Article Directory
Pack Expo Focuses on Sustainability - Oct 11, 2019 
It seems like reuse is an increasingly important component of marketing messaging for packaging suppliers. However, when you dig a little deeper, any emphasis on reuse is typically nominal at best.; Conner Industries Plans New Pallet Facility in Alabama: The facility expects to hire over 100 workers over the next year and has enabled expansion into a broader range of packaging services.; News In Brief: Logging truck drivers in British Columbia staged a demonstration last week. A joint NAFTA panel has given the U.S. three months to rethink its tariffs on imported Canadian softwood lumber. Brexit was on the agenda at the annual meeting of the Timber Packaging & Pallet Confederation recently. more...
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HR and People Insights from the 2019 Kingdom Conference – Part I - Oct 4, 2019 
This is the fourth annual meeting which included speakers from the industry on a variety of personnel and HR topics as well as a plant tour of the L&R facility in Denver. Pallet industry business leaders gathered to discuss how they can better use Christian principles to solve some of their human resources challenges.; Canadian Firm Will Upgrade Va. Plants: The plants are Pine Products near Martinsville and Potomac Supply in Kinsale on Virginia’s Northern Neck.; Profile Regional Lumber Trends: Quarterly update of lumber prices displayed in graphs.; News in Brief: APHIS has added several counties to the list of areas that are regulated for emerald ash borer infestation. The housing industry’s share of the GDP continued a downward trend in the second quarter. The Washington state Department of Natural Resources sold 489 million board feet of timber for the fiscal year ending June 30. The U.S. Forest Service has announced a huge RFP to clear out forests in Arizona. The NAFP produces the Forest Proud initiative and is supported by the NWPCA. Conifex Timber Inc. announced that it will indefinitely curtailing operations at its El Dorado, Arkansas sawmill.; AUCTION! LPS EQUIPMENT & ACQUISITION CO INC 2 DAY ANNUAL REDUCTION SALE. FRI & SAT OCT 18-19TH, 2019 AT 9AM CST. Bruceton, TN. more...
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Huron Capital Merges Northwest Pallet Services and Prime Woodcraft; Creates Largest TPM Recycler - Sep 27, 2019 
What does this mean for the pallet industry? It is a sign that consolidation is an ongoing trend as companies compete and look to obtain more market share.; Poor Quality Used Pallets Becomes Larger Problem for Customers: The results of recent survey indicated that the most common pallet problem cited was poor quality or bottom boards that result in jams or faults. Recycle Bits: Plastic pallet manufacturer Greystone Logistics recently announced a new purchase order valued at $6.8 million. Fire concerns have led Oakland, California authorities to dismantle temporary structures built out of old wood pallets. A fire at a M&M Pallet Co., a wood pallet company located near the Port of Wilmington, caused $10,000 in damage. U.S. Senators are collaborating on legislation to equip the U.S. Forest Service with more tools to manage national forests. Pallets were referenced during a broadcast of the MSNBC show ‘The 11th Hour’ with Brian Williams recently. more...
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New Web Application Provides Data on Southern U.S. Timber Supply - Sep 27, 2019 
The website will assist companies in deciding where to locate wood-based businesses in the South and provide maps that allow users to estimate the amount of timberland, standing timber, and growth and removals within a user-specified distance.; Forest Service Considering Changes to Land Management Approach: Rules will focus on removing dead and dying trees that threaten utility transmission lines and power structures, and expedite application processes for individuals and companies that want to build communication sites on national forests and grasslands.; News in Brief: A Dutch start-up company is going to manufacture pallets from coconuts. Police in Salina, Kansas, are looking for a couple of men who stole 200 pallets. Safety concerns and autonomous trucking are spurring new standards for tractor-trailer hookups. more...
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Pallet Survey Identifies Key Quality Concerns - Sep 20, 2019 
The results indicated that the most common pallet problem cited was poor quality or bottom boards that result in jams or faults.; Universal Buys Pallet USA Located in Upper Midwest: The acquisition expands Universal’s industrial product capacity and services in the Midwest.; NEWS BRIEFS: Plastic pallet manufacturer Greystone Logistics recently announced a new purchase order valued at $6.8 million. Fire concerns have led Oakland, California authorities to dismantle temporary structures built out of old wood pallets. A fire at a M&M Pallet Co., a wood pallet company located near the Port of Wilmington, caused $10,000 in damage. more...
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Huron Capital Merges Northwest Pallet Services and Prime Woodcraft, Creates Largest TPM Recycler - Sep 13, 2019 
One question that some recyclers may ask is about how the merger will change practices done in the past by either company. A number of recyclers have told me that Prime has been very aggressive in bidding for pallet cores in the past.; WPA Pallet Meeting 2020 – Building A Sustainable Future: The annual meeting, titled “Pallet Focus: Building a Sustainable Future,” takes place January 17-21, 2020, and will be held once again at the Rancho Las Palmas Resort. more...
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PalletOne Acquires Bay Wood Products, More Than Doubles Production in Alabama - Sep 5, 2019 
Situated on the Alabama Gulf Coast, Bay Wood Products is one of the largest single-site manufacturers of wooden pallets in Alabama and Mississippi.; Truckers Get Squeezed: About 640 carriers went out of business in the first half of 2019, more than double the total number of carriers who went under in 2018.; News In Brief: An analysis of Chinese exports to the United States shows an uptick in the potential misclassification of product codes. The Fellowship of Christian Lumbermen will meet during the National Hardwood Lumber Association convention in New Orleans Oct. 2-4. Pallets were referenced during a broadcast of the MSNBC show ‘The 11th Hour’ with Brian Williams recently. U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-California) and U.S. Sen. Steve Daines (R-Montana) are collaborating on legislation to equip the U.S. Forest Service with more tools to manage national forests. more...
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Australian Green Party Politician Talks Wood Pallet Ban - Aug 30, 2019 
Milne suggested that plastic waste could be turned into pallets that can be used for international shipments thereby reducing risks associated with wood pallets.; Trade War Heats Up Again: The Chinese government suggests that President Trump is trying to bully them with the threat of more tariffs and trade barriers.; News In Brief: Virginia Tech is conducting a survey to assess the readiness of hardwood sawmills to produce material for supplying the manufacture of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT). more...
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Brambles CEO Suggests Global Economic Concerns - Aug 30, 2019 
The CEO of the world’s largest private pallet pooler cautioned about the impact of retail evolution combined with higher labor, transport and property costs.; Fourth Kingdom Business Workshop Scheduled for September: A group of faith-inspired business leaders in the pallet industry are set to gather again in Denver, Colorado on September 19 at L&R Pallet.; Recycle Bits: Former Green Party leader in Australia, Christine Milne, recently conducted an interview where she floated the idea of replacing wooden pallets with plastic. more...
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Brambles CEO Suggests Rougher Waters Ahead - Aug 23, 2019 
From Brexit to the U.S./China trade war, there is a lot of uncertainty about what will happen; and that means companies are less willing to invest and consumers less willing to spend. Also, retail and logistics are in the midst of a massive evolution as customers order more and more online.; Action by California Fire Authorities Underscores Adequate Planning: Fire officials in Stockton, California have issued cease and desist orders to six of the 15 pallet companies in the municipality for failure to comply with fire safety regulations and building codes. more...
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Researchers Learn How ALB Expands Territory Despite Strong Eradication Efforts - Aug 16, 2019 
Their most recent research revealed that the larval offspring of the wood-borer native to China can feed and thrive on tree species whose tissues would sicken their parents, perhaps explaining how the beetle expands its range, even when its preferred host trees – maples, elms and willows – are not nearby.; Fourth Kingdom Business Workshop Scheduled for September: A group of faith-inspired business leaders in the pallet industry are set to gather again in Denver, Colorado on September 19 at L&R Pallet. The event includes a plant tour as well as speakers, workshops and discussion about how servant leadership principles can help make better businesses and better people.; Don Colson, Developer of Viking Machinery, Passes Away: Don was one of the developers of the Viking nailing machines. more...
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Trade Press Highlights Growing ISPM-15 Concerns for Shippers - Aug 9, 2019 
The big problem is the cost to shippers and the impact on international goods flowing into the United States. Shipments found with infestation can be delayed, probably re-exported to another destination and possibly fined.; Jerry Lottes Passes Away: Jerry was particularly known for servicing and supplying parts for Viking nailing systems. Jerry was the first Viking technician to drive a Viking service van back in the 1980s.; Unit Load Center Offers Training Course: Held August 13-15th in Blacksburg, Virginia, this intensive three-day short course will teach techniques that pallet and packaging designers can use to save money on corrugated board and plastic packaging materials.; NEWS IN BRIEF: The Softwood Lumber Board has named Kabira Cher Ferrell as its new vice president for marketing and communications. more...
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Fraud Alleged in Chinese Aluminum Pallet Plot - Aug 2, 2019 
This case does show the lengths that some people will go to avoid trade tariffs as well as one of the major challenges that Chinese companies may face in seeking business and investor alliances in the West.; News Briefs: The Canadian government has agreed to invest over $24 million in a multi-year program to promote innovative wood products. The Pallet Foundation is continuing to promote its data collection efforts for the pallet industry Life Cycle Assessment. more...
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Insights for Switching Pallet Partners - Jul 30, 2019 
A recent subscriber inquiry wanted to know the pitfalls and challenges that come from switching to and from various pallet approaches in regards to the process of converting from a rental system to white-wood recycled pallets. Keep in mind that every situation may have nuances that are hard to cover in one general article.; NWPCA Fly-In Focused on Growing Industry Influence in Washington: Even if you were not able to attend, you can still make your voice heard by contacting your Congressional representative to vote or support these efforts. For more information on talking points or key messaging, contact Patrick Atagi, vice president of advocacy and external affairs for the NWPCA. more...
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Trump Unveils Environmental Progress, Recognizes Forest Products Sector Activists Trump Unveils Environmental Progress, Recognizes Forest Products Sector Activists - Jul 26, 2019 
Part of the #TimberUnity campaign, a number of loggers and forest products representatives were part of President Trump’s focus on combining economic progress and environmental stewardship.; Crisis Communications Plans Start Now – A Basic Checklist: f you wait until a crisis to develop a plan on how to communicate and what to say in a crisis, changes are that you may make a big mistake.; News In Brief: Plastic pallet manufacturer, RM2 International, plans to raise US$6 million in additional funding from issuing more shares. The world’s largest pallet pool, the European Pallet Association (EPAL) has re-elected Robert Holliger as president. EPAL also recently announced plans to authorize the application of quality marks using inkjet printing. Vermont Governor Phil Scott recently announced a new initiative to address the high cost of workers’ compensation insurance for logging contractors. more...
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NWPCA Fly-In Focused on Growing Industry Influence in Washington - Jul 19, 2019 
Even if you were not able to attend, you can still make your voice heard by contacting your Congressional representative to vote or support these efforts. Key issues discussed included: interpretation of EPA requirements that are restricting the use of old wood pallets in producing wood pellets, the new U.S. Mexico Canada Trade Agreement and increasing the twin trailer standard from 28 feet to 33 feet.; News Briefs: Conner Industries of Fort Worth, Texas has acquired RoseMill Packaging Resources. The final deadline for U.S. pallet manufacturers and recyclers to submit information for the industry Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) project is quickly approaching. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has denied a petition by the Small Business in Transportation Coalition (SBTC) seeking an exemption from the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate for trucking. more...
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Proposed Changes to Hours of Service Rules Anticipated - Jul 12, 2019 
Supporters of the change note that the current “one size fits all” regulations can not only be impractical but can reduce safety, such as in cases when truckers are forced to take a break or stop driving for the day when there isn’t a safe location to park.; Government Researchers Confirm Current Wildfires Moderate Future Fires: Under the right fuel and weather conditions, wildfire can act as an effective fuel treatment to improve forest health and prevent future blazes from becoming costly, dangerous mega-fires.; Progress Made Against Invasive Beetle: APHIS officials urge people to allow program officials access to property to inspect trees and remove any infested trees that are found.; China Talks to Resume: It looks like current tariff levels on U.S. exports to China and China exports to the U.S. will stay in place for now.; European Market Update: EU Ruling Aids Recycling: The European Union has decided that wood used in repairing and reusing pallets and packaging should be included when determining recycling rates.; AUCTION! Saturday, July 20, 2019. 9am EST. Marion, NY. Formerly Peter C Herman, Inc. more...
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USDA Proposes Changes to Forest & Grassland Management - Jun 28, 2019 
The new rules will “improve forest conditions and make it simpler for people to use and enjoy their national forests and grasslands at lower cost to the taxpayer.; Summer Holiday Schedule: We will not be publishing a report next week. Our first report to end the second quarter of 2019 and start the third quarter of 2019 will be on July 12.; Which Pallet for Produce?: The focus of a recent article was which pallet is better for shipping produce: plastic or wood? And it allowed the representatives of each trade group to promote their respective views.; Pallet Profile Added Green Pine Cants: We need your help as we look to add more softwood information east of the Rockies later this year. more...
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State of Logistics Report Highlights Tight Supply Chain Capacity and Innovations - Jun 28, 2019 
Supply chain costs are rising. The retooling of supply chains to account for more e-commerce sales has led to the need for smaller, more costly warehouses. Last year, extremely high utilization of existing truck fleets combined with limited available freight capacity to drive up transport rates.; Brambles Finalizes IFCO Sale: Proceeds from the sale are intended to improve shareholder value. The balance of the proceeds will be used to repay debt to maintain leverage in line with the Board approved credit policy.; EU Ruling Aids Recycling: Under the amended directive, replacing one component in a pallet also now allows the full weight of the pallet to be accounted for as recycled. more...
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State of Logistics Report Highlights Tight Supply Chain Capacity and Innovations - Jun 21, 2019 
The retooling of supply chains to account for more e-commerce sales has led to the need for smaller, more costly warehouses. Last year, extremely high utilization of existing truck fleets combined with limited available freight capacity to drive up transport rates.; Brambles Finalizes IFCO Sale: Proceeds from the sale are intended to improve shareholder value. Brambles intends to return up to US$1.95 billion of proceeds from the transaction to shareholders.; Residential Construction Continues Slow Growth: Generally, the trend shows slight growth although the rate of growth has slowed compared to activity a year ago.; Pallet Profile Added Green Pine Cants: Pallet companies that have their own sawing operations have bought more green pine cants when boards and especially hardwood became more difficult to find. more...
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Forest Products Supply Chain Faces Logger Shortage - Jun 13, 2019 
The median age of loggers nationwide is over 50 years old, and many young workers are opting for less dangerous, more lucrative professions.: NEWS BRIEF: According to a New York Times article, China may have banned logging in its own forests, but has no qualms about decimating forests in other parts of the world.; Pallet Profile Added Green Pine Cants: We need your help as we look to add more softwood information east of the Rockies later this year. more...
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CHEP Launches Sustainability Initiative - Jun 7, 2019 
Focusing on eliminating physical waste and eradicating empty transport miles, Brambles, the parent company behind CHEP, has started a program called Zero Waste World.: Pallet Profile Adds Green Pine Cants, Looks to Add Other Softwood Products: We have finally added green pine cants, specifically SYP, after months of gathering data. This new feature has led to other changes in the report. News Briefs: The deadline for participating in the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for wooden pallets has been extended to July 1, 2019. Please act now! more...
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Hardwood Sector Warns About Impact of China Trade War - May 31, 2019 
With one in four boards produced going to China, the U.S. hardwood industry may be one of the big losers in the current trade battle with China.; Pallet Profile Looks to Add Green Pine Cants, and Other Softwood Products: One item that we believe we have a strong enough data set to move forward with soon is green pine cants. Specifically, we are adding three new regions (Eastern South, Central South, and Western South) that will report on an average price.; News Briefs: Rehrig Pacific has announced that its new food-safe and fire-retardant pallet has been tested and certified to pass all requirements for FDA-regulated materials.; Correction: CHEP’s Asset Recovery Program (ARP) pricing is $2.25 for delivered pallets to a CHEP depot and $1.25 for those loaded by a recycler onto a CHEP trailer. more...
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What’s the True Cost of Pallet Logistics? CHEP Issues Letter to Recyclers Changing ARP Rates and Policies - May 31, 2019 
At a time when most costs are rising for labor, warehouse space, trailers, trucks and even fuel in some regions, it is interesting that CHEP is reducing its ARP. CHEP did not state the reason for its move in its letter to recyclers.; While Minimum Wage Debate Goes on in Washington, 21 States Plus D.C. Go Ahead and Raise Their Base Wages: The legislation, if passed, would gradually raise the federal minimum hourly wage from $7.25 to $15 through 2024, but many states aren’t waiting around to see what happens. more...
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What’s the True Cost of Pallet Logistics? CHEP Issues Letter to Recyclers Changing ARP Rates and Policies - May 24, 2019 
CHEP’s recent ARP letter further clarifies that its pallets cannot be bought, sold, exchanged, modified or destroyed. CHEP did not state the reason for its move in its letter to recyclers.; USA Reaches Deal with Canada and Mexico to Lift Retaliatory Tariffs: The tariff repeal is good news for Mid-Continent Steel and Wire, the nation’s largest nail manufacturer. Mid-Continent sources its raw wire rod from its parent-company, Deacero, headquartered in Mexico.; March Housing Information: In the majority of categories, housing continues to be substantially less than its historical averages. The single family housing construction sector is where the majority of value-added forest products are utilized.; News Briefs: A five-alarm fire burned a pallet yard at Central Pallets in Stockton, California. Two separate reports confirm a softening in the trucking market. more...
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EPD Deadline Approaches – Your Industry Needs Your Help - May 17, 2019 
The comprehensive Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) survey being conducted by The Pallet Foundation in conjunction with researchers from the U.S. Forest Service this is not just another survey; it is a critical tool to help the wooden pallet sector support key environmental claims with hard data.; China Announces Retaliatory Tariff Increases: One piece of good news is that China’s State Council recently announced a process in which certain U.S. products impacted by retaliatory tariffs, including U.S. hardwoods, can be considered for exclusion from the tariffs by the Chinese government. more...
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U.S. China Trade Dispute Heats Up - May 10, 2019 
The Trump administration has confirmed that existing tariffs will jump from 10% to 25%. China indicated later this week that it will respond with tariff increases of its own. These are expected to impact U.S. hardwood exports, which could further depress demand and cause economic hardships for the U.S. hardwood sector.; Forest Product Association Seeks New Truck Weight Limits: AFPA contends that its proposal is safer than what is currently on interstates while taking into account growing truck traffic and industry needs.; Keep Employees Safe When They Must Work in Hot Conditions: Thousands of workers in the U.S. die or become ill from working in extreme heat or humid conditions each year.; News Briefs: The U.S. Forest Service is proceeding with its plans to sell 225 million board feet of old growth timber in the Tongass National Forest in Alaska. The American Forest & Paper Association (AFPA) issued a press release on Earth Day. more...
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Progress in the Works for China Trade Issue, Fate of USMCA Uncertain - May 3, 2019 
The Hardwood Federation has confirmed that hardwood and wood products continue to be included in the agriculture discussions, although details remain fluid.; U.S. Forests Are Healthy But at Risk to Wildfires, Harvesting Takes Place on Only 2% of Available Land: According a the report, the industry accounts for approximately 4% of the nation’s total manufacturing GDP, producing over $200 billion in products every year.; News Briefs: Pending sales of previously owned U.S. homes jumped by 3.8% in March. More than 80 commercial exhibitors are expected to participate in the Forest Product Equipment and Technology Exposition on June 7 and 8. more...
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Brambles Touts Sustainability Track Record, Recognized as Corporate Leader - Apr 30, 2019 
The good news is that pallet recycling and reuse is a good story to tell. Brambles, the parent company behind CHEP, has taken this initiative to a whole new level. The company was recently named the second most sustainable company in the world by Barrons magazine.; Recycle Bits: A recent six-alarm fire at a pallet and lumber business in Stockton, California is under investigation. The demand for trucking services, softened the first quarter of 2019. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is currently working on a rulemaking that may define biomass as carbon neutral. more...
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Canada to Appeal WTO Softwood Ruling - Apr 26, 2019 
The WTO has ruled more than 20 times that zeroing, a method of calculating and applying artificially high and unfair duty rates, is inconsistent with WTO rules.; Self-Driving Trucks: Fact vs. Fiction: self-driving trucks are here to stay. But what kind of impact will they have on the trucking industry in the near future?; News Briefs: In the first quarter of 2019, softwood grade lumber prices in North America have continued to drop at a much faster rate than log prices. A recent six-alarm fire at a pallet and lumber business in Stockton, California is under investigation. The demand for trucking services, which was historically high in 2018, softened the first quarter of 2019. more...
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Brambles Releases Third Quarter Update, CHEP Americas Revenues Increase - Apr 19, 2019 
CHEP has been successful pushing through price increases to offset higher production and lumber costs. In Europe, sales revenue grew by 8% led by net new business wins and price increases across the region.: New Alcohol and Drug Database May Worsen Truck Driver Shortage: The shortage is expected to worsen in the beginning in January 2020, but further down the road, some other changes are in the works that could potentially ease the shortage.; News Briefs: Georgia-Pacific has announced that it will close its Coos Bay lumber mill in Oregon and lay off all 111 workers. more...
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WTO Panel Issues Decision in Softwood Lumber Dispute Methodology - Apr 12, 2019 
The WTO dispute settlement panel issued a split decision, but the biggest win went to the United States, as the panel upheld the use of a controversial anti-dumping calculation method called “zeroing."; Debate Continues in Washington as Some States and D.C. Raise Their Base Wages: The legislation, if passed, would gradually raise the federal minimum hourly wage from $7.25 to $15 through 2024, and the bill would also do away with special “sub-minimum” pay.; News Briefs: A Guinness World Record for pallet dominoes was set last week in Yakima, Washington. British Columbia’s Forests Minister Doug Donaldson has announced an investment of $7.9 million by B.C. and the federal government in Canada. East Texas is now being called the nation’s “wood basket,” because of the abundance of tall southern yellow pine planted on private land. more...
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State of the Pallet Industry – Part 3: U.S. Economy Slowing, But Still Pretty Good - Apr 5, 2019 
Forecasts from leading economic experts are a big hit at industry events. One of the top voices on the U.S. manufacturing sector spoke at the recent National Wooden Pallet & Container Association annual meeting. He delivered a mixed bag of both good news and some warning signs to monitor.; Seeking A Better Market for Residuals: Researchers are working on finding ways to put wood in everything from computer chips to concrete to diapers. The problem is that many of these potential markets are years from the full commercialization stage.; Quarterly Graph Update: Profile regional lumber trends track hardwood cants over the past year. more...
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OSHA Citation Highlights Wood Dust Concern for Recyclers - Mar 29, 2019 
Why would OSHA target a company that isn’t a high danger target and one that goes above and beyond the standard in the industry? I will leave others to speculate on that question.; Trade Groups Launch Global Wood Packaging Forum Initiative and Website: Professionals will be able to access numerous research studies, articles, web sites and other tools addressing frequently requested topics related to wood packaging with ease and convenience. more...
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Filling the Leadership Vacuum - State of the Pallet Industry – Part 2 - Mar 29, 2019 
As the pallet business becomes more complex, you need people who can troubleshoot a lot of scenarios and even interact with customers.; January 2019 Housing Report Shows Tepid Housing Construction and Sales: Most problematic was the continued decline in single-family permits, as well as construction spending – total and single-family.; NEWS BRIEFS: A federal appeals court blocked a logging project in western Montana while it considers a lawsuit that claims the project could harm threatened species. more...
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State of the Pallet Industry – Part 1, Trucking Trends for the Future – Will the Trucking Picture Improve? - Mar 22, 2019 
The big blessing is that trucking capacity is starting to ease although this trend is not universal. Capacity is complicated… It’s not just supply and demand any more. It really depends on what you are shipping and where you are sending it.; Trade Groups Launch Global Wood Packaging Forum Initiative and Website: The Global Wood Packaging Forum website offers information and helpful tools for wood packaging professionals and their customers worldwide.; News Briefs: The Softwood Lumber Board (SLB) is seeking nomination for open seats. New research suggests climate change makes it increasingly difficult for tree seedlings to regenerate following wildfires in low-elevation forests. more...
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Chinese Government Unveils Future Forestry Plans - Mar 15, 2019 
China has become the largest buyer of logs and lumber on the global stage. Any action by China can leave a profound impact on global wood markets. The U.S. hardwood sector has dramatically re-oriented itself around exports to China. Chinese buyers are now a major purchaser of softwood material.; Virginia Tech Offers Unit Load Short Course: It will be held August 13-15th in Blacksburg Virginia at the Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design features Best Load design software.; Guidelines for Employers to Reduce Motor Vehicle Crashes: Every company needs a driver safety program to save lives and reduce company liability. With more and more online devices, the number of distractions has increased over the last decade. more...
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Supply Chain Trends Could Drive Pallet Changes - Mar 8, 2019 
Pallets will be as important as ever in the future, and the key things to differentiate you will be your quality and service levels. In order to win in those areas, you must be evolving and getting better at your core business – making and recycling pallets.; Congress Considers DRIVE Act: Seeking to entice younger drivers to enter the field, a bipartisan group of Congress members have introduced a bill that would set up an apprenticeship program to train younger truck drivers (18 to 21-year-old range) and allow them to traverse state lines on the interstate.; AUCTIONS FORMERLY DODD WOOD PRODUCTS • SAT, MARCH 16th, 2019 • 10AM EST 3720 State Rd 43, Spencer, IN 47460. COMPLETE SCRAGG MILL, CUT STOCK OPERATION & ROLLING STOCK.; Equipment Liquidation: Ready to Install & Ready to Run! more...
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USA vs China Trade Fight: Both Sides Likely to Delay New Round of Tariffs - Mar 1, 2019 
It is not certain whether the delay will last for long enough to cover the shipping lead time required to get products to China, so please keep in mind that the tariff level could go into full effect any time in the next month.; Carbon Monoxide Can Be Stealth Risk: CO is a common industrial hazard resulting from the incomplete burning of material containing carbon such as natural gas, gasoline, kerosene, oil, propane, coal or wood. One of the most common sources of exposure in the workplace is the internal combustion engine.; Winter 2019 White Paper: Challenges persist for the pallet market. 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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CHEP Faces Cost Pressures, Raises Prices, Invests in Repair Network - Feb 28, 2019 
This comes as news in spite of the fact that the company recently reported its half year results for fiscal 2019, which included sales revenue growth of 5%, which is at the higher range of estimates.; Winter 2019 White Paper: As challenges persist for the pallet market,this White Paper is designed for subscribers to freely share within subscribing companies and to any third party.; OSHA’s Increases Civil Penalty Rates for 2019: The increase reflects a 2.5% inflation adjustment rate, and took effect on January 23, 2019. more...
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Update on U.S. China Trade Negotiations - Feb 22, 2019 
Both sides reported that they made “progress,” including more substantive discussions and reported Chinese concessions on key structural issues that are a priority for the United States.; Higher Costs Hamper CHEP Profits, Rental Giant Raises Prices: One contributing factor is the company’s efforts to successfully implement surcharges and aligning contractual price increases with the true market cost-to-serve customers. more...
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Hardwood Study Calculates Economic Impact, Industry Statistics - Feb 15, 2019 
It looks at a number of sectors within the hardwood industry The study found that nationally, the U.S. hardwood forest products industry helps to employ over 1.8 million people and contributes $348 billion to the U.S. economy. Dspite their struggles, it still is a major player in the agriculture economy of many states.; OSHA Curtails Electronic Reporting Rule: The rule eliminates the requirement for establishments with 250 or more employees to electronically submit information from OSHA Forms 300 and 301, but does not alter an employer’s duty to maintain them.; White Paper Available Online: It can be downloaded from the online web portal, and is designed for subscribers to freely share within subscribing companies and to any third party. more...
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What to Expect in Workplace Safety Rules and Practices in 2019 - Feb 8, 2019 
Many wonder what to expect from workplace safety and its regulators in 2019. Here’s a run-down of six key areas where we expect to see action in the months ahead.: Winter 2019 White Paper: Challenges persist for the pallet market in the first month of 2019. This White Paper is designed for subscribers to freely share within subscribing companies and to any third party. more...
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Winter 2019 PPW White Paper: More of the Same — Less of a Wild Ride - Feb 8, 2019 
Last year was a crazy roller coaster ride for the softwood and hardwood markets. ost experts believe this year will see less volatility although some factors could continue to hamper production for both grade and low-grade lumber in North America. more...
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Crosstie Trends and Issues - Feb 1, 2019 
Given the correlation between pallet and other major industrial users of lumber, such as crossties, the Profile has pulled out key comments in a synopsis that the pallet sector should keep in mind.; OSHA’s Increases Civil Penalty Rates for 2019: The agency has increased its penalty schedule to reflect a 2.5% inflation rate increase.; Hardwood Industry No Stranger to Shutdown Effects: Although full funding was included in the Farm Bill signed in January, federal staff responsible for working with recipient organizations like AHEC were furloughed and not able to work on getting the designated money out the door. more...
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Environmental Survey Could Be Game Changer for Wood Pallets - Jan 31, 2019 
A comprehensive EPD is the best way for the wood pallet sector to tell its positive environmental story. Unlike a basic life cycle analysis, which tend to be easy to manipulate, a comprehensive EPD would set wood pallets apart, and would give the industry a marketing tool that no other packaging material is likely to match, because it is certified by a third party.; Pallet Industry Facts: When it comes to the recyclability and sustainability of wood pallets, there is no contest. Wood packaging stands above the rest. 95% of wood pallets get recycled at the end of their life span.; Changing Demand for Wood Fiber is Impacting Residuals Markets, Poses Threat: Overall, the analysis found that softwood fiber markets in the South are growing at a strong pace while users of hardwood residuals are shrinking substantially. more...
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Environmental Survey Is a Game Changer for Wood Pallets - Jan 25, 2019 
A comprehensive EPD is the best way for the wood pallet sector to tell its positive environmental story. Unlike a basic life cycle analysis it would set wood pallets apart, and would give the industry a marketing tool that no other packaging material is likely to match, because it is certified by a third party.; Pallet Industry Facts: When it comes to the recyclability and sustainability of wood pallets, there is no contest. Wood packaging stands above the rest, according to a study by the U.S. Forest Service in conjunction with Virginia Tech. 95% of wood pallets get recycled at the end of their life span. more...
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Changing Demand for Wood Fiber is Impacting Residual Markets, Poses Threat - Jan 18, 2019 
Overall, the analysis found that softwood fiber markets in the South are growing at a strong pace while users of hardwood residuals are shrinking substantially.; Update on Global Timber and Wood Products: Analysis of the global softwood sector indicates that the global trade of softwood lumber in 2018 was down 2.5% compared to the same period in 2017.; Cold Temperature Safety Tips: Cold stresses can lead to serious medical conditions including hypothermia, frostbite or trench foot.; Wood Products Are Important to Your Local Economy: Many people have no idea how important the wood product sector is to the economy. more...
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Lumber Futures Are Bad Measuring Stick for Pallet Material - Jan 11, 2019 
The simple fact is that there can be a vast difference between the two lumber markets. They respond to various factors. For example, the softwood market has been hit somewhat by tariffs on Canadian lumber while the hardwood export market is tied up in the trade battle with China.; Conner Industries to Open New Facility in Tennessee: If you are considering launching a new facility or purchasing a parcel of land, the first consideration is where your customers are located and where they are likely to expand in the next 5-10 years. Location can be everything.; News in Brief: OSHA may use drones to gather evidence related to workplace safety inspections. Idaho and the U.S. Department of Agriculture signed a new agreement to improve forest health conditions across the state. Central Packaging and Crating Inc. is investing $6 million in an expansion of its Greenwood County, S.C. facility. Well-known manufacturer of plastic pallets, Rehrig Pacific has developed a new FM approved fire-retardant pallet designed to be extremely durable. Georgia-Pacific recently began production at its newest facility, which is located in Talladega, Alabama. more...
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President Trump Issues Active Forest Management Executive Order - Jan 4, 2019 
The executive order calls on federal authorities to set shared priorities to manage fire risks and coordinate responses after any devastation with a focus on removing hazardous fuels.; Federal Agency Decides State Cannot Set Rules for Truck Drivers: In siding with trucking companies, the agency said the state of California cannot preempt federal regulations that govern hours-of-service for drivers.: Self-Driving Trucks Will Spur Consolidation: Electric-powered AVs (autonomous vehicles) eventually will be able to alleviate the labor shortage in trucking, improve efficiency, and smooth out the bumps in the logistical network.; News in Brief: U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue appointed six members to serve on the Softwood Lumber Board. The chief of the U.S. Forest Service issued a statement praising an executive order by President Trump. more...
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