Forestry and timber play an important role in our economy and daily lives, providing materials for everything from building homes to crafting furniture.

Moving timber from forests to where it’s processed is an essential part of that supply chain — the journey wood takes from forest to market.  Each year, millions of tonnes of home-grown timber are transported on the UK’s public road network, supporting rural jobs and reducing reliance on imports.

At the same time, timber haulage can affect local roads and communities, especially in rural areas where many routes were never designed for modern timber lorries.  The timber industry recognises these challenges and is working hard to reduce its impact through good practice, investment in modern vehicles and technology, and close cooperation with local authorities.

The following FAQs address some of the most common questions about timber transport — what it involves, why it’s needed, and the steps being taken to make it as safe, efficient and responsible as possible.

Timber haulage is an essential part of the supply chain as it’s how timber gets from forest to market.  It moves the timber that becomes building materials, fencing, pallets and fuel — everyday products on which many of us rely.  It also supports rural jobs and local economies.

Forests are often planted in rural areas, where minor roads provide the only access routes.  It’s similar to farming traffic — farms are usually in rural areas where the road network isn’t as strong as it is in towns and cities.

No.  Timber lorries have the same rights as any other goods vehicle, provided they’re taxed, insured and licensed correctly.

Like other heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), timber lorries can carry up to 44 tonnes on six axles.

More information is available from the DVSA and the Department for Transport.

[Find out more about HGV weights]

No.  The use of public roads for transporting goods is already covered by road traffic laws and regulations, so planning permission for timber haulage is not required.

Timber lorry drivers hold professional licences and must meet much higher standards than car drivers.  They are required to:

  • Complete regular professional competence training — at least 35 hours every five years — to keep their skills current and meet strict legal standards for professional drivers;
  • Pass a thorough medical before being licensed to drive heavy vehicles. This checks eyesight, heart health, blood pressure, diabetes and other conditions that could affect safe driving;
  • Renew that medical at age 45, then every five years, and annually after 65 — far more often than car drivers.

Many timber drivers also take part in industry-specific safety training, including courses promoted by the Timber Transport Forum and the Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA).

Together, these requirements ensure timber transport is carried out safely, professionally, and to some of the highest standards in road haulage.

[Find out more about HGV driver training]

Hauliers, forest managers and local authority roads departments work together to plan safe, sensible timber movements.  Good practice includes:

  • Being members of the Timber Transport Forum and Regional Timber Transport Groups;
  • Using Agreed Routes Maps to pick the most suitable roads;
  • Using modern technology such as tyre-pressure control systems to protect weaker roads, and telematics to monitor routes, performance, speed and emissions in real time;
  • Avoiding travelling in convoys and during busy times;
  • Coordinating loads with other operators;
  • Reducing speed on narrow roads;
  • Developing Timber Traffic/Transport Management Plans (TTMPs) to manage haulage operations;
  • Sharing or combining infrastructure to bypass unsuitable roads;
  • Working with local authorities to seek funding to improve rural roads;
  • Running trials of electric timber lorries to reduce environmental impacts.

The Forum:

  • Develops, promotes and shares good practice;
  • Supports Regional Timber Transport Groups across the UK;
  • Hosts the Agreed Routes Maps;
  • Encourages collaboration between industry and local authorities;
  • Contributes to discussions on transport infrastructure and new woodland creation.[Read the TTF Business Plan 2025–2030]

The Forum isn’t a regulatory body, so it:

  • Doesn’t have the authority to enforce traffic laws or road regulations;
  • Doesn’t deal with complaints about individual haulage operations, accidents, incidents or disputes;
  • Doesn’t provide details of land ownership or individual hauliers;
  • Doesn’t build or maintain roads;
  • Doesn’t provide funding for road and transport improvements.

Similar to the Timber Transport Forum, Regional Timber Transport Groups (RTTGs) bring together local authority roads departments, government bodies and industry partners — but at a regional level.

They discuss transport needs in their area, share solutions to local road challenges, and develop and encourage industry good practice.

[Find out more about Regional Timber Transport Groups]

All public roads can be used by timber lorries unless they carry certain restrictions such as weight, height, width or one-way traffic.

The Agreed Routes system doesn’t replace these legal rights — it simply helps identify the most suitable roads for timber haulage.

Agreed Routes Maps (ARMs) are voluntary maps developed by the timber industry and local councils.  They show which roads are most suitable for timber haulage and which should be avoided or used only after consultation between the industry and local authority roads departments.

  • Agreed Routes – roads suitable for regular timber movements;
  • Consultation Routes – roads where it’s best to speak with the council before use;
  • Severely Restricted/Excluded Routes – roads to avoid or use only in special circumstances[Find out more about Agreed Routes Maps]

Private roads do not fall under the Agreed Routes Map system.

Timber Traffic/Transport Management Plans (TTMPs) are local, voluntary agreements between timber businesses and Councils.  They set out how timber can be hauled safely on fragile or busy roads, helping to balance essential timber transport with the needs of local communities. They are developed on certain roads and set out how timber can be hauled safely, and help to balance essential timber transport with the needs of local communities

The Timber Transport Forum publishes Good Practice Guides with detailed advice for operators and planners.

[Read the Good Practice Guides]

The Code of Practice gives guidance on legal and technical matters in timber transport.  It promotes safety, efficiency and care for the environment, but it isn’t a legal document.

[Read the Code of Practice]

Engaging with local authority and community representatives helps ensure timber transport is planned with local knowledge in mind.  The Timber Transport Forum has produced voluntary guidance for discussing routes with councils and community groups.

[Read the Good Practice Guidance]

The Forum works with the Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA) and others to raise awareness, provide training resources and support safer working practices.

Because of their size and the way, they move timber lorries can give the impression that they are speeding even when they are not. Any actual speeding is a matter for the Police as the enforcement authority, and would need to be reported to them with sufficient evidence to justify an investigation.

No. They are not classified as abnormal loads; they are standard heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) with a weight limit of 44 tonnes.

The Strategic Timber Transport Scheme (STTS) co-finances projects that support the sustainable transport of timber in rural areas of Scotland.

Click Here >>

To learn more about timber transport, good practice, or the work of the Timber Transport Forum, visit the Forum’s website, or contact your local Regional Timber Transport Group.

[Watch this short video]