A Survey Analysis of Harvesting Logistics in Tennessee

A Survey Analysis of Harvesting Logistics in Tennessee

The State of Tennessee is located in the Southeastern part of the United States and is recognized for the production of high quality hardwood lumber used in multiple pulp, paper and veneer wood industries.  To capture the potential growth of forest products businesses, the logistics of harvesting and transportation operations were investigated through pilot meetings with loggers and an in-depth statewide 12-page logging and transportation logistics survey. No study prior to this one has detailed the existing logging logistics and capacity of the state. The results explain the critical state of the existing logging and transportation logistics and operational conditions. It highlights the machine operators’ limited compensation. The integrated harvest logistics, operations, workforce and conditions findings demonstrate the importance of understanding the joint operations and workforce capacity and regulations to develop a better understanding of forest products industries and forest products supply chains from removal to end use.

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