Hauling Industry News
Tarping Regulations: A State-by-State Guide for Haul Businesses
Truck drivers and hauling companies need to be mindful of the tarping regulations in the states, which regulate how dump trucks should transport loads.
These tarp rules and regulations are in place to control, monitor and regulate the safe, secure and sustainable operations of dump trucks.
For example, some state laws demand tarps to move certain materials, whereas some laws prevent environmental damages caused by dump trucks.
Here, we explore the challenges of navigating different tarp regulations state by state, with some exceptions and additional federal regulations to adhere to.
Understanding Tarping Regulations
Enhancing Safety and Efficiency
Tarping regulations are enforced by the state or federal government to ensure the safety and security of the cargo or construction load.
Not only do quality truck tarps secure construction materials such as sand, stones or asphalt from falling down the truck or moving from its place, but they also help in road safety.
Tarps keep hazardous materials or waste materials off the road by keeping them secure on the back of the truck.
Reasons Why Dump Truck Tarping Is Important
Here are some reasons why dump truck tarping is essential:
Helps In Road Safety
Loose materials that are used for construction or other similar purposes, such as gravel, sand, mud, stones, asphalt, etc, can fall from the back of the dump truck if there is no tarping.
The small pieces of such materials with high-speed dump trucks on highways can hurl so fast that they have enough force to break a windshield.
The dust particles from dump trucks can also block the vision of motorcycles, scooters, and electric bicycles on the road, leading to accidents.
Read More: How Truck Tarp Systems Contribute To Road Safety
Protect Road Surface
Construction or any loose materials, such as stones, debris, and more, can fall down the road or hit things on the way, causing damage. Therefore, a tarp helps protect the road damage and prevents potential hazards.
Better For Environment
Dump trucks often carry commercial waste from various industrial infrastructures and facilities. If these wastes are not protected from falling over the truck, they can cause damage to the environment, including the plants and animals inhabiting it.
States with No Dump Truck Tarping Laws
Even though the safety regulations regarding tarping are valid, some states still do not need or demand trucks to follow such tarping laws.
Here are those states with no dump truck tarping regulations:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Delaware
- Indiana
- Illinois
- Louisiana
- New Jersey
- Maine
- Oregan
- Wyoming
- Wisconsin
There are indeed no regulations that require drivers to tarp in these listed states, but dump truck drivers still need to ensure that whatever construction material they are carrying does not fall from the truck.
Here are some regulations that one needs to be mindful of with the transportation of loose materials in the States:
- Arkansas: Drivers must cover the rock, gravel, sand, and asphalt during the transportation.
- Maine: Dump truck drivers need to ensure that there will be no load falls; otherwise, they have to pay a fine of up to $500. This rule only applies to materials such as firewood, cornstalks, and logs. There is no mention of waste material in this rule.
- Wyoming: This state needs its drivers to secure its loads from falling and spilling, but they do not have to face any penalty for violation.
- Delaware: Drivers must be responsible for their loose materials otherwise, they have to pay a fine of up to $100 for failure to do so.
- Connecticut & New Hampshire: Drivers are not required to put a tarp on their truck’s back as long as they are driving cautiously without falling the construction materials ou .
Learn more about state laws for tarping regulations!
Federal Regulation For Cargo Securement
Irrespective of whether there is a state law for managing cargo securement, the federal government always enforces a federal regulation.
Any commercial truck driver must follow the rules and regulations of FMCSA that trump any state regulation or law. So, you also need to check dump truck tarping laws on the federal level.
Here are some suggestions where even if variables in state laws, including exceptions, become challenging for you to apprehend, you can still sort yourself on the federal level that is above all of them.
Must Be Using Quality Equipment
Federal law requires you to always use high-quality industry standards, durable tarps, and securement systems for your dump trucks. This equipment must always be checked, regulated, and maintained periodically to ensure it functions properly.
Adhere To Federal Standards
It is essential for dump truck drivers and companies to adhere to federal regulations. It must be aligned with baseline compliances needed across various states.
However, it is still necessary to be aware and comply with the laws and regulations specific to the states where the truck goes through, especially in those states where state regulations are stricter than federal rules.
Regular Training
Federal regulation for tarping also requires truck drivers to get training to understand the regulations of the states in which they operate. It is the companies’ responsibility to ensure the training of their drivers.
Monitoring Changes In Regulation
Tarp or dump truck rules and regulations change over time, and new ones are introduced on the state and federal levels. It is essential for your drivers to be introduced to these new regulatory changes.
Invest In State Regulations Approved Quality Tarps
One of the key regulations that every truck driver or company should abide by is tarp quality standards for dump trucks. At Pulltarps, we offer only industry standards and a highly durable variety of tarps ideal for dump trucks.
Contact us or Call us at +1-877-425-2565 for any queries or product-related questions.