Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1545393
4 Pallet C e nt ral • July -Aug u st 2 0 26 PALLETCENTRAL, Volume 26 No.4 PalletCentral ® is a bi-monthly publication of Woodpack Global™, © 2026 Woodpack Global™. All rights reserved. Woodpack Global 225 Reinekers Lane, Suite 560 Alexandria, VA 22314 703-519-6104 info@woodpackglobal.org Advertising: To advertise in PalletCentral, contact Mark Barford at 703-519-0186 or mark@woodpackglobal.org. Publishing Partner: Tulip Media Group Subscriptions to PalletCentral ® are complimentary, however you need to subscribe: woodpackglobal.org/pallet-subscription >>Subscribe Subscribe to ensure you receive the latest edition of PalletCentral ® and to make sure we have your correct mailing address and/or email address for digital editions. Please note that Woodpack Global™ does not sell our mailing lists. ©2026 Woodpack Global™. All rights reserved. The views expressed in all articles, editorials and advertisements appearing in PalletCentral are solely those of the author and advertiser, respectively, and do not necessarily represent the views of Woodpack Global. IN THIS ISSUE DEPARTMENTS 8 Leer From Our President 10 Policy At Play 14 Inside Woodpack Global 30 Our Advertisers 32 36 WOODPACK GLOBAL July-August 2026 • Volume 26 No. 4 42 | OSHA's Consultation Program: Is It Actually Free? OSHA's On-Site Consultation Program can help pallet companies identify hazards, improve safety programs, and reduce workplace risk, but it is not without trade-offs. While the service is free and confidential in many cases, unresolved serious hazards can create legal and enforcement exposure. Companies should weigh the benefits carefully and choose the audit approach that best fits their risk tolerance, budget, and safety goals. BY ADELE L. ABRAMS, ESQ., ASP, CMSP 36 | Powering Industry Growth Through Partnership Woodpack Global's partnership with UDEM is helping prepare the next generation of supply chain professionals in Latin America. By funding student access to the Pallet Design System TM , the association is giving students hands-on experience with the same tools used by industry professionals. This investment connects education with real-world pallet design, sustainability, and supply chain innovation. BY MICHELLE TORELLI 20 | 2026 Woodpack Global Associate Buyer's Guide In this exclusive edition of PalletCentral, we have compiled a comprehensive list of companies that offer the essential supplies and services your business relies on. BY WOODPACK GLOBAL 32 | Case Study: Inside Custom Forest Products' People-First Workplace Workforce retention is a growing priority for the pallet industry, where stability depends on more than wages alone. Custom Forest Products shows how a people-first culture, employee support programs, development opportunities, and second-chance hiring can strengthen retention and operations. By investing in employees as people, pallet companies can build safer, more commied, and more resilient teams. BY ANNETTE FERRI 18 | Smarter Risk: How AI Is Changing The Pallet Industry Artificial intelligence can help pallet companies move from reacting to risk to preventing it. By analyzing safety records, maintenance data, claims history, and operational paerns, AI can identify issues before they become costly incidents. When paired with experienced teams and strong risk strategies, AI supports safer workplaces, fewer disruptions, and more predictable operations. BY BRINT WALKER 42