¹ú²úÂ鶹

By selecting the right tarp system, waste haulers can boost productivity, enhance driver safety, and stay compliant with regulations, all while keeping their loads secure.
By Rick Cerda

In the waste industry, efficiency, safety, and compliance are top priorities. Haulers need reliable tarp systems that can handle everything from lightweight refuse and recycling to demolition debris while protecting loads, reducing downtime, and ensuring compliance with DOT regulations. With a variety of trailer configurations and load types, finding the right tarping solution is crucial to keeping operations running smoothly.

Whether a fleet needs a fully automatic solution for speed and convenience, a heavy-duty system for rugged loads, or a low-profile design for tight spaces, there is a tarp system built to match. From electric and hydraulic gantry tarps to side-to-side covers and severe-duty options, these solutions help waste haulers maximize efficiency, improve driver safety, and keep loads secure on the road.

Waste haulers choose tarp systems based on their specific truck configurations, operational demands, regulatory compliance, and the type of waste they haul. These systems are engineered to enhance safety, efficiency, and compliance in waste transport operations.​ Let’s take an in-depth look at how to choose the right tarp system for your waste hauling trucks.

Stationary Gantry Tarp System
For smaller Class 3 and 4 trucks, such as light-duty roll-off or service trucks or space-limited applications, a stationary gantry tarp system is ideal. A compact design allows for easy installation without interfering with the hoist operation. In addition, the 4-inch cab-to-hoist clearance ensures a secure fit without modifying the truck. It is ideal for urban waste collection, small-scale hauling, or landscaping debris where a low-profile tarp system is needed.

Single Stage Gantry Tarp System
These systems are best for medium-duty roll-off trucks hauling construction debris, municipal waste, or bulk materials. For fleets prioritizing automation and driver efficiency, electric over hydraulic gantry systems are the best choice.

The 48-inch standing frame with 36-inch extension provides ample coverage for taller loads. An electric rather than hydraulic power pack makes it easy for drivers to operate, reducing manual labor. Its powder-coated frame adds durability for long-term heavy use in rough environments. It is ideal for waste management companies handling standard roll-off containers.

Two Stage Gantry Tarp System
For large roll-off trucks hauling high-volume and oversized waste loads, a two-stage gantry system offers maximum extension. And just like the single stage gantry tarp system, the two-stage is for fleets prioritizing automation and driver efficiency; electric over hydraulic gantry systems are the best choice.

Look for a height that can be extended (64″ base, 88″ extension) to provide full coverage for large, irregular, or high-profile loads. Its electric operation offers convenience and reduces strain on drivers. Since it is designed for industrial waste, construction debris, and large-scale municipal waste collection, it is ideal for fleets handling varied waste loads that often exceed standard container height.

Belt and Ratchet System
For those hauling light but bulky materials like wood chips and trash or the budget-conscious fleets, a belt and ratchet system provides a cost-effective manual option. It is a durable alternative that is simple with reliable manual operation with no electrical or hydraulic components. The durable construction withstands tough environments and frequent use. It is ideal for containers or open-top van companies.

Solid Waste Automatic Tarp System
For high-volume waste haulers who need a fast, fully automatic solution for roll-off containers for maximum efficiency and full automation, solid waste automatic tarp systems are ideal. Fully automatic operation eliminates manual labor and reduces driver fatigue. An adjustable design allows for less wear and tear on the components and the tarp, improving uptime and lowering operational costs, while its low-profile arms prevent damage from wide containers, reducing maintenance costs. It is the ideal choice for large, municipal waste, construction debris, and industrial waste haulers who prioritize efficiency, safety, and reduced downtime.

Semi-Automatic Tarp System
These are for fleets needing a semi-automatic system for various container sizes (15 to 40 cubic yards) with a balance of automation and affordability. The semi-automatic operation provides a balance between manual control and automation, making it a cost-effective solution. A 12-to-15-foot gantry height ensures full container coverage, even for tall or uneven loads. The system’s compact design tucks behind the cab, reducing wind resistance and potential damage.

This works well for roll-off containers in construction, demolition, and scrap industries where load heights can vary. It is ideal for haulers that need versatility, durability, and an affordable semi-automated solution for roll-off containers.

Watertight Tarp System
For roll-off haulers needing a watertight tarping system for full compliance with environmental and DOT regulations, these systems also offer increased productivity and less downtime. By being manually operated, it is a cost-effective alternative to fully automated systems. For instance, a crank arm allows for easy storage of the crank on the container in both the covered and uncovered position. The removable bows provide a durable, arched design that keeps water and debris from pooling on the tarp.  Removing the bows allows for quick and easy loading of the container without damage.

It is designed for strict tarping laws, making it ideal for municipal waste, contaminated materials, and regulated waste loads. It is for waste haulers who need a reliable, watertight, and regulation-compliant tarping system without the higher cost of full automation.

Severe Duty Systems
For waste haulers operating in extreme environments with heavy, abrasive, or high-impact loads, these systems are built for rugged conditions with robust components, meaning fewer breakdowns, keeping haulers on the road longer and making it ideal for harsh waste, demolition debris, and scrap metal hauling. These durable systems can withstand frequent use, heavy vibrations, and high impact loads better than standard tarp systems.

Because these systems provide reliable coverage for high side and dump trailers, reducing the risk of spills, flying debris, and regulatory fines, they are ideal for demolition and construction waste haulers moving concrete, rebar, and heavy debris. And they are ideal for scrap metal transporters who need a system that resists bending and wear, or municipal or industrial waste haulers handling heavy or abrasive materials.

Waste trailer haulers choose tarp systems based on load type, trailer configuration, efficiency needs, and operational challenges. Here is why they would opt for each of these trailer tarp systems.

Chip and Refuse Trailer Tarping System
For haulers transporting wood chips, refuse, and other high-volume materials in trailers with tight clearance, these are designed for tall, lightweight loads, ensuring full coverage without damaging the tarp or interfering with the load. A low-profile electric motor is perfect for trailers with limited space between the tractor and trailer, preventing clearance issues. The unique arm design accommodates various trailer configurations, providing a secure and consistent fit. It is ideal for chip haulers, refuse fleets, and bulk material transporters needing an efficient, low-clearance solution for covering tall loads.

Lid Style System
For haulers looking for a system that makes it easy to access the full top of an open-top trailer, these are typically fully automatic, quick-operating side-lid systems. Look for a cover that is lightweight and takes less than 20 seconds to open, which maximizes efficiency and turnaround time. The modular design can be mounted on either side of the trailer, offering flexibility for different fleet setups. The system is available in electric or hydraulic, allowing fleets to choose power options that best fit their equipment and operations. It is ideal for waste haulers transporting bulk waste or scrap metal, and fleets needing a fast, automated tarping solution to reduce manual labor and improve efficiency.

Tarp System for Tight Spaces
These are for open-top transfer trailers up to 102″ wide and 53′ long that have narrow loading spaces or where full containment is critical. Lids rest flush on trailer sides when opened, allowing loading in narrow spaces, while they overlap when closed to properly seal the load and eliminate blowout. A strong, hydraulic-powered tarp system and gantry and tarp roller ensures secure, automated tarping with minimal driver effort. The system uses trailer hydraulics, reducing the need for extra power sources, making it cost-effective and easy to maintain. It is ideal for large waste haulers using tippers, moving floor refuse trailers and long-haul waste transport where full containment is critical.

Streamline Operations
Choosing the right tarp system is essential for waste haulers looking to improve efficiency, safety, and compliance while reducing downtime and maintenance costs. Whether a fleet needs full automation for speed, a low-profile solution for tight clearances, or a heavy-duty system for rugged applications, there is a tarp system designed to meet those demands.

By selecting the right tarp system, waste haulers can boost productivity, enhance driver safety, and stay compliant with regulations, all while keeping their loads secure. No matter the fleet size or hauling needs, there is a solution to streamline operations and keep waste moving efficiently. | WA

Rick Cerda is Director of Sales Territories, Agriculture, Construction, Waste and Recycling, for Shur-Co®. He brings more than 25 years of transportation industry experience with a strong focus on tarp and automated covering systems serving the Agriculture, Construction, and Waste sectors. Fluent in Spanish and proficient in sales analytics, Enrique combines deep technical expertise with a customer-first mindset to deliver tailored solutions and drive results. For more information, visit .