christopher Harper, Author at DJ Products

Inbound Drivers Help Reduce Dock Efficiency

When it comes to efficiency on the loading dock, self-sufficiency goes a long way. Still, many logistics companies and businesses rely on inbound drivers or a shunting service to move trailers. A trailer mover such as the TrailerCaddy from DJ Products eliminates efficiency problems caused dependence upon inbound drivers and trailer moving service providers.

Dramatically improve your dock efficiency. Using a shunting service of an inbound driver may seem like a practical solution for your business, but efficiency on the dock can be significantly reduced due to:

The need for a properly accredited worker to show up and move the trailer.
Long wait times while drivers are en-route to your location.
Higher risk of damage, due to a lack of training or familiarity with your facility.
Drivers who don’t follow the same safety and training protocols as your company.

By being properly equipped with a powered trailer mover, your onsite employees can manage the workflow without relying on outside help.

The TrailerCaddy and Warehouse Efficiency

A TrailerCaddy power dolly mover can move anything on wheels, including empty and loaded semi-trailers. Our TC 6k 48v Power Trailer Mover, TC15k 48v Trailer Dolly, and TrailerCaddy Terminal Tractor are powerful enough to move anything, from large boats and campers to highway equipment and modular homes, to semi-trailers and shipping containers on chassis.

The smallest Motorized Trailer Puller can move small boats, campers, RVs, utility trailers, and equipment up to 10,000 pounds. Our heavy-duty units feature airbrake release gladhand connections to release brakes on trailers. The TrailerCaddy Terminal Tractor—The Electric Yard Dog—has forward-facing operation and precise speed control. Like our other motorized dollies, it does not require special licensing or certification to operate.

All our models move at up to three miles per hour and are highly maneuverable. Each power dolly trailer mover increases accessibility on the trailer lot and the warehouse. They improve efficiency because:

A motorized trailer dolly is always available and ready for use.
Trailers can be moved down assembly lines to storage lots and on/off showroom floors.
Only a single worker is needed to operate a TrailerCaddy.
An electric trailer dolly eliminates the need to maintain a diesel truck.
Trailers can be easily maneuvered in confined areas.
The dolly is compact, so storage and retrieval are simple.
It is affordable and safe compared to using a forklift, and no licensing is required.
Each unit is battery-powered and rechargeable and always ready for use.

Our trailer movers can be used to move OTR and generator trailers, window/glass/door carts, and linen/supply carts, as well as buses, trailers, and cars. Cart pullers from DJ Products can be used on assembly lines and manufacturing cells, or to pull heavy dumpsters. With the AircraftCaddy Aircraft Tug, you can even move aircraft to or from the runway or hangar.

For more information on these and other power dolly trailer moving systems, or to ask about our latest TrailerCaddy products, call 800-686-2651 or email DJ Products at info@djproducts.com.

Replace Your Diesel Yard Dog with An Electric Dolly

Yard dogs can be effective at moving trailers around your docking facility. However, battery powered tuggers from DJ products are just as effective yet more efficient and easier to maintain. Using diesel fuel has its advantages. However, going electric is a trend and rightfully so, because of the benefits of an electric power dolly, which include:

Eliminating the costs associated with maintaining a diesel truck
Battery Powered = virtually no maintenance
Greater efficiency in any operating environment
Emission free operation, permitting indoor operation
No licensing requirements to necessary to operate

Using a diesel semi-tractor to move trailers, you’ll always have the expenses of diesel fuel and the hassle of either keeping fuel on site, or having to leave the yard to “fill up”. Then there are the costs of maintaining diesel equipment, ranging from blocked filters to changing oil and coolant, to servicing the radiator and hiring or finding trained service personnel to maintain the system. Diesel powered vehicles are expensive to operate and maintain.

Electric Dolly vs. Diesel

The TrailerCaddy line from DJ Products eliminates the costs and downtime associated with diesel-powered dollies. Depending on the model, standard batteries range from 36 volts to 48 volts and all you need is an electrical connection to charge up the dolly. With a battery upgrade, some of our higher end models can be updated from the standard four-battery system to a 16-battery system, yielding more hours of performance before a recharge is needed.

And all that is needed for charging is a standard 110v/220v outlet.

An Electric Trailer Handling System Is Powerful

Our Motorized Trailer Puller can tug 10,000 pounds, which is suited for RV’s, utility trailers, and small boats, but it only goes up from there. We also offer the 20,000-pound TrailerCaddy 2.5k, two 50,000-pound rated models, and a few “heavy-duty” systems built to move heavy generators, equipment, and semi-trailers.

Switch to an Electric Yard Dog

The benefits of an electric dolly vs. a diesel truck extend far beyond cost, efficiency, and maintenance. As convenient as these next benefits are, they contribute to the above as well. For one, you don’t need to bring in an extra crew to operate and maintain an electric dolly. Our powered tuggers don’t require licensing to drive and are ready at a moment’s notice. You don’t have to wait for drivers to arrive at your dock or warehouse to get started unloading or moving equipment.

A TrailerCaddy is always accessible. It does not require much room to store and can be maneuvered around tight spaces. Once charged, it is ready to go at any time. View our product line on the web to see which model best suits your application, and feel free to request a free onsite demo or more information; you can also call DJ Products directly at 800-686-2651.

Clear Your Dock with a Battery-Powered Trailer Mover

At loading docks, efficiency is crucial to maintaining productivity and profitability. Until now, warehouse managers had to depend on unreliable trailer shunters. The solution is a battery-powered trailer mover designed for maximum efficiency at the loading dock.

How a Battery-Powered Trailer Mover Can Help

The TrailerCaddy Terminal Tractor is a trailer moving tug powered by long-life batteries. It’s a reliable way to move anything from small boats and utility trailers to semi-trailers, heavy equipment, and ocean shipping containers. The TrailerCaddy increases efficiency because:

It’s always available to move trailers at a moments notice.
It’s maneuverable around tight spaces and busy yards, saving time and reducing accidents.
It does not require a CDL to operate, so any employee can use it with a minimal amount of training.
It eliminates the need for a professional shunting service.

Increased Maneuverability, Accessibility, and Efficiency

The TrailerCaddy is highly maneuverable. Requiring no special training to operate, the motorized trailer mover includes a high-tech speed controller and variable speed twist grip for simple operation. Maneuverability in tight spaces limits the potential for damage to equipment, parts, and cargo. It also features neutral throttle braking and adjustable acceleration and braking. An operator can drive it at up to three miles per hour; combined with precise steering control, this increases the efficiency of the battery power trailer dolly in numerous warehouse activities.

Control and safety are also improved with forward-facing control. Some models come with an optional air compressor and glad hand connector, which releases air brakes on trailers equipped with them. All models are highly maneuverable compared to a yard truck, so drivers can operate them safely in tight loading docks and yards.

Cost Savings

The TrailerCaddy requires little maintenance, further reducing costs on top of not requiring a shunt truck driver. It’s also a quarter the cost of a new shunt truck. Efficiency improvements alone mean instant cost savings, as it can be used at a moment’s notice in any warehouse or distribution center. You don’t have to staff a certified driver, nor do you have to pay for annual training, certification, and licensing for drivers—and you don’t need to rely on an outside shunting service; all loading and transport operations are managed in-house.

To learn more about boosting efficiency and saving money with a TrailerCaddy battery-powered trailer mover, call us at 800-686-2651 or request more information online.

Powered Boat Dolly:TrailerCaddy

DJ Products, Inc. of Minneapolis, the worlds leader in walk-behind battery powered tugs and powered boat dollies, has introduced a new powered boat dolly for pushing and pulling large boat trailers. The TrailerCaddy powered boat dolly can easily maneuver boat trailers in and out of a garage, a storage warehouse, marine showroom floor, or a boat and rv show.

The TrailerCaddy powered boat dolly assists in delivering boat trailers to more wide open areas or in and around a storage warehouse for repairs or rearranging. The powered dollies compact size, maneuverability, and variable speed make maneuvering trailers in confined areas easy. The powered boat dolly is a more affordable alternative when compared to a fork truck or a possibly injury resulting from operators manually moving boats or trailers.

For more detailed powered boat dolly information, please visit us online at www.djproducts.com or call one of our sales engineers at 800-686-2651.

Safety Tips to Review with Your Fleet Drivers

You manage your fleet well, and you know that your drivers are wise about working safely. You may have even purchased motorized trailer dollies for them to do their part. Still, it never hurts to offer them a refresher.

Maybe it’s been a while since you have talked with them about safety. If so, we’d like to offer you some helpful tips that will keep them safe while they’re on the road.

Top Safety Tips for Truck Drivers

Make sure to wear your seatbelt – We know that it’s easier to get in and out of your truck without it. But it’s the law. You need to wear it when you drive.

Don’t use your cell phone while you’re driving – Professionals are just as much at risk for accidents while driving distracted as anyone else. Stay safe and wait until you’re parked to use your phone.

Keep an eye on the speed limit – It can be easy to go faster than you should; especially on long hauls. But maintaining the speed limit can help you avoid potential accidents later.

Don’t drink or use drugs – It’s vital for you to be alert and aware at all times while you’re driving.

Plan your trip ahead of time – This can help you avoid possible problems with traffic or weather during your trip.

Remember your truck’s space cushion – that is, how tall and wide your truck is, and keep that in mind when you travel.

Go slow around curves and turns – This will help you maintain control.

Safety is What We do Best

At DJ Products, your fleet’s safety is our top priority. That’s why we offer products like motorized trailer dollies to help with that. We have many other products as well. Contact us!

February Brings Snow – Tips to Share with Your Fleet on Driving in Bad Weather

When your fleet is on the road, they don’t have the advantage of yard trucks to help maneuver through winter driving conditions. Snow, sleet, wind and hail create treacherous roads resulting in costly and time-consuming delays, accidents and injuries.

Make bad weather awareness a regular focus of communication with your drivers during winter months. Professional truckers offer helpful tips for dealing with major hazards of winter driving.

Freezing Rain

Freezing rain, also known as sleet, is one of the more challenging winter conditions as it often produces black ice and low visibility. Once ice begins forming on mirrors and windshields, the best course of action is simply to pull off the road until the freezing rain stops.

Heavy Snow

Snow can be unpredictable, especially when traveling through high altitude areas, and it can take a while before roads are clear enough to travel. Fuel up before beginning a trip and keep tire chains, food and extra clothing on hand.

Strong Winds

When crossing wide open spaces on the highway, even heavy trucks have little protection against strong winds. If winds are making the truck difficult to control, find a truck or rest stop and park between two van trailers.

Intense Cold

When temperatures drop low enough, it can interfere with the truck’s engine running properly. If you’ll be stopped for a while, it might be a good idea to leave the truck on high idle to keep the engine warm.

Save Time and Boost Productivity with Yard Trucks from DJ Products

Time is one of the more valuable resources in the transportation industry. Our Electric Yard Dog is ready when you need it most. Visit our website to learn more about yard trucks and our other tugs, movers and pushers.

Lidar Technology Being Used to Improve the Safety of Warehouse Robots

Robots are the ultimate material handling equipment, but their application in the warehouse environment is still limited. While robotic workers are being developed to handle increasingly sophisticated tasks, they lack the ability to sense and react to their surroundings.

This obstacle may be overcome soon, thanks to a Massachusetts tech company. A system known as lidar could be the solution for safer warehouse robots.

Solving the Problem of Robotic Safety

Lidar is a high-tech method used to detect nearby objects, much like radar, but it uses laser light rather than radio waves. While lidar has a a number of applications, it’s gained attention recently as a navigational system for self-driving vehicles.

Massachusetts-based Veo Robotics came up with the idea to use a similar system with industrial robots. Veo’s proprietary lidar program generates real-time 3D maps of warehouses and factory workspaces. The data is used to stop robots if humans are approaching or the robots can’t sense what’s going on around them.

Lidar Hits the Industrial Market

In late 2017, Veo raised $12 million in capital from venture investment firms to finance their project. Kuka is one of several robotics companies allowing Veo to test their technology on their machines.

The completed system is expected to begin shipping to customers this year. At $40,000, the system is roughly one-tenth of the cost of industrial robots and requires less than a day for installation.

Veo co-founder Patrick Sobalvarro projects $1 billion in annual revenue within five years. Sobalvarro hails Veo’s system as the “end of fear” around bulky but fast-moving industrial robots.

Let Material Handling Equipment from DJ Products Do the Heavy Lifting

Our material handling equipment improves workplace safety in any warehouse. Contact us for more information.

Beyond the Distribution Center: Tips for Going Green

As a key cog in the machine for retail and industry, distribution centers can make an enormous impact by going green. Yet it’s hard to justify investing in something for the environment if it doesn’t improve your own bottom line. So let’s talk about how going green with smart warehouse equipment and energy-saving choices can help the planet, your employees, and your business.

The Basics: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Businesses can reduce their footprint by going digital to use less paper and implementing recycling bins for bottles and glass. Warehouses can go green even more by reusing and recycling pallets, cardboard boxes, packing materials, and more.

Try charting your progress to boost employee morale, and make it known to customers that you’ve gone green so they can feel good about doing business with you.

Less Carbon, More Comfort

Any steps to improve heating and cooling efficiency can also make the warehouse more comfortable for hardworking staff. Try these:

– Add insulation

– Install industrial fans

– Insulate ductwork

– Paint the roof white

– Switch to cooler LED lighting

Better ventilation, cleaner air, and a healthier work environment make your employees more productive. That’s good for retention, reducing sick days, and thus being more profitable. Lower utility bills help, too!

Electric Warehouse Equipment

Smart warehouses use less energy because they’re more efficient. If you’re using a diesel forklift, an industrial cart mover can potentially replace it. If you send out less-than-full truckloads, smarter logistics can fill the truck and get more out of every gallon of fuel.

DJ Products makes ergonomic, battery-powered warehouse equipment for today’s needs. While helping you go green, our CartCaddy and other material handling equipment will also help make your warehouse a healthier, more injury-free zone. Contact us for more info.

Process Improvements Help to Improve Damaged Stock Realities

Damaged stock is one of the primary factors reducing warehouse and supply chain profitability. The impact can be direct, as in the case of incomplete orders, or indirect, such as when an accident injures an employee.

Anywhere from two percent to 11 percent of products received are already damaged, but the problem isn’t simply a matter of chance. Experts recommend use of tugger carts as one of the proactive ways to reduce the amount of damaged stock in your warehouse.

Improve Workflows

How is stock typically handled during day-to-day operations in your warehouse? Review the process from start to finish and look for areas of improvement, such as reducing the number of times a case is touched.

Use Material Handling Equipment Whenever Possible

Material handling equipment involves a significant financial investment, but the costs will be more than offset by less product damage and fewer job-related injuries.

Reassess Racking Systems

If the racking system is inadequate, it could result in improper storage which is a leading cause of damaged stock. In addition to upgrading racks, consider installing safety equipment such as column protectors and aisle shields.

Train Employees

Employees are on the front lines when it comes to handling and processing stock. Incorporate product awareness into your ongoing safety training workshops.

Build a Culture of Cleanliness

It sounds simple, but employees sometimes become lax about keeping the warehouse clean, whether it’s due to work deadlines or thoughtlessness. Create and enforce standards of cleanliness and hold employees accountable.

DJ Products Makes Tugger Carts to Solve Any Need

No matter what types of products are handled in your warehouse, we have a wide range of tugger carts to improve safety and productivity. Use our handy online chat feature to learn more.

In an Unusual Move, Delaware Changes Truck Weight Rules for Road for Local Residents

The term “yard trucks” may have taken on new meaning for residents near Delaware’s Port of Wilmington. For years they have complained about commercial vehicle traffic on their two-lane road, citing an obscure rule from Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT).

Late last year, DelDOT had an official response to the complaints. Unfortunately for local residents, it’s not what any of them anticipated.

Truck Traffic in Residential Area

Pyles Lane is a road frequently used by trucks entering and leaving the facilities of Port-to-Port International Corp., which is in the business of shipping used and wrecked vehicles to Central America. People living on Pyles Lane have complained about incessant noise, vibrations and emissions from the constant traffic.

DelDOT instituted a rule in 1971 saying trucks over 5,000 pounds were forbidden to travel Pyles Land from Del. 9 to approximately 200 feet from Port-to-Port’s entrance. The only exception made was for local vehicles making local deliveries.

Are Truckers Breaking the Law?

The rule made it virtually illegal for trucks to access Port-to-Port’s facility. Residents of Pyles Lane have been insisting that DelDOT enforce their law and forbid commercial vehicles to travel the road.

In a surprise move, DelDOT affirmed that trucks going to and from Port-to-Port qualify as “local vehicles making local deliveries” and are thereby exempt from the rule. They also moved the restricted line another 200 feet, freeing up access to Port-to-Port’s entrance.

C.R. McLeod, spokesperson for DelDOT, explained that banning commercial vehicles on Pyles Lane would effectively put Port-to-Port out of business, something the agency was not prepared to do.

Improve Turnaround Time with Yard Trucks from DJ Products

Call 800.686.2651 to learn more about the features and benefits of our best-selling Electric Yard Dog.