An apparatus and method for applying a flexible tarpaulin or other cover to a load which is transportable on a cargo carrier, such as a bed of a trailer truck or the like. The apparatus in preferred forms comprises a block like member which is weighted to counter-act any force imposed on this member. For example, slots in the block like member to receive the forks of the fork lift truck is effective for this purposes. An arm is mounted on and extends outwardly from this block-like member to receive a tube or spindle or spool and which contains a cover wounded thereon. The tube will rotate effectively on the arm as the forklift or other power mover is moved longitudinally with respect to the length of the truck and the cover will unwind from the tube and be draped over the load.