Abstract: A tarp deploying apparatus includes a frame assembly that is adapted for being attached to a lifting device, such as a forklift. A roller assembly extends laterally from the frame assembly. A tarp may be loaded onto the roller assembly by rolling the tarp onto a roller body. The tarp may be deployed in a desired position on a load of cargo on a flatbed trailer. The tarp is deployed on the cargo by driving the forklift alongside of the flatbed trailer and allowing the tarp to unroll off the roller body being pulled off the roller body by the weight and friction of the tarp on the load. The roller body may include hooks that help in loading the tarp onto the roller body, and allow the tarp to automatically fall off of the roller body during deployment.

Abstract: A tarpaulin for a quick and safe covering of a load on a truck or trailer bed is provided having a post positioned at each corner of the bed including a pulley mounted on top of each post at the front of the bed. A pair of cables are each anchored at one end to an extensible cable holder, trained over the pulley and removably attached to the post on the back of the bed. The system and method includes a U-shaped tarpaulin using a plurality of eyes or pulleys for slidably connecting to the cables for covering the load positioned on the bed. The tarpaulin may be removed from all or part of the load. The system and method also includes independent extensible cable holders for lengthening and shortening each cable to lower and raise the tarpaulin.