10-4 Magazine October 2023

14 10-4 Magazine / October 2023 multiple layers of density-graded Douglas Fir veneers. These veneers are glued and pressed in a variety of combinations and orientations, and finally joined together to create 1” layers called lamellas. Mass Ply products are forging new ground in mid-to-high rise construction, replacing steel and concrete in buildings up to 18 stories tall, and are exclusively patented by Freres in the United States. The timber por tion of their business is very impressive, as well, and a por tion of their 50-truck fleet includes several log trucks. Born and raised among the trees, Freres does everything they can to protect them. Following the Oregon Forest Practices Act, they use scientifically suppor ted methods to sustainably harvest and replant the Douglas Fir trees on their 17,000 acres of timberland. They are among the most responsible forest stewards in the country, resulting in a cer tification by the American Tree Farm System, as well as suppor t from customers and local communities alike. Through commitment to stewardship and continued investment in innovative products and processes, Freres is proof that scientists, naturalists, and loggers can work together to invest in the future of our forests. Another innovation that was recently added to the main facility in Lyons was a new crane, as seen in some of the pictures and the centerfold. This bright yellow behemoth, a Straight Track Woodyard Crane made by KoneCranes, can move east and west on the tracks it sits on, and nor th and south via the crane structure itself, and has a 35-ton capacity. It can pick up an entire load of logs off a truck and then set it down on the ground for sor ting. Purchasing this piece of amazing equipment a few years ago, it actually set sail on a cargo ship, destined for the United States, from a por t in Ukraine just one day before the Russian invasion began. Talk about a close call. One day later, and that crane might have still been sitting on the ship in por t, waiting to leave that war-torn country. Married to his wife Kassie for eleven years, she is a cancer survivor. Having beat breast cancer, Kassie was deemed “cancer free” a few years ago and can now lead a normal life. Kassie is a technician at a local medical clinic and does CT scans and x-rays. Eric was married previously for 15 years (1995-2010) and has two children from that marriage – a daughter Cour tney (23) and a son Car ter (19), who both still live nearby. Not surprising these days, neither of them are interested in trucks or trucking! When not out trucking, Eric enjoys attending Oregon State football games and cheering his beloved orange and black Beavers on to victory. Remember that younger brother mentioned earlier? Eric’s brother Craig drove for Freres for a few years and then migrated into the office, dispatching and running the trucks. Today, he is basically Eric’s boss! But all is good. They get along great, and Eric gets no preferential treatment (in fact, it might just be the opposite). Because of their strong relationship, Eric often gets the lousy loads, because his brother knows he won’t complain about it. So, not only these two brothers, but also their dad, found good jobs at Freres over the years. Eric said only about 1,100 people live in Lyons, and probably 450 of them work right there at the Freres mill. Wanting to acknowledge a few folks who helped him along the way, Eric says “thank you” to his dad, his brother, and his best friend Erich Schoen, who he met in 1995 while out trucking. And, most impor tantly, thanks to his wife Kassie for providing Eric with unending suppor t and love. He also wanted to thank the entire Freres family, including Tyler, Kyle, and Rob Freres, for not only allowing him to have a great job for all these years driving a sweet rig, but for treating him like family, too. Like I stated before, Eric said he still loves going to work every day, even after 27 years, and that says a lot about this company and this Freres family. He also wanted to thank Valley Pressure Washing for helping him get his ride show-wor thy and photo shoot ready. Hitting the road every morning, hooked to his 2021 Western Elite inside frame A-train with a 40-foot semi and 20-foot pup, loaded with veneer, and watching the sun slowly rise is what it’s all about for Eric. Sitting in that driver’s seat and holding the steering wheel of a clean and shiny truck is what makes Eric’s hear t beat faster and gets him up every morning. Because, for company driver Eric Griffith, it’s all about the love of trucking – and it definitely shows! n