Export Logs

November 2024 Edition:

Export Logs by: Steve Granzow

The primary purpose for the fumigation of logs en route to China, as with many export treatments is to prevent the spread of pests, diseases, and invasive species that could damage agriculture and ecosystems at destination. There is a lot that can be carried by a log, that may not be seen with a basic inspection, in particular within the sap layer of the wood. This is the outermost layer of a tree that carries water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves, making it especially attractive and also likely to find invasive insects, in any of its life stages from an egg, that can hardly be seen even when exposed, to an adult, or even microbial.  This layer, along with the bark protects the heartwood while the tree is standing, but most importantly, for the veneer industry, in transport. It contributes to the final color of the wood and regulates its heat and moisture.

Exports in general require a multitude of decisions, and logs in route to China are no different. To begin, no phytosanitary certificate is required if the logs are debarked. This is an effective method to get the wood moving without the cost of treatment however it is not the preference of most buyers in the veneer market within China. This is why the determining factor in the need for fumigation is the bark layer. The benefits of shipping logs with the bark still on most certainly outweigh the drawbacks of adding the additional treatment step within the heart of the logistical challenges that come with exports in general. The bark contributes to the overall value of a log in secondary markets in everything from mulch to biofuels. The bark primarily assists in regulating heat and moisture protecting the veneer logs from splitting in transport as a split often ends the chances of a piece being able to be used. Beyond all these things Identification made easy with the bark is always a helpful way to ensure the customer got what they paid for.

Logistics is a field often associated with a complex web of challenges and obstacles. While the term "logistics" may sound straightforward, it is far more than just a simple movement of goods. It can be loosely translated into a "list of problems" that need resolving. Whether you are dealing with ingredients, supplies, materials, or any kind of precursor to a finished product, the journey from point A to point B is rarely without hiccups. This is why to be a great steward to the industry, and to our customers, FSS finds it critical to be a solution within these steps. We work hard to be a reliable, effective, safe, and compassionate partner in these challenging processes.