Last week, our community engaged in a variety of discussions, with a focus on emerging job opportunities and industry trends. Members were keenly discussing the softening of stumpage bids as we approach the end of the year, a topic that could have significant implications for industry pricing and contracts. There was also a lively exchange about using low-impact rigs for forest restoration, highlighting a growing interest in sustainable logging practices. Additionally, safety gear and equipment reviews remained a staple, reflecting ongoing concerns about safety and efficiency in the field.
This Week’s Hot Topics
Weekly Logging Jobs: Entry-level log construction roles up for grabs
This thread is a great resource for anyone looking to break into the logging industry. The conversation sheds light on various entry-level opportunities in log construction. Read more here
Stumpage bids softening in Q4
Members are dissecting the recent trend of softening stumpage bids. This discussion is crucial for understanding how current market dynamics might affect future logging contracts. Read more here
Low-impact rigs for restoration thinning
This thread examines the use of low-impact rigs, which are becoming popular in restoration projects aimed at thinning forests. It’s an important read for those interested in sustainable logging methods. Read more here
That Time Your Chainsaw Had a Mind of Its Own
A humorous look at those unexpected moments in the field, this discussion is both entertaining and a reminder of the unpredictability of logging work. Read more here
Best Chainsaws for Heavy-Duty Logging Work
This topic provides valuable insights into the best equipment for heavy-duty tasks, a must-read for anyone looking to upgrade their toolkit. Read more here
Looking forward to another week of engaging discussions. Stay safe out there, and keep sharing your experiences and insights.
Pulled bids on two west-side tracts last week — saw DF down about $35/MBF from August while pulp stayed flat, so we leaned into thinning loads. One tweak that helped: add a 60‑day review with a ‘delivered price floor’ so if it slips, we can push volume without re-bidding. If your hauls are short and a mill’s hungry, moving a few loads now still pencils; otherwise, treat Q4 like mud season and plan accordingly.
@margaret_w93 We’ve kept margins intact by adding a 45‑day price‑reopen clause on POs tied to the mill’s posted sheet — if DF slides, we flip sorts or delay deck release; if the buyer won’t allow it, we pre‑book short‑haul chip loads to bridge cashflow. Anyone else getting mills to honor reopeners right now?
And with bids softening into the end of the year, I’ve had better luck tying delivered pricing to a rolling 30‑day index and adding a simple “72‑hour pause” trigger if DF drops more than $25/MBF; that kept a Q4 PO from blowing up last week. We also switched to low‑impact rigs on a wetter tract so we could keep decking without tearing up the road, though the tradeoff is slightly slower production.
We’ve kept bids workable by adding a small “Q1 carry” — up to 10% of volume we can defer without penalty — so if prices keep sliding we push that slice forward, like packing a rain jacket you hope not to use. @margaret_w93 it pairs well with your reopen angle, but around here buyers only bite if the carry is capped and tied to a published index.