Wood has been a companion to man for centuries and is a universal and timeless raw material. It is primarily a building material, indispensable in furniture production, used in boat building, chipboard, toys and musical instruments. It also accompanies us in everyday life in the form of paper, cardboard and viscose clothing. Wood is an ecological raw material with a "soul". It is also used extensively in transport - the pallet, for example.
The terms 'sawn timber' and 'logs' are often used in the timber industry to refer to different forms of wood products.
Sawn timber - is timber in the form of planks or logs that have been cut from a tree trunk using a saw. Sawn timber can be used for a variety of purposes, such as construction, carpentry or furniture making. Depending on the further use, lumber can be dried, which helps to minimise shrinkage and distortion.
Debarking - this is a specific form of lumber that is cut to a greater length than the standard length. Logs are typically used in construction, especially in structures that require long pieces of timber, such as beams, columns or roof truss members.
In summary, the main difference between sawn timber and logs is the length of the boards - logs are cut to a greater length than standard lumber boards. Both terms refer to timber cut from the trunk of a tree, but their use can vary depending on the requirements of a particular project.
Both lumber and logs are transported using different types of vehicles, depending on their dimensions, weight and quantity.
Transport of sawn timber:
Sawn timber is usually packed in standardised bundles to facilitate its transport and storage. A lumber bundle is usually a group of boards of the same size that are properly stacked and tied together to form a unit that is easy to move. The size of such a bundle can vary according to industry standards and customer preference, but is often around 1 m³.
For transporting lumber, flatbed trucks are most often used to allow for easy loading and unloading. For smaller quantities of lumber, delivery trucks can also be used.
Log transport:
Logs, due to their length (often exceeding standard lumber board lengths), require specialised transport. Trucks with low profile trailers and extended loads are often used here. In some cases, for very long logs, it may be necessary to use specialised vehicles such as trucks with telescopic trailers that can expand to accommodate the load.
Logs are usually adequately secured on the vehicle with straps and other safety measures to ensure safe transport.
When transporting both lumber and logs, it is crucial to ensure that the load is properly secured to avoid damage. Everything should be properly packed and secured to ensure safe transportation. In addition, it is always important to pay attention to road regulations regarding the transport of non-standard-sized loads.
Securing lumber or logs for transport is a key step to ensure the cargo is protected during transit. Transport companies have specific procedures and methods to ensure safe transport. Below is detailed information that can help you understand these processes:
Packing:
Both lumber and logs should be properly packed before transport. Lumber is usually packed in standardised bundles to facilitate handling and storage. The bundles are made up of boards of the same size, properly stacked and tied together using strapping, wire or stretch film to form a unit that is easy to move.
Longboards, due to their length, can be more difficult to pack, but they are also usually secured together using strapping or stretch film.
Loading:
When loading lumber or logs onto a transport vehicle, ensure that the load is evenly distributed to avoid uneven loading on the vehicle. This is particularly important for logs, which can be of considerable length.
Depending on the size and weight of the load, equipment such as forklifts or cranes may be needed to load lumber or logs.
Securing the load:
Once the lumber or logs are loaded onto the vehicle, it is necessary to properly secure the load. Haulage companies usually use lashing straps, which are designed to secure the load during transport. Lashing straps should be used to secure the load from both the sides and the top to prevent the load from moving during the journey.
Logs, due to their length, may also require additional securing, such as supports, to ensure their stability during transport.
When organising the transport of lumber or logs, it is crucial to consult with the transport company to ensure that they have the right equipment and experience to transport this type of load safely. It is also important to ensure that all transport regulations are adhered to, including safety regulations, load dimensions and total vehicle weight.
Lumber and logs are available in a wide range of sizes and weights, which depend on their type, destination and industry standards.
Sawn timber
Sawn timber is available in a wide variety of sizes, but the standard board size is usually 2x4 inches (equivalent to about 5x10 cm), 2x6 inches (about 5x15 cm), 2x8 inches (about 5x20 cm) and so on. The length of the lumber boards can also vary considerably, but is usually between 2 and 6 metres.
The weight of the lumber depends on its size and the type of wood. On average, a board measuring 2x4 inches and 2 metres long can weigh about 6-7 kg, but this value can vary depending on the species of wood and moisture content.
Longwood
Logs, as the name suggests, are longer than standard lumber. Logs can be as long as 20 metres, although standard lengths are usually around 8-12 metres. Section sizes can be similar to lumber, although logs are often thicker pieces of timber.
The weight of a log, like lumber, depends on its size and the type of timber. A log with a length of 8 metres and a cross section of 10x20 cm can weigh up to several hundred kilograms.
Please note that these values are averages and may vary depending on the specific conditions. Before arranging the transport of lumber or logs, it is always advisable to consult the supplier or manufacturer to obtain accurate information on the size and weight of the load. This information will be essential in selecting the right vehicle for transport and ensuring safe loading, transportation and unloading.
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