Framgångsfaktorer för rundvirkesåkerier i Mellansverige

Abstract: Generally, the economic health of Swedish roundwood truck transport companies has not been good. Profitability is important for maintaining the stability in the transport business, which is a condition for long-term transport planning in the forestry sector. The scope of this study was to identify probable factors influencing the profitability of roundwood truck transport companies and quantify the influence of these factors on economic results. The study was carried out at a major roundwood truck transport organisation in mid-Sweden and was implemented in four steps. In the first step economic results from the haulage contractors were collected and a random sample was taken from accounted net margin for the account year 2005/2006. In the second step hauliers were interviewed to identify probable success factors. At the third step data for identified factors were gathered through a questionnaire. In the fourth step correlation- and regression analyses were carried out in order to quantify the influence of identified factors on profitability. Short transport distances had a negative influence on profitability. Short transport distances reduce the possibility for haulage contractors with self-loading trucks to leave the loader at landing, a fact that reduces the cargo weight and increases the fuel cost. Vehicle weight had a great influence on profitability. Increased tare weight reduces the load weight and increases the fuel cost. Limited opening hours for receival at mills and terminals had a negative influence on profitability. Limited opening hours may increase the risk for longer waiting times. The proportion of thinning wood of total transported volume had a negative influence on the carried load weight for haulage contractors with self-loading trucks. The negative influence of thinning wood was greater on lighter self-loading trucks than on heavier. A connection between back-hauls and profitability was not found in this study. There are reasons to ask the question if all back-hauls are profitable for the individual haulage contractor to transport.