Article Directory
48forty Solutions Becomes First Pallet Recycler to Receive SFI Certification - Apr 26, 2024 
48forty clarified that this certification only applies to its company-owned facilities and recycled pallets. It does not cover new or combo pallets supplied by the company.; EXPO Richmond Show Review – Part 2: This is the second-half of that technology review. Companies are listed in alphabetical order.; Fire Destroys Pallets at Virginia Plant: A severe fire in the yard of Allied Pallet Co. in New Kent county destroyed rows of pallet inventory.; Industry Veteran Supplier Passes Away: Dedicated supplier and industry pioneer Alexander Murray “Sandy” Campbell Jr. died on March 27, 2024; U.S. Department of Labor Releases Final Overtime Rules, More Workers Now Eligible for Overtime Pay: This rule will restore the promise to workers that if you work more than 40 hours in a week, you should be paid more for that time. more...
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Part I – EXPO Richmond Post Show Insights - Apr 19, 2024 
The event featured one of the country’s largest expos for live equipment demonstrations and physical equipment showcases of forest products and pallet machinery and attracted 5,250 people with 25% being exhibitors.; News in Brief: Fire crews fought a blaze at Freys Pallet LLC in Pennsylvania. A fire occurred at GMA Pallet Recycling Corp. in California. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to consider a logging case. The NWPCA unveiled its 2024/2025 Board of Directors. more...
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C&D Lumber Closure Punctuates Tough Year for U.S. Sawmill Sector - Apr 12, 2024 
The company has indicated its intentions to provide support for employees during the transition including severance packages and assistance in finding new employment.; Researchers Forecast Market Growth Over Next Four Years: This projected growth is a compound annual growth rate of 2.86% per year. more...
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Loggers Group Warns about the Impact of Mill Closures - Apr 5, 2024 
When mills close, logging companies close, and forest health suffers. While the United States shuts down sawmills, the country is now the leading global importer of softwood lumber.; Retraction Notice Regarding Thompson River Lumber in Montana: According to a spokesperson for the company, it is not closing and has no intention on closing.; EXPO Richmond 2024: The show takes place next weekend from April 12-13th, 2024 in Doswell, Virginia at a new venue.; Quarterly Regional Lumber Trends: These graphs illustrate the average hardwood and softwood lumber prices published within each region over the past year. more...
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EXPO Richmond 2024 Preview - Mar 29, 2024 
This year, EXPO Richmond will feature 200+ indoor and outdoor exhibits, educational sessions, and equipment demonstrations. The show is moving to a new location in the Virginia countryside to accommodate better facilities for the event.; Lawsuit Filed Against Allegheny Wood Products Alleging WARN Act Violation: The company recently notified employees that it would be shutting down all its facilities due to market conditions, and the move resulted in the termination of jobs for 850 direct employees and contractors. more...
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MHI Survey Identifies Key Trends and Drivers in Global Supply Chains - Mar 29, 2024 
The biggest trend is the rise in the use and interest in artificial intelligence (AI). This MHI survey also looked at key challenges and key technologies that will affect the future of supply chains.; PLA Announces Appointment of Steve Clark to Chief Executive Officer: PLA is a supply chain and pallet portfolio company owned by investment fund Silver Oak Services Partners.; NWPCA Secures Non-EU Wood Pallet Exemption for PPWR: The major concern for global shippers as well as packaging providers is the potential disruption in global supply chains.; EXPO Richmond 2024 Preview: This year, the show will feature 200+ indoor and outdoor exhibits, educational sessions, and equipment demonstrations.; Va Tech to Offer Second Crate Design Course This Fall: This course will introduce the different crate styles and characteristics commonly used in the United States. more...
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NWPCA Secures Non-EU Wood Pallet Exemption for Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations - Mar 22, 2024 
The PPWR were originally designed to reduce packaging waste through recycling and reuse efforts. The rules establish reuse targets for almost all packaging, including pallets.; PLA Announces Appointment of Steve Clark to Chief Executive Officer: The move reflects the company’s focus on expanding supply chain services offerings. more...
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MHI Survey Identifies Key Trends and Drivers in Global Supply Chains - Mar 15, 2024 
The biggest trend is the rise in the use and interest in artificial intelligence (AI). About 84% of survey respondents are planning on adopting this technology in the next five years.; Prayer Gathering to Be Held Around National Pallet Meeting: This gathering contains a wide variety of participants including industry members and suppliers. Last year more than 40 showed up to pray and encourage one another. more...
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Canfor Reports Major Sales Losses in Most Recent Quarter - Mar 8, 2024 
The company has reduced production at its facilities in Western Canada as well as multiple closures. These moves have resulted in Canfor removing 760 million board feet of production in 2023.; American Forest Resource Council Takes Challenge to U.S. Supreme Court: At the core of the matter is this question, “Who controls the management and policy directives of federal land management?” Does this power reside with the executive branch or Congress? more...
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Allegheny Wood Products Closes Multiple West Virginia Facilities - Mar 1, 2024 
New reports suggest that the closure eliminates as many as 850 full-time and outside contractors. This development certainly will have ripple effects across the forest products sector in the region.; Prayer Gathering to Be Held Around National Pallet Meeting: This group is connecting again during the NWPCA Annual Leadership Conference held in Florida at the end of the month.; News in Brief: PalletTrader has added new features to its system. Overall goods manufacturing activity is picking up. more...
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Brambles Reports Higher Profits, Retailer Demand Drops, White-Wood Price Pressures Lowers Onboarding - Feb 28, 2024 
Inventory optimization processes and destocking by retailers as well as an overall slowing of the economy in its two biggest markets (North America and Europe) has led to a massive inflow of pallet returns.; Iowa Fines Pallet Recycler for Large Pallet Stockpile: Up to 2 million wood pallets at a site south of Burlington that have languished for nearly two years and pose a fire risk for nearby residents.; Kamps Announces Executive Team Changes: Bernie Kamps, the company’s founder, is stepping down as CEO and will assume the role as the board’s executive chairman, serving in strategies capacities.; Recycle Bits: The U.S. Forest Service has launched a partnership that will estimate the carbon footprint of the wood products and forestry sectors. A worker was recently injured after being trapped under a stack of pallets that fell onto him at Ash Pallet Management in Antioch, Illinois. more...
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Rosboro Timber Closes Oregon Mill, Cited Legislative Impact - Feb 23, 2024 
Recently implemented regulations restricting timber harvest in Oregon have caused material harm to the competitiveness of much of the state’s wood products manufacturing segment. In early January, another Oregon company, Hampton Lumber closed its sawmill.; Digital Platform Developed to Estimate Carbon Footprint of Wood Products: The partnership includes various forest industry trade groups such as, the Hardwood Federation, the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA), the American Forest Foundation, the American Wood Council among others.; NEWS IN BRIEF: Jeff Pepperworth, president and CEO of iGPS Logistics, recently wrote about the potential impact of aisle-ready pallets to revolutionize retail. more...
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EPA Issues New Particulate Matter Rules, Could Have Major Effect on Manufacturing Plants - Feb 16, 2024 
Opponents suggest the rules will further hamstring businesses and restrict their abilities to upgrade facilities, operate and expand.; NWPCA Announces ALC Speaker Lineup: The National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA) Annual Leadership Conference (ALC) is set to take place in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida at the Sawgrass Mariott Golf Resort & Spa from March 20-22. This event features an already sold-out golf tournament at the very popular TPC Sawgrass course. The ALC will bring together hundreds of pallet industry professionals from around the world, and the speaker list has recently been announced. more...
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Commerce to Raise Softwood Lumber Duties Likely This Summer - Feb 9, 2024 
Not surprisingly, Canadian officials have lambasted the decision. Mary Ng, minister of export promotion, international trade and economic development for Canada, said the proposed increases are entirely unwarranted.; PalletTrader and PopCapacity Forge Strategic Partnership to Streamline Pallet Procurement: This collaboration promises to revolutionize warehousing and simplify pallet procurement for businesses of all sizes.; News in Brief: A worker was recently injured after being trapped under a stack of pallets. The Top Employers Institute has recognized CHEP in 2024. ASMWP commissioned a new study from the UPV regarding the environmental performance of various wood containers for transporting fruits and vegetables compared to cardboard packaging. more...
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Congressional Representatives Introduce Hardwood Access Bill - Feb 2, 2024 
The bill addresses the need to have more funding to support end-user information on the benefits of hardwood products. This will allow various non-profits, universities and other eligible applicants to research the low carbon footprint and sustainability of domestically produced hardwood products to educate the public on the benefits of these products.; Down Sawmill Market Leads to Changes for Major Producers: Some companies have curtailed production or even completely shut down facilities for a limited time to save money.Not all the news was negative, as Boise Cascade announced plans to invest $75 million in modernization plans.; House Passes Tax Bill With Business Relief: This tax deal provides a larger credit in the first year to the low-income families of roughly 16 million children, or more than 80% of those who currently don’t receive the full credit because their families earn too little. more...
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CHEP Sues California Recyclers Over Disagreement About AB 1760 - Jan 30, 2024 
The law established a mechanism where-by stray proprietary pallets can be declared abandoned property if the owner does not arrange collection of them in a timely manner (35 days). It also establishes the right for the recycler to charge storage fees.; Most WPA Attendees Believe Pallet Demand Recovers This Year: While many are still encouraged about the long-term prospects of the industry, it does seem that the current conditions will be challenging for the foreseeable future.; Looking for a New Product to Sell? Check Out the Crate Design and Performance Short Course: The Wood Packaging and Biomaterials staff at Virginia Tech University are offering a new 2.5 day, in-person course focusing on Wooden Crate Design and Performance. more...
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NWPCA Joins Alliance for Sustainable Packaging for Foods, Group Focuses on Crafting Effective Packaging Waste Regulations - Jan 26, 2024 
This new trade group, the Alliance for Sustainable Packaging for Foods (ASPF) is focused on encouraging the adoption of a holistic and harmonized approach to food packaging regulation.; News in Brief: Canadian government officials have decided to challenge the U.S. decision to maintain duties on exports of softwood lumber. IFCO, a global leader in reusable packaging, has launched Dora, a reusable plastic pallet. more...
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Most WPA Attendees Believe Pallet Demand Recovers This Year - Jan 19, 2024 
While many are still encouraged about the long-term prospects of the industry, it does seem that the current conditions will be challenging for the foreseeable future.; Lagging Revenue in 2023? Looking for a New Product to Sell? Getting into crates and complex wood box projects isn’t easy, especially if you have never done it before. A new course on Wooden Crate Design and Performance is being offered March 5-7, 2024 in Blacksburg, Virginia. more...
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Kamps Announces Executive Team Changes, Bernie Kamps Retires from Active Management Role - Jan 12, 2024 
Announced on January 4th, effective immediately, Mitchell Kamps, 28-year veteran of the company and the current president, will be promoted to CEO.; DOL Issues New Rule on Independent Contractor Status Guidelines: These revisions make it easier for a worker to be classified as an employee because the focus of the classification has been extended from two core factors to equal consideration of six primary factors. more...
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CHEP Sues California Recyclers Over Disagreement about AB 1760 - Jan 5, 2024 
Why is this case important? For starters, AB 1760 was the first major bill in the country detailing recycler rights. Its application is being challenged in the court by CHEP, and the outcome could have major precedence in how other jurisdictions rule on the matter.; Forest Service Unveils Plans to Restrict Logging on Old, Mature Forests, Will Likely Make Things Worse: Major preservationist groups have rallied to the support of this directive from the Biden Administration. The Wilderness Society is calling for protections to be expanded to cover older, maturing forests that do not qualify as old growth yet but could get there in the future.; Profile Regional Lumber Trends and Quarterly Graphs: These graphs illustrate the average lumber prices published within each region over the past year. more...
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European Parliament Issues Revised Packaging Waste Regulations with Non-EU Exemptions - Dec 22, 2023 
Although the rules have not been finalized, the proposed Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) seeks to achieve increased recyclability and recycling by setting fairly strong targets. The European Parliament just modified the proposed regulations to include a reuse target exemption for pallets that come from non-EU countries.; No Report Next Week: The next issue will be published on January 5th, 2024. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of our readers.; Legislative Predictions for 2024 – Forest Products Priorities: Congressional lawmakers knocked out a major defense policy priority while including provisions that promote mass timber projects, other high-profile items remain. Here’s a preview of what to expect next year.; OSHA Fines Wisconsin Sawmill Almost $1.4 Million for Teen Fatality Incident: According to OSHA, the company allowed several minor workers to perform maintenance on equipment without training or following required safety procedures.; Wishing our subscribers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We are thankful for your continued support and look forward to 2024. more...
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European Parliament Issues Revised Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations with Non-EU Exemptions - Dec 21, 2023 
Although the rules have not been finalized, the proposed Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) seeks to achieve increased recyclability and recycling by setting fairly strong targets.; EPAL Decides to Launch QR Code Program for Its Pool: The operator of Europe’s largest open pool is inviting companies to participate with the slogan “Join the Q.” The code allows for unique serialization for its pallets when scanned.; 48forty Solutions Awarded By Greenly for Its Climate Strategy: The Silver Medal is a clear indication of 48forty’s position among the top 10% of evaluated companies, signifying its proactive approach towards climate action and environmental responsibility.; Reminder: OSHA Has Changed its 2024 Electronic Record-keeping Requirements: This new rule covers a wide variety of industries including logging, sawmill and other wood products manufacturing (including pallets). more...
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The Importance of Training Your Employees on Pallet and Unit Load Design - Dec 15, 2023 
Only a fraction of companies actually send personnel for advanced training on the latest design software. So, why is this something you should consider doing in 2024? A 2½ day short course class uses Best Pallet™ and Best Load™ software to develop computerized designs for pallets and unit loads. And the instructors will help you learn how to take your usage of these tools to the next level.; EPAL Decides to Launch QR Code Program for Its Pool: The QR code allows for unique serialization of EPAL pallets. This code can be scanned and used to gather data on the pallet and unit load as well as linked to the goods being transported.; 20 Year Forest Study Confirms Benefits of Burning and Thinning: This is big news because some preservationist groups have lobbied against these treatment methods suggesting they pose too much ecological danger. more...
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USITC Sustains Duties on Softwood Lumber Products from Canada - Dec 8, 2023 
As a result, the existing orders on imports will remain in place. Current duties range between 6.61% and 9.25%. But these duties could go up in the future. They had been downward revised recently by the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC).; 48forty Solutions Awarded By Greenly for Its Climate Strategy: The Silver Medal award is a result of the company's strong performance in demonstrating its alignment with international climate goals and the Paris Agreement’s targets.; Fatal Accident at Konz Wood Products: The Grand Chute, Wisconsin Fire Department did not release more details about the injuries, except to say that the deceased employee was not entrapped or entangled in any machinery. more...
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2022/2023 Pallet Industry Wage and HR Survey Released - Dec 1, 2023 
Anyone who participated in the survey will receive a free copy. We have emailed out the final copy this week.; EU Parliament Adopts New Packaging Rules: The measures aim to set specific targets to reduce plastic packaging and to encourage more reusable and recycled packing.; Holiday Schedule: Season’s Greetings! Pallet Profile will not be published December 29, 2023, according to our regular schedule. more...
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Kamps Releases 2022 Environmental Sustainability Report - Nov 28, 2023 
This assessment is designed to help the company evaluate its progress on key environmental metrics and to inform customers of potential benefits and impacts. Kamps stated that it is “particularly attentive to the role we play in our customers’ environmental story.”; Brambles Appoints New CEO of CHEP Americas: Xavier Garijo will join CHEP in January, and oversee the leadership of the CHEP businesses in the North America and Latin America regions.; Recycle Bits: A recent pallet fire and suspected arson incident in Los Angeles shut down the 10 Freeway. Conner Industries, Inc.has acquired Denver Reel & Pallet Company, a custom wooden crate and pallet business in Colorado.; 2022/2023 Pallet Industry Wage and HR Survey To Be Released: This most recent survey covers impacts of COVID-19 policies, areas of interest in automation technologies, successful methods used to attract and retain employees, demographic data on the industry workforce and much more. more...
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Brambles Appoints New CEO of CHEP Americas - Nov 22, 2023 
Xavier Garijo will join CHEP in January, and he will oversee the leadership of the CHEP businesses in the North America and Latin America regions. This change in leadership structure in the Americas region reflects the increasing collaboration and interconnectivity between CHEP’s North American and Latin American operations.; Turnkey Sawmill Opportunities Announced: The mills include all equipment and real estate. All four sites are immediately available for private treaty sale as a complete package or individually.; Washington Roundup: Congress finally passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government through January. The Forest Service recently presented findings of its threat assessment for mature and old growth forests (MOG). The House passed Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Interior and Environment appropriations legislation (H.R. 4821). Some favorable business tax benefit extensions are currently pending on the House floor. more...
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LA Pallet Fire Closes 10 Freeway, Raises Concerns about Arson - Nov 17, 2023 
Why should this story be of interest to anyone outside of Los Angeles? The reason is simple. Pallet facilities are enticing targets for arsonists. For example, a series of fires in Fontana, California years ago were eventually tied to an arsonist. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), arson is the leading cause of fires in the United States, resulting in more than $1 billion in property loss each year.; Conner Industries Announces Joint Venture with Anderson Pallet and Crate: The 20,000 square foot manufacturing facility, located in Sedalia, Colorado, is minutes from I-25, just south of Denver, and comes with a team of twenty employees. With recent investments in new automation equipment for processing lumber and assembled items, the joint venture is expected to be highly successful for both parties. more...
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Interpal Series – Part 1: Could EU Packaging Regulations Affect Export Pallet Requirements to Europe? - Nov 10, 2023 
Although the final rules have not been written, the proposed Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) seeks to achieve increased recyclability and recycling by setting fairly strong targets. The PPWR would require all packaging be recyclable by 2030.; Professional Pallets Appoints Jim Schwab as Chairman: Prior to his current role, Schwab is a former chairman of the board of directors for the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association, and served for five years as an officer in the United States Navy. more...
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Kamps Releases 2022 Environmental Sustainability Report - Nov 3, 2023 
This assessment is designed to help the company evaluate its progress on key environmental metrics and to inform customers of potential benefits and impacts.; National Pallet Provider Buys Denver-Based Crate and Pallet Manufacturer: Conner Industries, Inc. has acquired Denver Reel & Pallet Company. This latest acquisition marks the company’s first investment in the Rocky Mountain industrial packaging market. more...
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WPA to Celebrate 50th Anniversary at Annual Meeting - Oct 27, 2023 
The WPA meeting has developed a reputation as a friendly place to meet new contacts and develop a broader network, especially in the West. This year will be particularly memorable as the association recognizes people who have been integral in the association’s success. If you have never been, consider attending this year.; Tax Law Changes May Favor Buying Equipment Now: Section 179 allows a taxpayer to deduct/write off the full purchase price of certain equipment and/or eligible software acquired and installed during the tax year. This law applies to both new and used equipment.; Brambles Reports Revenue Growth for Latest Quarter: Higher pricing is a major driver for revenue growth as it has successfully passed along and maintained price increases.; Public Auction November 11, Saturday, 10:00 AM: Logging Equipment and Shop Tools; • (2) JD 648G111 • Skidders • Prentice Yard Loader • Camper • Tools • Guns more...
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2023 Holiday Retail Sales Prediction Looks Like a Grinch - Oct 27, 2023 
Some in the pallet industry were hoping for a Christmas/holiday bump. But this isn’t going to be much given recent predictions about the 2023 holiday season. Trend looks to be downward as retailers start destocking inventories.; Pallet Book Revised for 20th Anniversary Edition: Pallets: A North American Perspective is ideal for anyone who produces, recycles, buys or uses pallets in their everyday job and wants to know more about how element of supply chains can make materials handling run better.; Brambles Continues Research and Development in Pallet Tracking: CHEP has developed a continuous diagnostics pilot project in North America and has serialized pallets in Chile.; WPA to Celebrate 50th Anniversary at Annual Meeting: This year will be particularly memorable as the association recognizes people who have been integral in the association’s success. If you have never been, consider attending this year. more...
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Housing Sector Challenges Raise Concerns for Short-Term Lumber Markets - Oct 20, 2023 
The high interest rates are keeping people in their existing homes, which means that those who do need housing are looking to new construction. That’s good news for the forest products sector.; National Forest Products Week, Federal Government Recognizes Success of CLT Development: The USDA’ s Forest Service is making nearly $50 million in grant funding available for projects that support crucial links between healthy forests, strong rural economies and jobs in the forestry sector. more...
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Panel Calls for Further Review of U.S. Softwood Trade Actions - Oct 13, 2023 
Most U.S. timber is harvested from private land at market rates. By contrast, most Canadian lumber is procured from federal and provincial lands with low government-set stumpage fees. The core of the disagreement centers on two different approaches to procuring and valuing timber.; Brambles Continues Research and Development in Pallet Tracking: The company reported improved cash flow after a number of years of significant pallet price inflation. Looking to the future, Brambles is clearly turning its attention to growth after a few years of capacity constraints.; WPA Master Learning Group Focuses on Women in Leadership: There are a limited number ofseats for this special women-only event so register now to make sure you’re included in the discussion scheduled for October 19, 2023, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (PDT). more...
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2023 Holiday Retail Sales Looks Like a Grinch - Oct 6, 2023 
Last year, the U.S. holiday season grew 5.3% over 2021 to $936.3 billion, fell short of the National Retail Federation’s forecasts. Inflation, high interest rates and sluggish economic growth spooked shoppers. It looks like we are in for more of the same this year, but projections are for an even worse holiday season.; Pallet Book Revised for 20th Anniversary Edition: Pallets: A North American Perspective was written to provide a basic understanding of the pallet to those both inside and outside of the industry, and is ideal for anyone who produces, recycles, buys or uses pallets in their everyday job and wants to know more about how this critical element of supply chains can make materials handling run better. more...
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Pallet User Survey Finds Growth in Use of Non-48x40 Pallets - Sep 28, 2023 
Other than the fact that it has become the de facto footprint standard, there is nothing magical about 48x40 pallets. It will be interesting to see how this trend potentially changes over the next year as the shortages endured during the pandemic are transitioning to massive oversupply of 48x40 used pallets this year.; Brambles Announces Future Plans, Works to Improve Asset Utilizations: During the pandemic, CHEP struggled to supply customers as retailers and shippers held onto CHEP pallets due to excess inventories and pallet procurement difficulties. This resulted in less pallets flowing back into the CHEP network, and the company focused on its core customers leaving seasonal clients looking for anything they could find on the open market.; Freight Capacity Concerns Could Arise This Winter: When truck capacity got squeezed during the pandemic, prices skyrocketed leading to new or retired drivers entering the market. Now that the economy is slowing and there is way too much capacity, rates have dropped and so has the growth rate.; Remembering an Industry Veteran: Randy Panko was the face of Wood-Mizer blades to many in the pallet industry. He recently passed away and will be missed by family, friends and colleagues.; White Paper Covers Massive Influx of Cores into Market: The Recycle Record has just published a White Paper titled “Let’s Make a Deal.” This report, included in this issue, covers recent trends as the recycled pallet market has been in a major corrective position over the last several months. more...
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Brambles Releases 2023 Sustainability Review Focusing on “Regeneration” - Sep 28, 2023 
The major focus for CHEP’s plan is creating regenerative supply chains with the ability to put back more than is taken out of the environment. A key way that CHEP meets this goal is through extensive tree replanting efforts. Beyond just planting one tree for every one used in its pool, the company has set and met a goal of planting two trees for every one used in maintaining and growing its pool.; PLA Opens New Plant in Northwest Arkansas: The new service center adds new and recycled pallet supply, repair, and retrieval services to the reverse logistics, transportation, and 3PL services provided to customers throughout the greater Northwest Arkansas area. more...
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Washington Roundup – Legislation Grinds to Halt as Shutdown Looms - Sep 22, 2023 
Currently, the federal government runs out of money on September 30th without any new congressional action. Previous stalemates have led to some partial shutdowns. But these never last too long. However, these battles don’t do a lot to build consumer and investor confidence.; NEWS IN BRIEF: Nearshoring is becoming a much larger trend. The Decorative Hardwoods Association (DHA) recently highlighted new restrictions on exports.; Remembering an Industry Veteran: Randy Panko Randy was the face of Wood-Mizer blades to many in the pallet industry. He recently passed away and will be missed by family, friends and colleagues. more...
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Let's Make a Deal -- Summer/Fall 2023 White Paper - Sep 19, 2023 
This report covers recent trends as the recycled pallet market has been in a major corrective position over the last several months. And prices are moving down quickly. This White Paper explains the causes as well as the market lessons and difficulty in pegging exact prices. more...
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MMH Survey Suggests Non-48x40 Pallets Are Growing in Popularity - Sep 15, 2023 
Changes in pallet types were likely driven by shortages during the pandemic. Also, companies are realizing that they can use similar pallet sizes for cheaper prices. Other than the fact that it has become the defacto footprint standard, there is nothing magical about 48x40 pallets.; EPAL To Crack Down on Illegal Wood Coming from Ukraine: In a world where environmental purchasing and sustainability is a large concern for major pallet users, ensuring legal sourcing is critical. EPAL has faced inferior or fraudulent Europallets in the past coming from countries in eastern Europe. This is just the latest challenge when it comes to unscrupulous players looking for ways to cut costs. more...
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Part II — Brambles Announces Future Plans, Works to Improve Asset Utilizations - Sep 8, 2023 
To remedy the depleted supply situation, CHEP worked to recondition more broken pallets, locate strays and has added some pallets to its pool. Also, as the economy has slowed and retailers have destocked, huge inflows of millions of pallets has occurred.; Freight Capacity Concerns Could Arise This Winter: So, what does this mean for pallet companies? Over the past year, trucks have been easy to find, and rates have been decreasing. Excess capacity has replaced the shortages found during the pandemic. But this trend is not likely to continue. more...
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Part I — Brambles Releases 2023 Results, Pool Efficiency Gains Achieved - Sep 1, 2023 
The driver for revenue growth this year was not higher volumes or big new customer wins. Instead, Brambles was able to finally recoup inflationary costs as many long-term contracts reset at higher pricing.; New Study Questions Wood Product Sustainability: Unfortunately, just when we seem to be making progress, another questionable report comes out that is touted by those who would prefer that our forestlands remain untouched and unmanaged. more...
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Rental Pallet Theft Scheme Discovered - Aug 29, 2023 
CHEP discovered the plot in a routine inspection when they found a trailer with many pallets that had been unaccounted for in the paperwork.; Western Pallet Association Taps New Top Executive: The WPA recently selected Glenn Meeks to take over the role of executive vice president.; OSHA Expands Electronic Recordkeeping Requirements: Under the new rule, employers with 100 or more employees in designated high-hazard industries will be required to electronically submit information. Recycle Bits: OSHA has issued an alert on heat hazards in the workplace; A global pallet market survey has predicted that the industry around the world will reach $130.5 billion; PalletTrader.com has surpassed one million pallets transacted. more...
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Let’s Make A Deal – Canada to Appeal Latest U.S. Duty Decision - Aug 25, 2023 
Those in favor of the decision argue that the softwood lumber trade cases help offset Canadian lumber subsidies and dumping, allowing U.S. lumber manufacturers to compete in a fair market, invest in their businesses, and supply more U.S. lumber milled by U.S. workers to build U.S. homes.; NEWS IN BRIEF: The USDA recently issued a report warning that forests could be classified as net emitters of carbon rather than absorbers.; OSHA recently fined an Arkansas sawmill after it experienced a fatality.; The Hardwood Federation responded to a request from the USDA seeking to improve the measurement of greenhouse gas emissions.; Fastmarkets has acquired Hardwood Market Report. more...
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Consumer Picture Worsens, Forecast Uncertain - Aug 18, 2023 
Just when the consumer is needed to help lead the rebound, student loan debt repayment is restarting. Nearly 44 million people owe more than $1.6 trillion in federal student loans. The Biden administration has developed a plan to reduce the impact on student borrowers. But the loan repayment restart will hit many parents, who were excluded from the more generous repayment program option, forcing them to look for more work, longer hours and more pay.; PalletTrader CEO Believes Pallet Demand Recovery Nears: While it is true that the destocking has reduced, we have yet to see demand pick up in any noticeable way. The next month or two will tell us exactly what the winter holiday season will look like.; NEWS IN BRIEF: The White & Company Annual Pallet and Unit Load Design short course is almost full.; OSHA has issued an alert on heat hazards in the workplace due to extreme temperatures across the country.; A pallet market survey has predicted that the industry around the world will reach $130.5 billion in size by 2032. more...
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Insights from the Biden Administration’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy - Aug 11, 2023 
Last year, the Forest Service started its Wildfire Crisis Strategy. The 10-year plan calls for treating up to an extra 20 million acres of Forest Service land as well as an extra 30 million acres of other federal, state and tribal land.; Bill Introduced in Congress to Boost Rural Economies by Supporting Wood Product Innovation: This bipartisan legislation would improve forest health, reduce wildfire risk, sequester more carbon, and boost rural economies by supporting innovative timber products, such as mass timber.; NEWS IN BRIEF: Canfor Corp reported a $43.9 million loss in the second quarter of this year. more...
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Western Pallet Association Taps New Top Executive - Aug 4, 2023 
The WPA recently selected Glenn Meeks to take over the role of executive vice president from the long-standing top executive, Dave Sweitzer. As part of the association’s strategic plan, the board began a process of researching and identifying candidates to lead and manage the association into the future.; Pallet Profile Is Adding Softwood Pallet Price, Needs Your Help: Our team is working to gather numbers, but we need to hear from you! If you want to ensure that your state or area is covered, please be sure to fill in the information on the new data sheets weekly survey.; Conner Industries Acquires Guardian Packaging Industries: The new facility is expected to serve large manufacturing customers with industrial packaging and military SPEC non-metallic component products, utilizing a broad range of materials, including wood, foam, plastic, and corrugate. more...
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Pallet Foundation Funded Study Identifies Key Workforce Challenges - Jul 28, 2023 
The report identified some potential innovative solutions for tapping new labor sources. Some companies are recruiting actively from incarcerated and second chance populations. Other labor sources include former veterans. For example, 48forty Solutions has been partnering directly with veterans’ organizations, such as Military Hire.; OSHA Expands Electronic Recordkeeping Requirements: Under the new rule, employers with 100 or more employees in designated high-hazard industries will be required to electronically submit information from their Forms 300 and 301 in addition to Form 300A. more...
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Pallet Foundation Funded Workforce Study Released - Jul 27, 2023 
The report identified some potential innovative solutions for tapping new labor sources. Some companies are recruiting actively from incarcerated and second chance populations. Other labor sources include former veterans. For example, 48forty Solutions has been partnering directly with veterans’ organizations, such as Military Hire.; Correction: Pallet Demand Recovery Forecast: While the overall conclusions in a previous article are correct, the exact numbers reported were off as a calculation error was made based on the wrong number of respondents. more...
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DOC Rules Vietnam Hardwood Plywood Products Are Subject to China Duty - Jul 21, 2023 
The DOC found that 37 companies were trying to circumvent duties and that the products were actually a product of China. The Coalition for Fair Trade of Hardwood Plywood brought the circumvention case after imports from Vietnam spiked following the imposition of antidumping and countervailing duties on China.; Conner Industries Opens New Manufacturing Facility in Southern Kentucky: The new facility is just one of several large investments and acquisitions made by the company over the last few years and will serve large manufacturing customers in both the Southern Kentucky and Tennessee markets.; NEWS IN BRIEF: Starting next month, the Pallet Profile Weekly will add a softwood pallet price to its Eastern Pallet Market numbers page. Looking for a new pallet nailing solution? Don’t miss the 2023 Pallet Enterprise Nailing Machine Guide. British Columbia ports remain in limbo as union long-shore members recently rejected a brokered four-year deal. East Idaho News recently covered the work legacy of Tad Hegsted and Kelly Bennion upon their retirement from Challenger Pallet and Supply. more...
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