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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Railway Authorities and EPAL at Odds in Europe - Apr 26, 2013
The two major organizations have split ways over what appears to be a squabble about the certification organization that will oversee quality control for the EPAL Euro pallet pool.; Profile Offers Tool to Explain Complex Lumber Market Movements to Customers: The webinar will take place live over the Web and on the phone on Tuesday, April 30th at 11:00 a.m. (EST).; OSHA Releases New Inspection Interpretation: Employers may need to adjust their procedures for responding to safety and health inspections.; News Briefs: A building at a pallet company was damaged and several vehicles were destroyed by an early morning fire. more...
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Is the Current U.S. Heat Treatment Program Broken? - Apr 26, 2013
Maybe, but one thing is for sure, and that is all of the major players in the industry want the same thing – an effective program to prevent the spread of wood pests around the globe.; Microwave ISPM-15 Treatments Approved: The Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) has approved Dielectric Heating (DH), as a treatment method.; Profile Staff to Present Pallet Lumber Market Webinar: This free webinar is open to all Profile and Recycle Record subscribers as well as their pallet buying customers and will take place live over the Web and on the phone on Tuesday, April 30th at 11:00 a.m. (EST). more...
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OSHA Releases List of High Injury Companies - Apr 19, 2013
The list included over 50 wooden pallet and container manufacturers and almost 100 sawmills and wood products manufacturers.; Profile Staff to Present Pallet Lumber Market Webinar: This free webinar is open to all Profile and Recycle Record subscribers as well as their pallet buying customers and will take place live over the Web and on the phone on Tuesday, April 30th at 11:00 a.m. (EST).; Microwave ISPM-15 Treatments Approved: The Commission on Phyto-sanitary Measures (CPM) has approved Dielectric Heating (DH) as a treatment method.; News Briefs: A webinar on the new southern pine design values will be presented April 30 by the Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA). The pointGUARD™ Pallet Protector was picked as one of nine finalists to have been selected to compete in the 2013 Recycling Innovators Forum.; AUCTIONS! April 27th and May 4th. more...
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Packaging Design Short Courses Provide Strategic Training Opportunities - Apr 11, 2013
By attending some short courses or dialoging with packaging consultants, your staff will get some experience that they would not have if they just rubbed shoulders with other pallet guys or lumber operations.; Asian Markets Hold Potential for Wood Pellet Exports: Researchers with the U.S. Forest Service studied the three major wood pellet markets in Asia - China, Japan and South Korea.; Business Intelligence-Make Customers, Not Just Sales: Having established customers is especially beneficial to small businesses as it is more cost-effective than constantly looking for new sales.; News Briefs: Tom Searles will retire as its president at the end of the year. CHEP USA and LeanLogistics were recently recognized by the seventh annual Stevie® Awards for
Sales & Customer Service. Georgia-Pacific is planning to invest almost $400 million in its plywood and lumber operations.; Economic and Housing Recoveries Limit Each Other: The housing market is still in the ‘healing’ process.; Timber County Payments Retroactively Subjected to Sequestration Cuts: Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell sent letters to 41 states informing them that they must return 5.1% of the Secure Rural School (SRS) payments. more...
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Washington Legislative Roundup - Apr 4, 2013
A brief summary of the key issues and the current legislative progress of interest to hardwood sawmills.; Profile Exclusive Presentation Covers Data and Pallet Network Management: The staff of Pallet Profile and Recycle Record is sponsoring a free webinar on the subject of managing closed loop pools and pallet networks on Tuesday, April 9th at 10:00 a.m.; News Briefs: Coastal Forest Products, a wholesale supplier of wood products to retail lumberyards, is planning a $20 million investment in its Chapman, Ala. facility. Georgia-Pacific (GP), a defendant in the forest roads case that was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, called the ruling a “significant victory” for the forest products industry. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has developed an Obamacare penalty calculator for employers. The Pallet Enterprise has published a tool to help companies know how to prepare for the new health care rules that go into effect next year.; Sawmills Mark Your Calendars for Forest Products EXPO 2013: Scheduled for June 5-7 at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center, the show is shaping up to become the largest show of its type in many years.; New Jersey Eradicates Asian Longhorned Beetle: New Jersey is the second state to declare eradication from the beetle.;New I-9 Form Released: Employers must begin using the new form on May 7, 2013. more...
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What Business Are You Really In? - Mar 28, 2013
The pallet market has evolved into an industry where you are either primarily a manufacturer or a service company.; Recycle Record Staff to Moderate 9BLOC Webinar: It will take place live over the Web and on the phone on Tuesday, April 9th at 10:00 a.m.; Biomass Permitting Decision Coming Soon: This decision will determine whether a Clean Air Act permit is required to regulate emissions.; Pallet Picker Charged with Grand Larceny: He was accused of stealing over $2,000 worth of pallets from one business. more...
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Economic Indicators Suggest Rising Tide Amid Increasing Skepticism and Federal Government Uncertainty - Mar 28, 2013
Businesses drew down inventories at the end of 2012 and beginning of 2013 due to concerns over the fiscal cliff debate in Washington.; Supreme Court to Hear Sierra Nevada Management Plan Case: Last year, a Court of Appeals ruled that the Forest Service had failed to properly assess the environmental impact on fish species as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).; News Briefs: Millwood Inc. and Liberty Technologies recently added three new hires to regional sales and business development positions. more...
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Supreme Court Overturns Forest Roads Ruling - Mar 22, 2013
Forest roads used for timber harvest do not require Clean Water Act (CWA) industrial stormwater discharge permits.; Profile Staff to Moderate 9BLOC Webinar: he webinar will take place live over the Web and on the phone on Tuesday, April 9th at 10:00 a.m.; Randy Bush Plans to Retire from the Virginia Forest Products Association: Bush’s relationship with the Virginia legislature has had a very positive impact on the forest products industry.; Business Intelligence -- Perform a Cash Flow Analysis: The purpose is to predict what your bank account will look like in a given time frame to enable you to maintain sufficient cash for operations. more...
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State of the Industry – Part 4 - Mar 15, 2013
Company Checklist – Ignore These Areas at Your Own Risk!: The strain of the industry can cause organizations to run on auto pilot and for problems to get ignored.: Housing Sector Continues to Rebound: New and existing house sales increased, with new sales indicating substantial gains – though statistically insignificant. more...
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State of the Industry – Part 3 - Mar 8, 2013
Supply Chain Management and Pricing Remain Key Concerns: Margins are thin and seem to shrink every year. Let’s look at the overall economic and supply chain issues affecting the industry.; More Obamacare Clarifications: Answers from Dr. Bob Graboyes, the health care expert for the National Federation of Independent Business.; Bills Seek to Include Forest Products in BioPreferred Program: The legislation addresses “the absurdity of wood products currently being excluded from the bio-based definition.”; Auction: March 17, 2013. more...
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State of the Industry – Part II - Mar 1, 2013
Obamacare – How It Will Impact Your Business: The new government reforms of the health care system have everyone worried.; Brambles Reports Modest First Half Growth: The parent company of CHEP and IFCO Systems, announced 5% sales revenue growth.; Loans Still Hard for Small Businesses: The number of small businesses receiving loans are still below pre-recession levels.; Pallet Picker Charged with Grand Larceny: Regardless of whether or not they have any marks on them, permission from the owner should always be sought before any pallets are picked up. more...
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NWPCA Meeting Review: Fresh Faces, New Ideas for New Directions - Feb 27, 2013
A review of some of the major topics covered as well as an analysis of the State of the Pallet Industry.; Brambles Reports Modest First Half Growth: The parent company of CHEP and IFCO Systems, announced 5% sales revenue growth in its combined global pallet operations.; New Window for ISPM-15 Bilateral Termination Suggested: Dropping the exemption of wood packaging material (WPM) going across the shared border of Canada and th United States has been in the works for years. more...
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NWPCA Conference Offers Ideas for New Directions - Feb 22, 2013
The industry certainly faces some serious challenges in chartering the way forward; Diesel Prices on Upward Trend: Prices have been rising steadily over the past five weeks; Pallet Design Course Available: The Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design at Virginia Tech will be holding a course on March 13 and 14; Wildfire Expected to Double: Two reports indicate how climate change is affecting U.S. farms, forests, grasslands and rural communities; Chinese Demand Continues to Drive U.S. Lumber Market: Economists believe U.S. bench-mark lumber prices could rise up to 25% this year; News Briefs: IFCO Systems has joined the food, beverage and agriculture Sector of The Sustainability Consortium (TSC); Millwood Inc. has opened a new Unit Load Test & Design Lab; A growing number of watermelon growers have partnered with PECO Pallet over the past several years. more...
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State of Union Highlights Legislative Agenda - Feb 15, 2013
The legislative priorities of the next year were identified even though many of these ideas likely will not become law any time soon: Key issues of importance to the pallet industry were discussed, such as immigration reform, Obamacare, the housing market, energy development, federal tax law, manufacturing growth and economy policy changes.; New Reports Explore Wood Pellet Industry: Two new reports intended to enhance understanding of the wood energy pellet industry. more...
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New Window for ISPM-15 Bilateral Termination Suggested - Feb 8, 2013
Government Officials to Explore the Potential of Ending Exemption: For years the United States and Canada
have exempted wood packaging material (WPM) going across their shared borders from having to comply with ISPM-15' NWPCA Annual Meeting Covers Hot Topics, Offers Great Networking Opportunity: On Saturday, February 16, the National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) will kick off its annual meeting at the Portofino Hotel and Conference Center in Orlando, Fla; Public Posting Requirements Now in Effect: Pallet companies with more than 10 employees should have posted summaries of their 2012 OSHA injury and illness logs last week; OSHA Updates Hazard Communication Standard: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has updated its Hazard Communication Standard which applies to classifying and labeling chemicals. more...
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