Step Deck tarps

I think 3 20x24 machine tarps would be sufficent (with D rings going all 4 ways) and I carry 3/8x20' chains. I took 3 of the 20' chains and cut them in half, so now I have 6-10' chains, which are great for wheeled machinery.

 

How are you going to tarp a stepdeck load with 8 foot drops???
I run 10' drops because I pull a step. If I pulled a flat, I'd run 8 footers.
You are much better tarping the top deck seperately in my opinion. I have a 24x16 with a flap for that, and two 20x28 with a flap for the bottom.

 

How heavy is a 10 foot tarp? For something tall I turn mine sideways
and avoid long tall pieces.

 

If he turned the tarps he's talking about, he'd lose 2' per side as they'd be 6' drops then. Weight is about 100 lbs. You should see the looks I get when i throw one on my shoulder and run up my ladder 10 foot. That's usually about the time I've given up on the shipper being helpful

 

You'd be smart to keep 8' drops and then keep a set of nose tarps only. Our loads we typically move only require nose tarps, but on occasion...they do require an 8' drop. That way if it is just a nose tarp, you can quickly sling 4'ers and go. I have no clue on the chains. Good luck on getting on board. Once you do, get ahold of me.

 

Do like Serguei D; if you find a load that needs a tarp ask the agent for an advance to buy a tarp!

 

Unless you have a regular customer that pays well for tarping large items, I would stick with 2 tarps with 4' drops (16 x 26) and a smaller half tarp. I would agree about tarping the front deck separately. If you haul a lot of steel, I would suggest a canvas tarp for an extra moisture barrier.

My opinion is that it is difficult to charge enough for a large tarp job. Padding and tarping a 10' tall piece of equipment is going to take 2-4 hours. In addition, you will have a lot of exposure to injury. Lifting heavy tarps is good for hurting ones back. Then there is the possibility for falling while trying to tarp from 13+ feet in the air. Try backing $300-500 out of the rate and see if the rate still looks good.

 

Yeah!

Now there's a guy with great busines acumen!