Flatbed Tarp Pay and Accessorial Charges: What Owner Operators Should Know
Flatbed freight often needs extra work compared to dry van or reefer. Tarping, strapping, and securing loads takes time and effort. That extra work should come with extra pay. This guide explains flatbed tarp pay and other accessorial charges every flatbed owner-operator should understand before signing a rate confirmation.
Key Takeaways
- Tarp pay compensates drivers for the extra time and labor needed to cover and secure open deck freight.
- Common flatbed accessorials include detention, layover, permit fees, strap and chain fees, escort fees, and stop-off pay.
- Accessorial charges are rarely automatic. They usually need to be requested and confirmed in writing before the load is booked.
- A flatbed dispatcher can negotiate these charges on your behalf so you are not left guessing after the load is already moving.
Quick Answer
Tarp pay is extra money paid to a driver for covering and securing a load with tarps. Accessorial charges are added fees for extra work beyond standard pickup and delivery, such as detention, tarping, straps, oversize permits, or layover. Flatbed owner-operators should always confirm these charges in writing before the load is booked.
What Is Flatbed Tarp Pay?
Tarping protects freight from weather and road debris. It also takes real time and physical effort, especially on large or heavy loads. Because of this, many brokers pay tarp fees on top of the base rate.
Tarp pay can depend on:
- Load size and shape
- Number of tarps needed
- Weather conditions
- Time needed to secure the load
- Broker or shipper policy
If a load requires tarping and the rate confirmation does not mention tarp pay, always ask before you accept the load.
Did You Know?
Some loads require multiple tarps to fully protect the freight. Larger loads may need two or more tarps, which can justify higher tarp pay due to the added time and effort.
Common Flatbed Accessorial Charges
Accessorial charges cover work outside normal pickup and delivery. Common flatbed accessorials include:
- Tarp pay for covering and securing freight
- Detention pay for excess wait time at pickup or delivery
- Layover pay for unexpected overnight delays
- Permit fees for oversize or overweight loads
- Strap and chain fees for extra securing equipment
- Escort fees for loads requiring pilot vehicles
- Stop-off pay for multiple pickup or delivery locations
FMCSA outlines general safety and securement rules for cargo, which flatbed carriers should follow when tarping and strapping loads. See FMCSA cargo securement rules for reference.
Typical Flatbed Accessorial Rates: What to Compare
| Accessorial | What It Covers | What to Ask the Broker |
|---|---|---|
| Tarp pay | Time and effort to cover the load | How much per tarp, or flat fee? |
| Detention pay | Wait time beyond the free period | What is the grace period before it starts? |
| Layover pay | Unexpected overnight delay | Is this a flat rate or negotiated per event? |
| Permit fees | State-required oversize or overweight permits | Who arranges and pays for the permit? |
| Escort fees | Pilot vehicles for oversize loads | Who books the escort, broker or carrier? |
| Stop-off pay | Multiple pickup or delivery points | Is this paid per stop? |
Why Accessorial Pay Matters for Flatbed Drivers
Flatbed work takes more time and more physical labor than many other trailer types. Without accessorial pay, a flatbed driver may end up doing extra work for the same rate as a simpler dry van load.
Accessorial pay protects your time by covering:
- Extra loading and unloading effort
- Weather delays during tarping
- Wasted time at slow facilities
- Special equipment needs
- Safety-related extra work
How to Confirm Accessorial Charges Before Booking
Before accepting a flatbed load, always confirm:
- Is tarp pay included, and how much?
- What is the detention rate and grace period?
- Are permit costs covered by the broker or shipper?
- What happens if the load requires an escort?
- Is stop-off pay listed for multiple stops?
Pro Tip
Get every accessorial charge in writing on the rate confirmation. A verbal promise on the phone is much harder to enforce than a written agreement.
What to Do If a Broker Refuses to Pay Accessorials
If a broker will not confirm accessorial pay in writing, treat that as a warning sign. Options include:
- Asking for the terms in writing before accepting the load
- Negotiating the base rate higher to offset the missing accessorial pay
- Declining the load if the terms remain unclear
- Documenting the conversation in case a dispute comes up later
A reliable broker should have no issue putting accessorial terms in writing.
How Flatbed Dispatch Support Helps
A flatbed dispatcher who understands accessorial pay can help you avoid loads that shortchange your time and effort. Skylink Logistics offers a dedicated flatbed dispatch service that reviews rate confirmations, negotiates accessorial pay, and communicates with brokers so you are not left guessing.
For related flatbed freight planning, see our guide on best freight for flatbed owner operators and seasonal trends, and for oversize load specifics, see oversize load dispatching and step deck OD loads.
FAQs About Flatbed Tarp Pay and Accessorial Charges
Find answers to the most common questions about flatbed tarp pay and accessorial charges.
Ready for Fairer Flatbed Pay?
Skylink Logistics helps flatbed owner-operators negotiate tarp pay, accessorial charges, and fair rates with no forced dispatch.
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Call: (346) 214-5292 | Email: dispatch@skylinkusa.com
