't as much work to do it. Is what you save in tarping time made up for in extra miles driven?

 

Some shippers pay more specifically for a Stogie so I hope you're on % pay.

 

This is all very true. And the sweating problem becomes more pronounced in the winter, especially when the coil(s) temp is relatively warm so it makes sense some mills may want this but agreed, it's a bummer if it costs you a good load.

 

I think if the customer wants their load to have a tarp they should pay a tarp fee, even if you have a Conestoga. After all the Conestoga is not free so the tarp fee should help off set the cost.

If they do not care if it has a tarp or not then the shouldn't have to pay for tarping just because you happen to have a Conestoga.

 

it shouldn't be about miles but rather revenue

 

Well said - the reason I am leaning towards a tarping system is because the customer wants their loads tarped. If I spend 20k to do accomplish this task quickly, should i not still be paid for preforming it? I think that run open option may be the solution. Then the tarp jobs are not automatic and the shipper can chose what they want rather than just pushing for a freebee.