MISSISSIPPI LOG TRUCKING BUSINESS OWNER ASSESSMENTS OF INDUSTRY
ISSN 2158-9429
Volume 19, Issue 1 - June 2026
Editor: Bindu Poudel-Ward
Shannon, J., Forestry Specialist, Mississippi State University Extension Service
McConnell, T., Associate Professor, Mississippi State University
Abstract
Log trucking challenges affect all owners of standing timber. A survey of Mississippi log trucking businesses assessed challenges, including driver recruitment and profitability. Eighty-four percent of respondents said hiring qualified drivers in 2021 was harder than in 2019. Driver shortages were emphasized over lacking pay and benefits. Seventy-three percent of respondents stated profits were worse in 2021 than in 2019. Direct costs were emphasized over litigation, policy, or operational management concerns. Mississippi log trucking business owners largely agreed, regardless of comparison group, on worsening labor markets, profit margins, and their contributing factors, providing increased insight into prominent timber transportation challenges.
Keywords: Failed drug tests; Insurance premiums; Log trucking profitability; Timber transportation; Truck driver shortages
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