The manufacturing of a tarp involves a series of precise steps, combining design, cutting, heat sealing, and sewing processes. Here's a detailed overview of each stage:
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Benefits of Using Tarps for Cargo Protection
Transporting cargo is a serious responsibility. On top of ensuring that the cargo makes it to its destination in top condition, loaders and drivers are also responsible for making sure that the roads stay safe. Loose cargo can quickly become flying objects that cause major accidents. Meanwhile, unsecured cargo might also become a target for thieves or sustain damage.
Placing tarps on trucks provides essential protection to the cargo during transport by offering several important benefits. As transportation professionals explore the various types of covers, it's important to keep these benefits of using tarps for cargo protection in mind for achieving essential goals.
Provide Protection From the Weather
The weather is often unpredictable. Even when a driver checks the forecast before heading out, one never knows what they may encounter. Unfortunately, wind, rain and sleet can be extra damaging once the truck hits full freeway speeds. Drivers should also anticipate that a truck might need to stop for prolonged periods of time, and this can allow wet precipitation to soak into the cargo.
The sun’s UV rays are also potentially damaging. Sitting in harsh sunlight can break down many common materials, and cargo can become discolored, melted and sustain other types of damage. Using tarps for cargo protection can ensure that more of the goods a company transports arrive at their destination in acceptable condition.
Delivering cargo with weather damage puts transportation companies on the fast track to damaging their reputations. Considering that tarps are an affordable way to prevent this issue, a business can deliver loads with full confidence that a rainstorm doesn’t stop it from delivering on its promises to care for valuable cargo.
Protect Against Debris Contamination
If transportation professionals have ever been amazed by the amount of dust and pollen that collects on their truck, then they already know exactly how much debris is flying in the air. Naturally, this grime can also land on cargo while the truck is parked or driving down the road.
Bird droppings, road grime and dust are only a few contaminants that can land in shipping containers or truck beds. Naturally, any contaminants could ruin certain types of cargo. Even durable cargo might still require cleaning to prepare the materials for use. Tarps can cover every square inch of a cargo load to ensure that it stays free of contaminants.
Putting a quality tarp over the load can also reduce unloading times since shippers and receivers won’t have to spend as much time checking or cleaning the delivered goods. If preventing debris contamination is critical, members of a transportation team need to make sure that each tarp that goes over the load is clean and in good condition. Tarps made from safe, non-porous materials such as polyethylene plastic or vinyl tend to work best for preventing small particles from going through the fabric.
Extend the Cargo’s Lifespan
Cargo that is valuable enough to be transported from one place to another typically requires protection to help preserve its life span. Being constantly exposed to rain, UV rays and wind can cause many different types of cargo to develop wear and tear that can dramatically reduce its usable life.
Even with shipping containers, it’s possible for rain to seep through small cracks and holes. Since water damage is one of the leading causes of shortened life spans for many products, taking the simple step of covering it with a tarp does a lot to reduce damage.
Tarps are made from strong, durable materials that can continue to protect the cargo for days to weeks at a time. The tarps also allow for drivers and receiving dock employees to carefully check the cargo as needed during the transport and delivery processes. If a load needs to sit for a prolonged period of time, then a tarp is a must to prevent serious damage that limits the usable life of the materials.
Since purchasing a tarp typically costs less than replacing common types of cargo prematurely, companies find that this simple measure makes a big difference in the bottom line.
Choose a Cost-Effective Cargo Cover
Tarps are available in a wide range of materials that companies can choose from to achieve the predetermined goal. A tarp is typically a more cost-effective cargo covering option compared to purchasing an enclosed trailer. Transportation companies also find that tarps are reusable, and quality ones provide years of service before they require replacement.
Most tarp types are also repairable. Patching tends to be the most common type of repair that people use to prolong the lifespan of tarps. To make sure this option is as cost-effective as possible, professionals should choose tarps with strong materials that are resistant to the type of conditions that the transportation company anticipates them being exposed to during drives.
Limit Visibility to Others
Maintaining security during load transports is always a priority. In some cases, a driver may prefer to prevent potential thieves from knowing what a truck is carrying. In others, privacy might be a concern. This is especially true if a trucking company is transporting items that have a high degree of public interest, such as cargo that uses a new model or technology.
Covering cargo with a tarp is a fast, easy and affordable way to shield it from prying eyes. In fact, many thieves won’t attempt to mess with covered cargo since the reward isn’t worth the risk. Seeing a tarp often clues potential criminals into the fact that the load may also be secured with video monitoring services.
Demonstrating care for the cargo makes it clear that a transport company doesn’t mess around. Plus, the companies that contract with the crew will appreciate being able to move cargo with greater discretion.
Discover a New Branding Opportunity
While the tarps will help cover up what’s beneath for greater security, they also allow for a transport business to be creative with the design. Tarps can be printed with company logos that provide the transport business with free advertising. On top of putting the brand in front of people across multiple cities and states, companies can also use the tarps to highlight how the transportation crew cares for the loads they transport.
Depending on the size of the transportation business, one can order multiple tarps that essentially work as moving commercials for the company. If the transport company works with the same companies over long periods of time, then they could also offer custom tarps as part of their additional services. Many companies love the idea of being able to use their necessary cargo shipment expenses as potential marketing opportunities.
Custom tarps are available in varying colors that one can use to match the company’s logo. Decision-makers can also include the company’s name, imagery, phone number and slogan to create unique tarps that stand out among a fleet of transportation vehicles.
Enjoy Easy Maintenance
Permanent covers can sustain damage that requires costly repairs. Additionally, an oversized trailer may require intensive cleaning, and they tend to be expensive to replace. Tarps, however, are easy to maintain. Canvas and mesh tarps are often washable, which means that road grime and stains that develop over time can easily be removed. Patching and sewing may also be options for tarps that are made from reusable materials.
Plastic and vinyl tarps may need little more than a quick spray-down and time to dry before transportation professionals put them on the next load. Non-porous tarps can also respond well to patching if they develop a tear. However, the best tarps are designed to be tear-resistant. Making sure that the tarps the crew uses are easy to maintain ensures that the team uses them to cover cargo on every load. Transportation businesses also get more ROI from choosing quality tarps that last for years with minimal care.
Achieve Compliance With Regulations
To protect the public’s safety, many states and local municipalities require companies to properly secure their loads. Tarps are an easy way to comply with regulations that require transportation businesses to keep loose cargo from spilling into roadways. When professional transportation companies work with a quality tarp supplier, they can also benefit from having an option for covering cargo that is easy to secure with proper tie-downs.
Depending on where transportation professionals drive their loads, avoiding expensive fines and costly delays is critical for the company’s success. Plus, people who see the care a company places on following the local laws and regulations are more likely to become new customers. Building positive brand awareness helps transportation businesses go the distance.
Avoid Costly Lawsuits for Creating Road Hazards
Fines aren’t the only problem a transportation business might face due to unsecured loads. Even lightweight, small types of materials can lead to serious accidents if others swerve or slam on their car’s brakes to avoid falling objects.
Securing every load of cargo with a tarp prevents materials from flying out of the truck bed or shipping containers. If the tarp prevents even a single accident, then the business could unknowingly save thousands of dollars in court costs, increased insurance premiums and compensation to victims in lawsuits.
On top of being able to save money on costly lawsuits, it also feels good to know that the trucking business is doing everything it can to protect the public’s safety. After all, being able to demonstrate care for others on public roads is part of every transportation company's responsibility to the communities they visit. Plus, the peace of mind alone is worth the small additional cost and time involved with using high-quality tarps to secure loose objects in a load.
Cultivate a Positive Reputation
Many people take note of trucks that create hazardous conditions. Fortunately, transportation professionals don’t have to worry about their truck’s picture ending up on negative social media posts. Since one never knows who might be ready to snap a picture of the cargo going flying, it’s best to prevent the issue from occurring.
Putting a tarp over every load means that no one will catch an embarrassing snapshot of a driver flying down the freeway while dropping large amounts of cargo. Instead, transportation crews can rest assured that everyone appreciates the care their company puts into securing loose cargo before the trucks begin driving to their destinations.
Increase Fuel Efficiency
Tarps help to create a smooth, uniform surface over the top of loads. Unsecured loads have an uneven shape that can constantly change in response to the wind flying over the top of the truck. Creating a smoother surface improves the aerodynamics of the transport vehicle, which impacts the fuel efficiency. Tarps often bring in a higher ROI due to increased fuel savings that can add up with every mile drivers complete.
Final Thoughts
As transportation companies explore the benefits of tarps for their shipping needs, they'll also want to consider the different types that are available. Choosing a durable tarp with weather-resistant qualities helps companies achieve the maximum benefits.
Transportation team members also want to keep in mind that the tarps should be easy for loaders and drivers to use to ensure that they go over the cargo every time. Taking the time to do one's due diligence and select the right tarps for covering cargo is worth it when transportation companies see more loads arriving at their destination in top condition.
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How We Make Tarps
Designing and Making The Tarp
The first step in making a tarp is designing the layout and dimensions of the tarp. This process begins with determining the required size, shape, and features of the tarp based on its intended use. Designers use specialized computer-aided design (CAD) software to create a digital blueprint, incorporating the necessary reinforcements, grommet placements, and any additional features required for the specific application.
Material Selection:
Choosing the appropriate material is crucial to the performance and durability of the tarp. Common materials include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), vinyl, canvas, or a combination of these. Factors such as weather resistance, tear strength, UV protection, and weight are taken into consideration during material selection.
Cutting:
Once the design is finalized and the materials are chosen, the cutting process begins. Large rolls or sheets of the selected fabric are spread out on a cutting table. Automated cutting machines or precision tools, such as computer-controlled cutters, are used to accurately cut the material according to the CAD design. This step ensures consistent and accurate dimensions for each tarp.
Heat Sealing:
Heat sealing is employed to join different panels of the tarp together. It is particularly crucial in creating waterproof seams. In this process, the edges of the fabric are overlapped, and heat is applied using specialized heat-sealing equipment. The heat melts the material, fusing the overlapping sections, and creating a strong, waterproof bond. This technique is especially common in tarps made from PVC or vinyl materials.
Sewing:
In cases where heat sealing is not sufficient, or when additional reinforcements are required, sewing comes into play. Industrial sewing machines with heavy-duty threads are used to stitch various sections of the tarp together. For instance, hems and borders may require sewing to add strength and prevent fraying. Additionally, attachment points for grommets and other fasteners are often reinforced with multiple stitches to withstand tension and stress.
Grommet Installation:
Grommets are small, metal or plastic rings inserted into the tarp at specific points to create attachment points for ropes, bungee cords, or other fasteners. After the sewing process, the tarp is fitted with grommets using specialized grommet machines. These grommets enhance the versatility and ease of use of the tarp, allowing for secure and adjustable fastening.
Choosing The Right Tarp Fabric
Nylon Tarp Fabric
Nylon tarp fabrics are lightweight, strong, and highly versatile. They are known for their excellent tensile strength and resistance to abrasion. Nylon tarps are commonly used in construction, agriculture, transportation, and industrial settings, where they endure challenging weather conditions and heavy-duty usage. The majority of Brumleve’s tarps are manufactured from U.S.A made Nylon.
Polyester Tarp Fabric
Polyester tarp fabrics are known for their exceptional durability, UV resistance, and color retention. They have a higher melting point compared to nylon, making them suitable for applications that involve high heat exposure.
Tarp Fabric Weights
Tarp fabric weight is an important consideration as it directly relates to the material's thickness, durability, and tear resistance. Here are some common tarp fabric weights and their applications:
18 oz Tarp Fabric
This weight is considered heavy-duty and is ideal for demanding applications requiring increased strength and tear resistance. 18 oz tarps are commonly used in industrial and commercial settings for covering machinery, equipment, and construction materials, as well as for trucking and transportation purposes.
22 oz Tarp Fabric
Slightly heavier than the 18 oz variant, 22 oz tarps provide even more durability and protection. These tarps are suitable for applications where extreme weather conditions, prolonged use, or exposure to harsh environments are expected. 22 oz tarps are also commonly used in industrial and commercial settings for covering machinery, equipment, and construction materials, as well as for trucking and transportation purposes. Most of the tarps Brumleve’s make use strong and durable 22 oz nylon. Giving the customer peace of mind knowing that if they order a tarp from Brumleve’s it was made to last.
40 oz Tarp Fabric
A heavyweight option, 40 oz tarps are designed for the most rugged and demanding tasks. They are commonly used in heavy construction, industrial sectors, and for long-term outdoor storage of large equipment, providing superior protection against extreme weather and wear.
Duck Cloth Material
Duck cloth, also known as duck canvas, is a strong, durable, and tightly woven cotton fabric. It gets its name from the Dutch word "doek," which means cloth. Duck cloth is available in various weights, with the most common being 10 oz, 12 oz, and 14 oz. The higher the ounce value, the thicker and more robust the fabric.
- Joseph Flach
