In the trucking world, time and money are one and the same. Efficiency is the name of the game and saving a few minutes here and there can add up over time. One way you can save yourself time, money, and effort is to invest in a truck tarp system, an essential machine that lays a tarp over your truck’s load.
No more manual tarping and unsafely climbing on the truck and it’s load. With just the use of a radio remote in on some systems, your load is secured and ready to be transported.
What’s more efficient than that?
How Truck Tarp Systems Enhance Operational Efficiency
The benefits of using tarp systems are second to none when it comes to operational efficiency and ease of use. The hydraulic Double Cover requires no manual input at all and just takes the pull of a lever on a hydraulic valve bank. The UnderCover model requires just the use of a radio remote before hooking the tarp onto the back of the bin.
Tarp systems also reduce the cost of labour time and save on manual effort. You no longer need to call a few people over to help wrangle the tarp on or off the load. Now, with automation, the tarp can be applied by only one person, leading to an improvement in reliability and logistics, increasing fleet productivity through less downtime.
What Types of Tarp Systems are Available?
West-Trans offers three different types of tarp systems, each one coming with its own specialised use. Whatever your trucking needs, there will be a tarp system solution for your vehicle.
Double Cover
The double cover tarping system is an easy-to-use roll-over system designed for bulk steel trailers, working best with walking floors or tipping trailers. While the double cover does come in both manual and hydraulic models, the hydraulic system will save you additional time and effort.
HyCover
The HyCover is a pneumatically operated tarp tower that can be fixed to a rig behind your truck’s cab. The HyCover is what you want when dealing with dog trailers, hook lifts, and skip loaders. Using the HyCover is simple, and the flexibility of the HyCover’s range of coverage means it’s a strong investment in your fleet.
UnderCover
The West-Trans UnderCover is the perfect system for a range of hook lift sizes. The innovation of the UnderCover system lies in its retractable swing-over arms, providing complete securement of the load before, during and after transportation, all while staying within legal width. Hydraulically powered and lightweight, the UnderCover system provides convenience and efficient performance where you need it most.
Cost Savings Through Tarp System Integration
The modern generation of West-TransCover tarp systems come with several benefits that make them an unmistakable lead in the market. Improved construction and components mean fewer maintenance-related costs for your vehicles.
Additionally, we cannot overstate the long-term ROI of automated tarping systems. Think of how much time and how many personnel it takes to secure a tarp over a truck bed. Now add other factors like rough weather conditions like pouring rain, risk of personnel injury (especially getting a hand caught), and the risk of spillage. The speed with which tarping systems can securely cover their load is also important, especially when protecting it from the elements.
Improving Safety and Compliance with Tarp Systems
Tarping systems prevent accidents and injuries by sharply reducing risk. There’s simply no longer a need to manually tie or secure a load, meaning no one has to climb up onto the bed, no one risks injuring themselves on ties or fastenings, and the payload is covered without needing to coordinate additional personnel.
All West-TransCover tarp systems meet national safety and tarping regulations and each design is rigorously tested for safety and compliance. Using a tarp system also minimises your legal liabilities as a business, as it is one less potentially dangerous job for personnel to do themselves. This too can save on costs in the long run.
While tarp systems are fantastic for keeping staff safe, they also have a positive impact on load security and protection, especially during harsh weather.
Key Features of Modern Tarp Systems
West-Trans is proud to be at the forefront of innovations in tarping technology, and we continually aim to be at the forefront of any changes in the industry. With both automatic and semi-automatic tarp system options and a wide range of sizes, there is a solution for every truck in your fleet.
Our tarp systems are built at Transcover in England, but designed for the harshness of Australian conditions none the less, with extensive research going into the most durable materials and weatherproof designs.
We also prioritise user-friendly features for truck drivers. For example, by integrating wireless receivers into our products, you can activate the tarp to cover or uncover the load with just a press of a button, even from inside the air-conditioned comfort of the cab.
Choosing the Right Truck Tarp System for Your Fleet
So, you know you need to invest in an automated tarp system for your fleet, but which one(s) do you pick? Well, that depends on the needs of your crew, what kind of bed or bin you’ll be hauling, and the type of cargo you’ll be carrying.
If you’re a skip bin company, for example, the HyCover is your best friend, while for larger hook lift trucks, you might opt for the efficient UnderCover system instead.
Consider your maintenance and durability requirements also. Do you need the toughest of the tough? Do you need something that handles rain, hail, and shine? How big does it need to be and what kind of payload will you be transporting? All of these questions can impact which West-TransCover tarp system is right for you.
If you’re still unsure, consider giving our friendly team a quick call to discuss your company’s needs. We’ve been in the business for over 25 years and can give you the most up-to-date recommendations based on your industry’s needs.
Shop Tarping Systems Today
Tarping systems are a cornerstone of operational efficiency in the trucking industry. Their automation makes them safer and more efficient than traditional methods, saving you on long-term running costs and providing a better working environment for your staff.
Call the expert team at West-Trans today to discuss everything you need to know to fit out your truck fleet with the very best in modern truck tarp systems.