Alan Forbes is a name synonymous with the forestry industry. Not only did this forestry legend grow a large and successful log transport business from humble beginnings, but he was also there when the Log Transport Safety Council (LTSC) was formed and continues to ‘learn’ with the Tour of Learning (TOL) group.  

Having sold his business two years ago, in our Tall Timber feature this month, he takes us through the challenges and rewards of his years in the forest transport industry: 

“I guess all modes of transport have their difficulties but logging ground conditions are often challenging. Turning around, negotiating up and down hills without getting stuck, slippery logs at certain times of the year, learning all the safety rules and procedures at different sites and different forest owners, transporting loads up to 70 tonnes in off-highway conditions, are all challenging and you are always learning new ways of doing things.

“You also get to meet great people, from operators in the bush to fellow drivers, crew owners and forest management staff. The comradery and support among all staff is quite unique and, of course, pay day is always great,” he says.

For more, get your copy of the June 2023 edition of NZ Logger magazine, on sale from 4 June. Check the link on this page to subscribe to either a printed or digital copy(or both).