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Transporting Trusses: Navigating Regulations & Enforcement (Part 1 of 3)

Adventures In Advocacy: Congratulations, Congressman! Now What?

Builder Banter

BCMC 2005: Building on 25 Years in Milwaukee!

  • Milwaukee, WI, is the Midwest city known for its charm, friendliness and attractions sure to warm you up.
  • The 2004 show in Charlotte welcomed a total of 1,670 attendees strolling the show floor; a robust crowd is expected in 2005.

Code Connection: SBC Industry Appointment to IBC Committee

  • WTCA is represented on the ICC Structural Committee and will be intimately involved in the code change process.
  • WTCA will represent the interests of light-frame construction.

Economic Environment: Exchange Rates & the Component Manufacturer

  • Do you think that the monetary exchange rate does not affect you? Think again.
  • A weak dollar makes truss and component exports more viable.
  • A weak dollar causes less incentive to ship lumber from Canada to U.S. markets.

In Memoriam: Phil Luneack

  • Phil Luneack

Knowledge Is Power: Federal Overtime Pay Regulations Modified

  • The U.S. Department of Labor expected employers to be in compliance with the new the Fair Labor Standards Act by August 23, 2004.
  • There are a variety of revised requirements that all employers should be familiar with.
  • The new exempt salary requirement is $455 per week or $23,660 per year.

Publisher's Message: Right Time for a Change!

  • SBC Magazine is starting the New Year with some fresh ideas and positive change.
  • Our theme for 2005 is "Your Industry, Your Magazine, Your Ideas."
  • This issue of SBC is our first ever dedicated to wall panel manufacturing.
  • As you begin 2005, don’t hesitate to contact an SBC staff member with your comments, questions and article ideas.

WTCA Update: Recent Jobsite Package Change Increases Protection against Risk

  • The new Jobsite Package includes a general warning about the contents in both English and Spanish.
  • The reverse side of the cover sheet also includes language from WTCA 4-2002 National Standard and Recommended Guidelines on Responsibilities for Construction Using Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses.

There's A Method to His Madness…Advanced Building & Components Overhauls its Wall Panel Line

  • At Advanced Building & Components, a materials handling quandary caused management to choose a highly automated line of wall panel equipment.
  • ABC worked with their equipment supplier to create a tailor-made, cutting-edge automated system with one specification: handle the studs only once.
  • Although resistant at first, the ABC production staff appreciates the new technology and it’s contribution to remedy the materials handling problem.

New Beginnings: What to Consider Before Starting a Wall Panel Plant

  • Once you use wall panels, you realize how easy, safe and efficient they can be. You never want to go back.
  • A framer-friendly mentality is essential for success.

Transporting Trusses: Size, Weight & Reducible Load Issues (Part 2 of 3)

  • WTCA is putting together a “Guide to Loading and Transporting Wood Trusses.”
  • The greatest complication in shipping is that practically every state has its own oversize load regulations and permitting processes.
  • The Federal Highway Administration sets size and weight limits allowable for commercial transport.

Adventures In Advocacy: Legislative Advocacy Is Just a Click Away

Builder Banter

BCMC 2005: Exhibiting Boosts Exposure & Customer Relations

  • BCMC is the "must go to" show of the structural building components industry.
  • It is the place to see the latest industry products, services and equipment.
  • New ideas, sure to benefit your business, are always created at this fast- paced show.

Code Connection: Ceiling Insulation Requirements Petaining to Trusses

  • Where ceiling thermal requirements exceed R-38, the raised heel reduction can reduce the thermal requirements for either wood or steel framing.
  • The simplified prescriptive method allows the same reduction as the component performance method.

Economic Environment: Globalization & the Wood Products Industry

  • China’s growth spurred 79 percent of the growth in global demand for steel in 2003, causing steel prices to rise.
  • In 2004, the Chinese economy consumed 28 percent of the world’s steel and 36 percent of the cement.
  • By contrast, the U.S. consumes 13 percent of the world’s steel and only 5.2 percent of the world’s cement.