THE GB Timber Transport Forum (TTF) is calling on timber hauliers to get involved in a new baseline survey aimed at helping plan for the sector’s future business opportunities.

The survey, which is to begin in early 2021, is intended to identify the scale, parameters and attributes of the UK timber haulage fleet.

Over the past ten years, the volume of timber being hauled from forests has been increasing substantially and now stands at around 11m m3/year, an increase of 20 per cent from 2010 figures.

Although the timber haulage sector has expanded to meet this demand, more information is now needed to help plan for the sectors future in terms of truck type, fuel type and driver training requirements, the TTF said.

READ MORE: Timber and panel import volumes are ‘back on track’ for 2020, TTF report says

Alistair Speedie, chair of the Timber Transport Forum, commented: “We have a thriving industry which has grown to meet the demand, we must prepare for future years. Volumes of timber are set to increase as more timber becomes available, so we need to ensure, as an industry, that we are ready for this in a sustainable way.

“We are keen to involve as many timber hauliers as possible so at this stage we are asking GB timber hauliers to register with us for future participation. It is easy to do and will only take a minute so please get involved.”

Timber hauliers across the UK can register their business email address at www.timbertransportsurvey.com and will be contacted with further details.

Forestry Journal remains dedicated to bringing you all the latest news and views from across our industry, plus up-to-date information on the impacts of COVID-19.

Please support us by subscribing to our print edition, delivered direct to your door, from as little at £69 for 1 year – or consider a digital subscription from just £1 for 3 months.

To arrange, follow this link: https://www.forestryjournal.co.uk/subscribe/

Thanks – and stay safe.