Dealing Directly With Mill (WRC)

[Wind_Knot]

Hey guys, I have a couple of questions about dealing directly with a cedar mill. I am interested in purchasing a rail car or two of western red cedar rough beams etc.. I am located in the middle of the country and could possibly set up the rail shipment on my own as I have some connections in that industry. I have a place to unload them once they are in so that aspect is already taken care of. If things go smoothly, I could possibly order up to as many as 10-15 rail cars a year.

My questions are really the how to's of dealing directly with the mill? Would a mill even be interested in this size shipment? Does anyone know of any cedar mills that would be willing to talk to me? Since I will be needing all different lengths and sizes what is the best approach? I have a band mill to do any custom milling once I receive the shipment.

If you would like to answer through pm or phone, please pm me.

Thanks,
Cole

[Dan_Shade]

PM Cedarman on this forum.

[Wind_Knot]

I am looking for WRC and not ERC. I am assuming "Cedarman" deals with just ERC?

[Cedarman]

Get a copy of Softwood Buyer's Guide.  I think that is the name of it or close to it. If you can't find it, let me know and I will dig up an old copy.  They have gobs of cedar mills from large to small.  I think Brucer on the forum deals in small quantities of WRC and knows mills that deal in large volumes.
Good luck with the WRC.

[Wind_Knot]

Thank you for the info!

Is this what you are talking about?
http://www.millerpublishing.com/SoftwoodMarketingDirectory.asp

[Cedarman]

The Softwood Forest Products Buyer.   I pick a copy up at trade shows.  They would probably send you an old copy. 

[Kansas]

You wouldn't have any problem finding a mill that wants to sell you that much. If I remember correctly from my grain elevator days, one rail car is about the equivalent of 3-3 1/2 semi loads.That has to do with weight limits. You will want to unload quickly. You start getting penalized if they can't press the car back in service in a day or two. Also find out how they will package it so you can either request smaller packages to fit your equipment, or have the appropriate equipment on hand.

On a side note, we loaded out a rail car for some rock company with big limestone rock that was destined for Idaho a few weeks ago.  They went into a gondola. Wonder how the hell they got that unloaded out there.

[Wind_Knot]

Thanks for the info fellas.

[Bandmill Bandit]

Did you find the western cedar you need?

I can get it organized for you if you still need it.
PM me if you still need it.