Advice on buying logs

[oakiemac]

I have an order for several thousand feet of Red Oak which I can't fill using my usual method of obtaining logs- getting free logs from friends and people who just want to get rid of the wood. So now I'm a gonna hafta buy some logs and I need advice.
Should I just call up a logger and ask for RO? Does the price include delivery? How do they off load their truck? Do I have to provide a loader of some sort to help with the off load? Also what is the going rate for RO/MBF?
I don't know how to grade logs so should I just take their word for the grade? Would it be better to buy a lower grade log because the price is better and try to get a lot of clear boards from the log?
Sorry for all the questions, but ignorance is bliss and I'm a happy camper right now.

Oakie

[Scott]

 Usually sawmills have their own loaders for unloading timber off the trucks. if your buying logs about 16 feet or shorter you could hire someone with a self loading truck.

[Ron Wenrich]

There's several things you might want to look at.  What is the grade of lumber you want to get out of the red oak?  If you're looking at a high percentage of F1F and better, you should get a better grade of sawlog.  Otherwise, you'll be doing a lot of sawing, then have a bunch of lower quality wood you're going to have to move.

You can get logs from your local loggers, if you have good contacts.  How long are you going to be buying logs?  If it is just a one shot thing, be perpared to pay above market prices.  Also, make sure you check the logs to be sure you are getting what you are paying for.  Not knowing log grades is a sure way of getting taken.  

A link you might want to try:

http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/viewpub.jsp?index=3947

You might be able to get high grade sawlogs from another mill or a veneer buyer.  The veneer buyer may even be able to put you onto some nice logs that won't make veneer quality.  Ideal sawlog for upper quality wood.

Many independent loggers have a self contained loader on their truck.  You may even be able to get one to haul or unload your logs.  Some of the bigger companies run trailers, so those wouldn't have loaders.

Price is pretty variable by area.  Your state forester might be able to help you out, especially with local loggers and log buyers.  

[woodmills1]

Chances are there are a few independent log truckers in your area who have trucks with grapple loaders.  Chances are that one of them will give you a good deal on a whole truck load to get you started.  That is what happened to me when I first began.  One of the three truckers in my area was willing to bring me logs at a good price because I was just starting out.  I still buy some from him mostly now to help him get rid of a mixed load or shorts, so it turned around from him helping me to me helping him.  One hint, find out how and where to meet face to face with these guys, most of them don't take real well to phone calls to begin a relationship.  And did I say cash :D :D not checks. :D :D

[oakiemac]

Thanks all for the input. I've hooked up with a tree service guy that is doing mostly land clearing. The logs are not all top quality but the price is right ;D I still might try to buy a load of good grade Oak.
woodmills, I think you're about finding a small independent logger. That's the way to go.