Hotshot Tarps: The Ultimate Guide for Small‑Scale Freight

Your expert guide to protecting time‑sensitive loads

Hotshot trucking uses smaller Class 3–5 vehicles pulling gooseneck trailers to deliver urgent freight. Because these loads ride on open decks, they are exposed to rain, wind and road debris. A properly sized tarp keeps your cargo dry, secures it against shifting and helps you meet Department of Transportation requirements. When choosing a hotshot tarp, think about the cargo you haul, the weight of the cover and how easy it is to deploy when you’re on your own.

Featured Hotshot Tarps

Explore Tarpman’s range of hotshot‑friendly tarps — from compact steel covers to lightweight lumber and wallboard options. Swipe through the cards to find the perfect fit for your small‑scale freight.

Hotshot Tarp Comparison

Use this comparison chart to identify the best cover for your cargo. Look at size, weight, construction and recommended use.

Tarp	Size & Drop	Weight	Construction & Features	Ideal For
Steel Tarp	12 × 25 ft with 2 ft drop	~41 lb	Single row of D‑rings; tough vinyl hem; compact size for shorter loads	Coils & dense machinery
Lumber Tarp (End of 3‑Pc Set)	24 × 20 ft with 8 ft drops	80 lb (62 lb without tail flap)	18 oz vinyl; three rows of D‑rings at 30”, 60” & 90”; modular orientation	Tall lumber stacks & full trailer coverage
Lightweight Lumber Tarp	24 × 26 ft with 8 ft drops	~75 lb	14 oz body with 10 oz drops; welded seams; three rows of D‑rings; tail flap	Lumber when you need a lighter tarp
Wallboard Tarp	20 × 26 ft with 6 ft drops	~59 lb	14 oz centre and 10 oz drops; two rows of D‑rings; tail flap; stenciling optional	Drywall, OSB & sheet goods

Why Hotshot Drivers Need a Good Tarp

Even short trips can damage lumber, steel or wallboard if they aren’t covered. Picking the right tarp size is critical: measure the length, width and height of your load and add 1–2 ft on each side so the tarp drapes fully over your cargo. A tarp that’s too small leaves freight exposed, while an oversized tarp can flap in the wind and become a hazard. Proper securement is just as important. Use ratchet straps and winch bars to tighten the tarp evenly across the load and check for sharp edges that could puncture the fabric. A well‑chosen tarp saves time, prevents damage and keeps you compliant with DOT regulations.

Types of Tarps for Hotshot Trailers

Hotshot drivers haul a variety of cargo, so tarps come in different shapes and weights. Here’s how our featured covers differ:

Steel Tarps

Steel loads are dense and often have sharp edges. A rugged steel tarp should be strong but not overly large. Tarpman’s 12 × 25 ft steel tarp has a single row of D‑rings and a strategic grommet hem so that even short loads can be tied down securely. The tarp’s 2‑ft drop makes it suitable for coils or compact machinery, and at around 41 lb it’s easy for one person to deploy.

Lumber Tarps

Lumber stacks are taller and wider than steel loads, so these tarps have wider dimensions and longer drops. Our 24 × 20 ft lumber tarp is part of a three‑piece set; each end tarp has an 8 ft drop and three rows of D‑rings at 30, 60 and 90 inches. The heavy 18‑oz vinyl fabric protects rough sawn boards from rain and debris. Because the tarp can be rotated 90 ° to form a 20 × 24 ft cover, it works well on hotshot trailers that need modular coverage. For those who want to reduce strain, the 24 × 26 ft lightweight lumber tarp offers the same 8 ft drop but uses 14‑oz vinyl on the main body and 10‑oz vinyl on the drops. At roughly 75 lb, it’s 36 lb lighter than a standard 18 oz tarp.

Wallboard Tarps

Wallboard, OSB and plywood sheets need coverage but not necessarily full 8 ft drops. The 20 × 26 ft lightweight wallboard tarp has 6 ft drops and uses two rows of D‑rings all around. The centre panel is 14 oz vinyl and the drops are 10 oz vinyl, resulting in a 59 lb tarp — about 27 lb lighter than Tarpman’s regular 18 oz wallboard tarps. A tail flap and stenciling options make this tarp versatile for hotshot drivers hauling drywall or gypsum board.

How to Choose the Right Hotshot Tarp

Follow these steps to select a tarp that keeps your freight secure without adding unnecessary weight:

• Measure your load carefully. Use a tape measure to determine the length, width and height of your cargo. Add 1–2 ft on each side to choose a tarp that fully covers the load. For example, a 14‑ft bed often needs a 7 × 16 ft tarp.
• Select the appropriate drop. Steel loads typically need a 2 ft drop; lumber loads often require 6–8 ft drops. Make sure the drop length matches the height of your cargo so the tarp reaches the deck.
• Consider weight and handling. Hotshot drivers often load and unload alone, so a lightweight tarp can save time and reduce fatigue. Lightweight tarps use 14‑oz or 10‑oz vinyl, while heavy‑duty tarps use 18 oz vinyl for maximum durability.
• Check D‑ring placement. Multiple rows of D‑rings allow you to tie down the tarp securely across varying load sizes. Steel tarps may have one row; lumber tarps often have three rows spaced evenly from the hem.
• Plan for securement and protection. Always use ratchet straps and winch bars to secure the tarp. For sharp loads, use edge protectors to prevent tears. A headache rack mounted behind the cab can also protect your truck from shifting cargo.

Cargo Control Essentials

To keep your tarp secure and your load protected, complement it with these must‑have accessories:

Maintenance and Care

A tarp is an investment that will last longer with proper care. Clean the tarp with mild soap and water and avoid harsh chemicals. Let it dry fully before rolling it up, and store it in a cool, dry place to prevent mold. If you notice a small tear, patch it promptly with a repair kit. For larger damage, Tarpman offers professional repair services in Charlotte.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hotshot Tarping

Aspect	Mistake	Solution
Size & Fit	Using a tarp that’s too small or too large	Measure your load and add 1–2 ft on each side for complete coverage
Securement	Not using proper cargo control tools	Use ratchet straps and winch bars to tighten the tarp evenly
Material Choice	Choosing a tarp that’s too heavy or not durable enough	Opt for lightweight 14/10 oz vinyl for easy handling or 18 oz vinyl for maximum durability
Edge Protection	Skipping edge protectors for sharp loads	Install edge protectors or cardboard corner guards to prevent tears
Cab Safety	Not using headache racks behind the cab	Install a headache rack to shield the cab from shifting loads

Local Hotshot Tarp Services

Based in Charlotte, NC, Tarpman is your one‑stop shop for hotshot tarps and cargo control equipment. Visit us at 2901 Stewart Creek Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28216 for tarp installation, custom stenciling and professional repairs. Can’t make it to the shop? Use the links above to order online and we’ll ship directly to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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📞 1‑800‑532‑TARP • Email james@tarpman.com • 2901 Stewart Creek Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28216