article-16267.xml

REUSABLE PALLETS

The Stop-Waste Partnership, an Oakland, Calif.-based public agency, and the Reusable Pallet & Container Coalition (RPCC), a Washington, D.C., trade association, launched a campaign in Alameda County (Calif.) to advocate the benefits of reusable transport packaging systems and assist businesses that want to convert to reusable packaging. In addition to the reduced costs associated with reusing transport packaging, businesses that have made the switch report a reduction in shipping errors, lower waste-management costs and increased worker ergonomics and safety. Visit www.usereusables.com for more information.

CALIFORNIA PORTS

U.S. District Judge William Shubb drew a new line in the water relative to pollution control. On Aug. 30, Shubb ruled that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) cannot force shippers to use cleaner diesel fuel. In December 2006, the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA) filed a lawsuit in Federal District Court against CARB with regard to regulations on the emission of diesel fuel from vessels that operate within 24 nautical miles of the California coastline. Under Shubb’s ruling, the use of cleaner fuels would have to be regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) responded to the ruling with disappointment. ILWU president Robert McEllrath commended Maersk Shipping Lines and American President Lines for having voluntarily adopted cleaner fuel policies.

MHIA CONFERENCE

The 2008 Material Handling & Logistics Show and Conference, slated for April 21-24 in Cleveland, will feature a keynote address from Andrew Watson, co-author of “Green to Gold: How Smart Companies Use Environmental Strategy to Innovate, Create Value and Build Competitive Advantage.” The event is sponsored by the Material Handling Industry of America, www.mhia.org.