Log Truck Drivers must be able to control the truck when driving on narrow, poorly maintained logging and mountain roads. Trips range from short trips to the sawmill to long distance hauls on highways. Log Handling Equipment Operators unload logs and pulpwood off trucks or railroad cars using tracked or wheeled equipment similar to a fork lift in a sawmill or pulpmill woodyard. Equipment Operators then sort the logs by species and size. Log Graders and Scalers inspect logs for defects, measure their volume, and estimate the marketable content or value of logs or pulpwood.
Graders use hand-held data collection terminals to enter data on individual trees.
The entries are then downloaded or to a to a central computer. Most loggers are required to lift, climb, and use heavy equipment. Loggers work outdoors and under all kinds of weather conditions such as strong winds, snow, rain, heat, and muddy ground conditions. Loggers generally work year round except during forest fire season and when snow closes logging areas. Loggers face numerous hazards.