Article Directory
Recession Fears and the Bullwhip Effect Could Create Perfect Supply Chain Storm - Jun 24, 2022 
A potential economic recession and the supply chain bullwhip are colliding. So far, pallet demand has remained robust for pallet producers. But if a current forecast is right, a lull may be coming. And it just hasn’t worked its way down from the docks to the pallet yards yet.; Tariff Relief Not on the Table for Canadian Lumber: Softwood lumber is one of our oldest trade disputes with one of our largest trading partners. There is no indication that before the mid-term election the Biden administration is truly interested in taking on a trade issue. more...
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Pallets Making Big News, Undergoing Industry Transition - Jun 17, 2022 
With pallet demand outpacing production, lead times increasing and most pallet users experiencing spikes in demand for their products, the supply-demand balance is out of whack and not expected to right itself soon.; New Home Construction Fell Faster Than Expected in May: It looks like the housing sector is starting to pull back as high prices and rising inflation are scaring home builders.; Heat Stress App Available for Free: Heat can kill. That’s the message that the OSHA wants companies to realize. more...
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PLA Buys Propak, Makes Major Splash in Pallet Management and Core Market - Jun 10, 2022 
Pallet Logistics of America has grown through strategic acquisitions over the last few years, but this is its biggest deal in terms of overall impact and network expansion.; Westward Expansion, 48forty Solutions Buys the Recycling Division of Girard Wood Products: This is the first carve-out acquisition deal closed by the company. The Pallet Recycling Division based in Lacey, Washington is not only situated in a highly strategic location, but it is also highly efficient and well-run. more...
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EXPO Richmond Roundup - Jun 3, 2022 
Attendance was down this year at EXPO Richmond, but the people who did show up were looking to buy. We discuss some of the things about the show.; OSHA to Develop Heat Hazard Standard: This rule would affect pallet and lumber companies all over the country if enacted. Inspectors are reviewing safety logs for heat-related illness and are looking for written heat stress training and response programs. more...
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How Retail Has Changed and What It Means for Pallet Demand - May 27, 2022 
Pallet manufacturers and recyclers are still very busy. You would expect that pallet demand would start to decline given the news headlines and purchase orders. Several factors starting with supply chain disruptions have caused stock delays.; Millwood Q&A on Its Acquisition Strategy: Owner Steve Miller replies to questions about the company's recent purchase of Cleveland Custom Pallet & Crate, Inc. and future plans. more...
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Why the Disconnect? - May 27, 2022 
If you follow Wall Street, stocks and financial news, you would expect that pallet demand is starting to drop. So, why are pallet suppliers still so busy? We'll take a look at some economic trends and try to figure out what is going on. There are two main driving factors for current pallet demand – housing and retail sales.; Brambles Takeover Bid Stalls: CVC Capital Partners has discontinued its discussions in regard to its unsolicited proposal to acquire all of the shares of the company citing the current external market volatility.; Millwood Acquires Cleveland Custom Pallet & Crate, Inc.: CCPC was founded by Mike Broeckel, who wanted the company to be a place where young people from his community and church could work and grow in their faith as well as having a tradition of hiring second-chance people or those who found it difficult to work for other manufacturing companies. more...
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Finding a Good Fit Is Important in Business Sales, Millwoood Acquires Cleveland Custom Pallet & Crate, Inc. - May 20, 2022 
All the flurry of acquisition activity raises some questions that you should consider when a larger company comes calling looking to acquire your business. Ultimately, if you don’t like the people, the deal probably won’t be a good fit no matter how many zeroes are added to the check.; Brambles Takeover Bid Stalls: The parent company of CHEP USA, recently announced that it has discontinued its discussions with CVC Capital Partners due to the current external market volatility. more...
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Diesel Fuel Prices Shoot Up, Is It Time to Consider a Fuel Surcharge? - May 13, 2022 
Will diesel prices go down any time soon? In the long run, prices aren’t expected to ease back to pre-pandemic levels any time soon. The decision to institute a fuel surcharge isn’t something you should take lightly. But it may be time for more pallet companies to consider given the volatility of the fuel market.; Register for EXPO Richmond Today, See Equipment on Display: About 300 exhibitors are expected to be showcasing technology for logging, sawmilling, pallet manufacturing, pallet recycling, drying, scanning, materials handling and more. Also, come by and chat with our staff. We love to talk pallets and lumber with our readers. Come see us at booth number 732/734. more...
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U.S. Housing Trend Updates and Forecast - May 6, 2022 
Interest rates are rising although the Federal Reserve suggested in a recent announcement that it expects to continue along its already established pace of interest rate hikes. At the same time, prices of existing homes remains fairly high because of a lack of inventory.; EPAL Pallet Production Reaches New High in 2021: EPAL continues to serve as a model for what many in the white-wood sector in the United States hope to build. It was able to do in Europe what CHEP USA failed to do in this country. more...
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OSHA Develops Emphasis Program for Heat Hazards - Apr 29, 2022 
These efforts are part of a Biden-Harris administration effort to protect workers and communities from extreme heat and rising temperatures resulting from climate change. OSHA inspectors and compliance assistance specialists will engage in proactive outreach and technical assistance to help stakeholders keep workers safe on the job.; Brambles Warns about Global Pallet Shortages: The company has undertaken a major program to revamp its operations through automating U.S. service centers, improving sawmill capabilities and developing digital tools to better forecast supply chain needs and reduce environmental impacts. more...
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Nail Price Market Update – Concerns Persist - Apr 27, 2022 
Now may be the right time to buy surplus stock before prices jump up again. The war in Ukraine is affecting global steel and raw material supplies. Later this summer antidumping duties will be imposed on nail imports from five countries, which could further restrain supply and drive up prices.; Nature’s Packaging Launches EPD Explainer Video: This video explains the critical role that pallets play in the supply chain, and reviews why the sustainable performance of pallets matters as pallet companies communicate with customers.; OSHA Develops Emphasis Program for Heat Hazards: A key part of the program, OSHA will proactively initiate inspections in over 70 high-risk industries in indoor and outdoor work settings when the National Weather Service has issued a heat warning or advisory for a local area, on days when the heat index is 80° F or higher.; See the Latest in Automation, Prep for the Future at Expo Richmond 2022: Many suppliers will have physical models on display and some will even run live demonstrations. About 300 exhibitors are expected to be showcasing technology for logging, sawmilling, pallet manufacturing, pallet recycling, drying, scanning, materials handling and more.; The Recycle Record Issues Correction on CHEP Revised ARP Story: The Recycle Record take its role of reporting accurate information seriously and will always work to correct any inaccuracies that arise as quickly and professionally as possible. more...
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Will CHEP Go Plastic for Costco? Part 2 - Apr 22, 2022 
CHEP has been testing a plastic pallet with Costco and is about ready to make its decision sometime this summer. Why should a white-wood pallet company care about CHEP and its plastic pallet conundrum? Let’s explore that question because it could have far-reaching implications for CHEP, CHEP customers, Costco and even the white-wood pallet market.; Nature’s Packaging Launches EPD Explainer Video:Why do your customers care about sustainability? These questions and more are covered in a new EPD explainer video produced by Nature’s Packaging, an educational and outreach campaign funded by the wood pallet sector in the United States. more...
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Will CHEP Go Plastic for Costco? Part 1 - Apr 15, 2022 
The major club store retailer has given CHEP an ultimatum to accommodate its plastic needs or risk losing its pallet volumes. The pallet rental giant has stated it will make a decision on the Costco plastic pallet issue before the end of this fiscal year, sometime before June 30.; Looking for Pallet Lumber? Search the Lumber Pages Online! This extremely tight market has certainly favored sellers. In uncertain times, you may need to reach out to new sources to locate available lumber supplies. more...
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Raw Material Shortage in Europe and New Duties Likely to Drive Up Nail Rates - Apr 8, 2022 
Nail supply just tipped back into a reasonable position over the last three months, but this may just be the calm before the storm. Now may be the right time to buy surplus stock before prices jump up again.; See the Latest in Automation, Prep for the Future at EXPO Richmond 2022: Next month, about 300 exhibitors are expected to be showcasing technology for logging, sawmilling, pallet manufacturing, pallet recycling, drying, scanning, materials handling and more. more...
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Forest Products Innovation and Technology Summit to Be Held in May - Apr 1, 2022 
In conjunction with EXPO Richmond, Virginia Tech University is sponsoring a workshop on the latest in innovation and technologies in the forest products industries. The event will be held in Richmond, Virgina on May 19, 2022, at Hilton Garden Inn in Sandston, Virginia from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; 48forty Solutions Secures Additional Funding, Consolidation Trend Continues: The mega recycler has obtained additional equity investments by Summit Partners in addition to the funding provided by Audax Private Equity that purchased the business in December 2020.; Regional Lumber Trends: These graphs illustrate the average lumber prices published within each region over the past year. more...
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48forty Solutions Secures Additional Funding, Consolidation Trend Continues - Mar 29, 2022 
The company has obtained additional equity investments by Summit Partners in addition to the funding provided by Audax Private Equity that purchased the business in December 2020. Summit joins Audax as an equal partner in the business, with 48forty’s management team retaining meaningful ownership.; CHEP Releases Upgrades to Its Asset Recovery Program: Starting on March 6th, CHEP has raised its standard fees from $2.24 to $2.84 plus a fuel surcharge for stray pallets returned to a CHEP service center. The rental company has increased its basic recovery fee from $1.15 to $1.75 per pallet loaded onto a CHEP collection truck.; Pallet Rental Pooler Peco Discusses Return Delay Problem: As pallets are held longer, there are fewer ‘turns’ or reissues per year. Consequently, the available pool of pallets shrinks, impacting how much pallet inventory is in the network for all users.; U.S. Diesel Prices Shoot Up: Retail gasoline and diesel fuel prices have never increased at a rate that fast over a three-week period in the history of data coming from the U.S. Energy & Information Agency (EIA). more...
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Sustainability and CSR Takes Center Stage for Future Customer Dialogues - Mar 25, 2022 
The reality on the ground today is that customers just want and need pallets and are trying to avoid higher prices. Supply and price remain king for the moment. But increasingly larger companies are starting to reward executives and managers based on CSR principles, and suppliers who have green credentials will secure more business in the future.; Pallet Pooler Discusses Return Delay Problem: Many customers want to know why rental companies don’t just crank up production of new rental pallets. Rental providers don’t want to significantly ramp up production during a time when pallets are very expensive to produce extra supply just to end up warehousing those pallets later if demand retracts. more...
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CHEP Releases Upgrades to Its Asset Recovery Program - Mar 18, 2022 
The pallet rental company has increased its basic recovery compensation from $1.15 to $1.75 per pallet loaded onto a CHEP collection truck.The most recent changes to the ARP are based on a third-party study to assess the fairness of its compensation rates.; U.S. Diesel Prices Shoot Up: From February 24th through March 14th, the average U.S. on-highway retail diesel fuel price increased 29% from $4.06/gal to $5.25/gal. Retail gasoline and diesel fuel prices have never increased at a rate that fast over a three-week period. more...
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Brambles Reports Positive Earnings, Being Targeted for Possible Acquisition - Mar 11, 2022 
Any equity play is in the early stages. Brambles is attractive now due to its share price and global footprint servicing supply chains with critical products and services. It is investing millions in its data capture and analytics to protect its assets and better manage movements through its network.; 48forty Solutions Strengthens Grip on Southern Market: The nation’s largest recycler recently closed on deals for Bo’s Pallets, Inc. and Pallet Consultants. These two deals are significant for their scope and technological benefits, and is the ninth and tenth acquisition completed since Audax Private Equity acquired 48forty as a portfolio company in November 2020.; EPAL Provides Report on Ukraine War Impact: Wood for packaging and pallets is almost currently not being exported from Ukraine to Europe. The sanctions against Russia and Belarus alsom mean that wood imported from these countries into all the European wood processing industries in recent years will no longer be available. more...
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Kamps Acquires L&R Pallet Service, 48forty Solutions Buys Nazareth Pallet Co. - Mar 4, 2022 
The two mega recyclers have added to their network in order to bolster their presence in the market. Both of their acquired businesses are strong pallet assets that will make good additions to the new owners as they continue to grow facilities, staff and expertise.; Impact of Ukraine Invasion on Global Wood Markets: According to WRI, Russia is the largest lumber exporter globally and ranks as the seventh biggest exporter of forest products worldwide. Forest products exports from Russia have increased rapidly in the past five years, led by softwood lumber and paper products. more...
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Pallet Quality Concerns Highlight Need for New Discussion on Standardization - Feb 25, 2022 
So, how has the pallet changed over the past decade? More pallet manufacturers are using more softwood and less hardwood. To keep costs down, pallet suppliers used computerized pallet design to remove lumber in the pallet and retain safety standards for the next pallet trip. This means pallet quality and durability suffers, which impacts the recycled market.; Pallet Enterprise Releases Operational Excellence Guide: These short highlights are a great resource for owners, managers and key employees. It can be used guide internal conversations about trends and preparing for the future.; Winter 2022 White Paper Released: What's the current state of the new and recycled pallet market? Subscribers are authorized to share this special report with their pallet customers. It is included with this issue of the market report. more...
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Trucking and Transportation Shortages and Challenges Plague Pallet Sector - Feb 25, 2022 
Every day we hear more reports from pallet companies about having a difficult time finding truck drivers. There isn’t just one cause. It is a myriad of things.; Will Consolidation Trend Pick Up in Canada? Paramount Pallet is a 48forty Solutions Company, and it has just acquired Industrie de Palettes Standard (I.P.S.) Inc., a major recycler serving the Montreal market.; more...
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State of the West – Part 2: WPA Speech Looks at Changes in the Industry and What’s Coming Next - Feb 18, 2022 
Standardization could help the new pallet sector as well when it comes to common footprint sizes, such as GMAs. But the real need is in the recycled sector. I believe the future may just be real standards for quality and dimension. But one thing is needed to make that happen.; Kamps Pallets Releases Green Scorecard: Discussion of how a pallet company is talking about environmental issues and using its business practices to highlight its environmental record. Let’s see what some of the others in the industry do to match or exceed this performance.; European Association Releases Pallet Sector Quarterly Lumber Data: The latest analysis of pallet timber prices in Europe shows a decrease in the fourth quarter of 2021 after sharp increases earlier in the year.; Winter 2022 White Paper Released: The staff of Pallet Profile has put together a White Paper tackling the topic, "Supply and Cost Constraints Continue into 2022." Attached is a pdf file of the report for download. It can also be accessed from the "Online Resources" tab at the top of the subscriber portal menu. If you have difficulties downloading a copy, call 805-550-0323, extension 105 and ask for Rick Henretty or email rick@palletprofile.com. Our White Paper series are designed to provide pallet users a general overview of current trends. Subscribing pallet companies are authorized to send these White Papers to customers as independent, third-party commentary and analysis of the market. more...
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How OSHA May Pivot on COVID-19 Rules - Feb 10, 2022 
The agency isn’t likely to include a vaccine mandate for general workers due to the Supreme Court ruling. But it could include some of the less onerous requirements, such as increased training or record keeping.; Winter 2022 White Paper Released: Pallet demand remains strong. Finished pallet prices are elevated as inflationary pressures continue. Overall, there is no imminent relief in sight unless a major recession occurs.; Tips for Proactive OSHA Inspection Management: A national workplace safety lawyer who works with the pallet industry identified some keys to remember when OSHA comes knocking at the door. more...
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Commerce Department Announces Intention to Cut Softwood Duty Rates - Feb 4, 2022 
While the roller coaster ride does make it difficult to plan long-term, homebuilders and lumber users welcome lower duties. The United States will continue its higher duties on Canadian imports until likely the fall when its final determination on the duties is expected to be released.; NWPCA Offers Webinar for Regulations on Imported Lumber: Regulations on importing lumber into the United States are different from wood packaging. The event is scheduled for Thursday, February 10, 2022 at 11 a.m. (EST). more...
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Part 1 – State of the Western Pallet Industry: OSHA Enforcement Trends - Jan 27, 2022 
Federal OSHA and its state counterparts in western states have an ambitious regulatory and enforcement agenda, with higher penalties and initiatives ranging from COVID prevention to new rules on workplace violence, heat stress and more. Enforcement tactics are changing as well.; U.S. Housing Permits Rise Significantly in December, Starts Up 1.4%: Unseasonably mild temperatures at the end of the year allowed home building to boom in December. The outlook still remains cloudy. Soaring lumber prices may push down construction starts in the first quarter of 2022.; Olympic Forest Products Acquires Berry Industrial Group: The purchase of Berry Industrial and Shade Lumber allows Olympic to expand its brokerage and manufacturing operations and more efficiently service its national client base.; Multi-million Dollar Reusable Packaging Theft Operation Raided by Chicago Police: The police action resulted in the discovery of an illegal plastic regrind operation which was grinding reusable containers and trays stolen by a network of more than 30 vehicles and dozens of individuals. more...
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Supreme Court Blocks COVID Vaccine/Testing Mandates - Jan 26, 2022 
The pallet industry is known to employ populations that skew heavily to immigrants, minorities, rural whites and others who are less likely to be vaccinated. That’s why many in the industry are thankful that the Supreme Court has rejected the Biden administration COVID-19 workplace mandate.; Three Major Pallet Acquisitions Close in the Northeast: The deals closed near or just after Christmas with the latest taking place on January 4th, 2022, when 48forty Solutions bought Industrial Pallet located in Eastford, Connecticut.; Bloomberg Missed the Importance of the Recycled Pallet Market: They interviewed Dr. Mark White, professor emeritus from Virginia Tech, and delved into the topic “Why the Price of Wood Shipping Pallets Has Soared.”; Recycle Bits: A court of appeals has upheld a lower court ruling that CHEP does not owe a duty of care to a man whose foot was crushed and amputated. Olympic Forest Products has bought Berry Industrial Group and its affiliate, Shade Lumber Company. more...
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Federal Officials Announced New 10 Year Strategy to Confront the Wildfire Crisis - Jan 21, 2022 
Thanks to $3 billion in funding from the Infrastructure Investments & Jobs Act that passed Congress last year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has launched a comprehensive program to use fuel and forest health treatments to address the escalating crisis of wildfire danger.; Jan Fredell Passes Away as an Active Member of the NWPCA and a Good Friend: He served as chairman of the NWPCA in 2002 as one of the few members outside of North America to do so. He also served as an emeritus international member of the NWPCA Board of Directors. The Fredell family sold its facility in 2018 and it became the largest Bauhaus department store in Sweden. more...
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Supreme Court Blocks COVID Vaccine/Testing OSHA Mandate - Jan 13, 2022 
The implementation of OSHA’s Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) mandating employers with more than 100 workers to require vaccination or testing and masking of their workforce has been suspended. While the court agreed that OSHA has the authority to regulate workplaces for occupational dangers, it ruled that Congress has not given the agency that power to regulate public health more broadly.; Pallet Enterprise Releases Operational Excellence Guide: These short highlights from the best articles, innovation and ideas of 2021 for the pallet and low-grade lumber industries are a great resource for owners, managers and key employees. more...
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COVID Testing Policies and Strategies - Jan 6, 2022 
Companies with over 100 employees are considering strategies and putting into action new COVID plans. But compliance doesn’t mean mandating vaccination. The Biden administration left that up to the employers. Companies can allow workers who are not vaccinated to mask and go through weekly testing.; Three Major Pallet Acquisitions Close in the Northeast: The deals closed near or just after Christmas with the latest taking place on January 4th, 2022, when 48forty Solutions bought Industrial Pallet located in Eastford, Connecticut.; Regional Quarterly Lumber Trends: These graphs illustrate the average lumber prices published within each region over the past year, and show trends; they do not attempt to tell details about small geographic regions. more...
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Don’t Hold Your Breath – Supply and Cost Constraints Continue into 2022 - Jan 6, 2022 
The beginning of 2022 seems like a repeat of 2021. New and used pallet manufacturers have been met with continued rising prices of materials over the past year. Also, economic inflation has caused significant increases in all other areas of operational costs from labor to nails to shipping and more. more...
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6th Circuit Dissolves Stay on Employer Vaccine/Testing Mandate, OSHA to Delay Enforcement - Dec 22, 2021 
The Profile has already detailed the significant disturbance this mandate could cause to the pallet industry since many workers are not vaccinated and have suggested they would walk off the job instead of get the jab.; Holiday Schedule: Pallet Profile will not be published December 31, 2021, according to our regular schedule.; Pallet Profile and Recycle Record to Raise Subscription Prices Starting in January 2022: While we work to keep our subscription fees low, everything is going up in price, and we must raise prices to ensure the stability of these important industry reports.; 48forty Solutions Acquires Pittsburgh Recycler: The nation’s largest pallet recycler acquired Allegheny Recycled Products which operates a 500,000 square-foot facility. more...
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Pallet Logistics of America (PLA) Acquires Pal-Serv - Dec 21, 2021 
Founded in 2009, Pal-Serv specializes in pallet repair and remanufacturing, pallet recovery and management systems, and logistics solutions.In addition to Pal-Serv’s four locations, PLA also gains Pal-Serv’s nationwide pallet brokerage capabilities.; Kamps Acquires Tritz Pallet, Strengthening Its Position in the Great Plains Market: Tritz is a pallet recycler and full-service pallet solutions provider with seven asset-based locations across the Plains region, headquartered in Le Mars, Iowa.; Pallet Profile and Recycle Record to Raise Subscription Prices Starting in January 2022: While we work to keep our subscription fees low, everything is going up in price, and we must raise prices to ensure the stability of these important industry reports.; Fox Business Covers Surging Pallet Prices: Reporter Lydia Hu recently interviewed Dominick Davi, president of Greenway Products and Services, who spoke on the crazy market swings.; Recycle Bits: 48forty Solutions, has added to its network of recyclers by acquiring Allegheny Recycled Products. U.S.-Canada border may be tougher in January as both governments begin imposing vaccine requirements for truck drivers. ARC Group Worldwide Inc. plans to acquire RM2 International. Pallets are becoming a more attractive target to thieves and scavengers. more...
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Publisher's Soap Box Commentary: What Bloomberg Missed on Its Pallet Podcast - Dec 17, 2021 
In a recent interview with Dr. Mark White, professor emeritus from Virginia Tech, the Odd Lots podcast, December 13th episode discussion delved into “Why the Price of Wood Shipping Pallets Has Soared.” White is a well-known expert on pallets and supply chain and is the former director of the Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design at Virginia Tech.; Kamps Acquires Tritz Pallet, Strengthening Its Position in the Great Plains Market: The addition of Tritz grows Kamps’ national presence to over 40 asset-based locations, 4,000 trailers and 2,500 employees. This move enables Kamps to now reach more supply chains directly with its expanded network.; ARC Group Worldwide to Buy RM2 International Composite Pallet Pooler: RM2 is targeting industries such as food and other markets where hygiene is of extreme importance.; News in Brief: Freight rates continued to surge in November. A survey found that most employers would not require either full vaccination or weekly testing until the legal challenges are settled. IEA has revised downward its worldwide demand forecast for oil consumption. more...
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Florida Police Charge Pallet Suppliers with Pallets and Trailers Worth Over 935K - Dec 9, 2021 
It all started with an investigation in late July after a theft of seven semi-trailers from two different distribution centers – Saddle Creek Logistical Services in Auburndale and the Walmart Distribution Center in Winter Haven. Detectives were able to identify the semi-truck trailers and tied them to JCI Pallet.; Cross Border Vaccine Requirement Could Further Restrict Trucking Capacity: Canadian vaccine requirements are set to take effect on January 15th for U.S. drivers crossing the border. Truck drivers will only be allowed entry if they can prove full vaccination status with an approved vaccine. U.S. restrictions are set to take effect on January 22nd. more...
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Pallet Logistics of America Acquires Pal-Serv - Dec 2, 2021 
Why is this a big deal for PLA? Pal-Serv has experience in brokerage and national accounts as well as greenfield operations, having started four plants from scratch since inception.The company is likely to do more purchases in the coming years; Fox Business Covers Surging Pallet Prices: Lydia Hu recently covered the significant increase in both new and used pallet prices since the pandemic began. She interviewed Dominick Davi, president of Greenway Products and Services, who spoke on the crazy market swings.; Holiday Schedule: Pallet Profile will not be published December 31, 2021. The offices of Industrial Reporting, which publishes the Profile, will be closed from December 24, 2021 through January 1, 2022 for the Christmas holiday. After the New Year, the Profile will resume its regular schedule and will be published again on January 7, 2022. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of our readers!; LIVE ONLINE ABSOLUTE AUCTION! AONE PALLET & DISTRIBUTING, INC. AUCTION DATE: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 10:00 AM EST more...
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Survey Spotlights Vaccine Mandate Disruptions and Strategies - Nov 29, 2021 
A survey of 39 major pallet companies in the United States (both manufacturers and recyclers) concluded that a majority could lose at least 25% of their workforce if a vaccine mandate were imposed. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has issued a temporary stay of the OSHA vaccine/testing/masking ETS. But this temporary injunction could be lifted by the Sixth Circuit where all the various cases are being consolidated.; Higher Diesel Prices Expected Through End of Year, Improvement Likely in 2022: What’s behind higher fuel prices? Since the third quarter of 2020, global consumption of crude oil and petroleum products has increased faster than production, which has caused lower inventory levels and higher crude oil prices.; Is It Time to Talk Green? CHEP Highlights Sustainability Focus: Is it time for more recyclers to add sustainability to their sales discussions? Some pallet providers do talk about their green credentials. But most do it as an afterthought. more...
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Pallet Prices Have Risen Significantly Since the Start of the Pandemic, What Does the Future Hold? - Nov 24, 2021 
Thanks to limited capacity, historic lumber markets, labor shortages, inflation hitting everything, the last two years have seen historic rises in pallet prices. The only thing that seems like it could derail strong pricing is a failing economy if it materializes in 2022.; Industry Promotion Could Help Ease Labor Woes: What do you think? How can the pallet industry do more to improve its visibility in the job market? The Lumber.Works campaign made me wonder if the pallet industry should consider something similar. more...
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OSHA Temporarily Suspends ETS; Case Consolidated in Conservative Leaning 6th Circuit - Nov 19, 2021 
The vaccination/testing Emergency Temporary Standard for employers with more than 100 workers has been delayed. The courts have stopped the implementation of the OSHA ETS due to ongoing legal challenges; however, until the courts resolve those lawsuits, employers should prepare for compliance suggested the NWPCA.; Forecasts Project Lower Crude Oil Prices in 2022: Global consumption of crude oil and petroleum products has increased faster than production, which has caused lower inventory levels and higher crude oil prices. This has led to the diesel fuel spike. more...
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Survey Spotlights Vaccine Mandate Disruptions and Strategies - Nov 12, 2021 
The pallet industry is known to employ populations that skew heavily to immigrants, minorities, rural whites and others who are less likely to be vaccinated. The NWPCA has been speaking with members and early feedback is that around 50% or more of their workforce may be unvaccinated with no inclination to get the jab.; EPAL Changes Quality Classification Standards: The new terms of exchange offers EPAL Euro pallet users such as retail, haulers, pallet service providers and repairers an easy way of agreeing delivery of a defined quality used Euro pallets corresponding to the user’s specific requirements. This increases the effective deployment of used EPAL Euro pallets. more...
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Is It Time to Talk Green? CHEP Highlights Sustainability Focus - Nov 5, 2021 
Its Zero Waste World initiative program seeks to eliminate waste in three core areas: packaging waste, transport waste and process waste. Many pallet companies already do green things and help customers reduce their environmental impact. The problem is that it can be hard to capture data and market those benefits to customers.; Biden Administration Releases Emergency OSHA Vaccine Mandate: The Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) requires covered employers to develop, implement and enforce a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, unless they adopt a policy requiring employees to choose to either be vaccinated or undergo regular COVID-19 testing and wear a face covering at work. more...
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COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate Issues and Scenarios - Oct 29, 2021 
This employee vaccine mandate is expected to cover about two-thirds of the private sector workforce. A survey of unvaccinated workers found that 30% said they would leave their jobs rather than comply, although some believe the number who will really walk off the job are far less. Given the labor shortage this mandate couldn’t have come at a worse time.; PECO Pallet Expands Network with Company-operated Depot in Memphis: The depot becomes the eighth plant in North America. The Memphis site complements more than 80 additional pallet management locations.; Conner Industries Projects 12-15% Growth in 2022, Celebrates Milestone: The company reached record sales and profitability this year as well as celebrated its 40th anniversary. Conner reported the highest EBITDA since 2007. more...
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U.S. Ports, Especially California Face Backlog Crisis - Oct 27, 2021 
Commitments from port authorities and carriers to move toward 24/7 operations until the backlog is handled could cause a huge surge in pallet demand in California and other parts of the country. Concerns over tight supplies may push consumers to shop early for Christmas. This could change typical retail pallet use patterns as well. Get ready for demand to potentially surge a lot in the coming month.; 48forty Solutions Acquires J&B Pallet: Since its inception, the acquired company has positioned itself as one of the region’s leading pallet manufacturers and recyclers, focusing on quality pallets and a consistent supply to serve their customers better.; Looking for Lumber? Search the 2021 Lumber Pages! For years, pallet companies have used this directory to discover reliable sources of precut material, cants and much more. Covering both hardwoods and softwoods, you can search via geographic region and identify specific lumber products offered by each supplier. more...
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CHEP USA Results Show Pallet Availability Constraints - Oct 22, 2021 
Basically, CHEP could have had higher sales in North America if it had the pallets to provide customers. The pooler prioritized existing customers over securing new business wins due to supply constraints.; Attention Pallet Users: Markets Are Moving: By obtaining information from pallet users, you can help improve accuracy of information and protect your markets. Now, it is more important than ever for you to be part of our information network.; USDA Now Accepting Grant Applications for Wood Products, Energy Programs: These funds are designed to develop and expand the use of wood products and strengthen emerging wood energy markets that support sustainable forest management – particularly in areas of high wildfire risk. more...
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U.S. Ports, Especially California, Face Backlog Crisis - Oct 15, 2021 
Commitments from port authorities and carriers to move toward 24/7 operations until the backlog is handled could cause a huge surge in pallet demand in California and other parts of the country. Talking about the effect on transportation operations, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg explained, “You can think of that as basically opening the gates.”; 48forty Solutions Acquires J&B Pallet: J&B is a leader in the industry with its automation efforts and plays an integral role in supporting diverse industries. Beyond producing new and recycled pallets, J&B offers on-site sort and repair services. more...
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Part 1 – Pallets of the Future: Will CHEP Build Costco a Plastic Pool? Will It Succeed? - Oct 8, 2021 
Brambles Limited, the parent company behind CHEP USA, unveiled its process for considering whether it will move ahead with a potential plastic pallet pool for Costco in the United States.; U.S. South to Add Four Billion Board Feet of Production by 2022: Although the total softwood output for North America is roughly the same as 2008, about 74 bbft per year, production is moving from west to south. more...
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China Extends Hardwood Tariff Exemption - Sep 30, 2021 
As China continues to grow, it still needs foreign wood sources to supplement a growing domestic forest products sector. This is good news for U.S. hardwood exporters, a group that has been hammered by the trade war.; Pallet User Survey Points to High Demand, Strained Supply: The results this year reflect what most pallet suppliers already know – the supply balance has shifted in the favor of pallet producers and recyclers. This year, 94% of respondents said they are using wood pallets in their operations. Another 37% say they use plastic pallets and 12% use wood composite pallets.; Regional Graphs / Third Quarter 2021: These graphs illustrate trends in the average lumber prices published within each region over the past year. more...
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Pallet User Survey Shows Recycling Trends - Sep 28, 2021 
Over the last few years, the survey has done a deeper dive into recycling and pallet management trends. This survey looks at pallet trends primarily in the manufacturing sector. Wood remains king when it comes to total volume. This year, 94% of respondents said they are using wood pallets in their operations, same as the previous year.; Recycle Bits: PECO Pallet is on the list of top green providers. The Lacey Act is going to start requiring declaration forms. Biden administration will require all employers with 100 or more employees to require vaccination. Upward pressure on shipping rates began reaching record highs. more...
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Lacey Act Requirements for Imported Wood Packaging Materials - Sep 24, 2021 
The rules exempt all recycled/used pallets and wood packaging as well as new pallets and wood packaging materials that are under load. Reporting requirements are intended to track what agriculture product enters the United States and to monitor for illegal products.; Housing Report Focuses on Supply Disruptions: Total, single-family, and multi-family starts were negative month-over-month. This may not necessarily reflect decreased demand; rather completions are slowed due to the unavailability of building materials and products. more...
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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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