MISSISSIPPI LOG TRUCKING BUSINESS OWNER ASSESSMENTS OF INDUSTRY CHALLENGES
Applied Research
James Shannon
Forestry Specialist
Mississippi State University
Verona
Abstract
The log trucking industry has been identified as a profit-limiting factor in the eastern United States. Log trucking industry challenges include difficulty hiring drivers, rising liability insurance premiums, and others. Mississippi log trucking business owner perceptions about hiring qualified truck drivers and profitability were assessed using Likert item questions in a mixed-mode survey. Eighty-four percent of Mississippi log trucking companies said hiring qualified drivers in 2021 was harder than in 2019. Survey participant ratings for factors that had important and very important impacts on hiring drivers included lack of qualified drivers (88%), failed drug tests (75%), uncompetitive pay (64%), and lack of employee benefits (56%). More emphasis was placed on driver shortages than lack of pay and employee benefits. Seventy-three percent of Mississippi log trucking companies stated that profits were worse or slightly worse in 2021 compared to 2019. Survey participant ratings for important and very important factors that impact business profitability included insurance premiums (95%), fuel prices (94%), hiring qualified drivers (92%), trucking rates (89%), accident lawsuits (85%), one-way haul distance (84%), and mill turnaround times (82%). There was less agreement regarding the importance of in-woods turnaround times (71%), road weight limits (70%), and one-way haul distance (67%). Rising expenses appeared to influence business owners to place more importance on factors relating to direct costs rather than litigation, policy, or operational management concerns.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: James Shannon, T. Eric M
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Shannon, J. Forestry Specialist, Mississippi State University Extension Service, Mississippi, 38879
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M, T. Associate Professor, Mississippi State University College of Forest Resources, Mississippi, 39762