Dump & aggregate · 5 minutes

Tarping and load securement toolbox talk

Stone and fines off a truck crack windshields, hurt motorcyclists and lead to citations. Federal rules require that loads not leak, spill, blow or fall, and many states have their own tarp laws.

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Vocational Trucks of America · Free toolbox talk

Dump & aggregate · 5 minutes · About 5 minutes · vocationaltrucksofamerica.com/talks

Read this to your crew

Tarp every load of loose material, even on short trips, unless the law and the company say otherwise.

Load to the right height, so the tarp closes and seals and the load doesn’t ride above the sides.

Before you leave the pit, clean off the tailgate, the frame rails and the ledges. That loose stone falls off at the first bump.

Check the tailgate latch and seals. A gate that drips fines is a spilled load.

Use the automatic tarp from the ground or the cab when you have one. If you have to climb, use three points of contact and the ladder or catwalk. Never stand on the load, and never tarp near power lines.

Recheck the tarp and the load after the first few miles.

Key points

Tarp every loose load, even short trips.
Load to the right height so the tarp seals.
Clean the tailgate, rails and ledges before you leave.
Check the tailgate latch and seals.
Tarp from the ground or cab; never stand on the load.

Ask the crew

Which of our loads have to be tarped?
Where do we clean ledges before leaving the pit?
What’s the plan if a tarp breaks on the road?

The rule behind it

Federal rules require every load to be contained, immobilized or secured so it can’t leak, spill, blow or fall from the truck (49 CFR 393.100(b)). Many states add tarp laws for loose material; check the rules where you haul.

FMCSA 49 CFR 393.100: Protection against shifting and falling cargo

Today’s actionToday: clean the ledges and tailgate before every load leaves the pit.

General safety information for crew meetings, not legal advice. It doesn’t replace your company’s safety program, required training or site rules. Rules checked October 2026.

Prints on two pages: the talk, then a crew sign-in sheet. See the 52-week schedule.

Toolbox talk sign-in sheetFree from Vocational Trucks of America · vocationaltrucksofamerica.com/talks

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TopicTarping and load securement toolbox talk

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