Paper — Stockpiling Isn't the Solution

Kullman says Donnelley is currently huddling with paper suppliers who, in turn, are studying the issue with the railroads. He thinks there is concern on the part of the paper manufacturers—and Donnelley as well—that print buyers will stockpile paper unnecessarily.

"If they [forward buy], they'll likely do it during a time of year when the mills are often straining to get all of the paper out the door that's needed to satisfy current consumption," Kullman says. "This would put an extra-heavy load on all the systems. Combined with the highly probable outcome that the excess paper won't really be needed, it will result in a collapse of orders in the first quarter of 2000."