Mills stockpile logs havested during the summer and fall, so there is a surplus to work off, keeping the mills operating in winter months. Mind you, its not at a brisk pace like summer, but certainly to keep at least half of the mill's work force employed.

The surpluses of centerbeams, the car of choice with the mills is relected of the storage of XM boxcars and 50 foot flats in the early eighties when the housing starts went into the tank.