Shipping timber and lumber by rail on specialized platforms

In principle, round timber and lumber can be transported on regular universal platforms by removing the sides and making stands from available timber. This was done in the past. It was believed that it was better to have one universal type of platform that allows for a wide range of cargo. However, over time, the cargo flows of timber and lumber increased, and a specific type of rolling stock was developed and implemented for timber transportation — timber-carrying platform or, as it is also called, timber-carrying wagon.

Where and to where timber is transported on timber-carrying platforms

Naturally, the transportation of round timber and lumber mainly goes from forested regions to treeless ones:

• From Russia and Belarus to China, Kazakhstan, Central Asia, Europe.
• From Finland to Europe.
• From Ukraine to European countries. However, the export of round timber from Ukraine is currently prohibited.

But in principle, transportation on timber-carrying platforms can be carried out between any stations connected by rail. One just needs to remember, when planning transportation, that the gauge of European railways is narrower than that of railways in the former USSR countries.

Design and characteristics of the rail timber-carrying platform

The principal design difference of timber-carrying platforms from other types of railway platforms is the presence of high end walls. For this reason, this type of railway rolling stock is often called timber-carrying wagons. The end walls can be made of solid metal or constructed from a metal grid. The design of these walls varies among different manufacturers. The end walls are intended to prevent the timber from shifting forward and backward during braking and acceleration of the train.

Along the side edges of the platform, there are 12 removable metal stands on each side. There are also shorter timber-carrying platforms, which have fewer side stands. The purpose of the stands is to prevent the timber from rolling off the platform sideways. The stands are made removable to allow loading of the platform not only from the top but also from the sides.

The carrying capacity of timber-carrying platforms is about 66 tons, with a tare weight of about 25 tons. Most timber-carrying platforms are 13.4 meters long, allowing for the transportation of 2 stacks of six-meter logs. However, there are also platforms for transporting timber that are 18.8 meters long, which can load three such stacks.

Cost of transportation

If your company transports timber on a regular basis, the cost of a one-time transportation can be significantly reduced by renting a timber-carrying wagon for a long period. The cost of a one-time transportation will depend on the volume of timber being transported, the specific model of the platform, and the distance of transportation. If the transportation is international, transit customs fees will need to be added to its cost.