Imagine a busy shipping yard. Trucks and trains are loaded with piles of cargo headed near and far. What’s on top keeping all that valuable freight protected? For smart shippers, the answer is tarps. As per experts in the field West-Trans, these sturdy covers are simple yet mighty important. Read on to learn why tarping systems and securing loads properly makes all the difference in safe, efficient logistics.
Protecting Precious Cargo from Threats
To understand why tarps are so vital, first look at what shipping without them could expose freight to:
Bad weather like rain, wind, and snow: Getting soaked or frozen delays deliveries. Weight of snow or pooled rainwater can crush cargo underneath. Metal parts rust. Labels wash off boxes. Not good.
Dust and debris flying up from roads: This grime on products means more cleaning down the line. Food, medical supplies or electronics get dirty fast unprotected.
Shifting and falling during transport: Unsecured loads can topple or collapse. Products break or are damaged. Chemicals leak. Big safety issue.
Theft: Unfortunately, cargo theft is a real problem. Tarped loads are less enticing targets for thieves prowling shipping yards and rest stops.
Vandalism: Bored troublemakers on the road may tamper with unsecured freight just for kicks. Tight tarps discourage this.
Pests: Critters trying to nest in cozy cargo is trouble. Tarps block access so squirrels or birds don’t invade. Hygienic for food.
Ultraviolet damage: Sun exposure can degrade many materials. Tarps provide UV protection.
As you can see, uncovered cargo faces lots of risks. A sturdy tarp is the first line of defense to keep freight safe. Let’s look closer at how they work…
Tough Tarps for Total Protection
Tarps go by many names like binders, trailer covers, or canvas. But they all serve the same role: shielding freight. Here are key features:
Tough, rip-resistant fabric like vinyl coated polyester stands up to wind, weather and transport strains. Materials like 100% waterproof PVC ensure wetness won’t seep through. Reinforced hems, edges and seams add durability. Features like webbing hold up over time. Tie-down rings allow tying tarps down tightly. Some feature buckles, hooks, or grommets too. This prevents flapping in the wind. Opaque material blocks visual access to the contents underneath, deterring thieves. Blackout tarps also prevent UV damage. Vents reduce pooling water and billowing in wind while still keeping cargo covered. Condensation and mold is discouraged. Different sizes suit all loads and vehicle types. Smaller tarps for general trucks. Giant covers for trains, airplanes, boats or buildings. With the right heavy-duty tarp well secured, cargo stays safe from elements and troublemakers.
Crucial Tarp Uses in Logistics
Now that you know how they work, where are tarps most needed in supply chain transportation? Just a few key examples:
- Open flatbed trailers must be covered to allow weather-exposed stacking of cargo. Tarps convert these to protected van space.
- Intermodal containers loaded on ships, trains and trucks need additional water protection in transport. A tarp atop the steel box adds a shield.
- Lumber, steel, pipes and more are often shipped uncovered. Load tarps prevent weathering and road debris.
- Building supplies like shingles or windows on open trucks need waterproofing from rain and road spray. Sensitive edges prone to damage without a tarp.
- Grain, fertilizer and aggregate shipments are tarp targets. Moisture ruins the product and extra weight can collapse a trailer.
- Produce, meat and refrigerated loads already travel in sealed trailers but tarps act as cheap insurance against interior leaks/failures.
For any cargo vulnerable to weather, debris and tampering, securing tarps over the load is a logical safeguard.
Picking the Best Tarps
With so many style and material options, how do shippers choose the right tarps? Considerations include:
- Heavy duty vinyl or PVC stands up to regular use and abuse better than cheap polyethylene.
- Reinforced hems don’t rip out ensuring longevity of investment.
- Optimal size for snug coverage without too much overhang.
- Enough tie-downs for tight, wrinkle-free fit and wind/theft resistance.
- Manufacturer reputation for durability. Look for commercial transportation brands.
- Waterproof rating of at least 1500mm for all-weather protection.
- UV protection rating to prevent material degradation.
- Bright colors like red make tears very visible for quick repair.
For optimal cargo protection, choose tried and tested tarp models proven on the road.
Conclusion
From dusty drives to stormy seas, supply chain transportation exposes freight to plenty of perils. But a durable, trusty tarp shields your precious cargo every mile of the journey. Keep those loads covered and deliveries will stay dry, intact and on time all the way to their destination. Depend on tarps, and keep logistics humming.