Flatbed operators already haul the load—literally. Adding tarping services transforms an empty return trip into billable work and strengthens relationships with shippers who need load protection. If you're running a flatbed operation, tarping is one of the fastest revenue adds available.
Why Tarping Matters in Flatbed Operations
Shippers don't just care about moving freight; they care about it arriving intact. Weather, road debris, and UV exposure damage exposed loads, triggering claims and lost customers. Flatbed operators who offer professional tarping position themselves as full-service providers, commanding premium rates and winning repeat business from logistics managers who prefer one-point accountability.
The tarping market is fragmented. Many shippers outsource to third-party covering services, which charges $150–$400 per load depending on size and complexity. That's revenue you're leaving on the table if you're already at the shipper's dock.
Revenue Potential and Pricing Strategy
A typical flatbed operation can charge $200–$500 for a professional tarping job, depending on:
- Load size and configuration – Standard 53-foot trailers run lower end; multi-piece or irregular loads push toward $400–$500
- Tarp type – Basic mesh tarps cost less to deploy than reinforced vinyl or heavy-duty chain-tie systems
- Regional market – Shippers in competitive urban areas may accept lower margins; industrial regions and specialty freight command higher rates
- Frequency contracts – Weekly or monthly tarping contracts with logistics companies lock in volume at $150–$250 per load
If you operate 5 loads per week at an average $250, that's $1,250/week or roughly $65,000 annually—on work you may already be positioned to do.
What You Need to Get Started
Equipment investment is modest. A basic flatbed tarping setup includes:
- Heavy-duty tarps (mesh or vinyl) in 50', 60', and 70' lengths – $400–$800 per tarp
- Bungee cords, ratchet straps, and edge protectors – $300–$500
- Tarp bags for storage on trailer – $200–$400
- Basic hand tools (knife, markers, measuring tape) – $100
Total startup: $1,000–$2,000. Most operators see ROI within the first 10 loads.
Training and certification, while not legally required, boost credibility. The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) and some freight brokers offer tarping best-practices courses. More importantly, your team needs hands-on practice—improper tarping causes load shifts, CSA violations, and shipper disputes.
Building the Service Into Your Operation
Start by auditing your current customer base. Contact logistics managers and shipper representatives who frequently book your flatbed capacity. Ask directly: "Do you currently use a tarping service? Would you consider using ours if we quoted it as part of load pickup?"
You'll likely find 30–50% of shippers use external tarping. Offering it in-house can reduce their freight costs by eliminating a separate vendor and consolidating billing.
Create a simple tarping intake form that captures:
- Load dimensions and weight distribution
- Commodity type (affects tarp selection—food requires sealed tarps; machinery may use mesh)
- Destination and weather exposure
- Any special handling (side curtains, partial cover, full wrap)
Position this as part of your dispatch process. When you quote a load, include tarping as an optional add-on or bundled rate.
Marketing and Lead Generation
Shippers and brokers actively search for operators offering tarping. Listing your services on Mercoly helps you get found by logistics professionals looking for full-service flatbed providers, win qualified leads, and showcase tarping as a sellable service.
Also:
- Update your website's service page explicitly mentioning tarping capabilities
- Include tarping photos in load portfolios (properly dressed loads build trust)
- Network with freight brokers who place your equipment—they'll recommend you for contracts requiring covered loads
Quality and Compliance Considerations
Tarps that shift or fail create liability. Invest in:
- Proper edge protection to prevent tarp abrasion
- Quality ratchet straps rated for highway speeds (minimum 1,500 lbs working load)
- Regular tarp inspection and replacement (worn tarps fail in wind)
- Driver training on load securement (FMCSA rules still apply)
Document every tarping job with photos. If a claim arises, clear evidence protects you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need insurance coverage specifically for tarping services? Most general liability policies cover tarping if it's incidental to freight hauling, but contact your broker to confirm—some carriers require a separate endorsement or waiver for load securement services.
Q: What's the difference between mesh and vinyl tarps, and when should I use each? Mesh tarps allow airflow and cost less ($400–$600), making them ideal for machinery and metals; vinyl tarps block weather and UV, costing more ($700–$1,000) but required for sensitive cargo like food, textiles, or electronics.
Q: How often do tarps need replacement? Heavy-use tarps last 2–3 years with proper storage and care; inspect seams and grommets quarterly and replace immediately if you spot tears larger than a few inches.
Start with one or two regular shippers, refine your process, then scale into a predictable revenue stream that turns empty return miles into billable work.