[Papa Rick]

I currently haul logs. I have pulled Van, Refer, Flatbed, Step deck, RGN trailer. Not bragging on all of these that I have pulled in the past 10 years, but just to give you a little history of what I have hauled prior to buying a Truck and Log Trailer Oct of 06.

I really do like it, but I must say that there is nothing that is more top heavy that I have hauled than these loads. You have to respect them, and watch when turning, or going around curves.

I have been in pure mud to get loaded, and loaded right off of a paved road as well.

The reason that you haul heavy is that this is how most people pay is by the tonnage, so therefore the more weight you haul the more the Truck is paid.

The heaviest load of Logs I have hauled to date is 105,000. I hauled heavy equipment with gross weight of 150,000, but it was not top heavy like logs are. In AL, GA, & TN where I go you are legal with 80,000 on the interstate, in AL & TN they allow 88,000 on the side roads, GA only allows 84,000.

Do I like it, yes very much as I am home every night and off on the weekends.

Am I making a killing, no but I'm not starving either. I avg $3.00 for all loaded miles, so this comes out to $1.50 for all miles.

Log Trucks and Trailers take a beating going in and out to get loads so you have either maintain them, or they will cost you in the long run.

Would I do it again knowing what I know now, sure would.

I drove a Log Truck for 6 weeks when I first started driving, and was terrified of this and swore never to ever do this again, but the opportunity came available and I am glad now that I did it.


If you have any questions you can pm me and I will be glad to respond.

[Colin]

I was searching google for pictures of log trucks and found an accident report where the driver lost control and died. A Canadian log trucker was carrying 121 TONS of logs. Down a grade of 22%...

Anyhoo.

Michigan truck:



Alabama truck:



Northwest truck:



More Northwest loggers:

http://www.hankstruckpictures.com/pat_russell.htm

[bikerboy]

Here in ontario, no one runs a tractor trailer type log truck for picking up logs from bush.
Everyone runs a tandem straight truck, with one or two lift axles. Usually the truck has a picker, for loading the loads. Then they usually hook a 3 or 4 axle pup on behind the straight truck. And load it with logs too.

Likely are grossing out between 100 000 and 130 000 lbs , somewhere in there.

[yoopr]

Originally Posted by bikerboy

Here in ontario, no one runs a tractor trailer type log truck for picking up logs from bush.
Everyone runs a tandem straight truck, with one or two lift axles. Usually the truck has a picker, for loading the loads. Then they usually hook a 3 or 4 axle pup on behind the straight truck. And load it with logs too.

Likely are grossing out between 100 000 and 130 000 lbs , somewhere in there.

Same here-Lead w/Loader and a Pup-Our weight limits are higher than yours I guess. Raised our weight limit a few years back to around 165k

[bikerboy]

Originally Posted by yoopr

Same here-Lead w/Loader and a Pup-Our weight limits are higher than yours I guess. Raised our weight limit a few years back to around 165k

Well know that i thought about it more, i think we could gross at least 140 000 lbs maybe more with more axles , i'm not sure.

[ColtsFan]

It seems a lot of trucks used for transporting logs are day cabs. Is there a reason for not using a truck with a sleeper other than a lack of need for the sleeper? Seems you can buy a used day cab or truck w/sleeper for about the same money.

I prefer trucks w/sleepers for 2 reasons. You have room to set up your speakers for a good stereo system. Plus, you have the opportunity to carry more stuff with you if you want or need to with a sleeper.

[Colin]

Originally Posted by ColtsFan

It seems a lot of trucks used for transporting logs are day cabs. Is there a reason for not using a truck with a sleeper other than a lack of need for the sleeper? Seems you can buy a used day cab or truck w/sleeper for about the same money.

I prefer trucks w/sleepers for 2 reasons. You have room to set up your speakers for a good stereo system. Plus, you have the opportunity to carry more stuff with you if you want or need to with a sleeper.

It's about weight. Many loggers are paid by the ton. More truck = less logs = less pay per load.

[yoopr]

Pay by the Cord up here

[ColtsFan]

Originally Posted by Colin

It's about weight. Many loggers are paid by the ton. More truck = less logs = less pay per load.

Makes sense.

Originally Posted by yoopr

Pay by the Cord up here

How much do you typically get per loaded mile? I know it varies and heavier loads require more fuel that cut into profit. Just trying to get a feel. Thanks.

[special k]

I say go for it you'll learn a lot more doing that job than any highway one and you'll be able to drive circles around most of the steering wheel holders out there on the highway.