Log Trucks & Logging Truck Drivers

Log trucks haul heavy, awkward loads on narrow, steep, and sometimes unpaved forest roads. A high center of gravity, shifting logs and long distances from help make rollovers, lost loads and brake failures especially dangerous. Safe hauling begins with a properly built load and a well-maintained truck.

• Log Truck Drivers
• Loader Operators
• Mill Yard Workers
• Logging Contractors

Main hazards

• Rollover: high load, soft shoulders, curves, steep grades and uneven landings. See Rollovers & Jackknifes.
• Load shift or loss: logs rolling off the bunks or the trailer, or loose bark and limbs falling on traffic or the driver.
• Brake failure on grades, especially when loaded and wet. See Air Brakes and Mountain Grades.
• Struck-by logs during loading and unloading: swinging logs, rolling logs and loader movement. See Logging.
• Falls: climbing on trucks, bunks and logs. See Climbing In & Out.
• Overweight: exceeding axle and gross limits increases stopping distances and road damage. See Weight Limits & Scales.
• Fatigue, remote roads and winter conditions. See Driver Fatigue and Winter Trucking.
• Trailer handling and stinger steering: unfamiliar combinations and empty return trailers that can swing or tip.

Securing the load

Federal motor carrier rules cover securing logs (49 CFR 393.116 and related sections) and require adequate tiedowns, stakes and bunks. Rules differ for long logs, short logs, bundles and pulpwood. Follow federal, state and company requirements.

• Use bunks, stakes and stanchions that are in good condition, properly spaced and fitted for the load. Don't load above the stakes unless the rules and design allow it.
• Use wrappers (chains, straps or cables) rated for the load, in the number and spacing required for the logs and the length, and tighten them with a binder or ratchet. Check wrappers for wear, kinks, cracks and damage and replace them if needed. See Cargo Securement.
• Make sure the load is tight, balanced and level with the heaviest logs low and the center of gravity as low as possible. Stack so logs can't roll or kick out.
• Re-check the wrappers and load shortly after leaving the yard (often after the first few miles) and at regular intervals, and after hard braking or rough roads.
• Make sure the load is within height, width, length and weight limits and displays the required flags and lights where overhanging. See Oversize Loads.
• Use a headache rack or bulkhead where required to protect the cab. Keep a clear view behind with mirrors.

Driving the load

• Do a pre-trip inspection of brakes, tires, air system, steering, lights, trailer connections, bunks, wrappers and the stinger. See Pre-Trip Inspection.
• Slow down for curves, ramps and grades. Take corners at speeds that keep the load stable, and use the lower gears and engine brake downhill. Don't brake hard in curves.
• Allow extra stopping distance, since loaded log trucks are heavy and long. Keep a gap behind vehicles.
• Watch road edges and soft shoulders, and keep away from drop-offs. Stay alert for other log trucks, logging equipment and public traffic on shared roads, and use radio call-ins where used on forest roads.
• Wear your seat belt and avoid distractions. See Distracted Driving.
• Stay within hours-of-service rules and take breaks. See Hours of Service.
• Carry a first aid kit, fire extinguisher and communication device since cell service may be poor. See Truck Crash Response.

Loading and unloading

• Stay clear of the loader and swinging logs. Use agreed signals and stay in view of the operator. Never stand under a raised log or in the swing path. See Rigging Basics.
• Wait for the operator's signal before approaching the truck and stay clear while logs are being placed.
• Release wrappers carefully: logs can roll when wrappers are released, so stand to the side, not downhill or in line with the logs. Use proper unloading procedures at mills and landings. Never cut or release binders while standing where logs can roll onto you.
• Park on level ground where possible, set brakes and chock wheels when needed. Keep the area clear of people.
• Use three points of contact when climbing, and avoid walking on logs. Wear a hard hat, high-visibility clothing, gloves and boots with good traction.

Log truck checklist

• Bunks, stakes and stanchions are in good condition and the load is within limits
• Wrappers are rated, tight, placed as the rules require and re-checked after the first few miles
• Brakes, tires and trailer connections pass the pre-trip inspection
• I slow for curves and grades and keep extra following distance
• I stay clear of loaders and release wrappers from the side, not in line with the logs

Last updated: October 5, 2026