Comparing a curtain side trailer to flatbed tarp systems

Jun. 05, 2025

Comparing a curtain side trailer to flatbed tarp systems

The good news is that flatbed trailers are versatile and adaptable to loads that vary in both size and weight. The bad news? Over 60 percent of flatbed loads require comprehensive tarping. Manually tarping flatbeds is an ergonomic nightmare and a worker's comp attorney’s dream. The requirement to heave unwieldy tarps as heavy as 100 pounds while perched precariously atop a flatbed excludes many otherwise competent professional drivers from hauling flatbed jobs. It's also a major turn-off to potential new hires, as well. It is no wonder that curtain side trailers—which totally eliminate the need for manual tarping—have achieved major market penetration in the U.S. trucking industry, in a relatively short time.

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Flatbed tarp systems attempt to make the job of tarping a flatbed more efficient, faster and safer than manual methods. Here are three common systems.

Side kits incorporate arching metal bows that extend up and over the bed from side panels, attaching to corresponding panels on the other side. This forms a curved metal structure over the bed, on top of which the tarp can be secured—sort of resembling a pioneer covered wagon. A side kit saves time and simplifies tarping. However, the tarp still must be manhandled over the structure by the driver, who must climb onto the trailer and manually push/pull the heavy tarp across the framework. Studies show that effort required imposes substantial strain. Back injuries and rotator cuff injuries are common, as is the hazard of slip/fall injuries.
Rolling tarps eliminate the need for a driver to climb up on the trailer. Think of a flatbed trailer covered with a box-like framework supporting a tarp. The tarped framework compresses like an accordion as it is pushed backwards on rollers, allowing access to the bed. After the freight is loaded or unloaded, the tarped frame is pushed forward again, expanding out to a full-length box that covers the entire bed. However, rolling tarps can be difficult to manipulate by one person if the rollers stick due to lack of lubrication, a dirty or damaged roller track or are jammed by ice and snow. Substantial force may be required to push the sliding structure far enough back to load, then all the way forward again.
Overhead tarping systems installed at the loading dock or nearby utilize an electric motor to drag the tarp over the entire span of the flatbed front-to-back. The driver secures the bottom edge of the tarp at ground level. This eliminates both strenuous of manual tarping and the danger of climbing up and standing atop freight while doing it. The drawbacks are that many shipping facilities don’t invest in overhead tarping systems and, where they do exist, there may be a waiting time to gain access.

The Curtainside Alternative

A curtainside utilizes full-length gliding retractable curtains on both sides of a flatbed trailer, as well as conventional rear doors and a fixed roof. This configuration offers three-side load/unload access like a flatbed and also puts freight anywhere in the trailer within easy reach, at all times. When the curtains are closed and tensioned a curtainside provides optimum protection from the elements like an enclosed van, totally eliminating the need for tarping. For drivers, a curtainside trailer relegates the drudgery and hazards of heaving tarps to the past. For freight companies, the added efficiency of a curtainside opens up more profit opportunities from back-hauls, partial shipments and odd-shaped or oversized freight.
Curtainsides also add versatility to the fleet as a single trailer can instantly morph from flatbed-style access to conventional enclosed van as requirements change from day to day and hour to hour.

Here are a few samples of different types of curtainsiders to see the diversity offered, capability, and the ease of use.

What Is A Curtain Side Trailer?

Introduction:

Curtain side trailers are commonly used in industries such as retail, construction, etc. They offer a good balance of cargo protection, accessibility, and versatility. What is a curtain side trailer? Let’s take a closer look at this special trailers.

What Is A Curtain Side Trailer?

What is a curtain side trailer? Its sides are not solid walls. Its sides are designed as flexible and removable curtains or tarp-like materials. This curtain can be easily pulled back or closed. This is similar to opening or closing a curtain. It is called a “curtain side trailer.”

The side of the curtainside trailer adopts a skeleton structure; the column and curtain can be moved. The horizontal bar can be disassembled. From a distance, the curtain side trailers are very similar to the general fence cargo trailers. The main difference is that the carriages on both sides are fixed by detachable guide rail frames, and soft tarpaulins cover the outer side. During loading and unloading, both sides of the carriages can be fully opened. The same design is adopted for the top of the car, which can be fully stored at one end to facilitate the loading and unloading of large items from the top.

Why Do More And More People Choose Curtain Side Trailer?

1. The curtain side trailer firstly complies with the product specifications and has strong adaptability to the source of goods. It does not need to get on frequently and off the trailer to cover the rain cloth. The driver’s safety is higher.
2. The curtainside trailer is more suitable for pallet transportation. Now, the cost of hiring porters is rising. Many manufacturers emphasize using pallets when delivering and receiving goods, so there is no need to carry them. It is faster and cheaper to unload with the forklift. It can also be stacked higher and save more space.
3. The design features allow the two sides and the top of the cargo compartment to be fully opened. This is very suitable for pallet transportation. In addition, in some very narrow unloading environments, the curtain trailer can also unload from the side normally. This is not possible for the ordinary fence cargo trailer.
4. Regarding cargo fixation, the curtain side trailer has apparent advantages. Another advantage of the curtain side trailer is that it can pull all kinds of goods, and the goods can be fixed at any position on the vehicle. This is superior to the van.

The Pros and Cons of Curtain Side Trailers

Curtainside trailers have a unique design. They feature a flexible curtain instead of solid walls, allowing easy access to the cargo from the sides and rear. Like any piece of equipment, curtain side trailers have their own set of pros and cons. Below we will discuss these two aspects in detail.

Pros of Curtain Side Trailers

Versatility

Curtain side trailers offer a high degree of versatility. They can accommodate palletized goods, irregularly shaped items, and oversized loads.

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Ease of Loading and Unloading

The side curtains can be easily rolled up, providing unobstructed access to the cargo from the sides. This makes loading and unloading faster and more convenient compared to traditional enclosed trailers.

Reduced Damage Risk

The sides are made of flexible curtains rather than rigid walls. There is less risk of cargo getting damaged due to collisions with the trailer walls. This can be particularly important for fragile or sensitive goods.

Customizable

Curtain side trailers can often be customized to meet specific cargo requirements.

Cons of Curtain Side Trailers

Weather Exposure

One of the main drawbacks of curtain trailers is that they are not fully weatherproof. The curtains can be closed to protect the cargo from rain and wind. But they may not offer the same level of protection as solid-walled trailers in extreme weather conditions.

Security Concerns

Cargo inside curtain side trailers can be more vulnerable to theft. Security measures like seals and locks are necessary to mitigate this risk.

Maintenance

The curtains and rolling mechanisms may require more maintenance than solid walls over time. Tears, wear and tear, and mechanical issues can arise and need to be addressed promptly.

Limited Insulation

Curtain side trailers may not provide the same level of insulation as enclosed trailers. This can be a concern for temperature-sensitive cargo.

Cost

Curtain trailers can be more expensive to purchase and maintain than standard enclosed trailers. This is due to their specialized design and components.

Cargo Weight Limits

Depending on the design and materials used, curtain trailers may have slightly lower cargo weight capacity compared to enclosed trailers. This can be a limiting factor for some loads.

Conclusion:

In summary, curtain side trailers offer versatility and ease of access for various types of cargo. However, they have some weather protection, security, and maintenance limitations. You should be based on the cargo’s specific needs and the transportation company’s operational requirements.

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Comparing a curtain side trailer to flatbed tarp systems