October 2025
both my professional growth and A&I Pallets as a company. The association has given us access to incredible insight into the industry, from lumber and nails to market trends, which allows me to plan ahead strategically.
The biggest impact, however, has been the people. WPA members are some of the most knowledgeable and generous professionals in the field, always willing to share their expertise. Through WPA, I’ve built partnerships with members from other states, which has helped A&I Pallets expand our network and serve customers across a wider territory.
What are some of the key challenges you have faced in the pallet industry? How has the WPA helped you navigate them?
The Western Pallet Association has been instrumental in helping members like us stay grounded through these transitions. Their masterclasses and educational sessions bring together professionals from across the country who share their experiences and insights. That exchange of knowledge helps us stay informed, anticipate challenges, and apply practical solutions to keep moving forward. The shared expertise within the WPA continues to be one of the most valuable tools in facing industry-wide change.
What are the emerging opportunities or challenges for the pallet industry?
Looking ahead, I believe the pallet industry will continue to evolve with new technologies, workforce shifts, and global market pressures. The demand for efficiency, transparency, and innovation will only grow, and companies that embrace collaboration will thrive.
We’ll likely see increased automation in repair and manufacturing, stronger emphasis on safety and compliance, and deeper collaboration between suppliers and customers to keep the supply chain moving smoothly.
While change can be challenging, it also brings opportunity. The key will be staying informed, adaptable, and united as an industry, which is exactly what the WPA helps its members do.
There have been many challenges, but none that we haven’t been able to overcome. The current state of the industry has truly kept us on a roller coaster. With recent changes in administration, new regulations, labor shortages, and economic uncertainty, our sector has felt the impact from every direction, from raw-material costs to transportation and workforce stability.
Navigating these shifts requires constant adaptation and forward thinking. We’re always assessing how each policy or market change will affect our operations, our partners, and our customers.