Southern Loggin’ Times magazine Managing Editor David Abbott visits Purlear, North Carolina’s Huffman and Son Logging. Up until a few months ago, Josh and Mervin Huffman were strictly a two-man show. Josh, now 35, had worked for his dad when he was younger, back when Mervin had a full crew. Then Mervin, now 72, got sick and couldn’t work for a while, so the crew disbanded, leaving Josh to try other things. In 2007, when Mervin was healthier, the father and son formed Huffman and Son Logging as equal partners. This time it was just the two of them, and it stayed that way for a decade. They bought their own timber and did all cutting, skidding, loading and trucking on their own. For years, Mervin did all the hauling with a T800 Kenworth tri-axle truck. He has a Class B CDL, but not a Class A. They started switching gears in late 2016 when they decided to start hauling with a 1996 International 9200IE Eagle.

Featured Story: “Switching Gears”

Written By: David Abbott
Company: Huffman and Son Logging
Location: Purlear, North Carolina
SLT Issue: October 2017

Check out other featured articles in the October 2017 issue of Southern Loggin’ Times magazine.
Southern Loggin’ Times magazine’s October 2017 issue features Moorefield, West Virginia’s Wolfe & Parker Logging, Purlear, North Carolina’s Huffman and Son Logging, and Robbinsville, North Carolina’s Graham County Land Company. An article highlights the recent Southwest Forest Products Expo held in Hot Springs, Arkansas August 25-26. A special report examines the recent recession’s effects on the southern logging industry. Other articles cover the latest industry news, new products and upcoming events.