The Innovation

TORC Logistics’ Tarp Assist With Auto Cargo Cover Technology will allow drivers to tarp in approximately 20 minutes without assistance, accommodate a wide range of loading scenarios, and improve safety and duration of covering and uncovering cargo.

This innovation represents the first standardized method for securing various flatbed cargo. The universal system will have the ability to be retrofitted to most commercial flatbed types and brands. The Tarp Assist With Auto Cargo Cover Technology will be lightweight, durable, portable, and easily stored.

Research and Development will include integrations with Bluetooth technology, a heating system, and a lighting system in order to provide the most efficient configuration for safer tarping.

IMPROVING SAFETY FOR DRIVERS OF COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLES

Tarping flatbed trailer loads is a physically demanding procedure that becomes more difficult with age, increasing the risk of injury:

Median age of long distance truck drivers is 46, while the median age of private fleet drivers is 57. Both are older than the average age of all US workers, which is 42.
At least 1 in 10 truckers are veterans, double the rate of workers in general.
Truckers are also more likely to have a disability than other workers.
Due to limited availability and dock restrictions, driver/operators often tarp flatbed loads unassisted.
Some automated tarping systems exist, but do not address the specific requirements for different flatbed cargo shapes and configurations.

The dangers of tarping:

Gusts of wind: These can catch tarps, causing falls from ladders or cargo load tops, resulting in severe to fatal injuries.
Inclement weather conditions: Slick surfaces, missteps into voids on the top of cargo can lead to broken bones, slips, and other severe injuries.
Strapping: Elastic tie-downs accidentally released or snapping under tension can result in the loss of an eye, facial injury, and other severe injuries.

The costs of a time-consuming process:

Tarping can take from 1 to 4 hours to complete, depending on outdoor conditions.
Some shippers will not allow drivers to tarp on-premises, cutting into their daily drive time allowance mandated by the Department of Transportation, thus reducing their actual time on the road and, therefore, their earnings.
A lengthy tarping process leads to lessened productivity, delayed shipments, and profit losses.

Target Market and Opportunity

The primary end-user profile for this product is the independent hauler or small trucking companies who rely heavily on billable hour efficiencies and who could benefit from the retrofit version of the Tarp Assist With Auto Cargo Cover Technology, creating a Total Available Market of over 1,000,000 customers in the United States.

The Serviceable Available Market is represented by the number of haulers in the Tri-state area: Atlanta metro (32,000 drivers), Florida (77,500), and North Carolina (21,220), or 130,700 potential customers.

The Serviceable Obtainable Market is represented by the 75th percentile of earners in this geographic market who can afford to purchase new tools for their flatbeds, or 98,025 customers.