| 1. Get help: If possible, get a buddy or a co-worker | | | | 7. Wear appropriate protective gear such as helmet, |
| to help you with the tarping process. Usually flatbed | | | | orange jacket, work gloves and protective |
| truckers share camaraderie among them and help | | | | eyeglasses while you are putting your tarp on the |
| each other out. | | | | load. |
| 2. Use a forklift or overhead crane to get tarps on | | | | 8. Pull the bungee straps away from your body/face |
| top of your load. | | | | and turn the hooks away from the tarp. |
| 3. Use a ladder to climb on top of the trailer or your | | | | 9. Use smart body mechanics while handling the tarp |
| load. Never climb up on the tires or the side of the | | | | to prevent muscle injuries. Face the tarp, keep your |
| load. Watch out for holes in the load. | | | | back straight and pull the tarp with arms at about |
| 4. Tarp your load in an area where you are | | | | waist height. |
| protected from the weather (wind, rain, snow). | | | | 10. Many manufacturers now offer lightweight tarps |
| Never tarp on the side of a highway. | | | | that have the same durability as 18oz vinyl. These |
| 5. Don't walk on top of a wet tarp as it can be quite | | | | are about 25-30% lighter than traditional tarps and |
| slippery. Always wear boots with non-skid soles and | | | | much easier to handle. |
| adequate tread. | | | | 11. Share techniques or tricks with other flatbed |
| 6. While unrolling a tarp, always roll it forward rather | | | | drivers. Most trucking companies have a training |
| than pulling back, so that all edges and hazards are | | | | program for flatbed driver, take advantage of it. |
| visible to you. Never walk backward on top of your | | | | 12. Use your common sense and don't take chances. |
| load. | | | | You are in it for the long haul. |