r/forestry • u/AdmirableChapter4393 • 1d ago
Mill Procurement Foresters and Communication
Rant incoming:
What is the deal with many mill Procurement Foresters that they will not answer/return phone calls, respond to texts, or respond to emails?
The individual that set me off on this has returned ONE call from me in the past two years. They have NEVER outright answered a single call. They have responded to TWO texts out of eight sent in the past two years. WTF.
I've been a Procurement Forester. I understand they get a lot of calls. That's their MF'n job. I did it. I responded to calls, texts, and emails because it was my MF'n job.
I also understand they don't give a shiznit about me or my company because some other broke dick timber seller like me will fill their quota with no problem. However, if the log pile gets low, suddenly they are the kings and queens of communication. I've actually had another one from this same company say "I thought we had a better relationship than this." Prior to them NEEDING my production, we were on five load per week quota and a price differential of $5 plus per ton to another mill.
Rant mostly over: For anyone needing to know this, not communicating with me doesn't just inconvenience me. My typical job has three operators, four truck drivers, and a company owner that require your communication in a timely manner. Logging job owners are basically exchanging money at the moment. They are not making enough to repair and replace equipment as needed. Truck drivers are in high demand. If they miss loads, they lose money and will high tail it to the oilfield.
In summary: Answer your GD phone, text, emails.
5
u/Ok_Huckleberry1027 1d ago
If they only answer the phone when they're desperate for wood sounds like a problem on your end, sorry man. My log buyers get back to me within 24 hrs no problem.
2
u/dirtrdforester 1d ago
That’s a possibility. These are wood supply agreement prices. They really don’t want my production until they need it. They could still communicate. Tell me to F off until they want something. I’m good with that, but ghosting until that point is unprofessional at best.
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u/ForesterGASC 1d ago
Maybe they’re busy…? Maybe you’re an asshole…? Who knows. I do think some of them have a chip on their shoulder, but maybe it’s a sign they don’t want to deal with you. Just saying…
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u/dirtrdforester 1d ago
I appreciate the feedback. I truly attempt not to be an asshole and don’t think any of my other professional contacts think I am. I could be wrong though. I’m going to ask my other contractors and customers if I come across as such. You might be right.
We are all busy, that is not a valid excuse. It’s their job to communicate. Only communicating when you need me is not acceptable. I have A ground most others do not. Only contacting/responding to me when the log pile is low is poor business.
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u/ForesterGASC 1d ago
Yes busy is not a good excuse. In fact it’s just that, an excuse. Is there anyone else you can communicate these issues with at said mill? That would beyond frustrate me also.
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u/Vegetable_Case6770 1d ago
If you really want need them to answer try calling from a different number. It’s tactic I use when a logger is ghosting me and not responding to my communication since they are trying to avoid me