Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1464021
freight prices rise, apart from gas prices, is that many companies left freight contracts to enter the spot market, hoping to save, and they are finding it is more expensive. Ultimately, they cannot return to previously contracted rates, which has increased shipping rates. Current supply chain issues are not because of trucking capacity because there are plenty of them, Hutto noted. "Trucking is very manual – automation is utilized in the freight movement – not the trucks. It is not a capacity problem; it is a truck location problem. ere are 400,000 trucking companies in the transportation space. We need to invest in connected networks, telling us where the freight is so that the trucks can be in the right place at the right time. Freight will move much more efficiently then." Back to the Basics While the ALC platform was abundant with outside perspectives, NWPCA's expert on OSHA, Adele L. Abrams, Esq., CMSP, brought attendees back to their daily business of safety. "e top ten OSHA violations are still the top ones, as usual, just reordered," she noted. "e vaccination emergency order was rescinded, but the 'rule' documents are still in play," meaning it is still up for discussion as OSHA reviews new, more permanent guidelines. She suggested that companies add COVID PPE to their reporting to cover any questions that remain for now. Worker's compensation for long-COVID is becoming an issue. If an employee was determined to have caught COVID at the workplace, the employer is on the hook for extended implications of the disease. Also in the works at OSHA is the powered industrial truck proposed rule which is currently open for comments until May 17. If updates are accepted, companies could be required to replace entire fleets of forklifts to be compliant. Other issues to watch are workers' comp and medical cannabis, changes in the heat stress rule, PPE, and written communications. Demographics in Play Buzzing around the ALC meeting were many up- and-coming and international attendees. • A robust Mexican contingency of twenty-plus company executives came to learn and network as NWPCA amped up their commitment this past year to help that sector organize, network, and overcome specific challenges. It is a significant investment to attend, and NWPCA is grateful for their participation. Hilary Carr, PhD, NWPCA senior Mexico consultant, facilitated a meeting to discuss how NWPCA can help Mexican pallet makers in the future. PalletCentral • March-April 2022 21 • e NWPCA Hispanic Council entertained over fifty attendees at their annual networking event. • Over 25 NWPCA Young Professionals gathered for their networking event. • Approximately 30 industry women enjoyed a breakfast to discuss leadership styles and industry impact, facilitated by Melissa Eisler, MA, PCC. NWPCA gathered an informative international panel to discuss the global marketplace. Scott Geffros, CWPCA; Fernando César López Bello, Losifra, S.A. de C.V (Mexico); and Lay Pheng Ooi, Berjayapak (Asia) all spoke with moderator Hilary Carr on the pressures affecting their markets. Lumber issues are the biggest problem in Canada, said Geffros. "ere is a 30% reduction of lumber in the province that supplies most lumber. We think the problem will persist for some time, with offshore market options off the table in Russia and Ukraine." Mexico and Asia are also severely impacted by lumber shortages. "We just have to plan better," noted López. is begged the question: Will wood still be the best option going forward for customers? "I think there is a risk factor with competitive pallets. We still have a great story to tell and a great defense. We may not be the cheapest, but we have a better option," says Geffros. "Lumber is the best packaging," Pheng Ooi said. "e low energy required to recycle or even acquire raw materials is very favorable on the price. We must talk to our customers. We can redesign a pallet so we don't waste any materials. We have recovery, repair, and recycle initiatives. e pandemic showed us how strong our customers relationships are and exposed any weakness in our companies. Yes, pallets fall into 'essential' and move the world. However, if you are not prepared, and your foundation is not right, you will not be able to take on the increasing demand." e consensus was that "automation and emerging equipment will alleviate workforce issues," suggested Scott. "More cool things will come into this industry." Until then, we manage customer expectations. Caryn Smith serves as the editor and art director of PalletCentral. She is CEO of Driven By Design LLC, a communications agency specializing in association publications for over 20 years. NWPCA Mexican Contingency