Tarping - Lifting The Tarps

I have been spending time reading threads here on flatbedding/tarping and many more hours watching youtube videos of other guys tarp loads of lumber and steel like it's luggage on the roof of a Honda. I haven't yet watched anyone carry a tarp to the top of a load and put it on top of the freight. I'm 6'1", 225 lbs. Comparable in size to many of these guys and in better shape than some of them. That said, I'm very nervous about lifting the tarp. 120 lbs is heavy for me. I can lift it, but I'm really struggling to do anything with it, let alone get that over my shoulder then climb a ladder. I understand most of the time, shippers help out getting the tarp up there, but it's no guarantee.

Should I not consider moving forward until I can condition myself to confidently lift 120 over my shoulder and climb a ladder without much huffing and puffing? I just don't want to waste mine or anyone else's time if that's a deal breaker.

Just like anything else, you'll have to simply practice to get better. Don't let them little ol tarps scare you. They're not as bad as they seem. Sure, there are some loads that I have to throw that tarp over my shoulder and climb up the ladder to get them covered. But after you do it a few times, you'll get to know what to do and what not to do.

I've seen little 5'0 140lbs women toss tarps around, proving that with the right technique and a little bit of the right attitude, things will get done.

You're gonna be fine. Your worried about a non issue. I haven't climbed a ladder carrying a tarp in five years. There's all kinds of creative ways to get things done. Remember that old saying, "Necessity is the Mother of invention?"

99% of the time you have a tall load, the shipper has a way to save you from hurting yourself. Seriously, you're concerned about something that's not going to be a problem.