Owning a Log Truck?

That's why you don't buy used lol. Brand new, dump 'em at 4 years while they still have a year warranty left lol.

 

I know this is very old dead thread now that hes over 21 and gone off to jin the ca;vry and get married already.

OP mentioned I wanna truck. But in the next sentance "I don't have time for dat"

I don't have time for that.

what?

I wonder if he is one of those who rather sit in Clubs rather than have actually the time and oppertunity to be successful with his very first trucking business.

Buying USED is going to make you sorry when you are stranded on mount pine unable to get down to the mill while the cut trees rot in the trailer. When you realize what it costs to get a rotator up the mountain and pay same to work hours you might think it's a disgustingly expensive business and you would be right. Should have bought new.

 

Just stop it heavy. No young kid just starting out is gonna survive a new log truck payment because hes got no windfall contract and has to compete against every other lifetime 2nd gen faller hauler in a paid off R model. The rates is too low to pay for brand new iron just hauling logs. Especially in mud season or when the mills shut off. You dont get into new log equipment until the accountant says you have too much income this quarter and need some deductions. That aint never happened to a first season trucker.

 

The song hits home for me. I had my own business for a few years before the costs shut me down
Buying used logging equipment is one of the worst financials decisions you can make, unless you have plenty of funds burning a hole in your pocket.
353 Detroit and 225a timberjack rebuild 15K

 

Trailers seem to average a reliable life of about 12 years (about 3 new trucks). Just can't afford to be broken down on the shoulder every 2 weeks.

 

Logging trucks back there are a whole different animal than what you are used to.
They use regular tractors and basically stripped down flats o steps with bunks, just a little heavier frame than a standard trailer. Roads and conditions are all different too for the most part, as the roads are built to be able to get around with the straight trailers.

 

I

In Arkansas for an owner operator hauling logs you need million dollar liability insurance coverage, million dollar general liability coverage, plus whatever insurance you want to cover your own truck. The liability covers the other guy in a wreck, the general liabity covers the mills when you tear up their scale or something. You have to have both of those at least or you can't haul for any logging operation.

You need proof of workman's comp, or an O/O can get a waiver of workman's comp.

I run NR tags (natural resources) and don't need my authority, (MC number) to be legal. However to haul out of state into Louisiana I have to have a DOT number. Idk about your state and where you would haul.

Of course I have to pay 2290 heavy road tax and get annual inspections on truck and trailer. Supposed to run a time book and be legal only up to 12 hours I think but so far absolutely no enforcement on that.

 

The reason they don't enforce it is because there's no way to work a 12 hour day and survive. Plan on 14-16.

 

Theres not enough timber left for everyone to pay for a new ponnse.