Learning to Buy Pine Logs by the Truckload

[nunya001]

Hi,
I'm a newbie here and have been doing a good bit of reading over the past few days. I'm hoping you can help me learn a bit about buying pine logs. About a year ago I started a company producing and distributing Swedish Torches to retailers. I use pine logs between 9-13 inches in diameter and have the opportunity to begin using ones as small as 6 inches for smaller torches.

I'd like to buy 50 tons or so of logs but don't really know how to go about that. Up to this point I've gotten to know some tree companies and country sawyers that I buy from but demand is up and I need to purchase bigger quantities. I've got a yard to unload them in and a way to do that as well. I lack the relationships, industry language and experience to contact companies that are cutting and selling this timber. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks in advance. 

BTW - I'm in Georgia if that makes a difference.

J-

[starmac]

You might state what part of Georgia you need the logs in.  There may be somebody here that could set you right up.

[beenthere]

nunya001
Welcome to the Forestry Forum.

And if you click on your Forum name, it will take you to where you can update your profile with your location. Helps when reading your posts. Am sure you like seeing where other posters are located.

If this is a "wanted" ad, it needs to be in the Commerce section.. just sayin....

[starmac]

Just a suggestion, but there is probably a website that tells the prices Georgia mills are paying for different logs, you should find and check out. I say this, because anybody you find to buy a load or twu will naturally charge you a premium over mill rates, but this way you will have an idea if they are being fair, or not.

[nunya001]

Starmac + Beenthere - profile fully updated and thanks, I wasn't thinking.

There are a few good sites that publish large quantity pricing for the region so that's not really a problem. When I call a timber harvester or logging company I need to be better equipped to speak their language and understand their operational priorities. The logging and timber harvesting business is a professionals only arena, they're wary (and rightfully so) of dealing with amateurs that will cause them hassles due to their lack of understanding. I get that they want to move a load, drop it quickly and be on their way.

My goal is to better learn how to ask for it so when I speak to folks on the phone they say "OK, no problem where do you want it". I'm in the south east right now but will be expanding to other regions this summer.

I know this is kind of strange so I appreciate your help.

Thanks.

J-

[WDH]

Just a suggestion, but there is probably a website that tells the prices Georgia mills are paying for different logs, you should find and check out.

No, there is no pricing report or website for delivered logs.  The Foresters in your area will know the prices.   

Loggers want markets that reliably take their wood and unload it quickly.  To make it here logging, it is all about being efficient as most crews produce a minimum of 40 loads a week, and many are at 80 to 100 loads per week.  Your disadvantage is you need a very small amount in their eyes, and you will only need it episodically, not on a daily basis.  The other thing that hurts you if you live in and around Metro Atlanta is that there are no mills or markets in that area, just lots and lots of development and people.  Traffic is a nightmare, and that is a big dis-incentive to haul wood there.

Your best bet is to develop the capability to truck the wood yourself where you go to the logging woods and have the logger load your truck or a independent trucker's truck that you have contracted with. 

There are also some concentration yards that buy pine logs, unload them, store them, and ship them to mills that are too far for the loggers to haul to directly.  You could hire an independent trucker to go get you some loads when you need them.  Not sure anymore of the location of these concentration yards, but find a Forester in your area.  They will know. 

[nunya001]

WDH - Thanks for the info and suggestion. Winston is about 30 miles west of Atlanta off of I-20 so no traffic to speak of, but understood about quick turning wood and quantity issues. How would I go about finding an independent trucker?

J-

[thecfarm]

nunya001,welcome to the forum.
Sounds like you got a little business going there.

[WDH]

I would contact a consulting Forester in your area.  They will have contacts and can give you some leads. 

[customsawyer]

Welcome to the forum. For what you are wanting to do don't be afraid to contact some tree surgeons in your area. They might be able to help you out and save themselves a dumping fee.  ;)

[Claybraker]

Thanks to Littleleaf, the tree companies here in Metro Atlanta are pretty busy taking down pines. I wouldn't rule out county road crews, and contractors that do ROW maintenance. All of those guys generate a decent amount of small pine logs. Mostly that stuff gets chipped up for mulch.

There should be plenty of free logs between say Carrolton and Douglasville to keep you going.

[starmac]

I do not know anything about tree removal or row contractors, but do a little about hauling logs and loggers, at least in this area.
I am a trucker and work for loggers and deliver to anyone they sell to. It is usually to the saw mill or pellet mill, but they do sell to other customers. A long drive, traffic or even all day to unload matters not in the least to me, as long as they have the ability to load my trailer up when finished off loading, and for the right money, would even waive that requirement.
I do not haul for the mills themselves, as they will not pay my rates, they have been hounding me every since I bought the truck to, and decided to today for the first time because the logger I am currently hauling for had a breakdown, big mistake, I doubt I make again, it pays better to stay home.

[nunya001]

Thanks guys, you've got me moving in the right direction. I got referred to a forester today who might help me. I also got in touch with a wood yard who will definitely be able to help me.

I did not even know about Littleleaf. I will definitely see if I can begin lining up local tree companies to drop wood at the yard.

I'll report back when I've got something worthwhile to tell. Thank you.

[Magicman]

Welcome to the Forestry Forum, nunya001.   8)

[nunya001]

Hey there,

So I used a few of your suggestions.

I contacted more tree companies, that has produced mixed results. Sometimes they're receptive other times it seems confusing to them.

I found a wood yard 20 miles away $30/tom but it's really $0/ton delivered because the truck they use can only carry 10 tons. Guys are as nice as they can be, but the first load was oversized so will need to make some adjustments.

I contacted a forester, he was a bit skeptical and quoted me $52/ton. That doesn't really work for my cost structure.

Thanks for the suggestions!

J-