Officials Declare EAB Quarantine for Entire State of Iowa - Feb 14, 2014
Authorities in Iowa have enacted a statewide quarantine prohibiting the movement of hardwood firewood, ash logs, wood chips and ash tree nursery stock outside of the state.; Health Care Employer Mandate Delayed Again: Medium-sized companies will have an extra year to offer coverage to their workers and larger companies will have the requirement phased in over the next two years.; EPA Report Clarifies Risks of Major Fire Retardants, Including DecaBDE: This fire retardant became controversial in the pallet industry after Intelligent Global Pooling Systems (iGPS) used it to meet fire rating requirements for plastic pallets.; News Brief: International Forest Products Limited (Interfor) has reached an agreement to acquire Tolleson Ilim Lumber Company. more...
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Federal Government Releases Food Sanitation Rules for Transport Equipment - Feb 6, 2014
These proposed rules do include provisions that cover “transportation equipment” including pallets, containers and bins.; Congress Passes Farm Bill: It includes several key provisions that have strong backing from the forest products industry.; OSHA Requires Posting Injury/Illness Summary: Companies that employ 10 or fewer employees are normally exempt from this.; News Briefs: The European Pallet Association (EPAL) recently produced the 30-millionth Euro pallet with the EPAL logo on four corner blocks. Opposition to the proposed Hardwood Checkoff program is growing. An Indiana pallet company lost a building and semi truck in a fire. Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased 3.2% in the fourth quarter of 2013. more...
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Housing Market Turns a Corner–Will the Trend Continue? - Jan 30, 2014
2014 should provide some indication if this can continue as the Federal Reserve pulls back some on its stimulus into the overall U.S. economy.; Pallet USA Acquires Goeman’s Wood Products: The transaction was completed earlier this month. Details of the sale were not released.; WPA Presentations Now Available Online: You can download for free the PowerPoint slides from the presentations at http://www.westernpallet.org/2014AM.html.; Softwood Checkoff Board Seeks Nominations: Interested parties may self-nominate or nominate others to become candidates in the regional elections.; How Key Ambitions in the State of the Union Address Could Impact the Industry: The biggest point of potential compromise over the next year between the White House and Congress is likely to be immigration reform.; New Briefs: USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service recently reported exports of southern pine to be approximately 41.3 million board feet for November 2013. According to local news reports, a large pallet fire broke out at International Pallet Inc. in north Birmingham, Ala. last week. more...
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Composite Pallet Co. Raises $225 Million to Launch Major Pool in North America and Europe - Jan 29, 2014
RM2 International plans to launch a major composite pallet pool of 20 million pallets or more in both North America and Europe.; High Winds Drive Fire at Industrial Wood Products: A pallet recycler in Ozark, Mo., recently suffered significant damage. The office and main production building were a total loss.; NWPCA Annual Meeting Offers Prime Networking Opportunity: Industry leaders will gather in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. on March 1-3 at the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association Leadership Conference (ALC).; Pallet USA Acquires Goeman’s Wood Products: Longtime player in the Southeast Wisconsin pallet market, Goeman’s Wood Products Inc. has sold a majority of its assets earlier this month. Details of the sale were not released. more...
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Omni-Channel Distribution – Are You Ready? - Jan 23, 2014
Your retail pallet customers are going to be under even more pressure to do more with less, be flexible to meet various packaging and order fulfillment challenges and have the right products in the right location at the right time.; Fire Damages Industrial Wood Products: The facility located in Ozark, Mo. and owned by Paltech Enterprises Inc. recently suffered significant damage.; Litco Launches Pink Pallet to Support Breast Cancer Awareness: The company is committed to donating $2.00 from each pink pallet sale to The Breast Cancer Awareness Research Foundation.; NEWS BRIEF: Southern Fastening Systems has just announced some changes in its top leadership. more...
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Composite Pallet Pooler Raises $225 Million in IPO to Launch Big Time - Jan 16, 2014
Composite pallet maker RM2 International, which has been in a research and development mode for years, plans to launch a major pallet pool of 20 million pallets or more in both North America and the United States.; USDA Extends Hardwood Checkoff Comment Period: The comment period will remain open until February 18, 2014. more...
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Hardwood Checkoff – Is It a Good Idea? - Jan 10, 2014
Those against the measure are coming out in full force and seem to outnumber the supporters.; Pallet Industry Holds Two Major Meetings Early in 2014: The Western Pallet Association (WPA) celebrates its 40th anniversary at Palm Desert, Calif. on January 17-20. The NWPCA will be holding its annual meeting in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. on March 1-3.; News Briefs: Karen Wanamaker of the NWPCA is leaving the association. Two different groups are working on studies related to converting forest waste to biofuels. The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) is looking for comments on a draft of the SFI 2015-2019 Standard. Unseasonable wildfires in parts of California have caused concern among fire experts. more...
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EPAL and UIC Reach Exchange Agreement - Jan 3, 2014
Both EPAL and the UIC need each other because the rail authorities are very influential in European transport.; Deadline Approaches for Hardwood Checkoff Comments: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is currently taking public comments until January 13, 2014.; Renewable Electricity Standard Proposed: The House bill would require utilities to generate 25% of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2025.; Online PR Pitfalls: While PR and website marketing professionals may be better at messaging, generating search engine rankings, distributing press releases or developing videos, they don’t understand the industry.; European Timber Shortage Expected: TIMCON said delegates were expecting 2014 to begin with extreme and unseasonable pressure on the availability of timber in Europe. more...
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The Year in Review - Dec 23, 2013
Key concerns for pallet companies to consider as they prepare for 2014 and beyond.; CPC Dodges Shutdown, Calls for Action: While there remains widespread support for the CPC among many in the Canadian grocery sector, the future of the pool is far from certain. Recycle Bits: The two biggest players in the European pallet market have finally reached an agreement in principal over a dispute. iGPS Logistics and Nice-Pak Products, Inc. have extended their pallet pooling agreement. LOSCAM has signed an agreement with Bed, Bath & Beyond in New Zealand to become its sole provider of managed pooled pallets. Greystone Logistics, Inc. recently manufactured and shipped recycled plastic pallets to various sites in the Anheuser Busch system as part of a pallet test and product evaluation. A bill has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would establish the first national renewable energy standard. Commercial Lumber & Pallet located in City of Industry, Calif. has announced that Bruce Benton, formerly of Hunter Woodworks, has joined its team. more...
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Canadian Pallet Industry at a Crossroads - Dec 20, 2013
The CPC has postponed a shutdown and is working to bolster its network, but the future of the pool is far from certain.; News Brief: iGPS Logistics and Nice-Pak Products, Inc. have extended their pallet pooling agreement. A bill has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would establish the first national renewable energy standard. Commercial Lumber & Pallet has announced that Bruce Benton has joined its team as the director of marketing and production. Holiday Schedule: Pallet Profile will not be published December 27, 2013 according to our regular schedule. more...
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Study Indicates Surprises on Where Greatest Potential Exists for Woody Biomass Conversion, EIA Releases Forecast - Dec 13, 2013
Much of the pellet production is now going overseas to Europe as governments over there push to meet renewable energy targets. But what about the potential for growth in heat and energy production here in the United States using wood biomass?; SHOP Exchange Delayed: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that the federal online Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) exchange, will not be operational until November 2014. more...
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Thinking Out Loud about the Hardwood Checkoff - Dec 6, 2013
Led by strong support from grade hardwood interests, a checkoff program is designed to benefit the overall industry, but not everyone is happy with the proposal.; Profile Changes in 2014 Will Include Softwood Lumber Prices East of the Rockies: We will start reporting Southern Yellow Pine prices across the South and SPF prices across the northern tier of states.; Arrest Made in Pallet Scam: Gene Ferrell, 36, allegedly brokered pallet deals but never paid the manufacturers or delivery companies.; AUCTION: December 14, 2013 more...
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ALSC and NWPCA Agree to Create Task Force to Resolve Conflict - Nov 27, 2013
At its annual business meeting, the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) voted to table the discussion on the issues raised by the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA) involving mark removal and other concerns raised by recyclers.; Recyclers Conference Draws Large Crowd,Covers Key Issues: The strong attendance means that the association is likely to do a similar event each year that involves plant tours.; Bankruptcy Court Confirms iGPS Settlement Terms: All claims had to be submitted by October 24, 2013.; New Chemical Safety Resources Available: Employers also need to remember the upcoming December 1 deadline for training workers on OSHA’s new label elements and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) format.; RECYCLE BITS: IFCO has appointed Fred Heptinstall senior vice president of global business development. CAPS has rebranded its intermediatebulk container management business as CHEP Pallecon Solutions, officially becoming part of the Brambles family.; CHEP USA recently unveiled its new half-size pallet after re-engineereing every part of
the design based on feedback from leading retailers and product manufacturers. more...
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Research Looks at Market Opportunities for U.S. Hardwoods in Asia and Western Europe - Nov 27, 2013
The research involved case study analysis of importers at various trade shows as well as company visits in Germany, China and Vietnam.; State of Missouri Quarantined for EAB: Previously, only a portion of Missouri was regulated due to the establishment and enforcement of equivalent state quarantines.; EXPO Richmond Scheduled for May: The trade show, which will be held at the Richmond Raceway complex in Richmond, Va. on May 16-17, 2014.; NEWS BRIEFS: An increase in exports of southern pine lumber was reported in September.; AUCTION: December 14, 2013. more...
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Federal Government Releases Hardwood Checkoff Draft Proposal - Nov 22, 2013
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently published a draft proposal for a hardwood checkoff program to be levied on major U.S. sales of hardwood lumber, plywood, and lumber products, such as unfinished flooring, cants and railroad ties.; EAB Found in Colorado: An infestation now confirmed in the Boulder, Colo. area.; Canadian HT Program in Flux: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has agreed to a new process that will increase inspection frequency but not as much as first planned.; 2-way Pine Hybrid Pallet Introduced: Green Pallets Inc. is continuing the expansion of its first four stringer pallet made of wood with molded plastic bumpers. more...
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ALSC and NWPCA Create Task Force to Resolve Conflict - Nov 14, 2013
Brent McClendon spoke on behalf of the wooden pallet industry. Their primary assertion is that the requirement to obliterate marks on repaired pallets is an overreach of the authority that the federal government has given ALSC.; 2013 Human Resources Survey Released: If you have not received your copy and participated, contact our office.; Obamacare Policies Spark Concern: Pressure is mounting on Congressional Democrats and even the White House to do something about the broken promises as consumers are getting notices that they can’t keep their plans. more...
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Recyclers Conference Draws Large Crowd, Covers Key Issues - Nov 7, 2013
The strong attendance means that the association is likely to do a similar event each year.; Brambles CEO Speaks to U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Tom Gorman spoke on the overall economy, the importance of pallets in the supply chain and the impact of tariffs and free trade policies.; New Chemical Safety Resources Available: New resources to help companies keep workers safe are available from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). more...
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Seeing the Future of Retail Palletization: CHEP to Launch Half-size Pallet - Nov 1, 2013
CHEP is betting big that this move will help drive standardization and new practices in the retail supply chain in the United States.; How Green Is Your Company?: Virginia Tech is working on developing a life cycle analysis database that will give white-wood companies a baseline to compare their performance with others.; Employer Healthcare Guidance Released: The Obama administration recently explained more details of how the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will impact employers.; iGPS Proposes Settlement Terms: All listed creditors have until November 7th to vote on a settlement package. more...
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Exterior Pallet Storage Fire Code Changes Rejected by ICC - Oct 26, 2013
Kudos to the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA) as well as other organizations that worked to convince the ICC members that more study and collaboration needs to be done.; NWPCA Appeals ALSC Ruling on Recycled Pallet Policies: Contentious issues include mark removal, pallet re-treatment procedures and other key areas.; Recycle Bits: A recent fire at Orleans Pallet in Albion, N.Y. caused so much damage to the building that it was deemed unsafe. more...
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Why We Should Want to Be Europe… - Oct 25, 2013
White-wood Europallets still dominate most of Europe, except for the United Kingdom.; Aggressive Growth Expected for 3PL Industry: Tompkins believes 3PL growth will be three to four times GDP, or 7 - 10% for 2013.; News Briefs: A recent fire at Orleans Pallet in Albion, N.Y. Green Pallets Inc. has launched a new 4 stringer 4-way plastic and wood hybrid pallet. $1 out of every $16 in Maine’s gross state product associated with the forest products sector. The International Wood Products Association (IWPA) is concerned over the industry impact of proposed formaldehyde emission standards. more...
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Eye to the Future of U.S. Logistics Issues: Material Handling Roadmap Releases Draft Report - Oct 18, 2013
The draft report highlighted a number of areas that are important to mention and to review, especially as they relate to pallets and transport packaging.; Brambles Sees Increased Sales from Pallecon: The logistics provider reported sales revenues of $1,311.9 million from its pooling business.; Changes Proposed to Softwood Check-Off: The changes are intended to help facilitate program operations.; Largest Thinning Contract Transferred: The Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI) has been transferred from Pioneer Forest Products to Good Earth Power AZ LLC.; Biomass Groups Sign Memorandum of Understanding with USDA: This signifies a commitment by the federal government and industry to jointly grow and promote the wood to energy sector.; News Briefs: Stella-Jones Inc. has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the operating assets employed in three businesses. Missouri has expanded its state quarantine regulating the movement of ash wood products to include all counties and the City of St. Louis. IFCO Systems recently started an initiative focused on educating consumers about the benefits of Reusable Plastic Containers. more...
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ICC Votes Down Proposed Fire Code Changes for Exterior Pallet Storage - Oct 11, 2013
Had the proposals been adopted they would have been published with the new codes set to be released next year for consideration by municipal and state authorities.; Lessons Learned at PACK EXPO – Economic Confidence, Unit Load Traction and the CHEP Half Pallet: pallets, even though they are the essential building block of the supply chain, aren’t exactly the chef’s recommendation at an event like this.; Federal Agents Raid Lumber Liquidators: Few details are known as the warrants are sealed and neither the federal agencies nor Lumber Liquidators are speaking about it.; News Briefs: EPAL has produced 10 million new pallets since August 1, following its switch to a new audit company.; Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI) plans to begin rebuilding its large-log sawmill in Quincy, Cali.; Georgia-Pacific plans to invest $9 million in its Dudley N.C. lumber operations to increase production capacity.; The U.S. Forest Service is suspending logging operations on national forests as part of the partial federal government shutdown. more...
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Pallet User Report Indepth Analysis - Oct 4, 2013
There are some small changes that could point to a few larger trends that pallet companies should monitor.; NWPCA Appeals ALSC Ruling on Recycled Pallet Policies: Contentious issues include mark removal, pallet re-treatment procedures and other key areas.; NEWS BRIEFS: Calumet Pallet Co. Inc., in Indiana plans to expand its operations, creating up to 115 new jobs by 2016. more...
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Pallet User Survey Indicate Slight Changes - Sep 30, 2013
The usage of used wooden pallets will remain the same or increase for 86% of respondents.; NWPCA to Testify Against Fire Code Proposals: A final hearing schedule for October 3 in Atlantic City, N.J.; Louisiana Woman Sues Wal-Mart over Pallet Accident: This incident underscores the importance of educating customers on procuring quality pallets.; Key Tax Saving Policies Set to End Soon: Assets purchased and put in use by Dec. 31 can be expensed according to 2013 policies. more...
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Pallet User Survey Shows Slight Changes - Sep 27, 2013
Although wooden pallets still dominate the market, there are indications that plastic and metal pallets are seeing increased levels of interest from pallet users.; Chinese Hardwood and Plywood Sold at Dumped Prices: Chinese imports are sold in this country at prices below cost and are subsidized by the Chinese government, resulting in U.S. manufacturers suffering material competitive injury from unfair trade practices.; Housing Market Slowly Improves Although Problems Remain: When the economy gets back to normal, will people go back to single family housing or is the higher multi-family share the new normal?; House Passes Forest Management Bill: Although House passage is a significant step for the bill, the odds are not in its favor moving forward.; NWPCA Prepares Industry Response to Fire Code Changes: The hearing takes place on October 3, 2013 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel.
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Key Depreciation Policies Set to End Soon: Buy Now or Pay More in Taxes Later! - Sep 20, 2013
If you want to take advantage of tax loopholes and exemptions that expire at the end of 2013, you have just about three months to act.; No Fine for Missing October 1st Obamacare Notice Deadline: According to the Department of Labor (DOL), the deadline still stands.; Chinese Hardwood Log Ban Lifted: The export market for hardwood logs going to China has been reopened.; Hazard Communication Training Required by December: Most pallet companies deal with substances that are classified as hazardous.; Report Identifies Wood Dust Hazards: The report found that mills processing mountain pine beetle-killed (MPB) lodgepole pine had drier and finer dust.; Oops, Didn’t See that Pallet - Louisiana Woman Sues Wal-Mart over Pallet Accident: This incident underscores the importance of educating customers on procuring quality pallets.; Court Maintains Murrelet Designation: A federal judge rejected the remaining claims ruling that marbled murrelets in central California are considered part of the protected population.; Larry Price Passes Away Unexpectedly: He passed away with an apparent heart attack during the night on Sunday, September 15 at the age of 67.; IFCO Names New CEO: Its next chief executive officer will be Wolfgang Orgeldinger. more...
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NWPCA Calls for Action on Fire Code Proposals - Sep 13, 2013
The NWPCA is rallying the troops to voice opposition and attend the hearing on October 3 in Atlantic City, N. J.; Nail Market Update and Outlook: Nail prices have been fairly steady.; Unit Load Center on the Rise Again: Virginia Tech announced some major changes a few years ago when it decided to pursue developing a full packaging program.; Louisiana-Pacific Acquires Ainsworth Lumber: The acquisition includes four OSB manufacturing facilities in Alberta. more...
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Innovator Offers Industry Lessons: Pallet Protection Device Makes Inroads - Sep 5, 2013
United Pallet Services Inc. introduced an innovative pallet shield designed to improve the lifespan of a pallet and most importantly to reduce product damage called The pointGuard™ Pallet Protection Systems.; Obamacare Employer Notification Date Approaches: The notification requirement applies to any business regulated under the Fair Labor Standards Act, which covers all companies with at least one employee and $500,000 in annual revenue.; New Aluminum Pallet Nominated for Awards: i-pallets, Inc., an aluminum pallet manufacturer, received the recognition for new pallet designs that are intended to be more hygienic than other products on the market.; Educational Forum Planned at PACK EXPO 2013: The RPA Reusables Learning Center will be located directly on the show floor and provide attendees with easy access to presentations. Forest Service Budget Strains Wildfire Management: Part of the problem can be attributed to the fact that the USFS lost $50 million of its firefighting budget of over $1 billion to sequestration cuts.; News Briefs: The Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has created an online resource to help the general public quickly identify pests. The U.S. international trade deficit increased in July. more...
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Research Raises Issue of Proprietary Pallet Fees - Aug 29, 2013
You may be surprised to find what researchers several years ago discovered about the true costs incurred by recyclers; Bob Ponton Passes Away on August 14: He was the owner and president of International Carbide & Engineering (ICE). more...
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Researchers Raise Issue of Proprietary Pallet Fees - Aug 29, 2013
You may be surprised to find what researchers several years ago discovered about the true costs incurred by recyclers; iGPS Sale Finalized in Bankruptcy Court, New Owners Are Key to Its Future: According to court documents no other credible offers were received other than the bid submitted by iGPS Logistics.; IFCO Names New CEO: Its next chief executive officer will be Wolfgang Orgeldinger.; NWPCA Schedules Fall Meetings and Annual Meeting: Its recyclers conference will be held on October 28-30 in Chicago, Ill., and The annual NWPCA winter meeting will be held in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. on March 1-4, 2014.; Recycle Bits: An Ohio pallet company suffered extensive damage to its manufacturing building due to a fire. United Pallet Services, Inc. has entered into a formal license agreement with Grupo Mitasa of San Jose; Belacon has recently announced a renewal of its relationship with iGPS Logistics. more...
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Brambles Profit Rises Thanks to Improving Pallet and RPC Segments - Aug 23, 2013
CHEP USA sales were up thanks to business wins from the faltering iGPS all-plastic pallet pool.; Interpal VIII, 64th FEFPEB Congress October 2013: Pallet industry leaders from around the world will gather from October 16-18, 2013.; News Briefs: Two amendments that will affect timber harvests on federal lands were passed. A bill that would turn the management of federal forest lands over to timber counties has been passed. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has launched a new regional enforcement emphasis program. Officials are continuing to make controlled releases of three varieties of Asian parasitic wasps. more...
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Winning the PR Battle Starts One Conversation at a Time - Aug 16, 2013
If you are like me, you are probably tired of feeling like you have to defend yourself just because you work in the forest products industry.; China Surpasses Japan as Largest Importer of Hardwood Chips: With its recent pulpmill expansion, China has surpassed Japan.; Pallet Courses Available at Virginia Tech: They will be held September 11 and 12, and October 30 to November 1.; Business Intelligence -- Small Companies Can Prepare to Grow Now: Things that can be done to help set the groundwork for future growth more...
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iGPS Sale Finalized in Bankruptcy Court, New Owners Are Key to Its Future - Aug 9, 2013
According to court documents no other credible offers were received.; Court Decisions Impact Trucking Operations: The trucking industry will feel some small impacts from two recent federal court decisions.; Lean Energy Workshop Available: The one-day workshop will be held at the Wood Education Resource Center in Princeton, W.Va. on November 20.; News Briefs: A fire at Atlas Pallet Company in San Antonio, Texas destroyed around 10,000 pallets. more...
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Legislative Update - Aug 2, 2013
Things have been busy in Washington, with a number of key pieces of legislation moving forward.; Pallet Courses Available at Virginia Tech: First to be held September 11 and 12, second to be held October 30 to November 1.; Canadian Lumber Import Tax Returns: Effective August 1, 2013, a 10% tax is back in place. more...
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Fire Code Updates May Change How You Store Pallets Outside - Jul 27, 2013
The NWPCA recently submitted comments to the ICC suggesting that the code change proposal on outdoor pallet storage be disapproved.; CPC Remains in Holding Pattern: The Canadian Pallet Council (CPC) is no closer to a resolution about its future.; Obama Delays Employer Mandate, Other Provisions of Health Care Law: The administration delayed until January 1, 2015, the mandate to report on their coverage and pay a tax penalty for failing to provide full-time employees with affordable health coverage.; Life Cycle Study Demonstrates Benefits of RPCs: IFCO sought to compare the difference between one-way corrugated boxes and RPCs used to ship produce.; OSHA Prioritizes I2P2: he Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is continuing to focus on completing its proposed Injury and Illness Prevention Program. more...
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More Details on ICC Proposal Revisions and Challenges - Jul 25, 2013
If the proposed changes are passed it could have a major impact on how pallet companies in some localities store pallets.; Court Vacates Biomass Emissions Deferral: The District of Columbia Circuit ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) did not provide sufficient legal justification to defer greenhouse gas (GHG) regulation of biogenic emissions.; News Briefs: Another sawmill in British Columbia has had an explosion. more...
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Pallet Association Calls for Changes to Proposed ICC Fire Code Updates - Jul 18, 2013
The NWPCA recently submitted comments saying the code change proposal on outdoor pallet storage should be disapproved.; CWPCA Announces a Three Year Agreement with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency: This new directive combines the two previous programs into one.; NWPCA Fills Two Key Staff Positions: The NWPCA has added Dr. Brad Gething as its new technical director and Pallet Design System™ (PDS) manager, and also hired Annette Ferri to be its new communication and education director.; News Briefs: New interim phytosanitary regulations have been released for lumber exports to Mexico. more...
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CPC Remains in Holding Pattern - Jul 12, 2013
The Canadian Pallet Council is no closer to a resolution about its future; Obama Delays Employer Mandate, Other Provisions of Health Care Law: Seeking to give employers and government departments more time to comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA); Forest Service Faces Challenges: Drought, wildfires, disease and a declining budget are just some of the issues; Auction: July 26, 2013 - Complete Pallet Recycling Operation. more...
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Trustee Opposes Sale of iGPS, Raises Questions about Fairness of $49 Million Offer - Jul 3, 2013
U.S. Trustee says the value of the iGPS assets is “significantly greater than the proposed price."; OSHA
Prioritizes I2P2: The proposed standard is focused on workplace injury prevention.; Plastic Theft Task Force Losing Funding: Since it was formed, the task force has shut down 30 illegal grinding operations.; Life Cycle Study Demonstrates Benefits of RPCs: The study found that RPCs reduce solid waste and use less water and energy.; News Briefs: A dormant sawmill owned by International Paper in Isle of Wight County, Va. is being purchased by Franklin Lumber. Industry members are reviewing proposed regulations for the Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act. more...
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Slow Growth May Be the New Normal for America’s Supply Chains - Jun 27, 2013
The new normal is characterized by slow growth with GDP growth hovering between 2.5-4%.; Pallet Courses Available at Virginia Tech: Pallet Design in the 21st Century” will be held September 11 and 12 at the campus in Blacksburg.; IPPC New Rules Not Likely to Make Big Impact: The newly adopted provisions recognize diaelectric treatments and provisions dealing with heat chamber best practices are advisory and do not require changes to the HT WPM procedures. more...
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iGPS Cuts Majority of Staff: Files Chapter 11 and Arranges Sale to Equity Group - Jun 26, 2013
Amid plans to continue operations, the company has restructured by laying off 86 employees.; Canadian Pallet Council Considers Closing: The organization has been struggling for some time, adjusting to an overall reduction in revenue. more...
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Canadian Pallet Council Considers Closing - Jun 21, 2013
CPC has begun making plans to close the organization by the end of the year.; Chinese Delegation Visits United States Pallet Players, Discusses Future: One of the goals of the meetings was to discuss ways to work with U.S. counterparts including the 9BLOC organization.; Weyerhaeuser to Purchase Longview Timber: “One-of-a-kind acquisition” is one of the largest forest acquisitions in the country’s history.; News Brief: U.S. demand for pallets is expected to reach 1.3 billion units in 2017. more...
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Closer Look – Lessons from the Downfall of iGPS - Jun 14, 2013
iGPS is at least on life support with some new interim financing; iGPS Bankruptcy Case Procedures for Creditors" The federal courts have established a process for creditors to submit claims; Senate Passes Farm Bill: The House is expected to bring its version to the floor next week; How to Address Poor Employee Performance: when a worker is performing poorly, it needs to be dealt with; News Briefs: NWPCA Schedules PDS Training Course, Reminder of Fire Code Draft Pallet Storage Standards, Koppers Plans Open House in Muncy, Penn. more...
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iGPS Cuts Majority of Staff, Files Chapter 11 and Arranges Sale to Equity Group - Jun 6, 2013
Publisher's Soapbox - Second Life or the Walking Dead? Amid plans to continue operations, the company has restructured by laying off 86 employees.; EPA Proposes Formaldehyde Rules: One proposed rule limits how much formaldehyde may be emitted from hardwood plywood, medium-density fiberboard, particleboard and finished goods.; Manufacturing Activity Drops in May: Last month’s PMI reading is at its lowest level since June 2009.; Antidumping Rates for Chinese Hardwood Plywood Delayed: An unfair trade petition was filed in September 2012 by a coalition of U.S. hardwood and plywood manufacturers. more...
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Tomorrowland Part III: Robotics, Sensors & Data Management May Shape the Future of U.S. Supply Chains - May 31, 2013
The more and more smartphones, sensors, and scanners collect and transmit increasingly larger amounts of data, the harder it becomes to manage and use that data.; Health Care Reform Requires Employee Notification: Employers must distribute these health coverage notices to all employees by October 1, 2013.; CHEP Europe Saves through Shared Transportation Program: The program involves multiple closed loop systems that include cooperating customers and retailers.; PECO Launches First Company-Operated Depot: Located in Hazleton, Penn., the facility is open to customers and is touted as a showcase of PECO’s extensive depot experience.; News Briefs: A bill that would create tax incentives for installing biomass heating systems has been introduced in the U.S. Senate. Sequestration budget cuts at the U.S. Forest Service could make this year’s wildfire season even harder to deal with. Rehrig Pacific Company has launched a new GMA Rackable Plastic Pallet.; AUCTIONS! June 8th and June 15th. more...
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ICC Officials Develop New Standards for Pallet Storage - May 31, 2013
Seeking to reduce the fire hazard in outdoor pallet storage yards, representatives from the International Code Council (ICC) recently approved changes to the International Fire Code.; Health Care Reform Requires Employee Notification: Employers must distribute these health coverage notices to all employees by October 1, 2013.; PECO Launches First Company-Operated Depot: Located in Hazleton, Penn., the facility is open to customers and is touted as a showcase of PECO’s extensive depot experience.; OSHA Releases New Inspection Interpretation: Employees have the right to have a non-employee represent them in dealing with activities related to the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act.; Recycle Bits: The American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC), recently announced that Tom Searles will retire as its president. The emerald ash borer has invaded the state of New Hampshire. Nearshoring is expected to pick up as the United States is becoming more competitive in manufacturing. CHEP has extended its contract with Johanna Foods for three years. PECO Pallet is continuing to expand its North American network. A federal court has invalidated a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) rule. The North Carolina House of Representatives passed a bill that would prevent state building projects from using any environmental building rating system. more...
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Tomorrowland – More Insights on the Future of U.S. Logistics and Materials Handling - May 24, 2013
This is the second in a series of articles on the Material Handling & Logistics U.S. Roadmap.; Logging Roads Bills Reintroduced in Congress: The legislation is supported by the forest products industry which wants logging road runoff to continue being regulated in the way that industry members say has been effective for decades.; Susan Jennings Takes Over for Randy Bush as President of VFPA: Bush steps down as president of the Virginia Forest Products Association on May 31.; News Briefs: PECO Pallet is continuing to expand its North American network; CHEP has extended its contract with Johanna Foods. The New York City boroughs of Manhattan and Staten Island have been declared free from the invasive Asian longhorned beetle.; Auction: June, 4th, 2013, 10:00am, Millerton, OK. more...
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Officials Develop New Standards for Pallet Storage - May 17, 2013
Seeking to reduce the fire hazard in outdoor pallet storage yards, representatives from the International Code Council (ICC) recently approved changes to the International Fire Code.; WORLD Pallet Seeks U.S. Business Partners: The company is looking for large pallet manufacturers for expansion efforts.; Immigration Reform Moving Forward: The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is generally supportive of the bill.; U.S. Gaining Competitiveness as Manufacturing Location: Increases in domestic manufacturing could potentially drive greater pallet demand.; COMPLETE SAWMILL AUCTION - June 4, 2013 - Millerton Lumber, Oklahoma.
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Tomorrowland – Dreaming about the Future of U.S. Logistics and Materials Handling - May 10, 2013
The development of the first-ever U.S. industry roadmap for material handling and logistics aims to create a blueprint of market, technological and developmental priorities that are needed to accomplish long-term industry goals.; Housing Market Still Limping Along: Too many potentially negative and lackluster macro-factors remain for a robust housing recovery any time soon.; Use Twitter for Breaking News Alerts: Follow our Twitter feed on your cell phone. It is free and easy to do.; Court Invalidates Poster Rule: Many in the business world believe that requiring employers to post the poster would have created an unfriendly work environment. more...
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Common Ground Exists in Heat Treatment Rule Debate - May 3, 2013
However, some recyclers have led the effort to get the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA) to push for reforms.; CHEP USA Grows At Rivals Expense: CHEP continues to pick off the base of its rival, which makes one wonder how long iGPS can last.; EAB Found in New Hampshire: A suspect tree was spotted in Concord at the end of March.; Pacific Northwest Deals with Uncertain Market: there do not seem to be any clear cut answers to when the uncertainty in the region's markets will be resolved. more...
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