President Biden Signals New Workplace Coronavirus Requirements - Sep 17, 2021
The administration has stated that it will require all employers with 100 or more employees to require vaccination against the coronavirus or show a negative test at least once per week. Companies that don’t comply could face very severe fines.; Webinar on Lacey Act Requirements for Wood Packaging Imports: The NWPCA sponsored event is scheduled for Tuesday, September 21st at 2:00-3:00 p.m. (EST) via Zoom with experts to explain the new requirements. It is free and open to anyone, but you do need to register in advance. more...
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Prepping for the Future, Things to Talk About at the ALC - Sep 10, 2021
Needless to say, we have a lot to talk about as an industry. Over the past 18 months, we have faced one of the most remarkable periods in the history of the pallet industry. The aisles and meeting rooms of the ALC are great places to talk about issues with both old friends and new contacts.; PECO Pallet Receives Sustainability Recognition: This award seeks to spotlight top leaders in the U.S. supply chain when it comes to environmental performance. The company emphasizes a focus on sustainably sourced materials for its pallets, proactive energy management and conservation programs, and a companywide focus on lean methodologies to reduce waste as key contributors.
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Infrastructure Bill Includes Provisions of Interest to the Forest Products Sector - Sep 3, 2021
The package creates a new federal system for subsidizing sawmills and other wood processing facilities, along with $400 million in new financial assistance. The provision specifies that “close proximity” to a sawmill would become a factor for agencies to consider when funding federal land restoration.; Produce Executive Suggests Pallet Shortage Crisis Is Improving: The industry faced a major pallet shortage thanks to CHEP curtailing deliveries as well as a general pallet industry shortage of pallets, lumber and labor.
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OSHA Releases New COVID-19 Guidance for Employers - Aug 27, 2021
OSHA suggests that all fully vaccinated workers in areas of substantial or high community transmission wear masks. The agency also recommends that fully vaccinated workers who have close contacts with people with coronavirus wear masks for up to 14 days unless they have a negative coronavirus test at least 3-5 days after such contact.; Diesel Prices Fuel Projections and Trends Through 2022: Smart pallet companies already started adjusting fuel price surcharges earlier this year when prices spiked. Looks like those higher prices will be here for at least the short-term. The supply crunch is expected to ease as most members of OPEC agreed to increase monthly crude oil production this month. more...
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Brambles Announces Strong Results; Discusses Pandemic Challenges - Aug 25, 2021
In one of the craziest lumber markets ever, CHEP’s pricing mechanisms have worked to keep the company profitable. In the United States, the rental giant did take a hit to its reliability reputation as the company struggled to supply customers especially in the ag sector. CHEP’s network and supply was put to the test this past fiscal year.; Diesel Prices Continue to Rise, Hope of Greater OPEC Production Should Help Supply Crunch: According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration prediction, "Expect that prices will fall to $2.82/gal, on average, in 4Q21.; OSHA Releases New COVID-19 Guidance for Employers: The agency recommends that fully vaccinated workers who have close contacts with people with coronavirus wear masks for up to 14 days unless they have a negative coronavirus test at least 3-5 days after such contact.; Recycle Bits: Walmart Inc. is adopting an automated pallet-packing system that it has been testing in 25 of its 42 regional distribution centers. more...
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Brambles Announces Strong Results, Discusses Pandemic Challenges - Aug 20, 2021
One of the biggest selling points for CHEP through the years has been the size and scope of its network and capabilities to get customers pallets, but its network and supply was put to the test this past fiscal year. The result – CHEP telling many customers they would not be receiving usual levels of pallet shipments.; News in Brief: The challenges to the global supply chain never seem to end. more...
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Science and Public Outreach Hold Some Answers to Wildfire Troubles – Part 3 - Aug 13, 2021
Drought combined with diseased and dying trees due to insect infestations have created the perfect conditions for worsening forest health. A major problem is that most of the money spent on dealing with forest health concerns goes into fighting fires not active management.; News in Brief: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack named Randy Moore to be Chief of the U.S. Forest Service. Walmart Inc. is adopting an automated pallet-packing system that it has been testing in 25 of its 42 regional distribution centers. more...
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Wildfires Rage, Lawmakers Look for Solutions – Part 2 - Aug 6, 2021
The good news is that both major parties see the need to address wildfire and forest health concerns. In addition, The Biden administration has been leading active monthly discussions with governors to address the wildfire concerns and ensure federal funding is getting to the right place.; Pallet Market White Paper Recently Released: Pallet companies can share this with pallet users. It is an excellent tool to help explain current market dynamics that affect the need for price adjustments. more...
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Wildfires Spark Concern in the West – Part 1 - Jul 30, 2021
For the timber industry, wildfires can affect the supply chain as logging operations shut down limiting timber supply. Sawmills in rural areas may stop operations or reduce output due to supply and safety concerns. This just highlights the fragility of the timber supply chain to disruptions.; Latest Pallet Market White Paper Released: Grade softwood lumber prices have dropped significantly although low-grade softwood prices have come down at a much lower pace due to expensive inventory still working its way through the supply chain. Hardwood prices remain high for new pallets. And recycled pallet prices remain elevated as demand outpaces supply.
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Industry Veterans Launch New, Tracking-Enabled Pool - Jul 28, 2021
The new company is called Pooling and Logistics Experts or PalX for short. Originally, the company is targeting regional customers with specialized needs, such as cold chains, pharmaceuticals and secure supply chains.; Latest Pallet Market White Paper Released: Included in this issue and posted online in the Pallet Profile/Recycle Record portal is a copy of the latest White Paper for late summer 2021.; Oregon Pallet Explains Strategies for Selling to 48forty Solutions: Oregon Pallet was established in 1998 by owners Bryce and Carly Taylor. Since its inception, the company has firmly positioned itself as one of the leading pallet recyclers in the region.; Looking for Lumber? Search the 2021 Lumber Pages! Covering both hardwoods and softwoods, you can search via geographic region and identify what specific lumber products are offered by each supplier. more...
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