Class Code 2727
Log Hauling
Class Code 2727 covers log hauling operations in California, including drivers and crews who transport, load, secure and deliver round logs from the stump or landing to mills or transfer yards. The approved pure premium rate is $17.007 per $100 of payroll, reflecting the elevated loss experience and unique hazards tied to forestry transport. Understanding this classification helps employers set accurate payroll coding and take targeted safety actions to control claims and premiums.
What Class Code 2727 Covers
This classification applies to employees whose primary duty is hauling round or whole logs by truck or tractor-trailer from the cutting site, landing, or roadside to mills, ports, or intermediate landings. It includes drivers of self-loading log trucks, log trailers, skidding tractors used to move logs to a landing for truck pickup, and crews who load, chain, secure and unload logs at origin or destination. Work commonly occurs on unpaved, steep, or seasonal forest roads as well as public highways, and frequently requires winches, chokers, bunks, bunks straps, and blocking. Tasks can include coupling trailers, operating onboard self-loaders or knuckleboom loaders, setting chocks and chains, and performing routine vehicle and load restraint inspections. Activities by shop personnel who perform maintenance on log-hauling equipment are included when integrated with transport operations.
Who It Applies To
- Independent owner-operators and trucking contractors specializing in log transport
- Logging companies with in-house transport crews that move logs from landings to mills
- Forest products companies that operate truck fleets for timber deliveries
- Driver-operators of self-loading log trucks, log trailers, and tractor-trailer rigs
- Loading crews and landing personnel who secure, chain, and prepare log loads for transit
Common Job Duties
- Driving loaded and empty log trucks over public highways and remote forest roads
- Operating self-loaders, knuckleboom loaders, or winches to load and unload logs
- Securing loads with chokers, chains, binders, straps, blocking and tailgate restraints
- Performing pre-trip and post-trip inspections of brakes, tires, lights, and load restraints
- Coupling and uncoupling trailers, operating fifth-wheel and air brake systems
- Removing debris, placing bunks and chocks, and signaling/spotting during loading
- Performing minor roadside maintenance and field repairs on trucks and trailers
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $17.007 Rate
The pure premium rate of $17.007 per $100 of payroll represents the expected dollar cost of future workers' compensation claims for this class based on historical losses. To estimate the pure premium, divide total payroll for employees in Class 2727 by 100 and multiply by 17.007. The final premium an employer pays will also include insurer expense loads, loss cost multipliers, experience modification (E-Mod), any policy limits or deductibles, and state assessments, so actual premiums vary by carrier, safety record and payroll reporting accuracy.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Cal/OSHA enforces safety orders applicable to logging and timber operations that affect log haulers, including requirements for mobile equipment operation, vehicle maintenance, rigging and hoisting safety, and employee training on hazardous energy, PPE and chainsaw use when cutting or handling. Employers must maintain written programs and inspection records for equipment, provide training and certification for winch and rigging operations, enforce seatbelt and roadway safety, and implement heat illness prevention and emergency response plans for crews working in remote areas.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 2727
A PEO like Key HR can help employers in Class 2727 by ensuring correct classification and payroll reporting, delivering targeted loss-control training (load securement, winch and rigging safety, defensive driving), managing claims and return-to-work programs to reduce indemnity costs, and negotiating with carriers for competitive pricing based on consolidated volume. Key HR also provides OSHA-aligned safety program templates, drug and alcohol testing administration, and on-site or virtual safety audits to lower frequency and severity of claims.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
If my drivers help load and secure logs at the landing, does Class 2727 still apply?
Yes. Class 2727 covers drivers and crew whose primary work is hauling logs and includes routine loading, chaining and securing operations performed to prepare loads for transport. If loading is the primary business activity (not transport), a different logging or logging-related code may apply; accurate payroll splits may be required.
What practical steps lower workers' comp costs for log haulers?
Key actions include rigorous pre-trip inspections, documented load-securement procedures, mandatory seatbelt and DOT-compliant equipment checks, winch and rigging training, fatigue management and return-to-work programs. Monitoring E-Mod, timely claims reporting, and targeted safety audits also reduce long-term costs.
What specific Cal/OSHA training should my log-hauling crew receive?
Provide training on vehicle and mobile equipment operation, rigging and choke operation, hazard communication, PPE use, heat illness prevention, emergency response in remote areas, and procedures for safe coupling/uncoupling and loading. Maintain written training records and periodic refresher courses.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 2727
- Classification
- Log Hauling
- Pure Premium Rate
- $17.007 / $100 payroll
- Effective Date
- September 1, 2026
- Source
- WCIRB Approved Filing
Manage Workers' Comp Through a PEO
Key HR provides pay-as-you-go workers' comp for California employers — no large deposits, no audits, better rates.
Get a Quoteor call (800) 922-4133Ready to Simplify Workers' Comp for Class Code 2727?
Key HR provides California employers with pay-as-you-go workers' comp, HR compliance support, and payroll — all through one PEO partnership.