Lumber Loading Tips & Techniques

PNW Lumber Industry

The Pacific Northwest produces more lumber than any other region in the United States. Oregon and Washington mills ship dimensional lumber, plywood, OSB, and specialty wood products across the country. As a flatbed operator in the PNW, lumber will be a significant part of your freight mix.

Common Lumber Products

• Dimensional lumber – 2x4s, 2x6s, 2x8s, etc. for framing
• Plywood & OSB – Sheet goods, typically 4x8 panels
• Engineered lumber – LVL beams, I-joists, glulam
• Specialty/Cedar – Fencing, decking, siding
• Poles & posts – Utility poles, fence posts

Pre-Loading Checklist

Before you arrive at the mill or lumber yard:

1. Confirm load dimensions and weight with dispatcher
2. Ensure trailer deck is clean and free of debris
3. Check that all stake pockets are clear and functional
4. Verify you have adequate straps (typically 8-12 for full load)
5. Bring edge protectors—mills often don't provide them
6. Have lumber tarps ready if required (check rate confirmation)

Loading Techniques

Dimensional Lumber

• Load longest pieces on bottom, shorter on top
• Keep bundles tight against headache rack
• Stagger joints if loading multiple bundle lengths
• Center the load—weight distribution matters for handling
• Maximum legal height is typically 8'6" (102") in most states

Plywood & Sheet Goods

• Load flat, never on edge
• Stack no higher than 6-7 feet for stability
• Use dunnage between lifts to allow strap placement
• Pay attention to moisture—wet plywood is significantly heavier

Engineered Lumber (LVL, I-Joists)

• These are high-value products—handle with care
• Load I-joists upright, supported by stakes
• LVL beams can be stacked flat with dunnage
• Tarping almost always required—damage claims are expensive

Securement Requirements

Lumber securement follows FMCSA guidelines with some specific considerations:

Load Type	Minimum Tie-Downs	Additional Requirements
Bundled lumber (< 10')	2 straps	Must prevent lateral movement
Bundled lumber (10-20')	3 straps	Include belly straps if stacked
Bundled lumber (> 20')	4+ straps	One per 10' of length
Sheet goods	4 straps minimum	Stakes or side boards recommended
Mixed load	Per commodity	Secure each tier separately

Strap Placement

1. First strap within 2 feet of the front of the load
2. Last strap within 2 feet of the rear of the load
3. Intermediate straps evenly spaced, no more than 10' apart
4. Use belly straps between bundles on stacked loads
5. Edge protectors at every strap contact point

Tarping Lumber

Many lumber loads require tarping, especially finished products, treated lumber, and anything going to retail distribution.

When Tarping is Required

• Finished/surfaced lumber (S4S)
• Pressure-treated lumber
• Plywood, OSB, and sheet goods
• Cedar and specialty products
• Any load to Home Depot, Lowe's, or similar retailers

Lumber Tarp Technique

1. Use a lumber tarp (typically 24' x 27' with 4' drop)
2. Position tarp with 2-3' overhang at front
3. Pull tight over headache rack to prevent wind lift
4. Secure sides with rubber bungees to D-rings
5. Rear can be left open (lumber tarp design) or closed
6. Create water channels—don't let water pool on top

Weight Considerations

Lumber weight varies significantly based on species and moisture content:

Wood Type	Weight (per 1000 board feet)	Notes
Douglas Fir (green)	4,500-5,000 lbs	Common PNW species
Douglas Fir (kiln-dried)	3,200-3,500 lbs	Lighter, easier to max out length
Hemlock	4,000-4,500 lbs	Common in WA/OR
Cedar	2,500-3,000 lbs	Lightest, can stack higher
Treated lumber	Add 20-30%	Chemical treatment adds weight

Delivery Tips

• Confirm delivery appointment and any unloading requirements
• Big box stores (HD, Lowe's) have specific check-in procedures
• Job site deliveries may require you to wait for a forklift
• Keep your straps organized—receivers notice professionalism
• Document any damage at delivery with photos and notes