The job description for a log truck driver may not be enticing. They are heavily loaded, and must maintain a high level of productivity while on the clock. In addition, they are required to travel in areas with smaller commercial vehicles, company equipment, and hazardous terrain. Drivers of these large trucks may earn $175,500 per year, although the compensation is closer to $57,000. These drivers often work in remote areas, where they must carry large amounts of raw material and are exposed to harsh conditions.
Experience level plays a large role in the salary of a log truck driver. Depending on the company, the average salary for a LOG truck driver can vary by as much as 10% between cities. However, if you are looking for the best pay in your city, the cost of living is likely to be lower, so choosing a city with a low cost of living may be the best option.
Is Being a Log Truck Driver Hard?
Is Being a log truck driver hard? It depends. The job requires safety, speed, and wits. Drivers must have these skills to operate a large truck safely. They must have the ability to eat a sandwich, shift gears, and communicate over CB. They must also be persistent and not know it all. These are just a few of the challenges you may face as a log truck driver.
There are many challenges. Even in the best of weather, logging roads are rough. It takes a lot of stamina to drive through rough terrain while inching your truck along the dirt road. Despite the low speed limit, the roads are rocky, with grades as high as 12%. Drivers must also be alert at all times, as they may run into traffic or a tree weighing over 1000 pounds.
It is important to note that there is no formal education requirement for becoming a log truck driver. Log truck drivers are responsible for transporting logs in trailers and working with lumber companies. They require excellent time management and navigation skills and good depth perception to make a smooth journey. As a result, they may not be suited for people who are not familiar with the local area. However, drivers with a high school diploma can find a job as a log truck driver.
How Much Do Local Loads Pay?
How much do local loads pay log truck drivers? Short haul loads are typically hourly positions while over-the-road jobs are paid by the mile. The trucking industry is moving toward paying all drivers per mile, but some workers feel that this encourages speeding. However, this trend may be changing. Read on to find out more about how local loads pay log truck drivers. Here are some ways to boost your pay!
Typical local loads pay between $50 and $150 per load. While the pay varies depending on the product and location, some truck drivers earn more than $1500 a week. As long as you have good knowledge of the roads, the average pay for log truck drivers is around eleven to twelve thousand dollars a week. Hardwood logs have a higher value and are worth much more than softwood logs.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Log Truck?
The median wage of a log truck driver was $53,740 per year in 2017, while diesel prices rose by up to 50%. Meanwhile, insurance costs increased by up to 50%. The costs of new trucks increased around 10% compared to 2017. The largest changes in truck operating costs were in diesel prices and labor. Fuel prices are the biggest factor in the cost of transporting logs, as a fifty-mile haul will increase the per-ton cost by at least $1.00 per ton.
The most significant change in fuel costs occurred in 2006, and the increase was particularly extreme. While logging costs have been steadily decreasing, fuel prices have continued to rise. A new model log truck was purchased for $375,000 at this time, and the cost of operating this truck increased by only 6% from 2006 to 2008. This means that the cost of operating a new log truck is about $60,000 less than the cost of running a used log truck. However, fuel prices increased from $2.74 per gallon in 2006 to $4.50 per gallon in 2008.
How Much Can You Make Hauling Lumber?
How much can you make hauling lumber? The more lumber you haul, the more money you can make. Shipping lumber can be expensive. Generally, it’s cheaper to ship large loads than smaller ones. For example, shipping 150 lbs of lumber will cost you $250. However, larger shipments will cost more than smaller loads, so it’s important to look for a company that offers competitive rates. Use our free quote tool to find a company that offers affordable shipping rates for lumber.
A log truck averages 50 miles in distance. That’s equal to about eighty rotations around the Earth or 43 trips to the moon. A typical log truck consumes 7 million gallons of diesel and costs about $25 million per year. The DNR’s Wood Products Directory lists more than 450 companies in Michigan. You can expect to earn up to thirty percent of the revenue you bring in by hauling lumber and other wood products.
How Much Can a Log Truck Haul?
In 2006, the average log truck hauled 16,036 tons of logs, an average of 545.1 loads a year. This translates to a round-trip mileage of 130.6 miles and a drop distance of 65.3 miles. Log trucks averaged 5.1 miles per gallon, and accounted for just over 15% of all truck mileage. The average age of the truck driver was 55. The truck is used to haul logs to and from logging sites, where they must weigh the trees to determine their weight.
Today, small “gyppo” contractors can establish their own commitments and provide services for independent loggers. Some of these companies may underestimate the costs of operating a truck, resulting in uneconomic competition and attrition in the industry. A log truck should have ample horsepower to haul logs without losing speed. It should also be capable of climbing hills and pulling logs with mud.
Are Log Trucks Safe?
Are log truck drivers safe? The answer depends on the type of logging truck you’re driving. Drivers in log trucks spend a lot of time on the road and often travel on winding roads. Despite these risks, accidents involving logging trucks do happen. Unfortunately, many lumber companies hire nonreportable logging truck operators who often cause accidents and injuries. While this may put a dent in the company’s reputation, the nonreportable drivers often have the financial resources to pursue legal action.
A good logging truck driver follows safe driving practices, such as following the speed limit, maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles, and avoiding blind spots. The driver of a log truck is responsible for preventing accidents and making sure the trucks are properly illuminated. Additionally, they must be aware of the dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol or other substances. If you see an 80,000-pound log truck coming towards you, don’t pass it.
How are Truck Loads Paid?
The amount of money you receive for hauling a truck load is based on a number of factors, including the type of organization you are working for and how many miles you’ve driven for a given load. The average per mile rate for hauling a truck load is between $1.50 and $2.00, depending on the type of load and route. Some carriers offer per mile rates, while others offer a percentage of the total earnings, which varies greatly from one company to another.
To maximize your shipping budget, you need to make sure you appeal to the largest pool of carriers possible. The more carriers you have, the lower your freight rates will be. This is why it’s important to stretch your timeframes when possible. While you may be able to get a 7 a.m. pick-up appointment, this is not always possible. If you can’t accommodate it, make sure to allow some flexibility in your pick-up and drop-off times.
Learn More Here:
3.) Best Trucks