christopher Harper, Author at DJ Products

Tips for Improving Your Distribution Center’s Inventory Management Skills

Decisions about distribution center equipment, such as the purchase of terminal tractors, are often relatively clearcut. But inventory management is a moving target that involves straddling a line between too much and too little. Both scenarios generate excess costs that seriously impact the bottom line.

Fortunately, improvements in technology have resulted in practical and effective solutions to the problem of inventory management. Here are tips from experts on how to incorporate these methods in your distribution center.

Remove Emotion from the Process

According to Ian Hobkirk, president of Commonwealth Supply Chain Advisors in Boston, too many companies set inventory levels based on emotion rather than logic. In most cases, they err on the side of excess inventory as a “security blanket.”

Numbers have no emotions attached, so inventory management software makes the process more objective. These systems provide real-time information that allows for decision-making based on actual data rather than what-ifs.

Embrace Technology

For decades, inventory management was a time-consuming process recorded manually with paper and pencils. These antiquated methods left too much room for error and they weren’t responsive to rapid changes.

At this point, even barcode scanners are becoming relatively outdated. E-commerce is leading the charge in adopting cutting-edge systems combining the Internet of Things (IoT) and mobile devices for timely data-gathering across the supply chain.

Crunch the Numbers

Excess inventory costs are greater than simply the purchase price of products. Hobkirk suggests calculating the true expenses of carrying too much inventory, including factors such as storage and labor costs.

Move Inventory with Terminal Tractors from DJ Products

A quick turnaround time for trucks gets inventory moving faster. Contact us to learn how our Electric Yard Dog enables a single worker to move trailers safely and efficiently.

Is Your Fleet Winterized? Tips on Getting Ready for Cold Weather

Your terminal tractors may not need to be dressed for the winter weather, but your rigs do. Are yours ready? The frigid temperatures of winter deliver snow and ice that make trucking tasks increasingly difficult and dangerous. Many accidents on America’s congested roads lie at the hands of such weather, with 467 fatalities annually resulting from icy conditions, and nearly one-quarter of vehicle crashes caused in whole or part by inclement weather according to the Federal Highway Administration.

Luckily, however, with a bit of preventative winterization maintenance, you can limit risk.

Seven Ways to Prepare Your Fleet for Cold Weather:

Maintain Tire Health
Responsible for 1-of-11 crashes, watch for uneven tire wear indicating alignment or bearing/kingpin issues. Be sure to check tire pressure as temperatures drop as well: Tire pressure decreases with temperature, increasing rolling resistance and impacting fuel economy.

Watch out for ‘Fuel Gelling’
In cold weather, fuel molecules can gel or wax-up and cling together. Winterize fuel to prevent fuel filter clogs and protect MPG with the right additives/fuel treatments.

Keep Water Out of Fuel Sources
Water will settle into the lowest point of fuel filters, tanks and hoses, freezing. To ensure fuel gets safely to the engine, water contamination must be eliminated.

Check Battery & Fluid Levels
Monitor charge levels, replace washer fluid with ‘no-freeze’ alternatives, and ensure proper coolant levels.

Ensure Maximum Visibility
Always keep windows clean and clear.

Stock Your Cab
With extra water and non-perishable food in the event you may become stranded.

Drive Differently
Slow down and use extra caution when driving in rain, sleet, snow, ice, fog, and wind, as other drivers struggle with the weather.

Increase safety from dockside to doorstep. Learn more about terminal tractors from DJ Products today.

GAO and the Top Government Contracting Trends

How does the Trump administration’s proposed budget line up with recent government contracting trends? According to the latest GAO report, there’s a significant disconnect between the two that bears watching.

What Does Current Government Spending Look Like?

Last March, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released “Contracting Data Analysis — Assessment of Government-wide Trends,” commonly referred to as the Report. Contents included details on federal contract trends during the period from 2011 to 2015.

Overall federal contract spending declined nearly 24 percent, with the bulk of the change coming from a decrease in DoD spending. After spending reached its lowest level during sequestration in 2013, civilian spending bounced back while military spending continued to decrease.

Proposed Budget Changes: Increases and Cuts

A week later, the Office of Management and Budget released its “Budget Blueprint.” Among the major provisions of the blueprint was a significant increase in DoD spending with a corresponding significant decrease in civilian spending.

Specifically, the blueprint called for a $54 billion increase in defense spending, including more equipment for the Navy and Air Force. Cuts in civilian spending were proposed to allow for the boost in defense spending without increasing the national debt.

Congress is not entirely on board with the proposed cuts, so the final budget is expected to look different. Contractors who conduct business with the affected agencies are advised to pay close attention to the blueprint as it passes through the approval process.

DoD Equipment Supplier Movers from DJ Products

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Encouraging Congress to Take Action on “Super Slab” Improvements

Are your terminal tractors lugging loads destined for a road to nowhere? You don’t have to tell anyone in the shipping logistics industry that America’s roads, highways, tunnels, and bridges are in serious disrepair. Cementing the need for attention, the American Society of Civil Engineer’s 2017 report gave the nation’s transportation infrastructure a D+.

Deteriorating Infrastructure Is Impeding America’s Ability to Compete Globally

To safeguard our country’s future, timely action must be taken. While some progress has been achieved, reversing the trajectory of degradation due to under-investment in infrastructure over decades relies on the actions of the Congress, states, infrastructure owners, and American citizens.

‘Transportation Has Always Been Bi-Partisan’
– Ray LaHood, DOT Secretary Under Barack Obama

Far from a partisan problem, this national issue has not been addressed since 1993, the last time Congress increased the federal fuel tax – the primary funding mechanism for financing the majority of transportation infrastructure projects. Today, the issue remains, and is centered on the need for true long-term legislation able to attain the revenue necessary to finance the infrastructure projects of America’s crumbling highways, roads, bridges, and tunnels.

Bridging the Partisan Divide

A timely solution could help the nation capitalize on the current level of soaring economic momentum. As stated by Mr. LaHood, ‘There are no Democratic or Republican roads or bridges.’ And President Trump agrees, ‘We have a lot in common on infrastructure.’ Rep. Peter DeFazio notes, ‘We can’t pretend. There has to be real money, real investment, and it needs to be done soon.’ However, it’ll cost money at a time money is tight. A challenge that will be hard to surmount without everyone’s support.

Pave the way to a brighter future. Learn more about terminal tractors from DJ Products today.

The “Need for Speed” Hits Supply Chains – What to Know

With Amazon, Target, and the like offering increasingly faster shipping times at little to no additional cost to entice customers, the pressure is on. Those moving goods from the docks via terminal tractors, toting it via tractor trailer, and delivering door-side are all under a time crunch. As the ‘need for speed’ becomes increasingly pressing, how can your business keep up the pace?

Five Supply Chain Logistics Tips for Meeting ‘Instant Gratification’ Needs:

1. Get Closer

Instead of one large distribution center, consider a number of smaller centers to place yourself closer to customers/shippers and speed the flow.

2. Invest in the Right Equipment

Instead of constantly waiting on hostlers, invest in terminal tractors that can be driven by any employee – no CDL or Health Card required. Not only do these motorized trailer dollies offer faster movement, but they improve safety and control, reducing the risk of injury and damage.

3. Make Friends

If you’re a smaller firm, increase your shipping range with the help of a partner, such as local couriers or ShipBob. This nationwide service holds goods in its warehouses, picking, packing and shipping them for small-to-medium sized companies to nearby consumers, shrinking shipping times.

4. Embrace Tech

This includes a number of recent innovations, including:

– Data analytics for better planning.

– Visibility tools that allow you to quickly identify what/where your inventory is.

– Internet of Things (IoT) tools that enable better inventory tracking, segmentation, and placement.

– Predictive analytics to uncover disruptions before they occur.

5. Automate

Sorters, conveyors, and robots are a great way to speed up a range of distribution and fulfillment processes, as are autonomous vehicles.

Running behind? Get your supply chain running a little faster with the help of terminal tractors from DJ Products today.

Beyond the Dumpster: The Interesting Ancient History of Recycling and Garbage, Part Two

Following the 1940s, as the buildup of waste increased alongside environmental concerns, the need for better dumpster moving equipment and recycling became increasingly apparent.

1950s

Consumers are sold on the idea that single-use items are a necessity of modern life. Ease and convenience trump all restraint and the ‘throwaway era’ is born. Green space and highways become littered with trash.

1960s

Aluminum cans are introduced, with manufacturers quickly identifying opportunities for recycling/reuse, resulting in a massive recycling system. The symbol for ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’, the Mobius Loop, is introduced to raise environmental awareness.

1970s

The first Earth Day brings attention to the overabundance of waste and importance of recycling. The ‘Bottle Bill’ is born, enticing consumers with a refundable nickel deposit as incentive to recycle bottles/cans. The nation’s first recycling mill is erected in Pennsylvania as curbside recycling pickup is introduced in other states. The Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act creates disposal and landfill standards for typical/hazardous waste.

1980s

Recycling initiatives (‘blue box’ and curbside projects) increase, with some cities mandating recycling. Curbside recycling programs are 1,050 strong.

1990s

McDonald’s gives Styrofoam the boot. Curbside programs reach 5,404 strong, and recycling centers 10,000+. A record 47.6-billion soft drink containers are recycled in ’95 (63%-U.S./80%-California) alongside 62 billion cans. The U.S. rate of recycling is 25%.

Early 2000s

EPA confirms the global warming/waste connection. In efforts to reduce greenhouse emissions, 5 states require electronics recycling; Dell offers free recycling for their products. SanFran bans plastic grocery bags.

Late 2000s

585 million+ pounds of consumer electronics are recycled in 2012, up 25% from 2011. California bans plastic grocery bags state-wide. China’s recycling import bans force the U.S. to step-up recycling practices.

Dumpster moving equipment dated or non-existent? Contact DJ Products today.

It’s Time for Your Warehouse Safety Audit – How to Get Started

Warehouse safety and forklift safety go hand-in-hand. Is your workplace compliant?

Creating a Safe Environment

Implemented by your company and maintained by OSHA, Safety in warehouses and forklift environments should be standard, not optional. Pedestrian workers, forklift operators, and supervising managers should all feel safe and secure. To achieve this, careful attention must be given to the following areas of your warehouse, not just pre-audit, but year-round:

Workspace Safety

To safeguard employees, keep workspaces uncluttered and walkways clear, remaining vigilant of tripping hazards. Keep all areas well lit, ensuring maximum visibility. Clean up spills immediately to keep slip and fall hazards in check.

Electrical Safety

Make sure all outlets function properly and aren’t overloaded, avoiding the use of extension cords which present multiple safety risks, including trip and water/fire hazards.

Equipment Safety

Well maintained, easy to operate warehouse equipment that is routinely inspected prior to use is integral to warehouse safety.

Fire Safety

Remove any/all fire hazards. Keep fire extinguishers in easily accessible areas. Test/replace them regularly, ensuring they’re in good working condition and employees know when/how to use them. Clearly mark all exits, keeping them free of obstructions.

Hazmat Safety

Ensure a clear path to eyewash stations and keep them in good working order. Clearly label all chemicals, keeping material safety data sheets (MSDS) on hand and easily accessible for rapid response in the event of an emergency.

Emergency Procedures

Knowledgeable employees are safe employees. Clear instructions on what to do in the event of accident, medical emergency, fire, or weather-related disaster are essential.

Do you have the right warehouse equipment and features to enhance worker safety? Protect employees from serious injury and improve efficiency with the help of DJ Products today.

Feds Lower Barriers to Autonomous Long Haul Semi Trucks

There has been a lot of controversy surrounding the idea of autonomous vehicles on the road. It seems strange to think that cars and trucks might be able to get from point A to point B without a human driver. But, this is the reality of the world we’re living in today.

In today’s world, federal trucking rules are stating that the term “driver” can refer to artificial intelligence operating the trucks on the road; even those that are long hauls. This means that while companies may use terminal tractors and manpower to get the trucks ready to leave their warehouses, that same manpower isn’t necessary on the road.

State Laws are Barriers to Technology

Of course, not every state shares this viewpoint, and many are hesitant to agree. But federal laws will overrule states’ laws. DOT regulations stand in the way of progress because humans are limited in the amount of time they can drive long hauls. Autonomous trucking technology solves several problems that logistics companies all over the country are facing. And there are even more benefits to the industry as well.

The Benefits of Autonomous Trucks

Millions of dollars can be saved by implementing this new technology. In fact, in 2016 Uber conducted a test in which an 18-wheeler drove 120 miles to deliver beer. The company stated that by using an autonomous truck, they could potentially save $50 million per year. That’s excellent news for the economy. Lives might even be saved by removing humans from trucks altogether because of the long hours that drivers often work, which can lead to fatigue and unsafe driving.

It might take some time before this is implemented in your state. Until then, if you need terminal tractors, contact us!

Beyond the Dumpster: The Interesting Ancient History of Recycling and Garbage Part One

Think recycling is new? Both literally and figuratively, recycling is old news. With an interesting history, the recycling of trash has been in play on and by the earth since the days of dinosaurs decomposing into our favorite fossil fuels.

500 B.C.

Think moving waste without your dumpster mover is tough? In early Athens, Greece, city inhabitants were required by law to dispose of waste at least one-mile from city walls.

1031 A.D.

The first recorded reuse of paper waste was seen in Japan; recycled into new paper and resold in small family-owned shops nationwide.

1690

Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Mill introduced recycling using a manufacturing process that transformed fibers from cotton and linen rags into paper.

1776

The British are coming… And American rebels turned to recycling to fuel the materials necessary for the War of Independence.

1865

The Salvation Army in London, England began collecting, sorting and recycling unwanted items; later migrating to the U.S. in the 1890s.

1897

NYC established a materials recovery facility where rubbish such as paper, carpet, burlap, twin, rubber, and metals were sorted for recycling and reuse.

1900s

‘Waste as wealth’ programs promoted the ability to earn money by sorting/reselling items found in household garbage.

1904

America’s first aluminum can recycling plants opened their doors in Cleveland and Chicago.

1916-1918

‘Don’t waste it, save it’ referendum was promoted by the government to circumvent the massive shortage of raw materials in WWI.

1930s

Peddling rags, metal, etc. helped many survive the Depression.

1940

Rationing and recycling helped support war efforts.

Don’t throw away productivity. Put your employee’s assets to better use with the help of a dumpster mover from DJ Products today.

Albertsons Makes a Ten Electric Tesla Semi-Truck Purchase

Southern California grocery giant Albertsons will soon be facilitating the delivery of goods via Tesla’s latest all-electric semi truck technology. Ten trucks will grace the ranks of the food and drug retailer’s semi-trailer fleet under the Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions names. Will your business’ semi trailer mover and fleet soon be juicing-up side-by-side?

Meeting Supply Chain Efficiency & Sustainability Goals

The purchase of the vehicles is part of Albertson’s commitment to safety, sustainability, and social responsibility. A supporting partner of the EPA’s SmartWay program, Albertson’s fleet of 1,400 trucks are all SmartWay certified, as are 93% of its third-party carriers.

The truck purchases will aid the company in reducing their carbon footprint, upholding their commitment as a positive community partner and steward of the environment. Helping Albertson’s ensure a brighter future, the base and extended-range models of the electric semis, priced at $150,000-$180,000, provide a 300-mile to 500-mile range on a single charge, respectively, using less than 2-kW of energy per mile even with a fully-loaded trailer.

Forget the Noise

The purchases come as a surprise to some, given ongoing negative news surrounding the company including a number of executive departures, speculation of possible financial troubles ,and issues regarding the Tesla Model 3, which left the viability of the company’s semi line in question.

Volvo And Daimler electric models will start delivery as early as next year. NFI Industries, a third-party logistics provider which also ordered 10 Tesla semis, expects delivery some time in 2020, while the production and timing of the delivery of the Albertson’s purchase remains unknown.

Looking for new ways to reduce your carbon footprint and improve your business’ supply chain safety and efficiency? Learn more about the advantages of a semi trailer mover from DJ Products today.