Prepping for the Future, Things to Talk About at the ALC - Sep 10, 2021
Needless to say, we have a lot to talk about as an industry. Over the past 18 months, we have faced one of the most remarkable periods in the history of the pallet industry. The aisles and meeting rooms of the ALC are great places to talk about issues with both old friends and new contacts.; PECO Pallet Receives Sustainability Recognition: This award seeks to spotlight top leaders in the U.S. supply chain when it comes to environmental performance. The company emphasizes a focus on sustainably sourced materials for its pallets, proactive energy management and conservation programs, and a companywide focus on lean methodologies to reduce waste as key contributors.
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Infrastructure Bill Includes Provisions of Interest to the Forest Products Sector - Sep 3, 2021
The package creates a new federal system for subsidizing sawmills and other wood processing facilities, along with $400 million in new financial assistance. The provision specifies that “close proximity” to a sawmill would become a factor for agencies to consider when funding federal land restoration.; Produce Executive Suggests Pallet Shortage Crisis Is Improving: The industry faced a major pallet shortage thanks to CHEP curtailing deliveries as well as a general pallet industry shortage of pallets, lumber and labor.
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OSHA Releases New COVID-19 Guidance for Employers - Aug 27, 2021
OSHA suggests that all fully vaccinated workers in areas of substantial or high community transmission wear masks. The agency also recommends that fully vaccinated workers who have close contacts with people with coronavirus wear masks for up to 14 days unless they have a negative coronavirus test at least 3-5 days after such contact.; Diesel Prices Fuel Projections and Trends Through 2022: Smart pallet companies already started adjusting fuel price surcharges earlier this year when prices spiked. Looks like those higher prices will be here for at least the short-term. The supply crunch is expected to ease as most members of OPEC agreed to increase monthly crude oil production this month. more...
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Brambles Announces Strong Results; Discusses Pandemic Challenges - Aug 25, 2021
In one of the craziest lumber markets ever, CHEP’s pricing mechanisms have worked to keep the company profitable. In the United States, the rental giant did take a hit to its reliability reputation as the company struggled to supply customers especially in the ag sector. CHEP’s network and supply was put to the test this past fiscal year.; Diesel Prices Continue to Rise, Hope of Greater OPEC Production Should Help Supply Crunch: According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration prediction, "Expect that prices will fall to $2.82/gal, on average, in 4Q21.; OSHA Releases New COVID-19 Guidance for Employers: The agency recommends that fully vaccinated workers who have close contacts with people with coronavirus wear masks for up to 14 days unless they have a negative coronavirus test at least 3-5 days after such contact.; Recycle Bits: Walmart Inc. is adopting an automated pallet-packing system that it has been testing in 25 of its 42 regional distribution centers. more...
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Brambles Announces Strong Results, Discusses Pandemic Challenges - Aug 20, 2021
One of the biggest selling points for CHEP through the years has been the size and scope of its network and capabilities to get customers pallets, but its network and supply was put to the test this past fiscal year. The result – CHEP telling many customers they would not be receiving usual levels of pallet shipments.; News in Brief: The challenges to the global supply chain never seem to end. more...
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Science and Public Outreach Hold Some Answers to Wildfire Troubles – Part 3 - Aug 13, 2021
Drought combined with diseased and dying trees due to insect infestations have created the perfect conditions for worsening forest health. A major problem is that most of the money spent on dealing with forest health concerns goes into fighting fires not active management.; News in Brief: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack named Randy Moore to be Chief of the U.S. Forest Service. Walmart Inc. is adopting an automated pallet-packing system that it has been testing in 25 of its 42 regional distribution centers. more...
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Wildfires Rage, Lawmakers Look for Solutions – Part 2 - Aug 6, 2021
The good news is that both major parties see the need to address wildfire and forest health concerns. In addition, The Biden administration has been leading active monthly discussions with governors to address the wildfire concerns and ensure federal funding is getting to the right place.; Pallet Market White Paper Recently Released: Pallet companies can share this with pallet users. It is an excellent tool to help explain current market dynamics that affect the need for price adjustments. more...
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Wildfires Spark Concern in the West – Part 1 - Jul 30, 2021
For the timber industry, wildfires can affect the supply chain as logging operations shut down limiting timber supply. Sawmills in rural areas may stop operations or reduce output due to supply and safety concerns. This just highlights the fragility of the timber supply chain to disruptions.; Latest Pallet Market White Paper Released: Grade softwood lumber prices have dropped significantly although low-grade softwood prices have come down at a much lower pace due to expensive inventory still working its way through the supply chain. Hardwood prices remain high for new pallets. And recycled pallet prices remain elevated as demand outpaces supply.
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Industry Veterans Launch New, Tracking-Enabled Pool - Jul 28, 2021
The new company is called Pooling and Logistics Experts or PalX for short. Originally, the company is targeting regional customers with specialized needs, such as cold chains, pharmaceuticals and secure supply chains.; Latest Pallet Market White Paper Released: Included in this issue and posted online in the Pallet Profile/Recycle Record portal is a copy of the latest White Paper for late summer 2021.; Oregon Pallet Explains Strategies for Selling to 48forty Solutions: Oregon Pallet was established in 1998 by owners Bryce and Carly Taylor. Since its inception, the company has firmly positioned itself as one of the leading pallet recyclers in the region.; Looking for Lumber? Search the 2021 Lumber Pages! Covering both hardwoods and softwoods, you can search via geographic region and identify what specific lumber products are offered by each supplier. more...
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The Million Dollar Question – When will my pallet prices come down? - Jul 28, 2021
Even though news reports are talking about plummeting lumber prices, what general news outlets aren’t reporting is that those numbers and futures reports are only reflecting pine prices that have significantly dropped, and not hardwood. more...
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Oregon Pallet Explains Strategies for Selling to 48forty Solutions - Jul 23, 2021
Specializing in reconditioned and remanufactured pallets and wood recycling services, Oregon Pallet plays an integral role in supporting customers across a diverse set of industries. Since its inception, the company has firmly positioned itself as one of the leading pallet recyclers in the region.; USDA Offers Pandemic Assistance for Loggers, Timber Haulers: The funds are offered for legal entities that experienced a gross revenue loss of at least 10% during the period of Jan. 1 and Dec. 1, 2020, compared to the period of Jan. 1 and Dec. 1, 2019. Anyone interested is encouraged to apply right away.
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Industry Veterans Launch New Pallet Pool - Jul 16, 2021
The new company is called Pooling and Logistics Experts or PalX for short. Originally, the company is targeting regional customers with specialized needs, such as cold chains, pharmaceuticals and secure supply chains. PalX has secured a contract with a national dairy producer and is working on finalizing contracts with two other companies.; Weyerhaeuser Sells 145,000 Acres of Timberland: The timberlands are located in Washington’s North Cascade region and will provide a long-term fiber supply for Hampton Lumber’s sawmill in Darrington. more...
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Ocean Shipping Problems Continue for Lumber, Legislative Remedies Under Consideration - Jul 2, 2021
The last three decades in the ocean shipping industry have brought consolidation to a sector that once had dozens of carriers. A result of that consolidation is complete reliance on less than a dozen foreign carriers to deliver our agricultural and forest products overseas, and with little oversight.; Summer 2021 Publishing Break: The staff of the Profile will publish its next issue on July 16th. We began taking off around July 4th a number of years ago to give our staff some time to catch up on projects and take some vacation.; Profile Regional Lumber Graphs: We publish our 3Q lumber price trends for hardwood cant regions in the United States. more...
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Recycle Consolidation Race Heats Up with Prime 360 and Buckeye Acquisitions - Jun 25, 2021
48forty Solutions and Kamps Inc. are very aggressive in their expansion plans and are backed by equity funds with deep pockets. Pallet Logistics of America, the third recycling group backed by private equity, remains fairly quiet on the acquisition front.; Produce Association Issues Pallet Shortage Warning: Although the UFPA’s notice did not mention CHEP, the rental pallet provider has notified many customers that it will not be able to deliver enough pallets to satisfy usual demands.; EXPO Richmond Highlights Trim Saw Technology for Recyclers: Alliance Automation showed a video of its latest install of its Urban Sawmill line. PRS Group has finalized the Auto-Max Super Saw system and plans to start delivering machines this fall.; Does Your Approach Work? – Forklift Safety Training Basics You May Not Know: An important thing to remember is that simply by showing employees a video or videos on some aspect of forklift safety does not meet the full requirements of the OSHA standard.
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Interfor Grows Through Purchase of Four Georgia-Pacific Mills - Jun 24, 2021
The transaction continues the trend of Canadian companies buying up U.S. sawmill capacity to get around the softwood lumber dispute.; Nature’s Packaging Website and Logo Updated: This industry research and promotion campaign is sponsored by the Pallet Foundation, the NWPCA, the CWPCA the WPA.; Industry Ownership Transitions in Kentucky and Missouri: Regional acquisition can be a good way to expand into other areas, grow business capacity and customer base as well as diversify operations.
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More Questions than Answers: OSHA Releases New COVID-19 Guidelines, Not Temporary Standard for General Industry - Jun 18, 2021
The big difference is that one has the full effect of law behind it, and the other does not. OSHA has attempted to clarify best practices regarding how to deal with both vaccinated and unvaccinated workers in a plant.; NEWS IN BRIEF: The USDA has awarded more than $15 million to fund grants to develop and expand the use of wood products. more...
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Recycle Consolidation Race Heats Up with Kamps Buying Buckeye - Jun 10, 2021
The combined companies employ over 1,100 full-time employees and operate over 1,000 trailers. All assets and employees plan to remain with the company post-closing, including the BDL senior leadership team led by president and CEO Sam McAdow Jr.; NEWS IN BRIEF: OSHA is projected to receive a 12% funding increase under the Biden administration. more...
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EXPO Richmond Review - Jun 4, 2021
Steady traffic signaled that many pallet companies and sawmills are very busy and need automation solutions. About 4,000 people gathered to meet with suppliers and watch machinery demonstrations at EXPO Richmond this year.; NEWS IN BRIEF: Vietnam overtook China last year as the largest exporter of wood furniture. International container ship rates continue to escalate at an alarming rate. more...
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48forty Solutions Acquires Prime360, Creates Mega Recycler - May 28, 2021
When you consider marrying two companies together, sometimes it is the differences that make the relationship work. In this regard, all three companies have unique strengths to bring to the combined enterprise.; Commerce to Raise Canadian Softwood Duties: Mired in other issues, the Biden administration has shown no signs of moving on this issue, a longstanding dispute it has inherited from many previous administrations. more...
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48forty Solutions Acquires Relogistics, Creates Formidable Recycling Competitor - May 25, 2021
Significant mergers and acquisition (M&A) activity in the pallet industry is leading to consolidation among larger players. The Record hears that at least one more major deal with a larger recycler is in the works. This raises the question, “What should recyclers do as the big guys get bigger?”: Summer 2021 White Paper Released: Beyond the price, many pallet users are scurrying to secure supply in a market when demand far exceeds supply. To explain recent market events, the staff of the Pallet Profile and Recycle Record has developed a Summer 2021 White Paper for subscribers to share with their pallet customers.; CHEP Reports Quarterly Results, Network Strained, Sends Agriculture Customers Scrambling: The United Fresh Produce Association (UFPA) has issued a letter to its members warning about a pallet shortage that is affecting the agriculture sector. The UFPA is the major trade group in the United States for the fresh produce sector. The UFPA warned that “pallet shortages are putting the supply of fresh produce at risk.”; Recycle Bits: Automated Machine Systems (AMS), a leading supplier of pallet recycling equipment and software systems, has launched a $1.5 million expansion for its headquarters. more...
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Timing the Market Is Never Easy - May 20, 2021
As reported in the Profile market report this week, we are just starting to hear possibly a little good news about supply opening up just a bit in a few areas with SPF shipments from Canada.; Produce Association Issues Pallet Shortage Warning: The UFPA warned that “pallet shortages are putting the supply of fresh produce at risk.” more...
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Unprecedented Market Leads to Shrinking Pallet Supply - May 14, 2021
Spring 2021 White Paper: With the constant increases not just in lumber but the overhead costs of running everyday operations, most are faced with no other choice than to raise their pallet prices. more...
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Temporary Gas Shortage Serves as Warning of Bigger Problems - May 13, 2021
CNN Business warned in late April that shortages could exist in some areas this summer as a lack of qualified tank truck drivers could hamper delivery.; Spring 2021 White Paper Released: The rate of lumber price increase last year pales in comparison to the historic runup in price this year for both pallets and lumber. Beyond the price, many pallet users are scurrying to secure supply in a market when demand far exceeds supply. more...
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48forty Solutions Acquires Relogistics, Creates Formidable Recycling Competitor - May 7, 2021
The two management teams will be reuniting after working together under a shared parent company, IFCO Systems, prior to 2011. Relogistics started after CHEP acquired IFCO Systems in 2011.; Explaining Pallet Prices: Not all GMAs are created the same. The reason is that the GMA is a footprint standard, not a quality standard. While there are general rules of thumb when it comes to GMA specifications, there is no quality control program or clear-cut definition that everyone must follow.; News in Brief: EPAL has recorded an increase in the production of pallets in 2020. more...
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EXPO Richmond 2021 Preview - Apr 29, 2021
The event will likely be the year’s first and largest collection of pallet manufacturing and recycling, sawmilling, kiln drying, timber harvesting, biomass, trucking, optimization/scanning, material handling and firewood processing machinery in the United States.; NWPCA Announces Another Sustainability Webinar: The Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) developed by the Pallet Foundation is a tool to help companies measure their green credentials and to establish a framework or future environmental analysis of various types of pallets.; News in Brief: LIGNA will not be held this year. Idaho and Maine are calling for millions of dollars in coronavirus relief assistance to the logging industry. more...
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Kamps Inc. Acquires Florida Pallet Recycler, Transaction Reveals Keys for M&A Activity - Apr 27, 2021
Pallet Industries (PI) was established in 2007 and has two strategic locations that have allowed Pallet Industries to cover the majority of the state for many years; including key markets such as Orlando, Tampa and Miami.; CHEP Revises ARP for General Recycler Market: This move to a higher ARP isn’t really a surprise as California and other areas move into agriculture season. At the same time, demand for general consumer goods remains robust.; Tips to Safeguard Pallet Stacks at Customer Locations: Sometimes this activity results from a misunderstanding, scavengers believe pallets left outside of retail or distribution facilities are just trash. Others may knowingly take pallets hoping they won’t get caught.; CHEP Reports Quarterly Results, Record Demand from Customers Strains Pool: Brambles believes its sales will moderate somewhat in the next quarter. But there is no guarantee because the company has already admitted that it has struggled to forecast consumer activity due to the unprecedented factors at play.; Labor Solutions Covered in Industry Webinar: Chaille Brindley, recently spoke at the annual Ohio Forestry Association’s annual meeting, which was held virtually this year. He covered some major labor trends and issues in the overall forest products industry. more...
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CHEP Reports Quarterly Results, Record Demand from Customers Strains Pool - Apr 22, 2021
Brambles believes its sales will moderate somewhat in the next quarter. But there is no guarantee because the company has already admitted that it has struggled to forecast consumer activity due to the unprecedented factors at play.; News in Brief: Automated Machine Systems (AMS), a leading supplier of pallet recycling equipment and software systems, has launched a $1.5 million expansion for its headquarters. Timber Trades Journal (TTJ) recently reported on developments in the European pallet sector.; AUCTIONS: FRIDAY, MAY 7th • STARTS PROMPTLY AT 9AM. 141 N Church St • Bremen KY 42325. ASSOCIATED PALLET INC. SATURDAY, MAY 8th LARGE SALE STARTS 9 AM! 288 Premium Dr. • Central City, KY 42330 more...
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Brambles Outlines Sustainability Targets, Offers Lessons for Communicating with Pallet Users - Apr 15, 2021
While this may just sound like PR-speak, it does provide food for thought as you consider how you talk about your business to customers, employees, partners and even new hires.; Looking for Lumber? Search the 2021 Lumber Pages!: It certainly has become a seller’s market. In uncertain markets, you may need to reach out to new lumber sources.; Virginia Tech Offers Short Course on Wood Properties at EXPO Richmond 2021: It will take place on May 20, 2021 at Hilton Garden Inn near the Richmond International Airport and is designed to assist wood pallet and packaging suppliers among other fields. more...
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Biden Administration Rolls Out Economic Plans - Apr 8, 2021
Many pallet companies are reporting difficulty getting new workers and have pointed to government assistance as a major reason for the lack of available workers. The move to extend the $300 monthly unemployment insurance supplement into September will only continue the labor woes.; Discover Why Wood Wins the Sustainability Case: The NWPCA is celebrating Earth Day 2021 (April 22nd) by hosting a webinar on sustainability. The event is free for NWPCA members and their customers and seating is limited, so interested parties should register today. more...
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CHEP Revises ARP for General Recycler Market - Apr 1, 2021
This action suggests that CHEP is finding some market opposition to its previous efforts to reduce ARP fees.; Labor Solutions Covered in Industry Webinar: Chaille Brindley, recently spoke at the Ohio Forestry Association’s virtual annual meeting covering major labor trends and issues.; Quarterly Regional Lumber Trends: These graphs illustrate the average lumber prices published within each region over the past year. more...
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Kamps Inc. Acquires Florida Pallet Recycler, Outlines What Makes for A Successful Transaction - Mar 26, 2021
Kamps recently acquired Pallet Industries of Florida to expand its footprint in the Southeast. Pallet Industries (PI) was established in 2007 and has two locations in Florida: Deerfield (South) and Mulberry (Central). The strategic locations of the two facilities have allowed Pallet Industries to cover the majority of the state for many years; including key markets such as Orlando, Tampa and Miami.; Tips to Safeguard Pallet Stacks at
Customer Locations: Sometimes this activity results from a misunderstanding, scavengers believe pallets left outside of retail or distribution facilities are just trash. Others may knowingly take pallets hoping they won’t get caught. more...
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U.S. Housing Market Continues Strong Upward Push - Mar 19, 2021
Month-over-month and year-over-year United States housing market data were mostly positive. Aggregate multi-family starts decreased month-over-month and year-over year. New and existing house sales were positive month-over-month and year-over-year.; Sunbelt Continues Growth in Treated Wood Business through Acquisition: A subsidiary of UFP Industries, Sunbelt has agreed to purchase the assets of Spartanburg Forest Products Corp. for about $17 million. more...
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Tips for Selecting the Right Grinding Equipment to Turn Waste into Profit - Mar 19, 2021
This guide has information on various suppliers, technologies and tips to consider when selecting the right grinder to fit your needs.; Tips for Pallet Companies Caught in Insurance Squeeze: Pallet companies are being squeezed because the industry has experienced numerous fire-related losses in years past, according to insurance officials.; Pallet Industry Meetings and Events Scheduled for 2021: While the events could be impacted by new outbreaks or local ordinances, it is still a good idea to develop a game plan and register for any event you would like to attend. more...
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Hardwood Export Leader Shares Insights on Foreign Markets - Mar 12, 2021
Michael Snow, the executive direct of the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) recently sat down with the Profile and explained the latest developments in Asia, especially China, and how it could have ripple effects here in the United States.; Virginia Tech Offers Short Course at EXPO Richmond 2021: If you want to better understand wood properties and the relationship between water and wood, don’t miss a training course being held in conjunction with EXPO Richmond. more...
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Global Issues Could Impact Domestic Supply - Mar 5, 2021
Over the last two decades, China has become an even larger buyer on the global wood market since the nation reduced its use of domestic logs and timber to preserve forests. Both the United States and Russia have become major suppliers of wood material (including logs and lumber) to China. However, Russia may ban the export of softwood logs and high-value hardwood logs by the end of 2021.; SLB Increases Assessment Rate: These funds are used for softwood lumber research, innovation, promotion, consumer education and industry information. Checkoffs are designed to boost markets for agricultural products.; Hurricane Michael Remnants Pose Wildfire Dangers Years Later: An estimated 550 million trees in Florida, weighing 72 million tons, were damaged or destroyed by the storm.; NEWS IN BRIEF: EPAL recently reported that its Euro pallets are being used to safely transport coronavirus vaccines throughout Europe. more...
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CHEP Develops Plastic Pallet Trial for Costco, No Roll Out Planned Yet - Feb 25, 2021
The challenges are clear. A plastic pallet is at least three times the cost of a quality wooden pooled pallet. While there are some system benefits to plastic, somebody has to be willing to pay for the higher-priced asset.; Price Increases Show U.S. Trends Mirrored in Europe: European lumber producers have increased shipments to the United States given the skyrocketing lumber prices here.
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Nail Prices Rise Pushed by Steel Spikes and Shipping Challenges - Feb 23, 2021
The primary drivers are rising steel costs in conjunction with skyrocketing international freight costs. Besides just rising steel costs, importers are facing shipping challenges and unparalleled freight cost hikes.; Recycle Record Launches New Logo and Design: This is the first step of a plan to better refresh the brands, integrate the websites and prepare for a new website launch in 2021.;Brambles Results Strong Pallet Demand, CHEP Institutes Customer Surcharges: One very interesting development over the last few years is Costco pushing for a rental plastic pallet program with CHEP.; Do Your Employees Have Grit? Start thinking about core values, recognition and how pallet companies can work to produce a better culture.
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Pallet Industry Meetings and Events Scheduled for 2021 - Feb 19, 2021
While the events could be impacted by new outbreaks or local ordinances, it is still a good idea to develop a game plan and register for any event you would like to attend. Event sponsors and hotels are providing liberal refund policies in most cases. Be sure to check first when registering.; Pallet Profile Launches New Logo and Design: As part of a plan to better refresh the brands, integrate the websites and prepare for a new website launch in 2021, Pallet Profile and Recycle Record have both launched new color schemes, logos and designs for the print and online publications. more...
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First Year Outlook for Key Policy Considerations in the Biden-Harris Administration - Feb 12, 2021
It looks like a mixed bag with some positives and negatives. The first priority is getting its cabinet passed through Congress and installed. Then comes additional COVID relief followed by climate change legislation.; Top 10 Softwood Lumber Producers List: Forisk Consulting Inc. has published its list of top lumber producers in the United States. A number of these are Canadian companies that have bought up capacity in this country. more...
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Nail Prices Rise Pushed by Steel Spikes and Shipping Demands - Feb 5, 2021
Besides just rising steel costs, importers are facing shipping challenges and unparalleled freight cost hikes.; Large Building Materials Distributor Acquires Villaume Industries: Although it does produce some pallets and specialty crating, the company primarily services the construction market with its wood truss manufacturing expertise. more...
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FCA Packaging Acquires Timber Creek Resource - Jan 29, 2021
Steve Everett, Jr., president of Timber Creek, said the company started a search process over a year ago to help its founder Gary LeMaster, transition into retirement and new ventures.; Study Shows Hygienic Benefits of Wood Surfaces: Based on a research project conducted by universities in Eastern Finland, the initial tests suggest that the contagiousness of coronaviruses decreases much more rapidly on a wooden surface compared to other materials. more...
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Greenway to Open New Facility in Baltimore, Shares Lessons on Developing a New Location - Jan 22, 2021
The new location should be fully operational by March and will produce over 20,000 pallets per week. Some existing business contacts provided a basic book of business to help launch the facility, and it fits into the company’s plan to grow stronger in the region.; Winter 2021 White Paper Special Report: The new year has started out with a bang. Both softwood and hardwood are showing signs of tremendous price pressure. To explain recent market events, the staff of the Pallet Profile has developed a two-page White Paper for subscribers to share with their pallet customers. more...
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Greenway Announces New Facility in Baltimore, Shares Lessons on Plant Startup - Jan 22, 2021
It is expected to be fully operational in March. The new plant will produce over 20,000 pallets per week and will augment existing facilities in New York and New Jersey, and it fits into the company’s plan to grow stronger in the region.; Winter 2021 White Paper Special Report: Tremendous price pressure is pushing prices for low-grade lumber up. This is further complicating efforts by recyclers to obtain lumber for repair operations. Many recyclers are doing whatever they can to process and obtain recycled lumber.; Recycle Bits: A measure of U.S. manufacturing expanded in December at the fastest pace in more than two years. OSHA is currently accepting electronic submission of Form 300A. Paramount Pallet has opened the largest recycling facility in Canada. Congress passed the second coronavirus stimulus package. more...
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Continued Strong Demand Coupled with Low Availability and Mill Output Lead to Soaring Prices Entering 2021 - Jan 19, 2021
Once again, the hardwood and softwood markets appear to be on course to reach historic high prices. more...
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Emergency Coronavirus Relief Act of 2020 Includes Logger Assistance - Jan 15, 2021
This supplemental relief package allotted $200 million to provide relief to timber harvesting and timber hauling businesses that have, as a result of the COVID–19 pandemic, experienced a loss of not less than 10% in gross revenue during 2020 compared to 2019. Loggers were considered essential workers from the start, however, they were not targeted for relief funds.; Truck Driver Shortage Persists, Made Worse by Pandemic: While there were shortages and concerns, the sector has proved to be resilient despite aging infrastructure and labor challenges. Trucking companies worked extended shifts to ensure essential supplies were delivered, but the glaring weakness in the trucking sector is the lack of qualified truck drivers.; News in Brief: Paramount Pallet has opened the largest recycling facility in Canada. more...
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What the New Stimulus Bill Means for PPP Funding - Jan 8, 2021
Some provisions will help small businesses; others could hurt the labor pool, such as the extension of unemployment benefits and stimulus checks.; News in Brief: Bloomberg reported just this week that a measure of U.S. manufacturing expanded in December at the fastest pace in more than two years.; Profile Regional Lumber Trends: For reporting lumber price trends graphically, the U.S. is divided into six regions, five for hardwood cants and the western for Doug Fir RL softwood. These graphs illustrate the average lumber prices published within each region over the past year. more...
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Year Ends with Major Industry Acquisitions - Dec 23, 2020
UFP Industries has agreed to acquire PalletOne for approximately, and Grey Mountain Partners sold 48forty Solutions, formerly CHEP Recycled, to Audax Private Equity.; 2021 Industry Events Rescheduled: The NWPCA is scheduled to hold its annual leadership conference in Orlando, Florida on March 3-5 and The WPA has rescheduled its 2021 annual meeting to April 16-20th at Rancho Mirage, California. The Virginia Forest Products Association is moving ahead with plans for its 37th EXPO Richmond show to be held May 21-22, 2021.; Research Raises Concerns about Pallet Safety Risks in Retail Stores and Home Projects: The lower extremities were the most often injured body parts in pallet-related accidents. The overall severity of injuries is likely low, however, a small percentage were severe enough to require hospitalization.; Merry Christmas to all of our readers! more...
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Three Pallet Industry Companies Recognized for HR Excellence, Community Impact - Dec 23, 2020
A story in Christianity Today magazine highlights how pallet companies are taking initiative to develop outreach efforts to their blue-collar workforce and communities.; European Pallet Industry Prepares for Brexit Transition Challenges: There are serious consequences if EU suppliers do not use ISPM15 pallets for shipping goods, and these include fixed and variable monetary penalties ranging from £250 to £250,000.; Holiday Schedule: As we arrive at Christmas once again, we want to wish our readers a very special Merry Christmas. This will be our last market report of the year. more...
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UFP Industries Agrees to Buy PalletOne Inc. - Dec 18, 2020
The company just announced its biggest move into the sector. PalletOne is the largest pallet manufacturer in
North America with 17 pallet manufacturing facilities in the southern and eastern regions of the country.; COVID-19 Concerns Related to Most OSHA Inspections: Companies should evaluate their workplace and work to eliminate ways that a respiratory virus can spread, such as improving distancing between work stations, training employers on PPE, requiring greater sanitation and cleaning practices, etc. more...
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Research Raises Concerns about Pallet Safety Risks in Retail Stores and Home Projects - Dec 11, 2020
The first-ever investigation of non-occupational injuries that occur due to unintentional contact with pallets yielded startling statistics. The good news is that most of these injuries did not require hospitalization. But the research does show that pallets can be dangerous if people misuse them.; 2021 Industry Events Rescheduled: The Virginia Forest Products Association is moving ahead with plans for its 37th EXPO Richmond show to be held May 21-22, 2021 at the Richmond Raceway Complex. more...
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