Gedar packaging is a plus for retailers

amounts," says Baldi. "You don't have to go picking through the piles, and it ensures a fairer distribution of the different sizes to customers."

Loth Lumber, Gold Bar, Wa., has built its niche in the industry by priding itself on delivering its western red cedar in the best condition possible. Its earliest protective measure was selecting the safest loading procedure. "We tried everything from driving a forklift onto the truck to sliding lumber in on rollers," says shipping manager Richard Poole. "We found that piggyback van loaders worked best."

Three years ago, Loth designed a custom pallet of fir 2x6s with an attached pull rod. At the cedar's destination, a chain is hooked onto the rod so the lumber can be easily pulled out without damage to the bottom of the lumber.

Loth also uses end capsr corner protectors, l-l/4" banding, airbag cushioning between the lumber and the walls of the van, and waterproof polybag pallet coverings. "Since we are in the Northwest, we have a good amount of rainfall, so we cover the lumber with as much plastic as possible to keep the moisture out. Rain also lessens the payload, adding weight and cost," Poole explains.

Story at a Glance

How cedar packaging innovations to protect shipments help retailers, wholesalers and customers. end caps, spacers, plastic wrap and custom pallets save money by reducing damages and loss.

For exports, Loth adds a wax-dipped cardboard siding to the polybags for extra protection in handling at the docks and during the ocean voyage.

In all, Poole is sure the added steps are paying off "because we neverhave complaints about the condition of our lumber."

Yet Baldi notes special packaging can add $25 to $40 per 1,000 to the manufacturer's cost, though it helps guarantee the wood arrives without damage or loss. Poole agrees: "There is no upcharge for our packaging. lt's saving us money in the long run. Other companies would rather go through a lot of customers than have contented customers."