Flatbed Tarping Guide: Types of Tarps, How to Tarp & Getting Paid for It
Tarping is one of the most physically demanding parts of flatbed trucking. A full lumber tarp weighs 60-100 lbs and requires climbing on the load, wrestling heavy material in wind, and securing it properly to protect the freight. But tarping is also a revenue opportunity — proper tarp pay adds $50-150 per stop to your earnings. This guide covers every tarp type, how to tarp correctly, and how to make sure you get paid for it.
$75-150
Standard Tarp Pay
60-100 lbs
Lumber Tarp Weight
30-90 min
Tarping Time Per Load
$300-800
Tarp Replacement Cost
O Trucking Editorial Team
Trucking Industry Experts
Fact-Checked by O Trucking Dispatch Team
5+ years dispatching flatbed freight and negotiating tarp pay for carriers on every tarped load
This article was written by the O Trucking editorial team with 9+ years of combined trucking industry experience. Learn more about us.
O TruckingFlatbed Tarping Guide: Types of Tarps, How to Tarp & Getting Paid for It
Why Tarping Is Required
Tarping serves two primary purposes: protecting freight from weather damage and preventing debris from flying off the trailer. Even if the freight itself is weather-resistant (like steel), some shippers require tarping to protect surface finish, prevent rust, or comply with their customer requirements.
Many states also have laws requiring loads to be covered if loose material could fall off during transport. While steel beams are not going to blow off a truck, smaller items like building materials, drywall, or palletized goods can be caught by wind if not covered. Tarping is both a freight protection measure and a legal requirement in many scenarios.
Types of Flatbed Tarps
Different commodities require different tarp styles. Using the wrong tarp for a load is inefficient and can damage the tarp or the freight. Here are the main types:
Lumber Tarps
The most common flatbed tarp. Lumber tarps have a flat top with long drop flaps on the sides (typically 6-8 feet) that cover the sides of the load. The flaps are held in place with bungee cords or D-ring straps.
- Size: 20'x27' to 24'x27' (most common)
- Weight: 60-100 lbs each
- Cost: $250-500 each
- Best for: Lumber, building materials, palletized freight
When You Need Lumber Tarps:
- + Loads requiring full side coverage
- + Commodity needs weather protection
- + Most common tarp request from shippers
- + Typically need 2-4 per full load
Steel Tarps
Steel tarps are flat sheets without side flaps — they simply drape over the top of the load like a blanket. They are the heaviest tarp type because they are made from thicker, more durable material to withstand the weight and sharp edges of steel freight.
- Size: 16'x27' to 24'x27'
- Weight: 80-120 lbs each
- Cost: $300-600 each
- Best for: Steel coils, plate, beams
When You Need Steel Tarps:
- + Flat steel, plate, or sheet metal
- + Only top coverage needed (no sides)
- + Must resist puncture from sharp edges
- + Heaviest tarp to handle solo
Smoke Tarps (Coil Tarps)
Small tarps designed to cover the front of the load near the cab exhaust. The name comes from protecting steel coils from exhaust smoke and soot during transit. They are the smallest and lightest flatbed tarp.
- Size: 6'x8' to 8'x10'
- Weight: 15-25 lbs each
- Cost: $50-120 each
- Best for: Steel coils, front-of-load coverage
When You Need Smoke Tarps:
- + Steel coils near exhaust stack
- + Partial coverage only needed
- + Quick and easy to apply
- + Lower tarp pay ($50-75)
Machinery Tarps
Custom-sized tarps for covering irregular-shaped machinery and equipment. They are typically larger than lumber tarps with extra material on all sides to wrap around complex shapes. Some are custom-made for specific equipment.
- Size: Varies widely (custom)
- Weight: 80-150+ lbs each
- Cost: $400-800+ each
- Best for: Machinery, generators, custom equipment
When You Need Machinery Tarps:
- + Odd-shaped equipment or machinery
- + Full wrap-around coverage needed
- + Weather-sensitive equipment
- + Higher tarp pay ($100-200+)
How to Tarp a Flatbed Load
Proper tarping technique protects the freight, keeps the tarp intact, and gets you in and out faster. Here is the general process:
Complete Load Securement First
All tie-downs must be in place and tightened before tarping. Never put a tarp over an unsecured load — you will need to access the securement points during transit for re-tightening.
Position the Tarp on Top
Roll the tarp out on top of the load, starting from the front. Most drivers climb the load (using proper fall protection) and unroll the tarp front to back. Center the tarp so both sides hang evenly. For multiple tarps, overlap them by at least 12 inches so water runs off without gaps.
Secure the Front Edge
The front of the tarp takes the most wind force. Secure the front edge tightly with bungee cords or straps to the front D-rings or to the headache rack. If the front edge is loose, wind will catch it and tear the tarp at highway speed.
Secure Sides and Rear
Work from front to back, securing each side with bungee cords through the tarp grommets and the trailer tie-down points. Pull the tarp taut to prevent flapping. Secure the rear last. Any loose material will flap violently at highway speed and tear within miles.
Check Before Driving
Walk around the entire load and check every attachment point. Tug on each bungee to confirm tension. Look for any flaps or gaps where wind could get under the tarp. Check again after your first 10 miles — wind loading at speed will reveal any weak points.
Wind Is Your Biggest Enemy
Essential Tarping Equipment
Beyond the tarps themselves, you need the right accessories to do the job efficiently and safely:
Bungee Cords (Rubber Straps)
The primary method for attaching tarps to the trailer. Carry at least 30-40 in various sizes (21", 31", 41"). Replace when rubber shows cracking. Cost: $1-3 each.
Tarp Flap Straps / D-Ring Straps
Additional straps that hold tarp flaps against the side of the load. Essential for lumber tarps with long side flaps. Cost: $5-15 each.
Heavy-Duty Gloves
Leather or synthetic work gloves protect your hands from rough tarp material, sharp metal edges, and bungee cord snap-back. A quality pair is essential. Cost: $15-30.
Tarp Storage Bag / Rack
A headache rack tarp rack or storage bag keeps tarps organized and off the deck when not in use. Protects tarps from UV and weather damage when stored. Cost: $50-200.
Tarp Repair Kit
Small tears and grommet pull-outs happen. A repair kit with patches, adhesive, and replacement grommets lets you fix minor damage on the road. Cost: $20-40.
Fall Protection
Hard hat, non-slip boots, and harness (if required by shipper). Climbing on loads to tarp is one of the most dangerous parts of flatbed work. Cost: $50-200.
Tarping Safety
Tarping is dangerous work. Falls from flatbed loads are one of the most common causes of injury in flatbed trucking. Take these precautions seriously:
Never tarp in high winds — A 60-100 lb tarp caught by a gust can pull you off the load. If winds are over 20-25 mph, wait for conditions to calm down or find a sheltered area.
Use three points of contact when climbing — Always maintain three points of contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) when climbing on or off the load.
Watch for wet or icy surfaces — Metal freight becomes extremely slippery when wet. Steel beams, plate, and coils are hazardous to walk on. Use non-slip boots and move deliberately.
Watch for bungee snap-back — Bungee cords under tension can snap back with significant force. Always face the attachment point when hooking or unhooking and wear eye protection.
Hydrate and take breaks — Tarping in summer heat is physically exhausting. A heavy lumber tarp in 100-degree weather can lead to heat exhaustion quickly. Take water breaks and work at a sustainable pace.
Negotiating Tarp Pay
Tarping is extra work that deserves extra compensation. Tarp pay is separate from the linehaul rate per mile and should be negotiated as an additional charge:
Standard Tarp Pay Rates
| Tarp Type | Pay Per Stop | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Smoke Tarp | $50-75 | Quick, lightweight, minimal labor |
| Standard Lumber/Steel Tarp | $75-150 | Full coverage, significant labor |
| Multiple Tarps (2+) | $150-300 | Full load coverage, 2-4 tarps |
| Machinery / Custom | $100-200+ | Irregular shapes, extra labor |
Get Tarp Pay on the Rate Confirmation
Tarp Care & Maintenance
A quality tarp costs $250-800, so protecting your investment makes financial sense:
Dry tarps before storing — Mold and mildew destroy tarp material. If you have to fold a wet tarp, unfold and dry it at your next stop. Never store a wet tarp long-term.
Store out of direct sunlight — UV degrades tarp material over time. Use a tarp bag or rack that shields from direct sun exposure when tarps are stored on the trailer.
Repair small tears immediately — A small tear becomes a large tear at highway speed. Patch tears when they are small — it costs $5 in repair material vs $300-500 for a new tarp.
Use edge protectors — When tarping over sharp steel or metal edges, use edge protectors or cardboard to prevent the tarp from cutting on the freight. Sharp edges are the number-one cause of tarp damage.
Replace worn grommets — Grommets that have pulled through or are loose will fail under wind load. Replace them before they fail on the road. A grommet kit costs under $20.
How Our Dispatch Team Handles Tarping
At O Trucking LLC, we believe drivers should be compensated fairly for tarping work:
Tarp pay negotiated on every tarped load
We negotiate tarp pay as a separate line item on every load that requires tarping. Our carriers see the tarp pay on the rate confirmation before they accept the load — no surprises, no “it's included in the rate” games.
Tarping requirements communicated upfront
Before booking, we confirm exactly what type of tarping is needed — lumber tarps, steel tarps, smoke tarps, or full machinery coverage. Our carriers know what equipment they need before they commit to the load.
No-tarp loads when preferred
If you prefer to avoid tarped loads, we respect that preference and focus on finding no-tarp freight like steel coils, bare equipment, and other commodities that do not require coverage. Your preferences drive our load selection.
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Flatbed Dispatch That Pays for Tarping
Our dispatch team negotiates tarp pay on every tarped load. We communicate tarping requirements upfront and make sure our carriers are compensated fairly for the extra work.