Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/638772
Modern Distribution Centers and Wood Pallets Distribution centers are undergoing a fundamental shift in design and operation as they respond to omni- channel market forces. "Flash sales" and growth of just-in-time distribution have these centers operating in a whole new way, with resultant needs and impacts on their wood pallet usage. Learn from this lively, facilitated discussion on the supply chain challenges and opportunities for wood pallet use, and how distribution packaging engineers, pallet manufacturers, and the entire supply chain, can work together to assure that wood pallets and material handling systems of today and tomorrow continue to play nicely together. Moderated by Dr. Paul Winistorfer, Dean of the College of Natural Resources and Environment, Virginia Tech, and the following panelists: • Education Perspective: Dr. Laszlo Horvath, Director of CPULD, Virginia Tech • Material Handling Industry Perspective: Susan Lacefield, Senior Editor, DC Velocity • Pallet Industry Perspective: Ralph Rupert, Manager – Unit Load Technology, Millwood • Distribution Center Perspective: Ed Treacy, Vice President, Supply Chain Efficiencies, Produce Marketing Association Dr. Paul Winistorfer is Dean of the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech. Prior to his appointment as Dean in 2009, Paul served the previous 8 years as head of the department of Sustainable Biomaterials (formerly named the department of wood science and forest products). As Dean of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech, Winistorfer has been leading initiatives to position the college and its departments for the future. Trucking Trends and What This Means for Pallet Usage The supply chain logistics world is changing quickly with current and future innovative thinking directly impacting the industry. What does this mean for modern material handling systems and the wooden pallet industry? Join Pat Thomas, the current president of the American Trucking Association for a lively discussion and hear his perspectives from the trucking industry and on the world of wooden pallets. Mark Solomon, executive news editor of DC Velocity, will also join Thomas and provide a broader perspective from the "outside looking in" on the industry. As Senior Vice President of State Government Affairs, Pat oversees all state legislative, regulatory and political activities for UPS. He also oversees the UPS Congressional Awareness Program, a comprehensive grassroots program designed to strengthen UPS's relationships with Members of Congress in their home district. Pat is currently 71st Chairman of the American Trucking Association, the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Mark Solomon joined DC Velocity in August 2008. He has spent more than 30 years in the transportation, logistics and supply chain management fields as a journalist and public relations professional. From 1989 to 1994, he worked in Washington as a reporter for the Journal of Commerce, covering the aviation and "As the domestic economic expansion nears its seventh anniversary, the curious shape of this cycle and its deviation from global trends poses both threats and opportunities. How can one identify the trends and data that are relevant?" Scott Clemons, Chief Investment Strategist Brown Brothers Harriman & Company palletcentral.com PalletCentral • January-February 2016 19 Dr. Paul Winistorfer, Dean of the College of Natural Resources and Environment, Virginia Tech Pat Thomas, President, American Trucking Association