From the standpoint of adaptability the motor truck is very flexible. It can operate on grades and curves that are impossible with the railroad. The whole logging equipment, including the donkey engine, can be loaded on the truck and trailer and easily moved from one setting to another. By replacing the log bunk with a platform the truck can take out all the smaller marketable material, such as shingle bolts, poles and cordwood. The modern truck can also be provided with the necessary equipment for use in snaking out the logs in stands of small timber and when used with a winch and an "A" shaped boom, will load itself. If the truck becomes mired in a mud hole, the winch may be used to pull it out. Finally, the item of fire risk is practically negligible. COSTS In order to arrive at definite figures as a basis for a comparison between railroad and motor truck transportation costs, the following case is cited as an example representing average good conditions:[1] A 5-ton truck with trailer was used, operating on a seven and one-half mile haul over ordinary unpaved roads. An average of four trips a day were made and the actual running expense for hauling was $.90½ per thousand feet. Adding to this the overhead expenses of interest, depreciation, etc., the total cost of hauling was $1.44 per thousand feet. The statement of this cost is as follows: ACTUAL CASH OUTLAY IN HAULING 128,420 BOARD FEET OF LOGS Gasoline, 284 gallons @ $.19 $53.96 Oil, 3 gallons @ $.60 1.80 Oil, 20½ gallons @ $.45 9.23 Incidentals--One electric light globe .35 Hardware 4.03 Blacksmith 3.00 Driver, 11 days @ $4.00 44.00 -------- Total $116.37 128,420 feet @ $116.37, or $.90½ per thousand feet. [1] West Coast Lumberman. Nov. 1, 1916, page 266. Labor, gas and oil have since advanced in cost. TOTAL EXPENSE OF HAULING 128,420 BOARD FEET OF LOGS Investment: Chassis $4,900.00 Trailer 700.00 ---------- Total Investment $5,600.00 VARIABLE CHARGES Gasoline, 284 gallons @ $.19 $53.96 Oil, 3 gallons @ $.60 1.80 Oil, 20½ gallons @ $.45 9.23 Tires, $.07½ per mile on 615 miles 46.12 Incidentals 7.43 ------- Total variable charges $118.54