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Global Cargo Control

Lumber Tarps

Heavy-duty 18 oz and lightweight lumber tarps with 4, 6 and 8 ft drops, D-rings and tail flaps.

Showing 25–48 of 50 results

About Lumber Tarps

Lumber tarps are the workhorse of flatbed hauling: a large rectangular body with a long drop on each side and a tail flap that closes off the rear of the load. They are built for tall, square freight — lumber, drywall, roofing, palletized building materials and general freight. Most drivers run a pair of 24' × 27' tarps with an 8 ft drop to cover a full 48–53 ft trailer, while 16' × 27' (4 ft drop) and 20' × 27' (6 ft drop) sizes suit shorter stacks.

  • 4 ft, 6 ft and 8 ft drop options
  • Tail flap to seal the rear of the load
  • 18 oz heavy-duty vinyl or 14–15 oz lightweight fabric
  • 3 rows of D-rings, roughly every 2 ft, for strap points

How to choose lumber tarps

  1. Drop height. Pick a drop equal to your typical load height. 8 ft drop tarps cover tall loads and still fold up neatly on short ones.
  2. Weight vs durability. 18 oz vinyl lasts longest; 14 oz and combo (18/14 oz) tarps are noticeably easier to throw and fold.
  3. Color. Black absorbs heat and helps snow slide off; lighter colors stay cooler. Color has no effect on strength.

Lumber Tarps FAQ

How many lumber tarps do I need for a 48 ft flatbed?

Two 24' × 27' lumber tarps cover most 48 ft loads with overlap. For a 53 ft trailer with a full-length load, drivers often add a third tarp or use a 3-piece lumber tarp set.

What does the drop on a lumber tarp mean?

The drop is the height of the side panel that hangs from the top of the load down toward the deck. A 24' wide tarp with an 8 ft drop has an 8 ft top section and an 8 ft drop on each side.

What is a combination (18/14 oz) lumber tarp?

A combo tarp uses 18 oz vinyl on the top, where abrasion is highest, and lighter 14 oz vinyl on the sides, cutting weight while keeping a tough wear surface.

Do lumber tarps come with straps?

Usually not. Tarps are secured with rubber tarp straps or bungee cords hooked to the D-rings; see our flatbed tarp kits for bundles that include straps.

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