Timber iQ August - September 2017 // Issue: 33 | Page 44

FEATURES
Loading and off-loading present challenges, as different loading profiles exist. Image: Pixabay
Timber's twisted 'root'
to market
The biggest challenge in timber transport lies in finding
the right truck drivers.
By Tristan Wiggill
W
hile numerous Swaziland drivers are available with
appropriate skills, it is difficult to get them work
permits. The South African government does not
differentiate between the different road transport
applications, and so timber transport driving is not
classified as a rare skill.
Unfortunately, the industry has not found a way to
overcome this yet. Timber transporters may face ceasing
operations should they not be able to employ foreign drivers.
DAMAGED GOODS
Mike Griebenow from the JEI Group, whose company
transports raw timber products (round logs) from
plantation roadsides says Mother Nature plays a role in
protecting transported timber from damage.
42 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2017 //
“We do not experience problems with damaged goods as
such, as the round logs have bark on them. Bark is removed
after arriving at the mill,” he explains.
Certain smaller diameter logs can break during the
loading process and this can be prevented by ongoing
training of loading operators.
Special care must be taken by the driver of the truck to
ensure the load is secured with load-binding straps during
the transport phase. This prevents logs from falling off
trucks and getting damaged or worse, causing harm to
other road users.
He says the biggest risk in transporting round logs is
ensuring they are loaded evenly and do not break loose.
Like any transporter, timber specialists must pay close
attention to the overloading of vehicles – a criminal