This system has not been tried out under the conditions as found in the woods but if it can be made to work satisfactorily it will be a big improvement over the old system as the driver will then have instantaneous control over the load at all times. LIFE AND DEPRECIATION The life of the trailer is about the same as that of the truck, and in depreciation, a period of four years is usually allowed. The maintenance and upkeep of the trailer is very low. It rarely gives out and with the ordinary usage requires only a few minor repairs every two or three years. COST DATA The items of expense are here segregated in such a manner that they may be used as a basis for figuring the cost of hauling logs under average conditions. These costs are for the truck and trailer as a unit. If a road has to be built, the overhead charge of the road per thousand feet of timber hauled over it together with the cost of upkeep must be added to the figures given below in order to know the total cost of transportation per thousand feet. 3000 FOOT CAPACITY, OUTFIT COMPLETE The following figures are for a 3½-ton logging truck with a 5-ton trailer. The figures are based upon a 275 working day year. Cost of equipment (as a basis) $6700.00 Less resale value at expiration of 4 years at 25% of the original cost $1675.00 Less cost of tires, 2--36" × 6" $140.50 4--40" × 12" 776.00 916.50 -------- -------- Total $916.50 $2591.50 2591.50 -------- Basis for computing $4108.50 RUNNING EXPENSES PER MILE Per Mile Tires, based on a cost of $916.50 and a life of 8000 miles $ .1145 Gasoline, four miles to a gallon @ $ .28 per gal. .07 Oil and grease .02 General repairs .03 -------- Total running expenses per mile $ .2345 FIXED CHARGES PER 275 WORKING DAY YEAR