christopher Harper, Author at DJ Products

Top Safety Tips for Your Warehouse – A Great Review

As the warehouse industry gains new facilities in response to the demands of online retailing, companies are taking on inexperienced workers to fill their staffs. Employee onboarding should include training on warehouse equipment as well as appropriate safety tips.

There are basic safety procedures that apply to all warehouses regardless of size and products handled. Protect new and experienced employees by incorporating these safety tips in your company culture.

Top Tips to Prioritize Warehouse Safety

– Safety training is essential for all new hires, but it should also be ongoing to ensure that workers stay current with policies and protocol. Specific areas of focus include warehouse equipment operation, handling of hazardous materials and emergency procedures.

– Is your warehouse organized for optimum safety? Review workflows periodically and make any necessary adjustments to maintain a logical layout.

– Cluttered aisles, dirty warehouse equipment and liquid spills are unsightly and pose serious injury risks. In addition, a sloppy warehouse affects morale and leads to decreased efficiency. Establish cleaning checklists and schedules for all workstations.

– Fire detection and extinguishing systems are set by building codes, but additional measures may be required if hazardous or flammable materials are stored in your warehouse. All fire escape routes should be clearly marked and kept free of obstructions.

– Employees are involved in the day-to-day operations of the warehouse, putting them in a good position to identify hazards that may develop over time. Instruct supervisors to maintain transparent channels of communication with workers so they feel comfortable reporting any problems.

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Tips for Removing Grease from Concrete Floors in Your Warehouse

Have you ever struggled to remove stubborn grease stains from laundry? Oil and other fluids from warehouse equipment cause the same problem in porous concrete floors. The difference is that greasy floors in the workplace are a serious safety hazard.

Fortunately, the floor isn’t doomed. Protect your workers from slip-and-fall accidents by using these tips to remove grease from concrete warehouse floors.

Removing Grease from Sealer

A sealer is often applied to the surface of concrete floors to help prevent liquids from penetrating. If there is a sealer on the warehouse floor, it’s difficult to tell just by sight whether the grease is trapped in the sealer or it’s actually seeped through into the concrete.

Remove the sealer with a citrus and soy oil-based stripper, taking care to ventilate the area and use personal protective equipment. If the underlying surface is clean, simply reseal the floor.

Removing Grease from Concrete

You may find that the grease stain has migrated into the concrete, or perhaps your warehouse floor doesn’t have a sealer in the first place. In that case, most commercial cleaners and solvents will loosen the grease particles.

Once that’s done, there are a couple of options for removing the stain.

– Wipe the area with cotton rags soaked with solvent.

– Steam-clean the floor and scrub with a degreaser.

After the floor has been thoroughly cleaned, coat with a grease-resistant sealer. Consider adding a top coat of finishing wax for easy maintenance and greater protection.

Top Quality Warehouse Equipment from DJ Products

Our electric warehouse equipment lets your workers move heavy loads up and down inclines, around tight corners and through narrow aisles. Request our free demo trial to see why our warehouse equipment is the solution to your specific needs.

What Are the Next Big Disrupters for Supply Chain Logistics?

Could your terminal tractors soon be toting goods produced or packaged using advanced technology? Innovation continues to shake up the logistics industry, with advanced technologies increasingly becoming a critical driver of supply chain strategies, disrupting ‘business as usual’ and paving the road for new logistics models.

What Technologies Could Disrupt Your Supply Chain?

These emerging technologies are most likely to disrupt your supply chain over the coming years…

The Internet of Things (IoT)

Data analytics is playing a key role in transforming not only logistics, but the end-to-end supply chain, offering keen insight into operations and ways to improve efficiency in the production, storage, routing, transportation, monitoring and delivery, and usage of goods. From wearables to continually advancing smart technology, there’s a whole new world of innovative logistics opportunities. Could the elimination of physical inventory counts and hands-free replenishment be on the horizon?

3-D Printing

Future personalization possibilities in the 3-D printing arena could dramatically simplify complicated supply chains, allowing for one-phase production in a single factory.

Self-Driving Automobiles

Self-driving vehicles could soon be used to transport items within warehouses, and driverless trucks will be revolutionary, carrying items to their end destination without stops for food and rest, unlocking new levels of efficiency and safety within the logistics sector. Driver shortages and an increase in e-commerce will push this trend, which appears inevitable.

Collaborative Robotics

Robots could soon work alongside humans loading/unloading, picking/packing, and shipping with a high degree of accuracy.

The Uberization of Delivery

Following in Amazon’s footsteps, ‘civilian’ drivers could play an increasing role in delivery, squeezing expensive commercial services out of the market.

Looking to the future? Save time, cut costs, and reduce accidents and injuries with the help of terminal tractors from DJ Products today.

The Top Trends We Are Watching in Rail for 2018

Our innovative railcar mover is designed to operate dependably through a wide range of conditions. No matter what changes in the rail industry, you can count on our mover for reliable service.

The past few years have been a time of flux in the rail industry, and 2018 is no exception. Here’s a look at the current trends affecting rail.

Increased Traffic

Declining rail traffic led to its second-lowest total of revenue ton-miles in 2016. But by June 2017, both Class 1 freight and regional railroad volume were showing significant year-over-year growth.

High Demand for Coal Transport

Lower stockpiles, reduced days of burn and higher temperatures combined to drive up the demand for coal at power plants. Coal transport increased by 20 percent over the period of June 2016 to June 2017.

Railroad Stocks on the Rise

Coal exports also increased by 60 percent in 2017, while overall growth in U.S. gross national product (GDP) is driving a greater demand for goods and commodities. As a result, railroad stocks are expected to reap the benefits of these upturns.

Integration of Technology

The rail industry has been behind the curve in adopting cloud computing, Big Data analytics and other high-tech innovations. With costs shrinking as technology matures, more rail companies are investing in these systems.

Transport Management Systems Become the Industry Standard

Early versions of transport management systems (TMS) were too elementary to be cost-effective, but software has progressed to the point where TMS is increasingly seen as a valuable solution.

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Top Trends in 2018 for Dumpster Safety

Our electric dumpster mover protects employees from common workplace injuries, but trash disposal involves a number of more wide-ranging safety concerns. What’s actually in a dumpster can present health hazards that spread to surrounding areas.

As companies strive to become more environmentally responsible, these trends are becoming part of green trash disposal procedures.

Updated Plastic Recycling

Polystyrene foam and other traditional packing materials have given way to more eco-friendly plastics. China, which previously imported the bulk of global plastic waste, instituted a ban on many disposables. As a result, waste and recycling centers are instituting systems to properly handle plastics.

Promoting Awareness of Bio-Hazards

Products such as pesticides, automotive fluids and cleaning solutions do more than cause injury when handled improperly. Chemicals can leak into the ground and seriously damage the ecosystem. Companies are training workers on identification and disposal of hazardous materials.

Responsible E-Waste Disposal

With computers, tablets, cell phones and other digital devices becoming staples in most households, frequent tech upgrades result in a flood of discarded electronics. Communities are increasing the number of e-waste programs and stations to accommodate the demand.

Converting Waste to Energy

California has taken the lead in development of anaerobic digestion technology, which is a method to convert food and other biodegradable waste into energy. The city of Sacramento currently processes more than 100 tons of organic matter each day. If they can sustain this success, the technology will undoubtedly make its way across the country.

Battery-Powered Dumpster Mover Combines Productivity and Safety

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Global Trade Impacts Cause a Lack of Focus on Ethics and Sustainability

In the midst of the U.S. trade war with China and U.K.’s impending ‘Brexit,’ on-site factory audits show a waning interest in ethics and sustainability. Are your semi trailer movers toting products from ‘red light’ districts?

Not Keeping Pace

Although overall ethical scores recorded in factory audits in the second quarter are higher than average 2017 values, manufacturers are falling behind on the previous quarter’s improvement pace. On the commonly used ‘traffic light’ ranking system, more than one-third of factories are falling into the ‘amber light’ category. (‘Red light’ indicates critical non-compliance issues such as child/forced labor.)

How Bad is It?

‘Ethical compliance’ remains a fairly broad term. Ensuring safe working conditions remains a major struggle. Though progress in this arena has slowed overall, second-quarter 2018 showcases fewer factories with immediate critical risks (threats to worker life/safety). Yet the number of fully-compliant ‘green light’ factories stands at a two-year low. Less than 20% of factories get the ‘green light,’ requiring significant improvement in the mid-to-long-term, especially in monsoon-ravaged Asia.

From Green to Brown

In the environmental arena, despite China’s 2017 efforts, the country continues to lag behind its Asian neighbors in terms of environmental compliance. In the first half of this year, manufacturers scored 21% lower than their Asian counterparts, with smaller factories (less than 100 workers) accounting for two-thirds of issues.

Presenting unprecedented challenges for the global supply chain, the drive to fight pollution and climate change (not to mention tariff repercussions) could send companies searching for new suppliers to surmount sustainability challenges.

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Cut Your Shipping Costs with Our LTL (Less-than-Truckload) Tips

Are you being penny-wise and pound-foolish when it comes to an investment in cart caddies and motorized trailer dollies? While many shippers rely on eking the lowest possible transportation rates out of carriers, there are other more effective ways of cutting shipping expenses, especially when handling less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments.

Secrets to Cutting Shipping Costs

As the LTL segment increases, shipping logistics plays an integral role in cost. Focusing on process improvements sidesteps shipping dilemmas and safeguards rates. These can be accomplished by watching…

1. Pricing:

Avoid Surprises

Knowing true shipping weights is essential to avoiding admin correction fees and fees for overweight/overlarge shipments.

Looking to Net Cost

Don’t overlook fees that factor into total expenditures. Discount rates can be misleading.

Shopping for Simple Pricing

Pricing complexity leads to confusion and excess costs. Perhaps a simplified flat weight/space rate may be better.

Understanding Shipping Rules

Look to cost as a measure of what companies don’t like/specialize in. Choose the right carrier for your needs, looking to predictability in rate structure. Less variability reduces costs.

2. Packaging:

Protect Shipments from Stacking

Shipment condition at its destination is a prime concern in regards to expense. Mark packaged pallets as ‘FRAGILE’ to inform dock workers (not the bill-of-lading). Place a protective layer atop pallets devised to support stacked weight.

Shrink Wrap

To safeguard structural integrity.

Maximize Space

Pack to the maximum height requirement and pallet’s edge – but not beyond. This ensure maximum bang-for-the-buck and circumvent fees.

3. Carrier Choice:

Carrier Specialties

Selecting carriers that specialize in the services you need (national/regional/economy/commercial/residential) saves money.

Shipping Speed

Not everyone needs it yesterday.

Looking for ways to speed processes and reduce labor? Learn more about cart caddies and motorized trailer dollies from DJ Products today.

Semi Truck Washing Has Become A Whopping $12 Billion Industry

When You're on the Road for Hundreds of Hours, You Rack Up a Heavy Coating of Dirt, and Businesses are Rising to Cater to That! — When You’re on the Road for Hundreds of Hours, You Rack Up a Heavy Coating of Dirt, and Businesses are Rising to Cater to That!

How clean are your yard trucks? In efforts to protect against the ravages of corrosion, truck washing has become a $12-billion industry in the U.S., and it continues to grow.

Wash Me

Newcomer Fleet Clean USA, a mobile truck cleaning service with over 1,000 businesses in 18 states, has reported growth of 40% annually, on average, since its inception 8-years ago, with a 50% increase in its scrubbing business since last year. The company’s founder and CEO, Scott Marr, touts Fleet Clean’s capacity to save customers time and money, eliminating the need for in-house or wash-bay activities while drivers are on-the-road.

Services are available 7-days-a-week, and offered a la carte, including exterior, interior, and engine bay cleaning. Their service even offers options to meet the needs of reefer trailers, who must conform to strict food-safety regulations. Prices run from $15 to $195 for the full shebang, which includes interior detailing. Most customers schedule maintenance washes 1-2-weeks in the same location.

Touchless

The company and its franchises determine pricing based on a computer program that takes into account travel distance, vehicle type, volume, and other factors. A crew of three can wash 5-8 units in an hour, working out of a custom-bodied Class 6 (non-CDL) vehicle equipped with a system that recaptures some of the 22-gallons of soiled water it takes to clean a tractor-trailer for filtering and later discharge.

Riding the Wave

The business is trying to grow, hoping to add to its 22 franchise locations by year’s end. Startup cost? $150-175,000, which Marr states can be recouped in just 12-24 months.

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How Can You Add Value to Your Supply Chain Clients?

Customer satisfaction is key to retention, and value-added logistics services can give your company a competitive advantage.

What Value-Added Services Could Help You Retain Customers?
Value-added services have moved far beyond rainbow pallets and shrink wrap. Consider these ideas that you can put to use in your current operations:

Expanded Offerings

From custom gift baskets to creating twin packs, expand buying choices to increase sales and clientele.

Shelf-Ready Options

Price, tag, and display the customer’s way to a more streamlined stocking experience.

Personalization

From embroidered apparel logos to custom smartphone covers, personalization is a hot trend.

More Efficient Inventory Management

Customized products = fewer SKUs = reduced inventory carrying/management costs.

Reduced Suppliers

Could your suppliers offer you more value-added services as well? This could reduce unnecessary suppliers and streamline your supply chain.

Reduced Labor

Automated solutions and value-added services reduce downtime and the number of ‘touches’ necessary to pack and ship, ultimately saving on labor.

Yard Trucks

Shipping times lagging? Product and equipment damage costing you dearly? Yard trucks can help, making the movements of trailers and cargo easier and preventing damage.

Transportation Management

The closer packaging/manufacturing/distribution/shipping destinations are to one another, the more cost-effectively you can manage transportation.

Continuous Improvement

Teaming up with a third party logistics company can help you analyze and streamline your current processes, from purchasing and packaging, to value-added services and delivery. Where might your processes benefit from reengineering?

Partnerships

Partnering with third party logistics companies could prove a valuable friendship, providing the flexibility to meet the needs of seasonal fluctuations, business growth, and more.

Falling behind in the ever-changing world of e-commerce? DJ Products has the tips and tools you need to ensure success. Learn more about electric yard trucks from DJ Products today.

Warehouse Technology Trends for 2018

Will driverless trucks be making their way to your warehouse docks anytime soon? As technology constantly improves, material handling equipment and supply chain procedures reach levels that were once considered a distant dream.

So what changes can you look forward to in the near future? Experts weigh in on the top warehouse technology trends of 2018.

DIY Last-Mile Deliveries

Customers are demanding faster delivery times, leaving retailers scrambling to stay competitive without increasing costs. Industry giants such as Amazon and Walmart have begun handling last-mile deliveries in-house, with other companies following suit in order to save the expense of third-party delivery services.

Shift to Regional Warehouses

Expedited delivery has also made warehouse location more strategic than ever. Companies around the world, once again led by Amazon, are moving from large warehouse hubs to smaller regional warehouses. In addition to putting product closer to delivery points, these smaller facilities get approved more quickly and they’re easier to build.

Rise in Cybersecurity Concerns

Safety has always been a major concern in warehouses, but now managers are in the position of protecting something they can’t even see. As more data is collected and stored in warehouse management systems and other digital applications, companies are looking for solutions to eliminate electronic poaching of proprietary information.

Experimentation with Alternate Logistics Options

Innovations in technology are encouraging companies to experiment with unconventional logistics methods. In addition to the aforementioned driverless trucks, drone delivery and robotic workers are just two of the high-tech options being tested.

Time-Tested Material Handling Equipment from DJ Products

Our battery-powered pushers, movers and tugs incorporate cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art ergonomic design. Visit our website and learn more about why the time is always right for material handling equipment from DJ Products.