Montana Log Truckers Association

This website is a place to find out what's going on in the Log Trucking industry no matter where you live in Montana. As a group we have a very powerful voice in deciding our future. I hope this site can bring the latest information to everyone so we can make informed decisions about the future of log trucking in Montana.

January 7, 2007

This letter was received from Paul Uken of the M.L.A.

Greeting and Happy New Year

This is just a quick heads up to let you know of a recent complaint concerning the use of Jake Brakes in the Lakeside area. The complaint didn't target Log Haulers per se but I thought it prudent to post a notice.

I visited with the complainant and explained the safety factors of engine retarders. He understood our point of concern...however, he seems adamant about seeking a legislative remedy to this problem.

Such a law will not benefit our profession... and may be avoided if we use Jakes judicially in populated areas.

So...do your best to use your Jake Brake system prudently...and if you have straight pipes that might be something to look at too.

On the "ATTA-BOY" side...it has not gone unnoticed that radio chatter is being kept to a professional, business format. It goes without saying that the big radio is an important part of your ability to do business. the professional use of it is essential for safety and commerce.

Hope to see you in the woods...

Paul Uken

MLA field Safety Ranger

To: MLA Flathead Log Haulers

From: Paul Uken

Re: Meeting with Flathead County Commissioner Joe Brenaman

As most of you know, Kalispell's West Side Scales have been a subject of discussion at PLH meetings the past couple of years.

Recently, we notified the Flathead County Commissioners about the inability of log trucks exiting the West End Scales on Highway 2 near the Batavia School to merge back into the flow of traffic, particularly during rush hour traffic-and we further requested a new safety study to explore options that might alleviate this problem.

The Commissioners do not have a clear understanding of what log haulers believe might be the appropriated remedy to this situation so, Commissioner Joe Brenneman has agreed to meet with local log haulers to discuss this issue.

On Saturday June 20th 2006 we met with Commissioner Joe Brenneman and went over the safety concerns we had about the Batava Scales. Our major concern was trying to pull a loaded Logging Truck out in to 70 mile per hour traffic on a sweeping corner with limited visibility. As you all know if there are several trucks weighing, our vision is greatly decreased and we can not see far enough up the highway to safely pull back into traffic. As a result over the years we have had several cars run into the back of loaded trucks and cars passing the slow moving truck with traffic coming from Kalispell making for a very dangerous situation.

We discussed a number of alternatives from closing down the scale, installing a merge lane, to reducing the speed limit so we can safely get back into traffic. We all agreed something must be done before someone gets injured or killed. The traffic coming from west of town has increased to the point that it is bumper to bumper all the way out to Kila and beyond. Below is a letter that was sent to the county commissioners asking for a safety study.

February 20, 2006

Flathead County Commissioners

800 South Main

Kalispell, MT. 59901

Sirs:

A few years ago, the Montana Logging Association (MLA) initiated a Professional Log Hauler (PLH) campaign to advance professionalism within Montana's log hauling community and to provide a forum for the discussion of issues of concern to log haulers in Montana.

In recent months, our PLH group has become concerned about the inability of log trucks exiting the West End Scales on Highway 2 near the Batavia School to merge back into the flow of traffic, particularly during rush hour traffic. On behalf of the MLA and our PLH members, we respectfully request a new safety study to explore options that might alleviate this developing problem.

We appreciate the fact that this area was recently the subject of a safety study review by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT). Unfortunately, MDT's final issuance was to simply move a sign. The PLH believes that this remedy is inadequate and that much more needs to be done. Furthermore, it is our understanding that only the County Commissioners can authorize a remedy such as a change in the speed limit or the determination of boundaries for a speed zone.

We believe one solution might be to lengthen the 45 mph speed zone east of the scales in order to better restrict traffic speed within the merge zone. MDT did not consider this option and we believe the County should. In recent years, the volume of traffic west of Kalispell has increased tremendously... and we are convinced that the issue we bring before you is a major safety issue for the motoring public.

We further believe the proximity of the Batavia School elevates the importance of traffic safety in this area. Unfortunately, MDT is not interested in reviewing this issue again and they have advised us that only Flathead County can initiate a speed limit/zone study.

One of our PLH objectives is to enhance traffic safety for our members and the motoring public and we respectfully suggest that the West End Scale is one of our top concerns. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We hope to hear from you soon.

Respectfully submitted,

Rich Tatarka

MLA President & PLH Chairman

The Montana Chapter of the Northwest Log Truckers Cooperative is here to give a voice to all the Log Truckers of Montana.

I would like to start off by congratulating all the log truckers of Montana. They are the most dedicated and hard working group of individuals you will ever find.

The Log Truckers of Montana are joining the Northwest Log Truckers Cooperative. The Co-op is run by Log Truckers for Log Truckers in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana.

Mission Statement

Our cooperative is dedicated to promote the mutual welfare and interests of log truck operators throughout the States of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. Our membership consists of operators in every county in Western Washington plus many counties in Eastern Washington, as well as many members in Oregon, Idaho, and Montana.

We desire our members to work cooperatively with northwestern logging contractors; AND to educate timberland owners and logging contractors about the increasing costs we are facing and the need to fairly and adequately compensate the drivers who haul their products to mills and market.

I will keep updating the site as we go, but we need your comments and suggestions to improve and grow in our industry.

We welcome your comments and suggestions. Please feel free to sign our Guest Book or E-mail us

E-mail address

If you have not been receiving E-mail updates as to what's going on be sure I have your E-mail address. As I make changes and add things to the Web site I will send out an E-mail notifying you that there is updated news on the site. Contact me at

jakej@logtrucker.com

This Web Site Hosted and Maintained by

Jake Johnson

www.jakej.com

Columbia Falls, Montana

E-mail

jakej@jakej.com

Montana Chapter of the Northwest Log Truckers Co-op

President Jim Weinman

Vise Pres. Bill Bartlet

Secretary Jake Johnson

Treasure Joe Keller

Representatives

Kevin Jump

Jody Jeschke

Rob Martin

e-mail

Chapter president at Logtrucker.com

Notice to Trucks coming down Hart Hill in to Kalispell

The people on Hart Hill are complaining about Trucks using their Jake Brakes, and are going to Helena to try and get the use of them banned. Just a heads up to let you know.

Montana Log Truck Laws

FMCSA's Log Load Securement Rules

Magnesium Chloride on Montana Roads