In the transportation industry, the safety of the goods in transit is the most important thing. Truck tarpaulins, a strong and flexible cloth used in covering goods transported on a truck, play a very significant role in this regard. It is a cheap but handy tool that provides long-lasting safety to different goods in transit. Let us have a closer look at what a truck tarpaulin is, its features, benefits, and its applications in real life.
What is a Truck Tarpaulin?
A truck tarpaulin is a heavy-duty cloth made of thick materials used for protection and covering truck, trailer, and other commercial vehicle loads. They are made to endure rough road conditions. Truck tarpaulins come in various sizes that meet different truck bed sizes from small pickups to large semi-trailers. The majority of truck tarpaulins are waterproof or water-resistant and can handle tough winds, rain, sunlight, and even rough usage.
Material: Durability is Key
PE Tarpaulins
Polyethylene is one of the most common tarp materials used in truck tarpaulin manufacturing. It is strong and lightweight, and is naturally waterproof and mildew resistant. PE tarps are generally reinforced with a mesh interior, which gives added strength and tear resistance when it gets pulled or stretched. They are also suitable for use in covering general cargo such as boxes, furniture, or fruits since they are cheap and are effective protectors.
PVC Tarpaulins
PVC tarpaulins are thicker and more durable than PE tarpaulins. They are made by coating PVC on a fabric base, which makes them highly resistant to water, oil, chemicals, and UV rays. These tarpaulins can withstand heavier cargo and more severe weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. They are often used to transport construction materials, machinery, or sharp objects that might puncture more fragile tarpaulins.
Canvas Tarpaulins
Canvas tarpaulins come in either cotton or cotton-polyester. They are porous to allow moisture to evaporate, thus preventing the growth of mold on sweat-generating cargo such as wood or fresh produce and vegetables. Although not waterproof in themselves, they may be treated with wax or other coatings to make them water-resistant. Canvas is suitable for cargo that needs some ventilation but also needs to be protected from light rain and dust.
How Truck Tarpaulins Protect Cargo
Protect from the Weather
One of the main purposes of a truck tarp is to protect cargo from the weather. Rain and snow can penetrate uncovered cargo and destroy goods such as electronics, paper products, or furniture. A waterproof tarp acts as protection against rain penetration. Sunlight is also damaging by fading fabrics, melting plastics, or spoiling food. A UV-resistant tarp blocks sunlight damage and preserves the quality of your cargo.
Securing Cargo
A truck tarpaulin is not just employed to cover the cargo but also to secure the cargo. Loose cargo can move or get dropped while in transit, especially on the highway or bumpy roads. The tarp is fixed around stationary areas of the truck with ropes, bungee cords or straps. This prevents cargo from moving, reduces the risk of cargo damage and also makes truck driving safer.
Keep out Dust and Debris
When a truck is in motion, it kicks up dust, dirt, and road debris. Without a tarp, the dirt can settle over the cargo, stain it, or even chip the surface. An example is a vehicle transported on a flatbed truck without a tarp will be filled with rocks and dust, and require additional cleaning or repair. A flatbed truck tarp keeps the cargo clean, saving time and money on cleaning or repair work.
Practical Application Scenarios
Agricultural Product Transportation
Farmers use truck tarpaulins to protect crops such as grains, fruits and vegetables when they are being transported. The tarp prevents the crops from rain that would get them wet and cause them to spoil, and from sunshine that would make them dry and wither away. It also prevents loose grain from being spilled out of the truck bed when in transit.
Construction Material Transport
Trucks transporting bricks, timber, rebar or bags of cement require tarpaulins that are sturdy enough. PVC truck tarpaulins are generally used in such cases as they can carry these loads and are also puncture-resistant. They prevent the loads from getting wet due to rain, as wet timber can deform and wet cement can harden prematurely.
Moving and Delivery Services
Truck tarpaulins are utilized by moving companies to cover furniture, appliances, and boxes as they move them. This protects the goods against dust and rain for secure delivery to the new destination. Tarps are also utilized by delivery trucks that move packages or goods to stores.
Tips for Using and Maintaining Truck Tarpaulins
Proper Installation
For maximum protection, make sure that the tarp is fitted well. It should be tight over the entire cargo without any gaps. Pull it tight and secure it firmly with ropes or straps, checking that all edges are tucked in. Take special care with corners, as wind can get in around loose edges and cause the tarp to flap or get loose.
Clean Regularly
Wash the truck tarpaulin after usage by removing dirt, mud or chemicals. For PE and PVC tarps, rinse with a hose and wipe with a mild soap solution if necessary. Hosed washing or gently scrubbing is applicable for canvas tarps. Allow the tarp to dry fully before folding in order to prevent mold.
Storage
Store the tarpaulin of the truck in a dry and cool place when not in use. Fold it well to avoid wrinkles that will compromise the material in the long term. Avoid exposing it to the sun for long periods, as UV light is dangerous for the material even when not in use.
Conclusion
Truck tarpaulins are necessary equipment for any person dealing with goods transportation. Their long-lasting construction and strong materials render them a good defense against weather, dust, and cargo movement. Whether one is moving agricultural produce, construction materials, or domestic goods, a good truck tarpaulin guarantees that your load reaches its destination in the same state it was loaded. By choosing the appropriate material, installing it correctly, and taking proper care of it, a truck tarpaulin can be used for a long time. Feicheng Tongfa is a truck tarpaulin manufacturer, and we have a variety of sizes and materials to meet your requirements. Contact us now!
