Logging Miles: Drivers at the Root of Forestry Supply Chain

Published September 19, 2024

Professional truck drivers are the backbone of our economy, ensuring the seamless flow of goods across the country. In the forestry value chain, they are a crucial component, efficiently transporting harvested trees from the forest to the mills. This task is far from easy — logging is inherently dangerous and presents unique challenges that require specialized solutions. Moving timber, often from remote locations, demands flexibility, reliability and robust safety measures. At Schneider, a premier multimodal provider of transportation, intermodal and logistics services, we use our extensive experience to meet these challenges head-on and help drivers be successful in the forest and on the road.

Comprehensive Driver Training Leads to Driver Safety

Our number one core value is “Safety First and Always,” and it is embedded into the fabric of our company. That mantra truly comes to life during the specialized training we provide to drivers who want to serve our forestry customers. They need to be well-prepared for the specialized work that logging transportation requires. From day one, drivers take part in hands-on onboarding classes and defensive driving courses. This training never really ends; we require continuous education to ensure that drivers are always equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to operate safely.

Among other things, our training for forestry drivers covers:

• Safety protocols: Emphasis on safety measures specific to logging, such as working around heavy machinery, navigating rough terrain, woodyard safety and awareness, in-woods communications, and emergency response procedures.
• Vehicle operation: Training in operating logging trucks, securing loads and maintaining vehicles. Drivers are prepared for challenges by testing real-life scenarios with our driving simulator tools.
• Regulatory compliance: Understanding and adhering to industry regulations, including weight limits, road use restrictions and environmental guidelines.
• Navigation skills: Techniques for navigating remote and often challenging locations, including the use of in-cab navigation and other navigation tools.
• Maintenance and inspection: Basic vehicle maintenance and pre-trip inspections to ensure the truck and trailer are in good working condition.
• Environmental awareness: Training on minimizing environmental impact, such as avoiding damage to forest ecosystems and proper waste disposal.
• Communication skills: Effective communication with dispatchers, mill operators and other stakeholders in the supply chain.
• Load management: Proper techniques for securing logs to ensure stability and safety during transport.

High-Quality Equipment Leads to Reliable Deliveries

Having the proper equipment plays a major role in getting the job done right, starting with the tractor. Our fleet is equipped with vehicles that are optimized to handle the challenges of logging. These heavy-duty trucks have:

• Enhanced suspension systems
• Traction-optimized tires
• Metal bumpers, thicker frames and an extended wheelbase
• Differential locking mechanisms to handle rough terrain with greater durability and versatility and prevent slippage

Our trucks also have a litany of safety features, from a collision mitigation system to an electronic stability control system, to cameras and side guard assist. Plus, because we know breakdowns upset the supply chain and our drivers, we have the maintenance infrastructure and technical experts in place to ensure our equipment is routinely serviced and can be counted on to be reliable.

All of this advanced technology helps us minimize risk, enhance the driver experience and create efficiencies that lower costs for our customers.

Efficient Processes Lead to More Predictable and Positive Results

Compared to other raw materials, harvested timber is often in remote locations and needs to be transported from the site quickly. Often, delivered wood is unloaded and immediately processed. Drivers hauling these materials frequently drive on unstable terrain, through the woods, or in mud with harvested wood tied to an open deck, which presents a challenge that can only be tackled through implementing effective processes.

Schneider works alongside the logger to truly learn their business and develop a customized approach that keeps both the drivers and loggers productive. This approach has led to significant improvements in the consistency and efficiency of timber transportation. For example, we helped a forestry products company enhance their transportation approach, resulting in a 20% increase in tonnage output for each logger.

As a responsible company, we provide drivers with not just the right equipment, but also processes to help ensure they make their deliveries and get back home safely.

Schneider is laser-focused on ensuring our drivers have the right training, technology and best-in-class equipment and tools to haul their loads safely and reliably from point A to point B.

Behind It All: Professional Drivers

At Schneider, we prioritize the driver experience by providing extensive training programs, top-of-the-line equipment, advanced technology and streamlined processes. Our culture, which values safety above all else, ensures that Schneider drivers feel supported and valued.

Speaking of the driver experience, one aspect Schneider drivers appreciate about working in logging is the ability to get home daily thanks to the shorter coverage area and length of haul. This flexibility allows for a more balanced lifestyle.

From September 15-21, 2024, we celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, recognizing drivers nationwide, including those in the forestry industry, for the important role they play in ensuring the availability of essential products and materials. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all professional drivers who keep our roadways safe, our products on shelves and our country running smoothly!  

Talk to an expert at Schneider to learn how a full transportation solution brings consistency and productivity not only to your first mile needs – but also through all parts of your supply chain.