SPECIAL REPORT!
How to get into the Cross Tie Market
Market
The BPB Corporation and Stella Jones Company are both 50+ year companies that have been intensely involved in the cross tie industry.
In April 2008 these companies merged resources to become the 2nd largest treated cross tie producer in North America. The current procurement area covers the majority of Central US to the East Coast as well as portions of the Northwest and Canada.
Currently with 15 treating plants in operation; 8 US based and 7 Canadian based we will Procure approximately 700,000 - 850,000 pieces at each location annually.
We service all railroad customers as well as privately owned businesses and individuals. We purchase a variety of sizes, lengths and species depending upon the particular order and application.
The general scope of dimensions are 7x9x8.6, 7x8x8.6, 6x8x8.6 in the cross tie area and 7x9 dimensions in lengths of 9' thru 18' for the switch tie producers. The majority of cross ties produced are species of mixed hardwoods and oak. Occasionally we receive orders that involve certain species and/or grades of pine for prefab bridge material.
Prices per piece vary according to territories being procured and current market value.
Typically a 7x9x8.6 cross tie can be from $18.00 to $22.00 depending on supply & demand for a particular area and competition in the market place.
Grading requirements for both cross ties and switch ties vary from customer to customer, but in general the particular railroad dictates their requirements for quality.
Depending on the treating plants trimming system, ties may or may not need to be end trimmed. Most of the time we require at least 2-3 inches over length in order to trim both ends for a square area for plating.
Most trucks can haul approximately 8200 feet of green cross ties or switch ties per load. The freight is paid according on the sawmills preference. Some sawmills have their own trucks and haul their product and some don't and require outside trucks to pick up for them.
We work with the sawmill and their system of doing business.
Each plant has procurement representatives and information can be obtained for a particular location by checking out the websites for each at www.bpbcorp.com and www.stellajones.com
If you are a portable sawmill owner interested in this program you can contact me at 662-210-4676. I will forward you to the treating facility closest to your area.
Look forward to talking with you,
Rena
