Equipment: Flatbed
Log Hauling Companies
Find a log truck near you. Search by name or location, then call them directly — it's free.
Log Hauling Companies Near You
Equipment: tandem/pup, flatbed, drop deck, and chip trailers.
Full Truckload, Less Than Truckload, Drop Trailers, Intermodal, Drayage, Hazmat, Oversize/Overweight, Mexico Cross-Border
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What log hauling costs in 2026
Hauling is usually quoted per loaded mile — the miles with wood on the truck. The empty return still costs the trucker fuel and hours, so it is priced into that rate rather than billed separately. Most Appalachian hardwood work in 2026 falls in the $4–$7 per loaded mile band, with short hauls and difficult access at the top of it.
Why the old $2–$3 per mile numbers no longer hold
On-highway diesel averaged $5.599 a gallon the week of September 1, 2026 — $1.87 above a year ago (U.S. Energy Information Administration). A loaded log truck runs roughly 5–6 miles to the gallon, so fuel alone is about $0.95–$1.10 per loaded mile before the driver, insurance, tyres, maintenance or the empty run home. Any quote near $2–$3 a mile is either a very long haul with a backhaul arranged, or a trucker who has not repriced since last year.
What moves the number
- Distance and backhaul. A trucker with a return load can quote lower. One who deadheads home cannot. Ask if they have a backhaul — it is the single biggest lever on your rate.
- Access. A landing a loaded truck can reach in wet weather is worth real money. Soft ground, tight turnarounds and steep grades all add.
- Self-loader vs conventional. A self-loader carries its own knuckleboom, so you do not need a loader on site — it charges more per mile but can be cheaper overall on a small job.
- Legal weight. Most states cap a loaded log truck around 80,000 lb gross without a permit. A short-loaded truck costs the same to run as a full one, so partial loads raise your effective cost per thousand board feet.
- Wait time. Many haulers bill detention after the first hour at the landing or the mill. Worth asking before, not after.
Settle these before you book
- Rate basis — per loaded mile, per load, or per thousand board feet — and whether a fuel surcharge floats on top.
- Who is liable for the load in transit, and proof of insurance sent by their insurer rather than a photocopy.
- Who scales the load, and whether you get a copy of every scale ticket.
- What happens if the mill rejects a load at the gate.
- Minimum load or minimum mileage charge on short runs.
Ranges reflect Appalachian hardwood work and move with diesel. Treat them as a sanity check on a quote, not a substitute for one — get at least three. Diesel figure: U.S. Energy Information Administration weekly on-highway average, week of September 1, 2026.
Common Questions
How much does it cost to haul logs?
Hauling is quoted per LOADED mile, and most Appalachian hardwood work in 2026 runs $4-$7 per loaded mile. Diesel is the reason older $2-$3 figures no longer hold: at $5.599 a gallon (EIA, week of September 1, 2026) and 5-6 mpg loaded, fuel alone is about $0.95-$1.10 per loaded mile before the driver, insurance, maintenance or the empty run home. Short hauls and poor access sit at the top of the band; a trucker with a backhaul can quote lower. Get at least three quotes.
What kind of truck do I need for hauling logs?
The most common log trucks are pole trailers (for long logs), self-loaders (trucks with a built-in knuckleboom crane), straight trucks (for smaller loads), and chip vans (for wood chips and sawdust). The right truck depends on your load type, distance, and whether you have a loader on site.
How do I find a log trucker near me?
Use the search filters above to find log haulers by location and equipment type. Enter your city or ZIP code, choose your radius, and browse available truckers. You can also list your own trucking service if you're a hauler looking for loads.
What states does JMLogMarket cover for log trucking?
JMLogMarket is open to haulers and sellers across North America. Our strongest coverage is in the Appalachian hardwood region—Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana, Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Georgia—but haulers from any state are welcome to list their services.
What is a self-loader log truck?
A self-loader is a log truck with a built-in knuckleboom crane mounted on the truck or trailer. It can load its own logs without needing a separate loader or skidder on site. Self-loaders are popular for remote jobs or smaller operations. They typically cost more to hire than a straight log truck because of the added equipment.
How do I list my trucking service on JMLogMarket?
Click the "List my trucking service" button above to sign up on our unified services page. Provide your company name, contact info, base location, service area, and equipment type. Listing your hauling service is free.
Which log hauling companies serve Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia?
JMLogMarket lists log hauling companies across North America, with strong coverage in Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Indiana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Georgia. Haulers from any state can sign up. Use the search above to find available haulers near your specific location.