“You learn best by doing” – Ville, 34, timber haulage entrepreneur

Video: Ville Mäkelä – Hyppää kyytiin

Ville Mäkelä is a 34-year-old timber lorry driver and haulage entrepreneur from Huittinen. He’s been hauling timber for just over ten years and knows exactly why his job matters. “If it weren’t for us timber drivers, the shops would run out of loo roll pretty fast,” he says bluntly.

Ville’s story is an example of how, in the transport and logistics sector, you can move from being an employee to becoming an entrepreneur and build your own career on your own terms.

From the Defence Forces to the transport industry

Ville got his driving licence in the Defence Forces and found work as soon as his service ended, first as an evening driver. From there he moved on to being an employed driver, and after ten years’ experience he started his own company.

This path is typical for the industry: first you learn the job by doing it and gaining experience, then you build up your own business. Ville knows what running a company takes, because he’s done it all himself from scratch.

Timber haulage is precision work

Timber haulage is its own speciality within the transport and logistics sector. The work often takes place on forest roads and in demanding conditions. The loads are heavy, and loading them takes real skill.

Ville explains how every bundle of logs gets checked over: “You always have a good look to see if it turned out neat.” Precision and skill show in the end result. No one can teach this job properly just through lessons. “You learn best by doing,” Ville sums up.

And yet it’s not just about hauling timber. A timber lorry driver knows the forest roads, can judge conditions, looks after the vehicle’s maintenance and is responsible for the safety of the load. It’s varied, demanding work.

Being your own boss and making a living

Ville is just as blunt about the money: “You do get paid well for this.” Timber haulage is an industry where there’s plenty of work for skilled people. Timber is moved all year round, and skilled drivers are always needed.

As an entrepreneur, Ville gets to decide for himself how he builds his career. He’s chosen to focus on timber haulage, because that’s his area of expertise and where he’s at his best.

Who is timber haulage suited to?

Timber haulage suits someone who likes working outdoors and doing hands-on work. The job is independent but calls for precision and a sense of responsibility. If you don’t want to sit in an office but would rather be out doing real, practical work, this could be your kind of industry.

The industry requires a heavy vehicle driving licence (category CE) and professional competence (CPC). Training is available at vocational institutions, and practical skills build up as you work.

Frequently asked questions

What does a timber lorry driver do?

A timber lorry driver hauls timber from the forest to mills and sawmills. The job includes loading, driving and unloading. It requires handling heavy vehicles and knowing forest conditions.

How much does a timber lorry driver earn?

Pay is competitive, and Ville himself confirms that you earn well in the industry. As an entrepreneur, earnings depend on workload and contracts.

Is timber haulage year-round work?

Yes, timber is transported all year round. In spring and autumn, soft, muddy ground can affect the state of the forest roads, but there’s work in every season.

Can you get into the industry without experience?

Yes, everyone starts somewhere. Ville himself started as an evening driver. After getting a licence and basic training, skills grow through the work itself.

Interested in timber haulage?

If Ville’s story struck a chord, the transport and logistics sector could be your thing. Start by getting to know the industry through a TET placement.

Find a TET placement in the transport and logistics sector and see for yourself what the job looks like.

Want to hear more stories? Watch all the Hyppää kyytiin (Hop on board) videos.