5 Reasons to Put a Tarp System on Your Farm Trucks
If you run your own fleet of open trucks transporting your produce and harvested grains from farm to buyer, then you need to put a custom-fitted tarp system on them. Although these systems come with initial installation costs, they provide a lot of benefits and a tarp can even save your farm money over time.
1. Travel Safety
An uncovered load is a dangerous load, especially for any vehicles traveling behind you. It is also illegal on many roads to even travel with an uncovered or unsecured load due to the risk to others on the road. Anything that bounces out of the truck can pose a major hazard to any vehicle behind you, and your farm can be responsible for any damage or injuries. Tarps prevent these safety concerns.
2. Loss Prevention
Losing produce during transport can greatly affect your bottom line. An uncovered load is more likely to bounce out or be blown out, depending on what the truck is carrying, while traveling down the highway. Furthermore, an open load is also susceptible to predation by birds and other pests. A tarp system protects your harvest from loss.
3. Weather Protection
If you aren't careful, rain and hail can damage a crop even after it is harvested and transported. Uncovered loads are at the mercy of the elements when under-transported or parked and waiting for unloading. Basic tarps may not provide sufficient protection as they may not fit very well. A custom-fitted tarp system has no gaps and covers your truck completely, protecting the harvest from damage.
4. Saves Time
Using a standard tarp is time-consuming when it comes to getting into place and tied down, as well as when removing it. Custom-fitted tarp systems can come with some level of automation that rolls them in and out of place quickly, thus saving time. You can opt for fully automated tarp systems that retract or roll into place at the push of a button, or there are simple hand-cranked models.
5. Reduce Costs
You may be able to lower insurance premiums on your farm delivery trucks when you install a custom tarp system. This is because you lower your liability for damages to others and for lost crops during transport. There may be specific requirements that the tarp must meet for insurance discounts, so consult with your provider before shopping for a tarp system.
Contact a tarp system dealer to find the right type of custom-fitted truck tarp for your needs and budget. Reach out to a company like Edwards Canvas Inc to learn more.