formula I use:
((Diameter/2)SQ) x PI => CI x (log length) => (log volume/1728 (cubic foot))
(32/2) = 16
16x16 = 256
256 x PI (3.14159) = 804.24 CI x 48 length = 38,603/1728 = 22.33 cubic feet x Species WT (65) = log weight = 1,451 pounds
I know old white oak in Georgia weighs 74# a cubic foot because I have weighted it on a digital scale, red oak about 60-65#, and Sweetgum about 55#-60# depending on the tree and season.
There is a formula for tree taper, but, I do not use it because when I am dropping a tree I want to know the maximum weight my steel cables and anchors have to hold relative to where the lines are placed in the tree. Once on the ground and cutting into 8 and 16 foot lengths, taper really does not matter much on hardwood, though it can on pines.
This is why I am inclined to use a cheap 7000# dual axle trailer vs. a truck for firewood getting and delivery. Because even a 1/4 cord of green white oak in 2-3 large logs can weigh 2300#.
That and you can not secure the load in a pickup bed. When I was working at car dealers over 40 years ago, I saw the aftermath of someone slamming on their brakes and having the frozen bags of sand, which were in the truck bed, come right through the bed and the back of the Chevy truck cab wall like it was not there. I tend to avoid working or buying vehicles where there is blood and scalp on the windshield. I did show my future wife a vehicle that someone pumpkin-ed the WS, with the bits left and attached, to make the point of seat belts saving lives,
You hit anything solid such as another vehicle or tree at 20 MPG, you will likely be wearing the logs. Which is why I may put cut and split firewood in a truck bed, but, not logs that weigh over 100# each, if I plan on driving over 10 mph.
I have made custom flat beds out of 3" x 3/16 channel bolted directly to the frame that I would certainly would expect to stop pretty much any log, especially strapped down logs. OEM truck beds, not so much. $0.02
