Mesh tarps are often used as truck tarps on a construction site, especially when materials like sand and gravel are involved. While poly tarps are used as truck tarps, the main difference between a mesh tarp and a poly tarp is waterproof properties, and this aspect is particularly important with truck tarps. While polyethylene truck tarps are used to protect materials from water, mesh tarps, such as dump truck mesh tarps, can be used as a lightweight tarp if the materials can be exposed to water; flatbed lumber tarps, on the other hand, would be polyethylene tarps to protect the wood from water damage.

However, a black mesh tarp has other uses than as dump truck mesh tarps and can be used for canopy or for shelter options, which is often its use as an at-home tarp. Mesh tarps are still UV treated, and they can offer better shade and still protect from damaging sun rays while letting air in. Mesh tarps can be used as a canopy for temporary shelter, such as a pop-up tent, or as any type of outdoor shade canopy.