Mark Legibility Concerns Point to ISPM-15 Program Issues - Aug 28, 2014
Pallet companies are complaining about what they perceive as the heavy-handed approach of some inspectors, agencies and even the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC).; Brambles Reports Solid Performance as CHEP Reorganizes U.S. Network: Through a massive realignment effort pushed through over the last year, CHEP now operates 20% of its U.S depot through company managed facilities.; New Dust Management Policy Takes Effect in British Columbia: Sawmill and wood product manufacturers will be required to complete a combustible risk assessment and perform a regular audit of their dust management programs. more...
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Brambles Reports Solid Performance as CHEP Reorganizes U.S. Network - Aug 28, 2014
CHEP now operates 20% of its U.S depot network through company managed facilities.; Georgia Company Is Now the Exclusive Global Provider of the OptiLedge™ Pallet System Designed by IKEA: The OptiLedge is a plastic unit load device which consists of lightweight, L-shaped ledges that fit underneath a product or unit load and are banded together to form a complete system.; more...
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How Will the Future Truck Affect the Truck Driving Shortage and the Role of the Trucker? - Aug 22, 2014
Daimler predicts the role of the commercial trucker will evolve and expand in the near future, rather than be completely eliminated.; Housing Starts Pass 1 Million Mark in July: Single-family housing starts were up 8.3% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 656,000 units.; Wood Resources Quarterly Reports China Imports are Up from Last Quarter: The biggest increases were seen in Russian lumber and in New Zealand logs to China.; Virginia Tech Researchers Receive $1.4 Million Grant: The study will further investigate the genetics of Populus trees for bioenergy. more...
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Restrictions on Wood Products Eliminated from BioPreferred Program - Aug 14, 2014
The BioPreferred program works to increase the purchase and use of designated biobased products through a preferred procurement initiative for federal agencies.; NWPCA 2014 Recyclers Conference Set: To be held Oct. 22-24 in Dearborn, Michigan.; Census Bureau Releases Trade and Manufacturing Inventories and Sales for June: Business inventories for June 2014 were $1,743.1 billion, up 0.4% from May and up 5.8% from June 2013.; Canadian Supreme Court Decision Could Impact Timber Supply: The Canadian government has recognized a claim from a First Nations government to land outside an Indian reserve by granting aboriginal title of over 420,000 acres in British Columbia to the Tsilhqot’in Nation.; Virginia Tech Offers Two-Day Pallet Design Course in Conjunction with NWPCA: Offered at Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg campus on August 19-21, this is the first short course in years that has featured the Pallet Design System™ more...
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Report Concludes Forest Products Industry Could Benefit from Program Like Hardwood Checkoff - Aug 7, 2014
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is currently in the process of reviewing and analyzing the 900-plus comments it received related to the hardwood checkoff program.; Asian Wasps Show Promise in Combating Emerald Ash Borer: The wasps prey on the EAB in their native environment by eating the beetle’s larvae.; NEWS BRIEFS: Weyerhaeuser Company (NYSE: WY) has reported second quarter net earnings to common shareholders of $280 million. more...
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Sustainability Report Shows Positive Impact of Wood Products - Aug 1, 2014
It highlights the contributions made in three key areas: society, overall economy and the environment.; Federal Agencies Sign Agreement to Better Protect Whistleblower Truck Drivers: Memorandum makes it easier for U.S. commercial truckers to speak out about safety, health and security concerns without fear of retaliation.; Report Finds Pallet Growth to Continue: Researchers identify trend of large retailers moving to block pallets over stringer pallets. more...
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RM2 Marches Ahead with North American Launch - Jul 31, 2014
RM2 Marches Ahead with North American Launch: The company expects to have a total of 25 pultrusion machines installed and operating.; Pallet & Packaging Companies Receive Sustainability Awards: CHEP USA, IFCO Systems, iGPS Inc., Orbis Corp. and PECO Pallet have recently been recognized.; NWPCA Selects New Advocacy Staff: Patrick S. Atagi is now vice president of advocacy.; Letter to the Editor - Nail Tariff Update: Another view point relating to the recent article in the June 6, 2014 issue of Pallet Profile.; Letter to the Editor Response: Concerning the antidumping and countervailing duty cases filed at the end of May.
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Investment Firm Buys Northwest Hardwoods - Jul 24, 2014
Littlejohn & Co.recently acquired Northwest Hardwoods, Inc. (NWH) from American Industrial Partners (AIP).; Letter to the Editor Response: Several of the statements made by Mr. Mazur concerning the antidumping and counter-vailing duty cases filed at the end of May are inaccurate.; Webinar Audio Problems: The technical problems were connected to larger issues experienced by the webinar hosting company.; NWPCA Selects New Advocacy Staff: NWPCA recently hired Patrick S. Atagi as vice president of external affairs.; Plastic Lumber Cases Highlight Advertising Claim Concerns: Both companies identified their plastic products as being made entirely of recycled materials.; News Briefs: CHEP has launched a new plastic quarter pallet in Germany. A fire at a plastic packaging recycling plant destroyed a yard full of pallets. A piece of legislation that would fund a more preventative approach to wildfire treatment has been introduced in the U.S. Senate. E-Pellets, LLC has acquired the formerly shuttered Louisiana Pacific OSB mill in Athens, Georgia. more...
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Four Proven Tactics to Create Value and Lessen the Focus on Price - Jul 17, 2014
Knowing how to create value for your product is key to building a sustainable business that can survive crazy markets.; Letter to the Editor – Nail Tariff Update: A reader covers the view of importers and the potentially negative effects the cases could have on the U.S. pallet industry.; EAB Area Quarantine Expanded: The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has expanded the regulated areas for emerald ash borer.; Marketing Webinar - July 22nd 1:00pm more...
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Pallet Company Takes Center Stage - Jul 10, 2014
Lima Pallet Co. in Lima, Ohio, hosted the event for the state’s lieutenant governor, Mary Taylor, to accept the endorsement of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB); RM2 Marches Ahead with North American Launch: The company has just leased a 265,000 sq. ft. production facility in Ontario, Canada to serve as its prime component manufacturing location for its innovative composite pallet.; Pallet & Packaging Companies Receive Sustainability Awards: CHEP USA, IFCO Systems, iGPS Inc., Orbis Corp. and PECO Pallet have recently been recognized for efforts in the supply chain.; News Briefs: Kamps Pallets, a Midwest pallet manufacturer has opened a new plant in Erlanger, Kentucky. New Zealand has become the world’s largest supplier of softwood logs. Interfor is suspending operations at two locations due to tight market conditions. more...
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A Batty Dilemma – Species Could Threaten Harvesting Operations - Jul 2, 2014
This little bat could become the next spotted owl, and it could put significant restrictions on logging activities.; Wood Products Company Wins Supreme Court Obamacare Challenge: Owned by conservative Mennonites, the company objected to paying for contraceptions that its ownership deemed violated its religious beliefs.; AUCTION: August 15, 2014 - Ringgold, Louisiana more...
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National Public Radio Highlights CHEP vs. White-wood Struggle - Jun 26, 2014
Unlike some previous attempts by national media organizations to cover the industry, NPR largely got the details right.; Duty Cases Put Foreign Source of Pallet Nails in Jeopardy: Depending on the outcome, this case could cause a major shakeup in the nail market.; Researchers Conclude ISPM-15 Is Working: Infestation rates have experienced a modest decrease since ISPM-15 went into effect in the United States. more...
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Maybe It’s Time to Rethink Your Business Strategy? - Jun 26, 2014
Jon Goldman, the CEO of Brand Launcher, has agreed to conduct a special webinar for Pallet Profile and Recycle Record subscribers.; VA Tech and NWPCA to Offer Joint Short Course: It will take place at the beautiful Blacksburg campus of Virginia Tech on August 19-21, 2014.; So How’s Your Business Doing? Ready to Find Out?: There are five such key areas that you will want to consider before taking a business assessment.
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Pallets on the Airways, NPR Highlights Industry - Jun 20, 2014
National Public Radio covers struggle between CHEP and white-wood industry as well as the emergence of 9BLOC. OSHA changes course and decides to put I2P2 on the back burner. more...
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European Pallet Market Update - Jun 12, 2014
Although the overall economic news in the European Union is brighter there is still a very slow recovery.; Researchers Conclude ISPM-15 Is Working: infestation rates have experienced a modest decrease since the program was adopted in the United States. more...
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Mid Continent Steel & Wire, Inc. Files Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Cases - Jun 5, 2014
The case seeks antidumping and countervailing duties on imports of steel nails from India, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, the Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, the Republic of Turkey, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.; Survey Suggests Majority of Sawmills Oppose Hardwood Checkoff, Other Developments Emerge: The survey of 1,434 companies eligible to vote on the proposed checkoff was sponsored by the U.S. Hardwood Lumber Industry Coalition.; News Briefs: Brambles Limited has acquired Transpac International GmbH a Germany-based provider of pooled intermediate bulk container (IBC) services. more...
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Collaboration Proves Successful between NWCPA and ALSC on ISPM-15 Enforcement Concerns - May 30, 2014
Both sides recently came together to discuss differences, notably policies for mark removal on recycled pallets used in domestic shipments.; The Fate of the CPC – Lessons for U.S. Pallet Companies: recently Sobeys, Shoppers Drug Mart and Safeway Canada all announced intention to withdraw from the CPC.; Pallet Fires Raise Need for Alarm: These fires serve as a reminder that every pallet company needs to have appropriate policies and training in place.; Pallet Enterprise Launches New Website: In addition the website now includes white papers on key research topics.; Brambles Releases Third Quarter Update: The parent company behind CHEP and IFCO Systems, announced 6% revenue growth. more...
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U.S. Economy Update Housing Focus: First-time Buyers Remains Key to a More Robust Recovery - May 29, 2014
Much of the recent growth in housing has come from cash buyers and investors looking to rent properties.; Federal Authorities Seek Comments on Softwood Checkoff Fines: All comments must be received by July 14, 2014. more...
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EXPO Richmond Review Beauty Is in the Eye of the Beholder - May 22, 2014
EXPO Richmond 2014 was another strong showing for the venue, which has become one of the better attended industry events over the last twenty years.; Louisiana-Pacific Cancels Ainsworth Lumber Acquisition: The two companies had been working on the acquisition for months.; News Briefs: ORBIS Corporation is expanding into Mexico. Analysts expect log exports to China will begin slowing in the next several years. North American exports of wood pellets saw significant increases last year. RM2 International S.A., has named Bill Sanders as the company’s chief operating officer. more...
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The Fate of the CPC – Lessons for U.S. Pallet Companies - May 15, 2014
As pallet industry leaders in the U.S. market struggle to put together some branded pool answer to CHEP, PECO and iGPS, we need to learn all we can from the downfall of the CPC.; Western United States Faces High Wildfire Risks: Record-breaking drought in some regions, early spring melt-off in others and high fuel loads are all expected to contribute. more...
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Systems-Based Design Becomes a Reality with Best Load Software - May 8, 2014
The next great paradigm shift may have arrived with the public release of the Best Load® software by White & Company, a software development and packaging design firm led by Mark White, PhD.; Pallet Enterprise Launches New Website: After more than two years of planning and work, the information hub on the Internet for Pallet Enterprise magazine offers a number of new features and resources.; Pallet Fires Raise Need for Alarm: These fires serve as a reminder that every pallet company needs to have appropriate policies and training in place.; EXPO Richmond Approaches: this is one show you will want to attend especially if you are considering any changes to your operation. more...
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Collaboration Proves Successful between NWPCA and ALSC on ISPM-15 Enforcement Concerns - May 1, 2014
Both sides recently came together to discuss differences, notably policies for mark removal on recycled pallets used in domestic shipments.; Northwest Hardwoods up For Sale: Headquartered in Tacoma, Washington, it is one of the largest manufacturers and global suppliers of hardwood lumber.; Brambles Releases Third Quarter Update: The parent company behind CHEP and IFCO Systems, recently announced its third quarter of its fiscal year 2014 with 6% revenue growth.; NEWS BRIEF: The U.S. Census Bureau recently reported that construction spending rose modestly to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $942.5 billion. more...
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Negotiating the Payment Terms Trap - Apr 29, 2014
Now is the time to address issues like rising raw material costs and better payment terms. Don’t run scared. Don’t be obnoxious either. Stay polite.; FMCSA Proposes Electronic Logging Device Requirement: Along with the requirement for truck drivers to use ELDs, the FMCSA proposed a number of new technical standards that ELDs would have to meet.; Fight Fallacies with Facts: Many people wrongly think that cutting down trees is bad for the environment.; MHI Honors Pallet Protector with Innovation Award: Product Protector is a forklift attachment designed to solve the product and pallet damage problem.; Industry Pioneer and Pallet Enterprise Contributor Passes Away: Richard Burns passed away on April 21, 2014 at the age of 59. more...
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Is It Safe and Sound to Blame the Pallet? - Apr 25, 2014
Sonoco Protective Solutions is working with two clients to mitigate cross contamination concerns by using a one-way plastic pallet.; Third Party Services Can Cause Payment Problems: OB10 is an electronic invoicing and payment process service provider. Neither recycler that we spoke with talked favorably of the experience.; National Wildfire Strategy Released: The National Cohesive Strategy is the result of an ongoing partnership that is providing a collaborative roadmap for how to better work together.; Fight Fallacies with Facts: Forest products are among the most environmentally beneficial raw materials on the planet.; MHI Honors Pallet Protector with Innovation Award: Product Protector is a forklift attachment designed to solve the product and pallet damage problem. more...
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You Want to Pay When? – The Payment Terms Trap - Apr 17, 2014
During one of the tightest lumber markets in history customers are pushing for longer terms on payables.; Mid-Atlantic Price Spikes: There is a fine line we must walk in a market this volatile. On one hand, we certainly want to be as currently accurate as possible, on the other, we must be careful not to be leading the market.; LPS Equipment Liquidation! more...
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Railroads to Continue Tie Buying Spree - Apr 10, 2014
One of the major competitors for low-grade lumber looks like it will keep on buying at strong levels.; Canadian Companies Buying up U.S. South: One of the main drivers behind these acquisitions is a pending timber supply issue in the British Columbia Interior due to the mountain pine beetle.; Pallet Manufacturer Receives Safety Award: Edwards Wood Products, Inc. (EWPI) received a Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) award for its manufacturing facility in Laurinburg, N.C.; NEWS BRIEFS: The Forest Service plans to provide training for architects, engineers and builders related to the use of advanced wood materials in U.S. buildings; The European Pallet Association (EPAL) is launching the first international EPAL Academy. AUCTION! April 26, 2014 more...
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Moisture – The Key to Understanding Mold and Stopping Its Growth on Wooden Pallets - Apr 3, 2014
The only thing we can control is the moisture content of the wood components.; Profile Releases Special Report: It is designed to help subscribers explain the current market to customers.; Multi-Family Housing Increasing: Multi-family rentals are at their highest level in four decades.; Quarterly Regional Lumber Price Trend Graphs included in this issue. more...
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Opportunities Abound But Who Has the Guts to Act? - Mar 31, 2014
It is a good idea after the recent NWPCA Annual Leadership Conference to take time to reflect on your business where it has been and most importantly where it is headed.; Report Forecasts Global Pallet Sales Growth of 5% through 2017, China to Lead the Way: This report projects global sales to climb 5% annually through 2017 to 5.1 billion units.; Research Center Offers Unit Load Design Course: The short course is scheduled for May 13-15, 2014 in Blacksburg, Va. at the Thomas M. Brooks Forest Products Center.; MHI Releases Annual Supply Chain Report: The two major barriers preventing innovation in the supply chain are a talent shortage and a continuing focus on cost reduction. more...
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If We Can Put a Man on the Moon, Why Can’t We Eliminate Mold on Pallets? - Mar 28, 2014
For mold to grow, you need oxygen, a food source and moisture.” The sugars in wood are a good food source for mold. You can’t really eliminate the first two ingredients so the only one you can control is the moisture content of the wood.; EXPO Richmond Free Registration Deadline Approaching Quickly: You can complete a registration online at www.exporichmond.com or 804-737-5625. After April 11, 2014, you can no longer register in advance.; International Court Rules in Canada’s Favor in SLA Disagreement: The decision supported the Canadian government’s claim that the adjustments awarded in 2011 were intended to end in October 2013. more...
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The Big Story and Your Story - Mar 20, 2014
If you want to compete on something other than just price, you need a compelling story. The key is to know what you want to be known for.; Research Center Offers Unit Load Design Course: The Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design at Virginia Tech Short Course is scheduled for May 13-15, 2014 in Blacksburg, Va.; MHI Releases Annual Supply Chain Report: The survey found that supply chain executives want to invest in powerful new technologies and business innovations to improve their supply chains, but are hampered by a shortage of qualified talent and never-ending pressure to cut costs. more...
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Looking for Opportunities in Networks, Customer Trends, Marketing & Industry Collaboration - Mar 13, 2014
The new buzzword that pallet recyclers especially need to be aware is that of omni-channel distribution.; Western Pallet Association Calls for Board Members: Seats are available for both members and associate members.; Associations Partner to Promote Southern Pine Exports: he first priority of the SPC is to improve export markets for Southern Pine lumber.; West Fraser Acquires Arkansas Sawmill: The company has bought the sawmill and lumber manufacturing operations of Travis Lumber Company.; News Briefs: A new emerald ash borer (EAB) infestation has been detected in Colorado. Five Indiana counties have had EAB infestations confirmed. Rough & Ready Lumber in Cave Junction, Ore. is planning to reopen nearly a year after it closed. more...
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State of the Industry – Part I Opportunities Abound But Who Has the Guts to Act? - Mar 7, 2014
Coming home from the recent National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA) Annual Leadership Conference (ALC), I was struck by the overall upbeat tone of the attendees.; Report Forecasts Global Pallet Sales Growth of 5% through 2017, China to Lead the Way: Although the report indicates a surge in demand for plastic pallets, overall the total market will remain dominated by wooden pallets and packaging.; Industry Pioneer Passes Away: It is with sadness that we report Emory Lucy, former owner of Brunswick Box Company, a well know pallet manufacturer passed away on February 14, 2014.; Tom Waechter Passes: Tom passed away from cancer on March 2; News Briefs: Forces are putting a squeeze on timber availability in the United Kingdom. Workshops will discuss lumber grading, sawing patterns, drying, selling and marketing wood products. CHEP UK has signed a three year deal with the first customer of its new CHEP Stretch solution. A three-month inspection of sawmills across British Columbia (B.C). by WorkSafeBC found that 42% had unacceptable levels of dust accumulations. more...
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What Does the Future Hold for Hardwood Supplies? - Feb 28, 2014
The pallet industry is well aware of how competitive the railroad industry is for buying the center of hardwood logs.; New Truck Fuel Efficiency Standards Coming: The Obama administration is beginning work on regulations that will tighten carbon emissions from trucks.; Lacey Act Amendments Considered: There is broad support from the forest products industry for clarifying that the Lacey Act amendments do not apply to products imported or manufactured prior to May 2008.; EPA Issues Wood-Burning Stove Emission Standards: The proposed rules do not apply to existing wood-burning stoves in homes.; News Briefs: The Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA) has published a new 2014 Edition of the booklet “Pressure-Treated Southern Pine”. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has reached a settlement with a manufacturer of plastic lumber products that requires the company to stop making what the FTC considers unsubstantiated claims about the recycled content and recyclability of its plastic lumber. more...
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FDA Issues Draft Sanitation Rules for Transport Equipment - Feb 26, 2014
Although the specific impact on wooden and alternative material pallets are not completely apparent at this time, a number of key concerns are covered.; CHEP Continues Strong Operating Profits, Sees Slower Growth for Second Half 2014: Its pallet segment, led by the CHEP rental division, continues to post strong operating profit margins of 17.9%.; EPA Report Clarifies Risks of Major Fire Retardants, Including DecaBDE: The report clarified what many had already suspected about Deca as a potentially hazardous substance. more...
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Blue Ribbon Coalition Calls for Industrial Grade Markets to Be Excluded from Proposed Hardwood Checkoff - Feb 21, 2014
After some opposition from major companies and trade associations, the BRC has relented and will focus the program on high grade markets and a few specialty niche sectors.; Brambles Reports 11% Operating Profit Growth: its pallet segment, led by the CHEP rental division, continues to post strong operating profit margins of 17.9%.; You Can Blame It on the Weather (But You’d Be Wrong): The perfect storm isn’t the weather. It is the market conditions created by a lack of forest products infrastructure that will present big challenges for the entire forest products industry.; Final Pallet Association Church Service on March 2: Unfortunately because next year the NWPCA is expected to change its meeting calendar from a Saturday night through Tuesday morning schedule to an end of the week schedule.; News Briefs: The Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA) has appointed Tami Kessler to serve as its new executive director. more...
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Officials Declare EAB Quarantine for Entire State of Iowa - Feb 14, 2014
Authorities in Iowa have enacted a statewide quarantine prohibiting the movement of hardwood firewood, ash logs, wood chips and ash tree nursery stock outside of the state.; Health Care Employer Mandate Delayed Again: Medium-sized companies will have an extra year to offer coverage to their workers and larger companies will have the requirement phased in over the next two years.; EPA Report Clarifies Risks of Major Fire Retardants, Including DecaBDE: This fire retardant became controversial in the pallet industry after Intelligent Global Pooling Systems (iGPS) used it to meet fire rating requirements for plastic pallets.; News Brief: International Forest Products Limited (Interfor) has reached an agreement to acquire Tolleson Ilim Lumber Company. more...
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Federal Government Releases Food Sanitation Rules for Transport Equipment - Feb 6, 2014
These proposed rules do include provisions that cover “transportation equipment” including pallets, containers and bins.; Congress Passes Farm Bill: It includes several key provisions that have strong backing from the forest products industry.; OSHA Requires Posting Injury/Illness Summary: Companies that employ 10 or fewer employees are normally exempt from this.; News Briefs: The European Pallet Association (EPAL) recently produced the 30-millionth Euro pallet with the EPAL logo on four corner blocks. Opposition to the proposed Hardwood Checkoff program is growing. An Indiana pallet company lost a building and semi truck in a fire. Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased 3.2% in the fourth quarter of 2013. more...
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Housing Market Turns a Corner–Will the Trend Continue? - Jan 30, 2014
2014 should provide some indication if this can continue as the Federal Reserve pulls back some on its stimulus into the overall U.S. economy.; Pallet USA Acquires Goeman’s Wood Products: The transaction was completed earlier this month. Details of the sale were not released.; WPA Presentations Now Available Online: You can download for free the PowerPoint slides from the presentations at http://www.westernpallet.org/2014AM.html.; Softwood Checkoff Board Seeks Nominations: Interested parties may self-nominate or nominate others to become candidates in the regional elections.; How Key Ambitions in the State of the Union Address Could Impact the Industry: The biggest point of potential compromise over the next year between the White House and Congress is likely to be immigration reform.; New Briefs: USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service recently reported exports of southern pine to be approximately 41.3 million board feet for November 2013. According to local news reports, a large pallet fire broke out at International Pallet Inc. in north Birmingham, Ala. last week. more...
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Composite Pallet Co. Raises $225 Million to Launch Major Pool in North America and Europe - Jan 29, 2014
RM2 International plans to launch a major composite pallet pool of 20 million pallets or more in both North America and Europe.; High Winds Drive Fire at Industrial Wood Products: A pallet recycler in Ozark, Mo., recently suffered significant damage. The office and main production building were a total loss.; NWPCA Annual Meeting Offers Prime Networking Opportunity: Industry leaders will gather in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. on March 1-3 at the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association Leadership Conference (ALC).; Pallet USA Acquires Goeman’s Wood Products: Longtime player in the Southeast Wisconsin pallet market, Goeman’s Wood Products Inc. has sold a majority of its assets earlier this month. Details of the sale were not released. more...
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Omni-Channel Distribution – Are You Ready? - Jan 23, 2014
Your retail pallet customers are going to be under even more pressure to do more with less, be flexible to meet various packaging and order fulfillment challenges and have the right products in the right location at the right time.; Fire Damages Industrial Wood Products: The facility located in Ozark, Mo. and owned by Paltech Enterprises Inc. recently suffered significant damage.; Litco Launches Pink Pallet to Support Breast Cancer Awareness: The company is committed to donating $2.00 from each pink pallet sale to The Breast Cancer Awareness Research Foundation.; NEWS BRIEF: Southern Fastening Systems has just announced some changes in its top leadership. more...
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Composite Pallet Pooler Raises $225 Million in IPO to Launch Big Time - Jan 16, 2014
Composite pallet maker RM2 International, which has been in a research and development mode for years, plans to launch a major pallet pool of 20 million pallets or more in both North America and the United States.; USDA Extends Hardwood Checkoff Comment Period: The comment period will remain open until February 18, 2014. more...
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Hardwood Checkoff – Is It a Good Idea? - Jan 10, 2014
Those against the measure are coming out in full force and seem to outnumber the supporters.; Pallet Industry Holds Two Major Meetings Early in 2014: The Western Pallet Association (WPA) celebrates its 40th anniversary at Palm Desert, Calif. on January 17-20. The NWPCA will be holding its annual meeting in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. on March 1-3.; News Briefs: Karen Wanamaker of the NWPCA is leaving the association. Two different groups are working on studies related to converting forest waste to biofuels. The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) is looking for comments on a draft of the SFI 2015-2019 Standard. Unseasonable wildfires in parts of California have caused concern among fire experts. more...
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EPAL and UIC Reach Exchange Agreement - Jan 3, 2014
Both EPAL and the UIC need each other because the rail authorities are very influential in European transport.; Deadline Approaches for Hardwood Checkoff Comments: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is currently taking public comments until January 13, 2014.; Renewable Electricity Standard Proposed: The House bill would require utilities to generate 25% of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2025.; Online PR Pitfalls: While PR and website marketing professionals may be better at messaging, generating search engine rankings, distributing press releases or developing videos, they don’t understand the industry.; European Timber Shortage Expected: TIMCON said delegates were expecting 2014 to begin with extreme and unseasonable pressure on the availability of timber in Europe. more...
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The Year in Review - Dec 23, 2013
Key concerns for pallet companies to consider as they prepare for 2014 and beyond.; CPC Dodges Shutdown, Calls for Action: While there remains widespread support for the CPC among many in the Canadian grocery sector, the future of the pool is far from certain. Recycle Bits: The two biggest players in the European pallet market have finally reached an agreement in principal over a dispute. iGPS Logistics and Nice-Pak Products, Inc. have extended their pallet pooling agreement. LOSCAM has signed an agreement with Bed, Bath & Beyond in New Zealand to become its sole provider of managed pooled pallets. Greystone Logistics, Inc. recently manufactured and shipped recycled plastic pallets to various sites in the Anheuser Busch system as part of a pallet test and product evaluation. A bill has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would establish the first national renewable energy standard. Commercial Lumber & Pallet located in City of Industry, Calif. has announced that Bruce Benton, formerly of Hunter Woodworks, has joined its team. more...
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Canadian Pallet Industry at a Crossroads - Dec 20, 2013
The CPC has postponed a shutdown and is working to bolster its network, but the future of the pool is far from certain.; News Brief: iGPS Logistics and Nice-Pak Products, Inc. have extended their pallet pooling agreement. A bill has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would establish the first national renewable energy standard. Commercial Lumber & Pallet has announced that Bruce Benton has joined its team as the director of marketing and production. Holiday Schedule: Pallet Profile will not be published December 27, 2013 according to our regular schedule. more...
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Study Indicates Surprises on Where Greatest Potential Exists for Woody Biomass Conversion, EIA Releases Forecast - Dec 13, 2013
Much of the pellet production is now going overseas to Europe as governments over there push to meet renewable energy targets. But what about the potential for growth in heat and energy production here in the United States using wood biomass?; SHOP Exchange Delayed: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that the federal online Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) exchange, will not be operational until November 2014. more...
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Thinking Out Loud about the Hardwood Checkoff - Dec 6, 2013
Led by strong support from grade hardwood interests, a checkoff program is designed to benefit the overall industry, but not everyone is happy with the proposal.; Profile Changes in 2014 Will Include Softwood Lumber Prices East of the Rockies: We will start reporting Southern Yellow Pine prices across the South and SPF prices across the northern tier of states.; Arrest Made in Pallet Scam: Gene Ferrell, 36, allegedly brokered pallet deals but never paid the manufacturers or delivery companies.; AUCTION: December 14, 2013 more...
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ALSC and NWPCA Agree to Create Task Force to Resolve Conflict - Nov 27, 2013
At its annual business meeting, the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) voted to table the discussion on the issues raised by the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA) involving mark removal and other concerns raised by recyclers.; Recyclers Conference Draws Large Crowd,Covers Key Issues: The strong attendance means that the association is likely to do a similar event each year that involves plant tours.; Bankruptcy Court Confirms iGPS Settlement Terms: All claims had to be submitted by October 24, 2013.; New Chemical Safety Resources Available: Employers also need to remember the upcoming December 1 deadline for training workers on OSHA’s new label elements and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) format.; RECYCLE BITS: IFCO has appointed Fred Heptinstall senior vice president of global business development. CAPS has rebranded its intermediatebulk container management business as CHEP Pallecon Solutions, officially becoming part of the Brambles family.; CHEP USA recently unveiled its new half-size pallet after re-engineereing every part of
the design based on feedback from leading retailers and product manufacturers. more...
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Research Looks at Market Opportunities for U.S. Hardwoods in Asia and Western Europe - Nov 27, 2013
The research involved case study analysis of importers at various trade shows as well as company visits in Germany, China and Vietnam.; State of Missouri Quarantined for EAB: Previously, only a portion of Missouri was regulated due to the establishment and enforcement of equivalent state quarantines.; EXPO Richmond Scheduled for May: The trade show, which will be held at the Richmond Raceway complex in Richmond, Va. on May 16-17, 2014.; NEWS BRIEFS: An increase in exports of southern pine lumber was reported in September.; AUCTION: December 14, 2013. more...
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Federal Government Releases Hardwood Checkoff Draft Proposal - Nov 22, 2013
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently published a draft proposal for a hardwood checkoff program to be levied on major U.S. sales of hardwood lumber, plywood, and lumber products, such as unfinished flooring, cants and railroad ties.; EAB Found in Colorado: An infestation now confirmed in the Boulder, Colo. area.; Canadian HT Program in Flux: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has agreed to a new process that will increase inspection frequency but not as much as first planned.; 2-way Pine Hybrid Pallet Introduced: Green Pallets Inc. is continuing the expansion of its first four stringer pallet made of wood with molded plastic bumpers. more...
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