Article Directory
Groupe Rémabec Drastically Scales Back Its Arbec Operations - Jun 13, 2025 
This move will result in roughly 1,000 workers or more being laid off. The company is a pillar of the Quebec forest industry and the province’s second largest sawmill operator. It seems the ongoing U.S. trade war with Canada has taken its latest casualty.; USDA Invests $200M to Expand Timber Production: The aim of this new initiative is to increase timber harvests and improve forest health while strengthening rural communities. This investment also focuses on innovative wood products like cross laminated timber.; NEWS IN BRIEF: The deadline for submitting data for the next round of the EPD for wood pallets is quickly approaching. Don’t miss the Forest Products EXPO to be held in Nashville, August 6-8, 2025!; Auctions: Formerly Ridge Creek Industries, 7184 Washington St., Covington, GA 30014. Thursday, June 19th, 2025 - 9am ET; Formerly River City Hardwoods, 2310 Hwy 61., Muscatine, IA 52761. Saturday, June 21st, 2025 - 9am CT; Formerly R 3 Lumber, 100 FM 114., Clarksville, TX 75426. Thursday, June 26th, 2025 - 9am CT. more...
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Research Report Outlines Pallet Industry Trends During Pandemic - Jun 13, 2025 
Recycled pallet production dropped due to a lack of supply as retailers reduced the number of cores released into the market. The pandemic era (2019-2021) was a boom time for new pallet production increasing 79.14% over 2016 levels. A major driver in the increase in new pallet production was the boom in e-commerce and multi-channel supply strategies deployed by retailers.; Heat Safety Rule Update, Best Practices to Beat the Summer Heat: Key areas to address include: providing cool drinking water and shaded rest areas, implementing a plan to acclimate new or returning workers gradually, conduct regular training on the issue, ensure that workers can identify symptoms of heat illness, monitor temperature, and develop a schedule for rest breaks during high heat periods.; Modern Pallet and Lumber Equipment Auction, Including Brand New Robotic Pallet Dismantler: Equipment from Alt Pallet in Riverside, California will be auctioned on Tuesday, June 17th via a timed online auction.; Recycle Bits: President Trump announced this week that negotiations with Chinese officials are finally moving in the right direction. The deadline for submitting data for the next round of the EPD for wood pallets is quickly approaching. The North American wildfire season has already started, and conditions are ripe for a crazy summer. more...
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Modern Pallet and Lumber Equipment Auction, Including Brand New Robotic Pallet Dismantler - Jun 6, 2025 
Equipment from Alt Pallet in Riverside, California will be auctioned on Tuesday, June 17th via a timed online auction. Don’t miss this list of brand new and lightly used equipment.; Conditions Suggest a Potentially Active Wildfire Season: Drier than normal conditions are expected across the northern half of the West and much of the Plains into the Midwest through September. If the Forest Service pushes more fire responsibilities to local and state organizations, recent federal agency changes could affect the ability of various government agencies to counteract a strong wildfire season. more...
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First U.S. Hardwood Mass Timber Company Identifies Challenges and Opportunities - May 30, 2025 
What if a sector usually associated with softwoods becomes a burgeoning market for hardwood? That’s the dream behind Crosswood Mass Timber, the first U.S. producer of hardwood mass timber. Crosswood hopes to revolutionize the construction sector and develop a large, new market for underutilized hardwood material.; NEWS IN BRIEF: Global trade activity has increased 21% over the last 3 weeks. The U.S. Court of International Trade just ruled that President Trump does not have the authority to impose sweeping tariffs on a global level. more...
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New FALM CEO Shares about Business Transition, Industry Partner Opportunities - May 23, 2025 
Thanks to this ownership transition, FALM will continue to serve its nationwide clientele while investing in new resources to drive future growth and innovation. The outgoing CEO, Glenn Merritt, is a pallet industry veteran with decades of experience.; NEWS IN BRIEF: PalletOne will shut down its Chase City, Virginia. FEFPEB has noted increasing upward pallet price pressure. West Fraser recently achieved best first quarter results in more than two years. E & E Hardwoods Inc. has announced plans to expand its sawmill in Bell County, Kentucky. CBP recently highlighted its role in combating invasive species. more...
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U.S. and China Reach Temporary Trade Agreement, Possible Outcomes Emerge - May 16, 2025 
The Trump administration is actively in talks with Chinese officials to develop a long-term deal. But uncertainty remains after August when tariffs could be reimposed at higher levels.; New CLT Standards Developed, Including Hardwood Materials: A group of researchers has been exploring the feasibility of using hardwoods, primarily yellow poplar. The data generated helped pave the way for formal inclusion of hardwoods in the new standard. more...
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U.S. and China Reach Temporary Trade Agreement; Possible Outcomes Emerge - May 16, 2025 
The Trump administration is actively in talks with Chinese officials to develop a long-term deal. But uncertainty remains after August when tariffs could be reimposed at higher levels.; Sam’s Club Changes Pallet Spec to Mandate Block Pallets Only: While a large percentage of the pallets going into Sam’s Club stores have been block pallets for a long time, the company earlier this year decided to completely eliminate stringer pallets.; Brambles Cuts Pallet Sales Forecast Due to Sluggish Retail Activity: Thanks to ongoing supply chain and asset productivity initiatives as well as overhead cost control measures, the company anticipates full year sales revenue growth around 4-5% with profit growth in the 8-11% range.; Recycle Bits: iGPS and its iDepot system streamline the recovery process. CBP recently highlighted its role in combating invasive species. more...
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Brambles Cuts Pallet Sales Forecast Due to Sluggish Retail Activity - May 9, 2025 
Current macroeconomic conditions have prompted the company to narrow its outlook for FY25 sales revenue growth to the mid-to-low end guidance range. Thanks to ongoing supply chain and asset productivity initiatives as well as overhead cost control measures, the company anticipates continued strong profitability.; Paul A. Frank, Jr., Pallet Foundation Pioneer Passes Away: As one of the pioneers and leaders of the Pallet Foundation, Frank was a guiding force behind the early years of the organization. In addition, Frank served as a past president of the NWPCA.; Hinton Lumber Gears Up for Block Pallet Growth, Hires Industry Veteran as National Account Executive: Keith Reinstetle came out of retirement to serve as the company’s national account executive. Reinstetle has more than 40 years of pallet sales experience, specializing in developing national sales programs. more...
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Sam’s Club Changes Pallet Spec to Mandate Block Pallets Only - May 2, 2025 
This change basically ends the flow of white-wood stringer pallets to the club store retailer. Product manufacturers must use 9-block pallets, either rental or white-wood options. Approved poolers for Sam’s Club are CHEP, Peco Pallet, Rm2 and iGPS.; Global Transportation Trends Suggest Pallet Activity May Drop This Summer: Concern is that many retailers pulled freight volumes forward to avoid tariffs. This will definitely depress pallet demand in the coming weeks and months for those involved with imports and retail activity.; Research Report Outlines Pallet Industry Trends During the Pandemic – Pt. II: Interestingly, 22% of respondents indicated that their sales were not affected by the pandemic. Many respondents saw a surge in sales during the pandemic despite some dips in March and April 2020. A surprising finding is that pallet brokerage supposedly decreased from 2016 to 2021 by 8%. But anecdotal evidence suggests the opposite.; Pallet Foundation Seeks Industry Help with Second Version of the Environmental Product Declaration: The data collection efforts this year are open to any pallet manufacturer or pallet recycler in the United States.The first step is to attend a live webinar to be held Wednesday, May 14 at 1:00 p.m. (EST). The final submission deadline is June 16th. The final submission deadline is June 16th. more...
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Research Report Outlines Pallet Industry Trends During the Pandemic – Part 1 - Apr 25, 2025 
Overall, new pallet production skyrocketed by 45.8% from 2016 to 2019. Total new production topped out at 919 million in 2021. E-commerce sales grew nearly 30% during the pandemic. The other interesting trend is to see the high percentage of non-standard sizes needed, suggesting that there is still plenty of demand in the market for odd-sizes.; EU Tariff Response Update: The reality is that the 25% European Union countermeasure tariffs if enacted will only cover some hardwood and softwood species and products. more...
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Publisher Soap Box – Commentary: Trade War Puts Hardwood Exports in the Crosshairs, Shipments to China Come to a Standstill - Apr 18, 2025 
As of right now, the largest export market for American hardwood logs and lumber is pretty much closed for business. The Chinese government announced last month that it was suspending processing of all U.S. log imports. The suspension however does not cover hardwood lumber or other wood products.; Raymond Gutierrez, Leader in the California Pallet Market, Passes Away: A fixture in the western pallet market, he began in 1974 what would become Commercial Lumber & Pallet Co., one of the largest pallet companies on the West Coast.; FCA Packaging Invests in Viking Packing Specialist: Viking is a manufacturer and distributor of custom wood crates, cases, metal containers, corrugated and dangerous goods packaging.; EU Announces Tariff Response, Some Lumber Categories Included: The specifics about the EU tariffs is better than expected according to the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC). Only about 10% of U.S. hardwood exports to the EU would be impacted by the 25% retaliatory tariff.; NEWS IN BRIEF: An Asian long-horned beetle was intercepted last month inside wood cargo packaging from Romania at the Port Huran rail yard in Michigan. more...
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Trump Administration Announces Regulatory Reforms for National Forests - Apr 11, 2025 
This order directs the U.S. Forest Service to increase timber outputs, simplify permitting, remove National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) processes, reduce implementation and contracting burdens, and to work directly with states, local government, and forest product producers.; DOC Announces New Higher Countervailing Duties after Preliminary Review: The U.S. Lumber Coalition applauded the most recent duty rates, while the Canadian industry claims these duties are unfair and will hurt Canadian industry as well as American consumers. more...
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State of the Pallet Industry – AI on the Brain - Apr 11, 2025 
The reality is that AI shows a lot of promise. But it is far from perfect, and any company that wants to keep up with the future needs to appoint executives or managers who will help guide their AI projects. Effective use of AI requires patience, trial and error and better data sets.; Recycle Record Adds Premium Pallet Prices: More states/areas will be added as we gather more data. That’s where we need your help. We need subscribers to submit data, both pallet users and pallet suppliers.; House Starts Increase Despite Market Concerns: Historically, housing activity has been a major barometer of lumber demand as well as pallet activity. While the market doesn’t look like it is going to collapse further, a significant surge doesn’t appear to be in the horizon either. more...
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State of the Pallet Industry: AI on the Brain – Part 1 - Apr 4, 2025 
The reality is that AI shows a lot of promise. But it is far from perfect, and any company that wants to keep up with the future needs to appoint executives or managers who will help guide their AI projects.; Legislative Roundup – Tax and Transportation Policy: The Hardwood Federation trade group hopes that Congress will finally pass a five-year Farm Bill with strong forestry provisions. The Safe Routes Act bill would allow trucks traveling at the maximum gross vehicle weight on state roads to access the federal interstate highway system for short distances.; Senate Bill Aims to Help Forest Owners Recover after Natural Disasters: Previous disaster relief policies and programs provide much-needed relief for agriculture crops and farmers; however, they do not offer any economic relief for land owners whose timber crops were destroyed.; NEWS IN BRIEF: Conner Industries has acquired Kirkland Sales Inc., a custom foam fabricator. Billy J. Townley recently filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy for his three companies in Texas.; Auction: Premium Lumber Auction. April 14th, 9 AM EDT. Online and Phone bidding only. 20+ truckloads available. This auction offers a unique opportunity to purchase high-quality, fresh cut, notched #1 grade pallet stringers.; Profile Second Quarter Regional Lumber Trends: These graphs illustrate the average lumber prices published within each region over the past year. more...
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Action Steps to Reduce Your Insurance Risk Profile - Mar 28, 2025 
The number of carriers offering coverage continues to dwindle as insurance companies look for more attractive sectors. Read about these best practices that insurance providers suggest for pallet companies to follow.; Marketing Gems – Promotion Starts with Thinking Like Your Customer: More than focus on what you have to sell, you want your content to cover key pain points and issues felt by pallet users. Everyone wants to attract more business, and in these competitive markets, it starts with thinking like your customer.; U.S. Lumber Coalition Calls Out Canadian Government Subsidies: In March, the Canadian government announced over $11.3 million in funding. The reality is that many countries, including the United States, subsidize some business activity through grants, loans, tax breaks and other funding mechanisms. more...
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House Starts Increase Despite Market Concerns - Mar 21, 2025 
Single-family housing starts were up 11.4%, multi-family starts increased 10.7% over the January results. The number of single-family homes under construction in February was down 6.7% from a year ago, at 640,000 homes.; PalletTrader Announces Strategic Alliance with Pallet Control Tower for Transatlantic Pallet Trading Network: Under this collaboration, the two platforms intend to offer a new service which will enable U.S. shippers to obtain and reuse European-standard pallets, initially used to transport goods into the U.S. from Europe and to ship U.S. exports back to Europe.; NWPCA Members Lobby Congress and White House, Association Warns about Increased Labor Enforcement: This is a great time to ensure compliance with work authorization and I-9 paperwork. If you haven’t checked your process in a while, you may want to conduct an internal audit to identify any concerns.; Virginia Tech Offers Crate Design Short Course: This 2.5 day course will take place April 15-17th in Blacksburg, Virginia and will introduce the different crate styles and characteristics commonly used in the United States.; Prayer Gathering to Be Held Around National Pallet Meeting: While the NWPCA doesn’t officially sponsor or promote the meeting, the association has set aside a meeting space on Friday, March 28th from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m.; Former Timber Executive Named as Forest Service Chief: The Trump administration has tapped Tom Schultz who does have years of experience in forestry public policy and land management roles. This selection is not without controversy. more...
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E.U. Proposes Tariffs on U.S. Wood Products and Other Goods - Mar 14, 2025 
Pallets and wood boxes are currently not on the list of products that may be hit with a tariff. European officials are calling for further talks and negotiations. The Hardwood Federation, the lobbying group for the U.S. hardwood sector, issued a call for action.; State of the Pallet Industry: Using Tech to Connect with Customers Is Key In a Challenging Sales Environment: Waiting for the phone to ring is not a sales strategy. Companies that thrive in the future will do more than just seek profit at all cost. Have you stopped to assess how you may be stuck? What is one new product or approach that could open up a whole new way of doing business? more...
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Trump Administration Announces Steel and Other Tariffs - Mar 14, 2025 
Some details are still unclear, but the tariffs certainly cover steel and nails. The guidelines exempt items processed from U.S.-origin steel or aluminum. President Trump is closing loopholes and extending the tariffs to cover all countries including those previously excluded. This stricter enforcement means that loopholes used to get around tariffs last time will not be available to producers or importers.; Brambles Reports Volume Growth, Sales from New Business Wins: The company’s first half profits rose thanks to sales volume growth, new business wins and improved asset efficiency. Some costs went up for the company (labor, repair, pallet storage and transport) while others went down (lumber and fuel). Driven by enhanced data analytics, the company is improving asset control.; Recycle Bits: Police in the Greenville, South Carolina area recently arrested a man for allegedly selling stolen CHEP pallets. Employees at Modesto pallet company are seeking nearly $629,000 from the owner in unpaid wages. more...
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Publisher’s Soap Box: Trump Administration Issues Executive Orders on Imported Timber and Land Management - Mar 7, 2025 
The Department of Commerce will issue a report with recommendations from its investigation. Some possibilities include: tariffs, export controls, incentives to increase domestic production, and policy ideas for strategic investments and permitting reforms. Growing America's forest products sector would be great. It just may take too much time to get the machine moving to make much difference in the short-term.; DOC Announces Antidumping Rate for Latest Review Period: The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) just announced its preliminary decision on softwood lumber from Canada. The DOC conducts a yearly review to assess market changes to duty rates in trade cases.; Auctions: March 27, 9am CST. Virtual/Online. Accepting consignments; March 29, Formerly 7-11 Shelby Lumber. 9am CST. Center, TX. All equipment like new. more...
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Trump Administration Announces Steel Tariffs, Affects Nails, Steel and Possibly More - Feb 28, 2025 
This expansion of Trump’s previous 2018 tariffs will likely push the cost of pallet nails up and could affect other products used by the pallet industry. President Trump has said that the word tariff is a beautiful thing.; Brambles Reports Volume Growth, Sales from New Business Wins: The company’s first half profits rose thanks to sales volume growth, new business wins and improved asset efficiency. Some costs went up for the company (labor, repair, pallet storage and transport) while others went down (lumber and fuel).; B&B Lumber Company Experiences Fire at Storage Facility: Despite the loss, the company minimized operational downtime, resuming full production just one day later and was also thankful to report that no injuries occurred as a result of the fire.; Auction: Online. March 13th, 10:00am CST, Thursday. Pinnacle Pallets, Pallet and Crate Mfr. more...
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State of the Pallet Industry: Next Generation Pallet Plants – Part II - Feb 21, 2025 
With pallet recyclers looking to produce more A’s and top quality pallets, there is a renewed focus on getting the most out of recycled boards. This means even more competition in the market for new pallet producers as recyclers try to pump out combo pallets.; UFP Announces 2024 Results, Sales Decreases: UFP Industries, which owns PalletOne, recently reported a 4% net sales decline for 2024 due partially to lower sales prices connected with slumping lumber prices. The past year hasn’t been easy given the depressed housing and forest products sector.; U.S. Lumber Coalition Touts Success of Trade Cases to White House: The Coalition sent a letter to President Trump urging the strong enforcement of the trade laws and suggested that the cases could end if the Canadian government eliminates subsidizing the Canadian lumber industry.; Biomass Power System Provider to Hold Open House: Air Burners is holding a BioCharger® demonstration event in Stuart, Florida from March 4-7. This event will unveil groundbreaking technology for processing wood and vegetative waste.; Auction: Online only, Premium Cut Lumber. Notched #1 Grade Pallet Stringers. 12 truckloads anticipated. March 3rd, 2025. 9am EST. Mio, Michigan. more...
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Higher Softwood Lumber Duty Rates Loom, Will Momentum Gain for a New SLA? - Feb 14, 2025 
Analysis from the Department of Commerce of anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber imports is likely to lead to significant combined duty increases based on feedback from both Canadian and U.S. lumber experts.; Arizona Congressman Introduces Bill to Abolish OSHA: The bill isn’t likely to move ahead or even get out of committee. It currently has no co-sponsors but it does raise the question, “Would industry be better off without OSHA?”; Pallet Company Owner Passes Away: Dennis F. Price was a previous owner/operator of General Pallet. NEWS IN BRIEF: Canfor Southern Pine has opened in Axis, Alabama. The Federal Reserve Chair told a Senate Committee that the central bank does “not need to be in a hurry” to cut interest rates. West Fraser Timber Co. recently reported fourth quarter 2024 results with a loss of US$62 million. J.P. Morgan Research has concluded that the U.S. housing market is likely to “remain largely frozen through 2025.” The NWPCA has received a historic $1,000,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. more...
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State of the Pallet Industry – Next Generation Pallet Plants for Recyclers - Feb 14, 2025 
Looking at warehouse automation, it is clear that automation of supply chains and warehouses is driving the need for higher quality pallets. At the same time, supply chain technology and deployment in Europe is years ahead of the United States. As a result, pallet providers are seeing reducing demand for B-grade pallets compared to high quality A’s and Premiums.; Higher Softwood Lumber Duty Rates Loom: Duties on Canadian softwood lumber imports are going up this year. Later this month, the Department of Commerce is expected to release its analysis of the preliminary anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber imports. This is likely to lead to significant combined duty increases based on feedback from both Canadian and U.S. lumber experts.; Google Invests in Biochar Offsets: Biochar is simply wood waste biomass that has been pyrolyzed (heated without oxygen) until it becomes a charcoal-like substance. Biochar involves using kilns to burn the waste and a way to crush and bag/transport the resulting product for farmers.; Recycle Bits: Promat 2025 will be held in Chicago on March 17-20. Enviva recently informed employees that it will close its biomass plant in Amory, Mississippi. more...
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State of the Pallet Industry: Next Generation Pallet Plants – Part I - Feb 7, 2025 
It is clear that automation of supply chains and warehouses is driving the need for higher quality pallets. Supply chain technology and deployment in Europe is years ahead of the United States. As a result, pallet providers are seeing reducing demand for B-grade pallets compared to high quality A’s and Premiums, and users are looking at combo pallets to replace new.; Google Invests in Biochar Offsets: Biochar is simply wood waste biomass that has been pyrolyzed (heated without oxygen) until it becomes a charcoal-like substance. Supporters of biochar point out that it improves soil health and sequesters carbon.; NEWS IN BRIEF: The Department of Labor recently announced higher civil penalties for OSHA infractions. Promat 2025, will be held in Chicago on March 17-20. Enviva recently informed employees that it will close its biomass plant in Amory, Mississippi. Southeastern Timber Products is expanding its operations in Ackerman, Mississippi.; GLOBAL WEBCAST AUCTION: COMPLETE CONTENTS OF A SAWMILL & PLANER MILL WITH LATE MODEL MOBILE EQUIPMENT AND 87 ACRE REAL ESTATE. Tuesday, February 25th, 2025 @ 9am PT INSPECTION: By Appointment Only. PREVIEW LOCATION: 330 S Bay Road, Toledo, OR 97391 more...
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WSJ Attacks Proposed Border Tariffs, U.S. Lumber Sector Responds - Jan 31, 2025 
The US Lumber Coalition countered the narrative. The newspaper also talked about the inflationary cost of rising lumber or new home construction. But the Coalition countered. Regardless of where you stand on the softwood lumber dispute, the WSJ did call for one thing that certainly makes sense...open up more federal land for logging.; Brambles Ranks No. 4 in List of Most Sustainable Companies: The company performed strongly across all assessable categories, achieving 100% in the areas of sustainable revenue and sustainable investment while also improving its greenhouse gas and waste productivity scores.; Inbound Container Volumes Increase 14.2% in December: The December growth marks fifteen straight months of increases in inbound volume with the majority showing double-digit percent gains. more...
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Housing Data Suggests Positive and Negative Trends - Jan 24, 2025 
It looks like construction activity will continue at a steady pace for at least the start of this year. But trends suggests that activity could slow significantly toward the end of the year if sales of new homes doesn’t pick up and inventory swells.; House Leadership Highlights “Fix Our Forests Act”: This bipartisan bill is intended to streamline the environmental permitting process for forest management projects. The legislation will also fund post-fire ecosystem recovery efforts and provide accessible fire-related data and models to aid communities. more...
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Emerging Tech With Pallets and Materials Handling Requires Strategic Commitment - Jan 20, 2025 
High labor rates are leading to automation everywhere. This trend is also having an impact on warehouses and materials handling. More automation is likely to mean that pallet quality and maintaining tolerances and standards become a bigger deal in the present and especially the future.; Container Volume Activity Remains Strong to End the Year: The November growth marks fourteen straight months of increases in inbound volume. Outbound volume has turned positive following two straight months of declines that were extending on a downward trend evident in the last several months.; Recycle Bits: The Pallet Enterprise magazine recently published its Buyers’ Guide. The Department of Labor recently announced higher civil penalties for OSHA infractions in 2025. Brambles Ltd. has finalized the sale of its CHEP India business to LEAP India Private Limited. more...
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Legislative and Federal Government Roundup for January 2025 - Jan 17, 2025 
Lawmakers passed a stop-gap spending bill to avoid a government shutdown. The deal also includes a one-year extension of the Farm Bill. This legislation funds hardwood export programs, the Forest Service and other key programs for the overall forest products sector.; Long-term Industry Supplier and Friend Passes Away: Bronco Pallet Systems' (BPS) Morris Lee Self known by many as a friendly and dedicated supplier to the pallet sector passed away at his home in Ashland City, Tennessee surrounded by his family.; NEWS IN BRIEF: The Pallet Enterprise magazine recently published its Buyers’ Guide. Brambles Ltd. has finalized the sale of its CHEP India business. more...
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UFP Industries Acquires C&L Wood Products, Expands Capacity in Northern Alabama and Central Tennessee - Jan 10, 2025 
C&L has a scragg mill and can process a wide variety of lumber material from hardwood to softwood. The company also has access to significant timber supply in the region. Many of the UFP plants in the region focus more on reman and crating operations. C&L provides the company greater options when it comes to automated nailing and lumber processing.; Container Volume Activity Remains Strong to End the Year: For the eleven month year to date period, inbound loads are up to 15.2% or more than three times the 4.7% growth in outbound loads over that same period. The report noted the coastal switch that took place due to the uncertainty of the East/Gulf Coast labor situation and potential dock worker strikes. more...
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Port Strike Looms – What Impact Could It Have on Pallet Demand? - Jan 3, 2025 
It appears a strike is likely because the debate over automation is a major concern for both sides. The ILA doesn’t want to lose jobs to automated scanning, loading and handling equipment. The USMX recognizes the need to use automation to reduce costs and keep up with ports in Asia and Europe that already use these technologies.; NEWS IN BRIEF: USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack recently unveiled a new program to support American wood processing facilities.; Regional Lumber Price Trends: Quarterly graphs illustrate average lumber prices published within each region over the past year. more...
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Emerging Tech With Pallets and Materials Handling - Dec 20, 2024 
More automation is likely to mean that pallet quality and maintaining tolerances and standards become a bigger deal in the present and especially the future.; No Profile Next Week! After the New Year, the Profile will resume its regular schedule and will be published again on January 3, 2025. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of our readers! Trucking and Freight Trends for the End of 2024: The trucking sector is slowly improving after a significant freight recession. That appears to be the assessment from leading trucking and transportation reports and data sources as we approach the end of the year.; Trumponomics Special Report: We examine the economic and political impact of a second Trump administration on the overall forest products sector and specifically the pallet market. more...
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Trump Tariffs – The Good, the Bad, and the Unknown: Full Report - Dec 18, 2024 
While many people in the pallet and lumber industries likely voted for Trump in the presidential election, there are a few areas of Trump’s economic agenda that could be problematic. Most notably are potential tariffs on goods going to trade partners that may seek retribution by putting duties on U.S. logs and lumber, especially hardwood lumber or logs heading to China. more...
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Trump Tariffs – The Good, the Bad, and the Unknown: Executive Summary - Dec 18, 2024 
While many people in the pallet and lumber industries likely voted for Trump in the presidential election, there are a few areas of Trump’s economic agenda that could be problematic. Most notably are potential tariffs on goods going to trade partners that may seek retribution by putting duties on U.S. logs and lumber, especially hardwood lumber or logs heading to China. more...
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PalletTrader’s Third Quarter Report Shows Improving Optimism and Demand - Dec 13, 2024 
This latest report breaks down key questions based on responses from suppliers and buyers. With the exception of some seasonal upticks, most participants believe pricing is expected to remain flat. One good piece of information is that after a glut of pallets caused by retailer destocking, respondents indicated that demand is increasing.; Southern Pine Exports Are Up Compared to 2023: By contrast, softwood imports are down 6.3% over September 2023 but up slightly 1.2% over August. Southern Pine exports between January and September 2024 are running 9% ahead of the same period in 2023.; Trumponomics Special Report: The basis for this special report is a series of articles covering the economic and political impact of a second Trump administration on the overall forest products sector and the pallet market. The report will go live in the next week. more...
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PalletTrader’s Third Quarter Report Shows Improving Optimism, Demand - Dec 13, 2024 
This latest report breaks down key questions based on responses from suppliers and buyers. With the exception of some seasonal upticks, most participants believe pricing is expected to remain flat. One good piece of information is that after a glut of pallets caused by retailer destocking, respondents indicated that demand is increasing.; Are Wood Pallets Good for the Environment? A recent report found a number of key advantages including the widespread recycling network in developed markets, the biodegradable and renewal nature of wood, the cost effectiveness of wood pallets, the ability to easily customize.; WPA Annual Meeting Includes Impressive Slate of Speakers, Fun and Networking Opportunities: Its upcoming event on January 25-27, 2025 in Rancho Mirage, California. The keynote speaker will be Merril Hoge, a former NFL player, ESPN analyst and cancer survivor.; Trumponomics Special Report: The basis for this special report is a series of articles covering the economic and political impact of a second Trump administration on the overall forest products sector and the pallet market. The report will go live in the next week.; Recycle Bits: CHEP USA is set to open a new 65,000-square-foot pallet inspection and repair facility in Temple, Texas.; Holiday Schedule: The offices of Industrial Reporting, which publishes the Recycle Record, will be closed from December 24, 2024 through January 1, 2025 for the Christmas holiday. more...
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Part V: Trumponomics – USDA Secretary and Congressional Priorities News - Dec 6, 2024 
President-Elect Trump has tapped Brooke Rollins, a lawyer who served as domestic policy chief in the first Trump administration. Her portfolio included agriculture policy. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) indicated in a meeting with Senate Republicans that he intends to move first next year on a budget reconciliation package that would be focused on border security, energy and defense.; Are Wood Pallets Good for the Environment? A recent report found a number of key advantages including the widespread recycling network in developed markets, the biodegradable and renewal nature of wood, the cost effectiveness of wood pallets, the ability to easily customize.; WPA Annual Meeting Includes Impressive Slate of Speakers, Fun and Networking Opportunities: Its upcoming event on January 25-27, 2025 in Rancho Mirage, California. The keynote speaker will be Merril Hoge, a former NFL player, ESPN analyst and cancer survivor.; Report Sees Continued Growth in Output for Southern U.S. Forests, Job Declines for Sector: The report also looked at some of the major factors examined by the Southern Forest Futures Project (SFFP) more than a decade ago, which found that timber product output had declined since the 1990s.; News in Brief: The E.U. Deforestation Rule (EUDR)law implementation date will be December 30, 2025, instead of the end of the current year. This new rule would cover logs and lumber but not pallets in the latest version. The U.S. Forest Service just announced a new policy for monitoring national forests and grasslands. CHEP USA is set to open a new 65,000-square-foot pallet inspection and repair facility in Temple, Texas.; Holiday Schedule: Pallet Profile will not be published December 27, 2024. Our offices will be closed from December 24, 2024 through January 1, 2025 for the Christmas holiday. more...
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Part IV: Trumponomics – All Options Are a Go Energy Plan, More Trade Policy News - Nov 27, 2024 
News reports indicate that Trump will move quickly to enact as much of his energy agenda as he can. Tariff policy could affect current relationships with two of our neighbors. Trump has vowed to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States. This would probably cover oil, lumber, imports etc.; Ligna Provides Opportunities to See Tomorrow’s Technology Today: The next event is to be held in Hannover, Germany on May 26-30, 2025. This year marks the 50th anniversary. Ligna has become a great place to find technological advances that you can’t see here in the United States. more...
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Part 3: Trump Round 2 – Housing and Tariff Policy Developments - Nov 22, 2024 
Even before he takes office, Trump’s tariff proposals are causing major corporations to change some of their plans. Pallet demand near the ports could jump significantly over the next two months as companies rush to avoid any potential Trump tariffs or restrictions. So, it isn’t really true economic growth, just early orders. But it could boost the need for warehouse storage in the interim as well as increase dwell times for palletized loads.; Hurricane Helene Caused $83 Million in Timber Damage in SC Alone: These estimates do not include damage to structures and infrastructure, such as roads and bridges. The forestland estimates also do not include urban forests and trees. In addition, the estimated $60 million cleanup of urban forest damage does not include the cost of replacing lost trees in cities and towns. more...
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Part 2: Trump Round 2 – Tax, Labor, and Immigration Policy Implications - Nov 15, 2024 
Already President-Elect Trump is naming some fairly unconventional names for some key posts, but he will likely have a lot of latitude with the Republicans having control over both the House and the Senate. A few of Trump’s nominees may not survive. Who president-elect Trump puts in charge of key departments will paint a picture.; Private Equity Firm Invests in Viking Engineering: StoneTree Investment Partners, a lower middle market industrials-focused private equity firm, has acquired an ownership stake in Viking Engineering & Development.; Lonnie Williams, Recycling Equipment Pioneer Leaves a Big Legacy: The kind of person with sawdust in his blood. That describes Lonnie M Williams, co-founder of PRS Group and pallet machinery innovator, who passed away last week.; Sawmill Production Rises Slightly According to Fed Data: This was the first rise in real output since the third quarter of 2023 according to the G.17 data. Employment in this sector rose for the first time in six quarters. more...
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Trump Round 2 – Implications for the Pallet Sector - Nov 15, 2024 
A lot will depend on who Trump appoints to head agencies and how quickly then can install lower level appointees and get their agenda moving. Who president-elect Trump puts in charge of key departments will paint a picture. The first 100 day agenda will likely focus on getting Trump’s cabinet-level appointees approved.; Recycle Record Makes Some Changes for the Better: We will be releasing the report at the end of the second week of each month. We will also be changing the listing of our categories from #1 and #2 Hardwood GMA Pallets to A’s and B’s mixed woods species GMA’s.; Lonnie Williams, Recycling Equipment Pioneer Leaves a Big Legacy: The co-founder of PRS Group and pallet machinery innovator passed away last week. Lonnie Williams was the kind of person who his business was his hobby.; CHEP Earns New Business Wins Despite Volume Drop: The new U.S. business wins reflects more aggressive efforts by CHEP and its retail partners to push product manufacturers who have been on white-wood pallets to convert to pooling. One positive driver for CHEP in the U.S. market has been small increases in white-wood pallet prices for premium used pallets.; Could Pallet Quality Be the GMA’s Kryptonite? PECO Pallets recently issued a case study highlighting how it secured a new customer due to concerns over pallet quality connected to automation in the agriculture supply chain. How is your company engaging with customers on conversations about pallet quality? Recycle Bits: The USFS has opened the application process for its wood innovation and market development grant programs. more...
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Part 1: Trump Round 2 – Implications for the Forest Products Sector - Nov 8, 2024 
Potential tariffs on goods going to trade partners that may seek retribution by putting duties on U.S. logs and lumber, especially hardwood lumber or logs heading to China, could be problematic, especially as the hardwood sector remains in the doldrums.; Website Awards Announced: This year the contest analyzed more than 200 industry websites for their customer-focused language as well as the design and functionality. The winners will be authorized to promote this recognition in their print and online communications. more...
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Automation and the Agriculture Supply Chain, Potato Packer Finds Success with PECO - Nov 1, 2024 
The company was having a problem with its existing pallets working in new automated material handling systems. This led to a loss of efficiency, delivery delays and automation disruptions, shutting the line down as many as 20 times per day to clear out broken pallets.; Wood Innovation Grants Program Applications Now Open: The application period closes December 11, 2024 and this may be the last year where considerable funds are available for industry grants.; UFP Industries Announces Quarterly Results, Notes Slowing Markets, PalletOne Slight Sales Gains: Net sales of $1.65 billion decreased 10% due to a 3% decrease in organic unit sales and a 7% decrease in selling prices. The price of SYP also decreased 21%.; NEWS IN BRIEF: Current limits on industrial boiler emissions are sufficient to comply with requirements under the Clean Air Act. Doman Building Materials Group Ltd. has added another U.S. sawmill. Jason Ortega, NWPCA vice president of public affairs was named 2025 Leading Association Lobbyist. Owners of Allegheny Wood Products have been indicted on charges of larceny. Conner Industries, Inc. has expanded its Guardian Packaging facility located in Dallas, Texas. more...
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Brambles Performance and Outlook – Part 1: Pallet Pooler Secures New Business Wins in the USA - Oct 25, 2024 
One positive driver for CHEP in the U.S. market has been small increases in white-wood pallet prices for premium used pallets. Even though CHEP is making more per pallet issued, its total pallet volume is down. Besides an overall sluggish U.S. economy, another reason for lost sales volume has been an earlier produce season that shifted pallet volumes into the previous quarter.; Warehouse Automation Discussion Needs to Involve the Pallet: The reality is that the pallet is the interface between individual products and the forklift, conveyors, racks and other handling and storage equipment. However, the pallet is the one thing that gets lost in all the technology conversations. more...
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Pallet User Survey Indicates Used Pallets Are More Popular Than New, Wood Remains Dominant Choice - Oct 24, 2024 
White-wood, GMA pallets remain the king of the hill. But alternative materials and other sizes are making inroads. Used pallets (70%) are more popular than new pallets (51%).; OSHA Reveals Preliminary Data on Top Citations: No real surprise, fall protection tops OSHA’s list of top 10 violations for the 13th consecutive year.; European Commission Proposes 12-Month Delay for Deforestation Rule: The U.S. forest products sector is seeking a two-year delay to improve clarity about rules and provide enough time to implement any processes needed to comply.; Consulting Report Predicts Recycled Pallet Market Growth to Outpace Global GDP: While we agree that recycled pallets will continue to grow in many regions of the world, there are some concerns by major retailers and product manufacturers about how pallet quality could complicate warehouse and supply chain automation issues.; Recycle Bits: Frank C. Bonamie, the founder of Ongweoweh Corp., passed away recently. The annual FEFPEB congress was held recently in Belgium. more...
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You Can’t Solve America’s Forest Health Crisis Without Loggers - Oct 18, 2024 
Proper management is the solution, and you can’t get there without loggers to help thin forests, remove debris and create products that will pay for it all. Otherwise, more forests will burn, and that doesn’t really create the kind of environment that we want. Controlled burns can only go so far.; OSHA Reveals Preliminary Data on Top Citations: Falls are among the costliest injuries that many workplaces will encounter and topped the list of top 10 violations for 13th consecutive year. more...
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Pallet Survey Indicates Marginal Growth in Non-Wood Pallets - Oct 11, 2024 
This survey is a good bellwether for key pallet usage trends. There aren’t a lot of big surprises this year. Pallet usage ebbs and flows. One thing is certain, wood remains dominant, and isn’t likely to be knocked off its top spot any time soon.; Brambles Appoints New Leadership in CHEP Europe and Its Digital Tech Department: The company just promoted Helen Lane as CEO of CHEP Europe. Formerly, she was the company’s chief data and digital officer. Before then, she was vice president of CHEP Northern Europe.; Commerce Department Revises Anti-dumping Rate Downward for West Fraser and All Others Category: The rates for companies, such as Canfor, JD Irving and Tolko Industries remains the same as when published earlier this year. more...
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European Commission Proposes 12-Month Delay for Deforestation Rule - Oct 4, 2024 
The U.S. forest products sector is seeking a two-year delay to improve clarity about rules and provide enough time to implement any processes needed to comply. The new trade rules are known as the EU Deforestation-free Rule (EUDR).; Website Award Nomination Deadline Extended! If you want us to consider your website, please e-mail your URL and a description. Submissions should be received by October 11th to be evaluated. Don’t miss out.; Quarterly Regional Lumber Trends: These Q4 graphs illustrate the average lumber prices published within each region over the past year. more...
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Kroger Institutes New Block Pallet Requirement in Select DCs - Sep 26, 2024 
When detailing pallets that meet the standard, Kroger identified CHEP as a preferred vendor and showed a picture of a white-wood block pallet saying it meets the standard as well. Kroger also mentioned that PECO & iGPS pallets are still considered compliant even though this policy letter specifically singled out CHEP.; Nominate Your Website for Industry Awards: Our team is working on evaluating candidates now. Winners are recognized in an article in both print and online as well as receive free marketing materials you can use to highlight your recognition.; Suspected Pallet Arsonist Captured in California: You don’t want your yard to seem like an easy or inviting target for an arsonist. This event highlights the need for pallet companies to remain vigilant and take steps to secure facilities.; Recycle Bits: The USDA is getting ready to offer grants to help with new technology to advance forest health. Forbes magazine ran a story looking into expectations for the 2024 holiday shopping season. Rotochopper has just opened a new Research and Development Innovation Center. more...
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Kroger Institutes New Block Pallet Requirement in Select Distribution Centerss - Sep 26, 2024 
When detailing pallets that meet the standard, Kroger identified CHEP as a preferred vendor and showed a picture of a white-wood block pallet saying it meets the standard as well. Kroger also mentioned that PECO & iGPS pallets are still considered compliant even though this policy letter specifically singled out CHEP.; Nominate Your Website for Industry Awards: Our team is working on evaluating candidates now. Winners are recognized in an article in both print and online as well as receive free marketing materials you can use to highlight your recognition. more...
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Federal Grants Offer Funding Opportunities for Sawmills and Pallet Operations - Sep 20, 2024 
There are three major programs offering grant funding: the Wood Innovation Grants, the Community Wood Energy Grants and the Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance Grants. Funds can be distributed to for-profit companies as well as government agencies, associations, etc.; Industry Sales Veteran to Retire, Leaves Legacy of National Sales Success: Keith Reinstetle will retire at the end of October as the vice president of national sales for PalletOne, Inc. He first started in the pallet business in January of 1984.; California Recyclers Continue to Fight, Talk with CHEP Over Fair Compensation: At issue is the interpretation of AB 1760, a law passed in 2022 dealing with recycler rights and obligations when it comes to handling and returning stray proprietary pallets. AB 1760 updated rules on how recyclers or junk dealers can acquire, purchase, possess or sell marked bulk merchandise pallets. more...
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