A tarp is necessary in many instances for securing freight on a trailer. Think safety when fastening a tarp on a flatbed truck or step-deck truck. Flatbed truck tarp safety requires special care. Otherwise, you risk serious injury, not to mention improperly fastened freight that can come loose during transport. We’ll explain what to do when working with tarps to secure cargo.

How to Fasten a Tarp on a Flatbed in North America

1. Wear Safety Gear

• hard hat
• safety goggles
• work gloves
• long pants
• steel-toed work boots

2. Use a Forklift

Tarps are heavier than they look; the average tarp weighs in at around 80 pounds. Instead of trying to get the tarp on the bed of the trailer by hand, work smarter not harder. Use a forklift.

3. Use the Right Tarp

Tarps are meant to be reused. With that in mind, we recommend heavy vinyl tarps, which can withstand rain and ultraviolet radiation. These are more durable compared to tarps made from canvas or polyethylene. Assess your cargo when choosing a tarp as well. Tarps are made specifically for lumber, steel and smoke–to protect freight from exhaust.

4. Unroll the Tarp the Right Way

Tarps should be unrolled facing forwards and never backwards. When securing the tarp over the top of the load, be sure to stay within the load’s center line.

Need Outbound Shipping Via Certified Broker to Fasten a Tarp on a Flatbed Truck in North America?

You may not need a tarp at all if your freight is being transported via LTL or another truck with an enclosed bed. Contact Machine Transport for help determining what kind of carrier or line-haul shipper is required. Contact us today for a quote or to discuss your specific project.

Freight Brokers Serving Businesses That Need to Fasten a Tarp on a Flatbed Truck in North America

Serving the manufacturing industry in the U.S., Canada and Mexico

Posted on May 20, 2026 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

If you rely on your own team to prep your machine tools for dedicated truck or trailer transportation, safety is absolutely critical. Here are essential industrial rigging safety guidelines for you to pass down to your rigging team.

Industrial Rigging Safety Tips

Essential Knowledge

1. What is the capacity load of the crane or rigging gear? Overload can damage the crane, causing it to collapse.

2. Ongoing and periodic Inspection of rigging gear is crucial. Look for bent or sprung hooks, broken strands, frayed slings, and overstretched links.

3. Minimal wear is too much wear; replace all defective gear.

4. Designate trained staff only for rigging duties.  Don’t risk the safety of the team if you’re short on proper personnel.

Techniques for Secure and Safe Load Lifting

1. A level lift keeps a suspended load centered. Be sure the hoist hook is in the center of gravity to keep the load at the center of gravity. Avoid an unbalanced load to avoid unequal stress on the sling.

2. Identify the sling’s rated lifting capacity. Capacity will vary on the type of material of the sling and hitch. Steel chains, wire ropes, and synthetic web slings may offer a higher capacity.

3. Determine the maximum angle between the sling legs and the horizontal point of the load.  A small angle greatly diminishes the load capacity and puts excessive stress on the sling legs. Equal weight distribution among the legs is essential.

Help With Industrial Rigging Safety Guidelines in the U.S.

When your freight is properly and securely loaded, you are ready to contact Machine Transport to arrange for carrier transport.  Follow these industrial rigging safety guidelines to ensure employee safety and prevent costly equipment damage and on-site injuries.

Industrial Rigging Safety Guidelines for U.S. Transport

Serving the manufacturing industry in the U.S., Canada and Mexico

Posted on April 20, 2026 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

A carrier’s job is to transport freight; prepping the freight for safe shipment is your job. If it becomes the carrier’s job due to poor preparation, expect surplus charges. Whether you’re arranging for an LTL or dedicated truck transport, correct pallet prep is key to keeping cargo intact throughout its shipping journey. We’ll go over the steps to palletize your freight for shipping.

Pallet Preparation 101: Fortify Individual Boxes

Make sure each box is packed well before loading it onto the pallet. Boxes should be full, without air spaces and and distributed. The box’s contents can get crushed and damaged if there is air inside, and shifting can occur if weight isn’t distributed evenly. Use packing material, such as Styrofoam peanuts or air pillows, to fill any voids.

Stack Boxes Evenly

Stack boxes together on the pallet, distributing the weight as evenly as possible. Place heavier boxes at the bottom, and stagger the boxes to boost stability. Stacking the packages incorrectly or failing to secure them to the pallet can cause damage to the cargo.

Don’t Be Conservative with the Shrink Wrap

Use high-quality shrink wrap, securing the pallet three to five times to keep packages from coming loose. Start at the bottom and work your way up, but only partly wrap the top. This ensures that your cargo won’t separate from the pallet while keeping it accessible to forklifts. Secure your packages even further by strapping the load to the pallet.

Ready to Transport Your Freight With Excellent Pallet Prep in the U.S.?

Once your freight is ready, give Machine Transport a call to arrange for a carrier or line haul shipper to haul your goods. Do your pallet prep the right way. It not only saves time, it ensures your freight remains safe during its lengthy transportation. Contact us today for more information.

Excellent Pallet Prep Tips for Manufacturers and Suppliers in the U.S.

Professional Machine Tool Transportation Serving the U.S., Canada & Mexico

Posted on March 20, 2026 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business