A tarp deployment mechanism for covering a container with a flexible cover sized to cover the container in a deployed configuration is disclosed. The deployment mechanism comprises: a bail member spanning a width of the container and carrying one end of the flexible cover, the bail member movable to an extended position in which the one end of the flexible cover is adjacent one end of the container, the bail member having at least one hollow body portion that defines at least one cavity that extends throughout the hollow body portion of the bail member; and at least one cable arranged within the at least one cavity defined by the at least one hollow body portion of the bail member. The cable prevents complete dislocation of the bail member in the event of its fracture.