Help with rolling stock - N scale log car

[Bill in TX]

Hello:  I just received a Bachmann log car, item 18351, 40', 1906-1935 version.  Some assembly required.
Anyone got any good ideas on how to get the tiny side "posts" seated into the tinier receptacles along the side of the car.  The "posts" don't fit.  I've tried using an Emory board to file an end down, but doesn't work too well, and the "posts" are easily broken.
I'm now thinking of just gluing the logs together and to the flat car.  then they don't need the posts to keep them on the car. I don't really need them to be reloadable. I can glue a few posts on the side for looks, but they won't hold anything.
Any ideas would be appreciated.  Thanks.

[trainman203]

Loose loads rarely work well on model railroads.  I'd glue them together.