Moves to Introduce New Design Values Have Been Put on Hold Following Objections

Moves to introduce new design values for southern yellow pine lumber have been put on hold following objections from several quarters of the US wood products industry, according to industry newsletter Random Lengths. The American Lumber Standard Committee said no action would be taken until a meeting in early January. Its decision to delay action follows comments from the industry at a recent meeting. Changes reduce four of the species' design values by 20% or more. Traders are concerned about the economic impact of changes, with lumber already in circulation possibly no longer meeting the new standards, if they are implemented soon. They fear the species' value could decrease. The delay gives the industry, especially truss plants, time to prepare for the changes or present alternatives. Source: ttjonline.com