Abstract
When transporting timber, the high variability of species, assortments and moisture content of the wood raw material does not allow the weight of the transported timber to be precisely determined. This often contributes to the excessive weight loading of the entire truck unit. The aim of the research is to present the variability of the total weight of truck units with wood cargoes (GVW—gross vehicle weight) depending on the weight of the empty unit and the transported timber load, as well as to analyze the changes in GVW, unit loads of wood and load on individual truck unit axles depending on the season. This study analyzes the total weight of truck units for 376 transports of Scots pine timber at different times of the year. The total weight of the truck units depends on the weight of an empty unit and the weight of the load. GVW was determined by using a weighbridge to weigh the vehicles and then the empty unit after unloading. The weight of the load was obtained as the difference between GVW and the tare. It was found that GVW differed significantly depending on the truck unit used, ranging from 43.60–58.80 Mg, often exceeding permissible limits for public roads. The individual axle loads for various truck units were also analyzed. The obtained results indicate that these loads are more equally distributed in the case of five-axle trucks compared to six-axle ones.
Highlights
Transport plays a vital role in the proper functioning of every economic system
The aim of the research is to present the variability of the total weight of truck units (GVW) with wood cargoes depending on the weight of the empty unit and the transported timber load, as well as to analyze the changes in gross vehicle weight (GVW), unit loads of wood and load on individual truck unit axles depending on the season
It was found that the total weight of the truck units (GVW) differed significantly depending on type, ranging from 43.60 to 58.80 model for the GVW (Mg)
Summary
The success of a company specializing in timber haulage depends on the transportation system, and on the cooperation of all entities associated with its supply chain [1,2,3]. The share of costs relating to the transport of wood raw material in relation to the total costs of forestry activities is significant [4,5]. The highest costs of transport operations are for hauling timber, accounting for 40–60% [6]. In order to increase their efficiency, companies operating in the timber haulage market try to reduce transport costs, as this is perceived as an important factor for increasing competitiveness. Research conducted in the USA indicates that by maintaining a uniform timber load weight, suppliers are able to achieve savings of 4–14% [9]
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