Tarps are everywhere—on construction sites, in trucks, over gardens, and even in sports arenas. But if you’ve ever asked yourself “what is tarp used for?” you’re not alone. While tarps may seem simple, their applications are vast and critical across industries. From protecting cargo during transportation to covering crops in agriculture, tarps serve a wide range of practical purposes.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how different types of tarps are used, break down tarp categories by material and application, and focus specifically on the importance of the truck tarp in logistics and freight. Whether you’re in construction, agriculture, industrial manufacturing, or just a homeowner protecting outdoor furniture, understanding tarps and their capabilities can help you choose the right one for your needs.
This article is designed to align with real-world search queries and user intent. We’ll also reference products from Bollison’s extensive tarp collection to highlight practical options available on the market today.
Tarps, short for tarpaulins, are large sheets of strong, flexible, and water-resistant or waterproof material. They are often made from canvas, polyester coated with polyurethane, polyethylene, or PVC. The primary function of tarps is to offer protection—either to shield items from the elements or to create temporary barriers.
One of the most common and essential uses is the truck tarp, which plays a vital role in transportation by securing and protecting cargo on flatbeds, dump trucks, and trailers.
But tarps go far beyond just trucking. They're used in farming, construction, sports, disaster relief, and even home improvement. Let’s break it down by material and application to get a clearer picture.
Not all tarps are built the same. Depending on your use case, the material of the tarp can affect its performance, durability, and suitability. Here's a breakdown of the top tarp materials and what they're best used for.
| Tarp Material | Key Features | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| PVC Tarps | Waterproof, UV-resistant, tear-resistant | Truck tarps, industrial tarps, custom tarps |
| Canvas Tarps | Breathable, durable, wax-coated for water resistance | Construction tarps, painting, temporary roofing |
| Poly Tarps | Lightweight, waterproof, cost-effective | Agricultural tarps, backyard use, short-term covers |
| Mesh Tarps | Allows airflow, blocks sunlight, UV-resistant | Sports tarps, shade nets, truck loads with debris |
| Clear Tarps | Transparent, waterproof, UV-resistant | Greenhouses, temporary enclosures, visual protection |
By categorizing tarps by material, you can better match the right tarp to your needs. For example, PVC tarps are ideal for long-haul cargo because of their strength and waterproofing, while mesh tarps are better suited for shade and ventilation.
Bollison offers all these materials in their tarps by material section, giving users a wide range of choices tailored for specific use cases.
To truly understand what tarps are used for, we need to look at how different industries rely on them. Below is a breakdown of common tarp types based on their real-world applications.
One of the most important uses of tarps is in transportation. A truck tarp protects goods from rain, wind, sun, and road debris. These tarps are typically made from heavy-duty PVC and are custom-fitted for various truck types, including:
Flatbed trailers
Dump trucks
Grain haulers
Open-bed trucks
Transport tarps are essential for logistics companies and play a major role in preventing cargo loss and damage. Bollison’s PVC truck tarps are designed for durability and can be customized to suit specific load types and trailer dimensions.
On construction sites, tarps are used to shelter materials, create barriers, or protect unfinished structures from the elements. Common uses include:
Covering scaffolding or roofs
Shielding machinery
Acting as temporary walls or enclosures
Canvas tarps are often preferred here due to their breathability and rugged build. Bollison’s construction tarps are designed to handle dust, moisture, and rough handling.
Factories and warehouses use tarps for a variety of reasons:
Machinery covers
Floor protection
Temporary dividers in large spaces
Industrial tarps are usually made from reinforced PVC or poly to withstand chemicals, abrasion, and heavy use.
In agriculture, tarps help farmers manage and protect their crops, soil, and equipment. Some typical agricultural tarp uses include:
Covering hay bales
Protecting irrigation systems
Creating temporary shelter for livestock
Soil solarization and weed control
Poly tarps and mesh tarps are commonly used in this sector thanks to their lightweight and UV-resistance.
Water treatment facilities use custom tarps for:
Covering water tanks
Preventing algae growth
Containing runoff
These tarps are often custom-made with specific resistance to chemicals and UV exposure.
In sports, tarps are used to cover fields, courts, or equipment. Examples include:
Baseball field rain covers
Tennis court protection sheets
Gym floor covers
Mesh tarps and clear tarps are often used depending on ventilation and visibility requirements.
Not all tarp needs fit into neat categories. Bollison also offers custom tarps tailored to specific dimensions, shapes, or application types. Custom truck tarps, for instance, are essential for unique cargo shapes or branding purposes.
Among all tarp applications, the truck tarp holds a special place. It’s a critical tool in the freight and transportation industries. These tarps are used to secure and shield cargo while in transit, especially for flatbed trucks that lack built-in enclosures.
Truck tarps protect against:
Rain and snow
Heavy winds
UV damage
Flying debris
Theft (by covering high-value cargo)
Types of truck tarps include:
| Truck Tarp Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Lumber Tarps | Covering stacked lumber loads |
| Steel Tarps | Covering coils, sheets, and flat steel |
| Coil Tarps | Designed for round, low-profile loads |
| Machinery Tarps | Protecting equipment with irregular shapes |
| Roll Tarps | Used on grain trailers or dump trucks |
| Smoke Tarps | Placed at the front of a load to block soot or debris |
Bollison’s truck tarp options include custom sizing, reinforced edges, and waterproof materials designed to withstand long-term outdoor exposure.
Modern tarp manufacturing is increasingly focusing on sustainability, reusability, and customization. Some of the current trends include:
Recyclable and eco-friendly tarp materials
Lightweight yet durable fabrics for easier handling
UV-stabilized coatings for longer outdoor life
Tarp systems integrated with vehicles for automated coverage
Branded tarps with custom logos for commercial fleets
These innovations are particularly visible in the truck tarp market, where safety, durability, and branding all play a role in tarp design.
Choosing a high-quality tarp—especially in heavy-duty applications like trucking or construction—offers several advantages:
Extended product lifespan
Better weather resistance
Reduced cargo damage
Decreased replacement costs
Improved safety
Bollison’s tarps are made with industrial-grade materials and offer tailored solutions for businesses across industries.
With so many types of tarps on the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Here are a few factors to consider when selecting a tarp:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Material | Determines waterproofing, breathability, and durability |
| Thickness (mil) | Affects weight and tear resistance |
| Size | Needs to fully cover your cargo or area |
| Grommet Placement | Important for securing the tarp properly |
| UV Resistance | Essential for long-term outdoor use |
| Customization | Necessary for non-standard shapes or branding |
By aligning your tarp choice with these criteria, you’ll ensure it performs reliably in your intended application.
Q1: What is the main purpose of a tarp?
A1: The main purpose of a tarp is to protect items or areas from weather, dust, debris, and UV exposure. Tarps can also be used to secure cargo, divide spaces, or create temporary shelters.
Q2: What are truck tarps made of?
A2: Most truck tarps are made from heavy-duty PVC or vinyl-coated polyester. These materials are waterproof, UV-resistant, and strong enough to withstand wind and abrasion during transport.
Q3: Are canvas tarps waterproof?
A3: Canvas tarps are water-resistant but not fully waterproof unless treated with a wax or oil coating. They are breathable, making them ideal for applications where ventilation is important.
Q4: What is the difference between poly tarps and PVC tarps?
A4: Poly tarps are lightweight and cost-effective, often used for temporary applications. PVC tarps are thicker, more durable, and fully waterproof, making them better suited for industrial and transport use.
Q5: Can I get a custom tarp for my truck?
A5: Yes, many manufacturers like Bollison offer custom truck tarps tailored to your exact needs, including size, material, and reinforcement specifications.
Q6: What is the best tarp for agricultural use?
A6: Poly tarps and mesh tarps are commonly used in agriculture. Poly tarps protect against rain and sun, while mesh tarps allow airflow, which is beneficial for crops and livestock.
Q7: How long do tarps last?
A7: The lifespan of a tarp depends on the material and usage. Heavy-duty PVC tarps can last 5–10 years with proper care, while lightweight poly tarps may last one to two years in outdoor conditions.
Tarps are indispensable tools across a wide range of industries. From simple backyard covers to complex truck tarp systems, they provide essential protection and functionality. By understanding the materials, applications, and innovations in the tarp market, you can make better purchasing decisions and improve the efficiency of your operations.
Whether you're looking for heavy-duty truck tarps, breathable canvas tarps, or custom-made covers, Bollison offers a full suite of solutions designed to meet your specific needs. And as industries evolve, so do tarps—becoming smarter, stronger, and more sustainable with every new innovation.
