christopher Harper, Author at DJ Products

A New Partnership Between Drivers and Self-Driving Semi Trucks

What will the future hold for the trucking industry once automated driving technology further enters the picture? As it turns out, your yard trucks will still be moving cargo for haul by the human labor pool, albeit with a slightly different chain-of-custody. Self-driving truck technology developers are working to ensure a future where drivers and automated vehicles work in-tandem for the safer, more efficient transport of goods.

A Gradual Pathway to Automation

Self-driving trucks won’t be equipped to handle all driving tasks anytime soon. But how human being and automated systems will work together remains an open-ended question, one with many possible answers. What is known: As self-driving trucks start carrying cargo, their limited operational capacity will leave them heavily reliant upon the assistance of drivers in conventional vehicles.

Potential Models:

– Transfer Hub Model
Long-haul trucks tote freight between exits on freeways, then trailers are swapped to local drivers at designated transfer stations.

– Tele-Operation
Autonomous trucks are monitored by remote/offsite backup drivers.

– Truck Platooning
Mixed convoys of piloted and autonomous haulers.

Human Labor Will Remain a Necessity for Trucking Tasks

Current technology will continue to build on readily functional active-safety and driver-assist technology with more automated steering functionality, advanced sensors and software. Eventually they’ll morph into ‘autopilot’ systems – with or without a human backup.

Although structural operations are sure to evolve alongside technology, change will occur at a slower pace as companies tailor their methods of transporting specific types of freight. Technology is expected to move toward a ‘hybrid’ business model – one, hopefully, with more desirable short-haul jobs.

Are you ready for the future? Advance your operation, saving time, manpower, and improving safety with yard trucks from DJ Products today.

Three Tips to Improving the Bottom-Line at Your Warehouse

In the highly competitive warehouse and distribution center industry, it’s more important than ever to minimize expenses and maximize profitability. Our electric material handling equipment helps you allocate valuable manpower more efficiently.

But that’s just a start. Here are some expert tips to reduce costs and optimize your bottom line.

Incorporate a Warehouse Management System (WMS)

How much do you really know about the effectiveness of individual employees? If you’re still using time cards and other old-school methods, the answer is, “not much.”

Warehouse management systems with labor management functionality offer reporting at a granular level that provides unprecedented amounts of data. All the information you need to spot problems is right at your fingertips.

Reduce Excess and Obsolete Inventory

– Discounts available with buying in bulk may be tempting, but it can actually be counterproductive due to increased storage costs. Review the warehouse layout and make any necessary changes to improve space utilization.

– Obsolete inventory also ties up capital and renders warehouse space unprofitable. Slow-moving items can be donated to charity, sold at a discount or disposed of in other creative ways that don’t result in a total loss.

Conduct Ongoing Tech Training

Access to technology isn’t enough. Workers need adequate training to ensure that they’re getting full functionality from tablets, scanners and other devices.

Establish a training program for both current and new employees. Online learning systems allow hands-on training and reduce costs of live training sessions.

DJ Products: Your Top Choice for Material Handling Equipment

Labor is your number one expense. Our battery-powered tugs, movers and pushers offer two-fold savings with more efficient manpower allocation and reduced workplace injuries.

Visit our website and chat with our friendly sales engineers to find the best solution for your specific needs.

Material Handling Industry Trends to Watch for 2018

As your preferred material handling equipment supplier, we stay on top of the latest supply chain news and information. Here are five trends to watch for in the upcoming year concerning forklifts and other essential warehouse equipment.

Energy-Efficient Equipment

Electrically-powered material handling equipment is becoming increasingly popular in warehouses and distribution centers. Battery life under optimum conditions is approximately eight hours, which is enough to carry through a full shift. Top efficiency prevents costly downtime due to charging batteries.

Non-Marking Tires

Customer service is one of the biggest selling points for any warehouse. Black rubber dust that settles onto products is cause for dissatisfaction. Non-marking tires also help maintain clean warehouses, which in turn improves worker safety.

Compact Equipment Size

As business increases, more material moves through your warehouse. Demand is increasing for forklifts and other equipment that combine superior lifting and moving capacity with a less bulky profile.

Worker Safety

When you’re looking for ways to reduce costs, workplace injury claims rise to the top of the list. Modern material handling equipment incorporates ergonomic controls and other safety features to reduce the risk of on-site injuries.

Equipment Management

Maximizing equipment life is another way to control costs. Warehouses are using sophisticated systems to compile and analyze data in order to determine maintenance schedules that get the most out of equipment.

DJ Products: Your First Choice for a Material Handling Equipment Supplier

Want to keep up with the latest trends in material handling equipment? Battery-powered tugs, movers and pushers from DJ Products, such as our best-selling CartCaddyLite, check all these boxes and more.

Visit our website and use the handy on-line chat feature, where our sales engineers are standing by to help you find the right solution for your application.

Tips for Improving Warehouse Picking Accuracy

Thanks to the Internet, today’s customers are savvier than ever. As a result, they have increasingly higher expectations for their buying experience. Top-of-the-line warehouse equipment helps improve productivity, but your employees are the key to greater efficiency.

Order picking is a time-consuming but vital part of warehouse operations. Experts offer the following tips to boost accuracy without sacrificing time.

Set Goals and Track Results

Employees can better focus their efforts when they know what’s expected. Set accuracy goals and track them faithfully so you can pinpoint and address problems before they grow out of hand.

Review the Process from Beginning to End

A problem at any stage of order picking creates a ripple effect that affects the entire process. Carefully review each step to identify any roadblocks.

Count, Recount and Count Again

Even the most effective order pickers make mistakes. As often as possible, count before and after picking, and have shippers and packers reconfirm counts. The time spent is more than offset by savings in returns, accurate inventory data and customer satisfaction.

Embrace Automation Wherever Possible

Automated warehouse solutions have become the norm rather than the exception. You may think you can’t afford to modernize your systems, but you’re even less able to afford losing customers to tech-friendly competitors.

Reduce Walking and Worker Fatigue

Walking adds time to order picking and causes workers to tire, resulting in a slower pace. Optimize product slotting and incorporate solutions such as carton flow racks to reduce travel time.

Conserve Manpower with Warehouse Equipment from DJ Products

Do you lose valuable manpower hours having to assign multiple employees to physical tasks? With our eco-friendly tugs, pushers and movers, a single worker can move loads weighing thousands of pounds.

Call 800.686.2651 for more information.

Should You Relax Your Warehouse Staff Drug Testing Policies?

For several decades, pre-employment drug testing has been standard procedure in a wide range of industries. It’s been especially important in supply chain and logistics, with its use of warehouse equipment that requires clear minds and steady hands to operate.

During the last few years, some companies have begun limiting drug tests or eliminating them altogether. Is it time for you to consider relaxing your drug testing policies?

New Perspectives on Drug Use

In the big picture, attitudes toward drugs have been changing throughout the country. As of 2018, marijuana is legal in nine states as well as Washington, DC, giving more than 20 percent of adults the freedom to smoke it.

What’s more relevant for the supply chain and logistics industry is the tight labor market that’s further constricted by drug testing. According to a survey conducted by the Federal Reserve last year, inability of applicants to pass a drug test was included as one of the major obstacles to finding qualified candidates.

Does Recreational Drug Use Matter?

This claim is backed up by the fact that the number of failed drug tests reached a historic level in 2017. Experts predict that totals will continue to rise with the spread of state-legalized marijuana.

Some companies are adopting the attitude that what employees do on their personal time is irrelevant. Relaxed drug testing policies also allow companies to hire the best candidate for the job instead of issuing blanket rejections based on recreational drug use.

Warehouse Equipment that Improves Workplace Safety

Workplace injuries are a costly drain on productivity. Our battery-powered tugs, movers and pushers are designed to let a single employee move heavy loads with less risk of musculoskeletal or repetitive-motion injuries.

Visit our website for more information.

Richard Branson Shakes Up the Industry by Creating a Small Private Airport for Commercial Passenger Use

Is your business undergoing a bit of a shake-up? Does it need one? A recent article about a businessman named Richard Branson highlights how to cause a reverberating stir. He is shaking things up in a big way by creating his own Private Small Airport for commercial use.

It’s a revolutionary concept in the states but has been gaining popularity in other countries. Taking on the high demands associated with flight transportation can be a high-pressure job. Like Richard Branson, if you’re involved in the aircraft transportation sector you can revolutionize the industry with new concepts, technology, and with a little help from quality machinery.

Facilitating Flight

The aircraft industry relies on organization, efficiency and quality customer service. High-quality aircraft machinery that supports all three characteristics are usually wise investments that benefit employees and customers, and also enhance safety procedures and time management.

An aircraft moving caddy allows private airports a method to lower labor cost and raise service quality, helping them to remain competitive in this often tumultuous industry. If private airport facilities take off, the need for compact, reliable products will increase. But whether you own or work with small aircraft, an aircraft moving caddy is one step closer to ensuring the best experience for all those involved.

Let DJ Products Bring New Opportunity

If you’re seeking a way to compete with smaller or larger transportation businesses, battery-operated aircraft moving caddy products ensure tasks big and small are completed safely and with precision. Let your employees know you understand their needs while creating an environment that welcomes new ideas, new opportunity, and positive change. In logistics and in the air, timing and efficiency matters! Today is always the right time to trust the aircraft line of DJ Products!

Daimler Creates New Automated Truck Research and Testing Center

Pioneers in the trucking industry continue to emerge, as now Daimler Trucks seeks to discover and invest in new frontiers like automation and electric freight liners. The inception of an entirely fresh platform is creating a stir with those in the various industries affiliated with technology and freight delivery.

As the industries continue to spread and create opportunities through research and advancements, machinery like semi trailer dollies become necessary to facilitate their growth.

New Opportunities, New Uncertainty

How do you keep up with the latest developments in a burgeoning industry? Don’t let progress intimidate your business plan or determine your success. If you feel uncertain as to what electric trucks and automation mean for your operations, invest in problem-solving solutions.

Trust in products that can withstand any upheaval in the industry, to help you keep your labor costs down, and worker morale up. Longevity in business can be as simple as utilizing machinery that won’t fail you when the unexpected happens.

Advancing Your Business

Semi trailer dollies reduce risk to your business. An investment in new technology may come with a learning curve, at least in the near term. Similarly, trusting in new employees to develop expertise with these dollies comes with a risk. But thankfully, entrusting new hirees with DJ Products machinery isn’t a difficult task. Semi trailer dollies are so simple to operate anyone can do it.

You shouldn’t have to risk life or limb to get tasks done correctly. For industries that buy and move in bulk, easily maneuverable products protect your employees from muscle strain and exhaustion and your interests as well. Stay up-to-date and far from worry by utilizing DJ Products’ smart machines. They do the heavy-duty tasks so your team doesn’t have to!

Truck Sales to the Logistics Market Slows Due to Low Supply Against High Demand

In the trucking industry, success leans heavily on logistics. Detailed coordination needs all parts involved running smoothly to function efficiently. From the necessary acquisition of durable, heavy-duty vehicles to the utilization of useful trailer helpers, like a semi trailer dolly, every working piece needs to fit correctly to sustain a well-oiled profit-making machine.

Lately, the need for immediate product acquisition and delivery services has been steadily climbing. A recent article describes a disturbing trend that reveals the trucking industry is at a crucial time in its history – a veritable tipping point! High demand is creating real concerns for those in trucking and logistics as employers scramble to meet the needs of their customers.

Unwrapping the Rear Axle

Trucking business owners are keeping their used trucks close to the vest rather than trading them in for newer models. And they are purchasing newer models as well. The need is growing for reliable new and used semis so tractor/semi-trailer manufacturers are racing to keep up. It’s vital to businesses inherently dependent on their ability to deliver freight quickly to ensure there is no slow down in the logistics process.

Logistics emphasizes the need to acquire and retain reliable machinery to help deliver products on time and with care. Get rid of the confusion, safety concerns, labor costs and increase your potential to deliver freights. Quality inventions like a semi trailer dolly can take up the slack when a portion of the process falters.

DJ Products Keeps Freight Moving

Premium quality machinery solves difficult issues with ingenuity. When demands are high and supplies are low, the right products allow you to meet higher levels of expectations. DJ Products continues to reach across a multitude of industries to provide tested solutions to complex problems.

Daimler Moves into Tesla’s Electric Semi Space with eCascadia Semi Truck

Will your terminal tractors soon be pushing a payload destined for plug-in vehicles? Giving Tesla’s revolutionary electric semis a run for their money, Daimler, one of the world’s largest truck producers, recently unveiled their eCascadia semi, adding the electric hauling behemoth to its relatively new electric truck division.

What Kind of Electrically-Powered Products is Daimler Packing?

– FUSO eCanter
A lighter-duty, box-truck-style hauler capable of lugging up to 3-½ tons over a 62-mile range.

– eTruck
A large, 212-kWh battery pack powers this 26-ton capacity hauler, gifting it with 125-miles of range.

– Freightliner eM2 106
A last-mile delivery hauler, with 325-kWh battery, 230-mile range, providing 80% recharge in 60-minutes.

– eCascadia Semi
The eCascadia is a heavy-duty, 730-HP, Class 8 truck with a range of up to 250-miles, powered by a behemoth 550-kWh battery capable of recharging to about 80% within 90-minutes.

How Does it Stack Up Against Tesla’s Competition?
Tesla touts an unbelievable 500-mile range for its yet roadway-ready Class 8, 80,000-pound capacity hauler. Martin Daum, head of trucks and buses at Daimler, implied Tesla’s specs are either stretching the truth, or defy the laws of physics – but if true, will pass them by. Both are feeling the pressure.

And the Winner Is…
The Daimler addition marks an interesting twist in the burgeoning market of more environmentally friendly transportation mediums. With competition in the all-electric truck division heating up, it’s anyone’s guess who will push to the forefront of the electrically-powered vehicle market when they actually hit the road, unveiling their true capacities. Potentially inspiring more competition from other manufacturers as motivations for a lower carbon footprint drive the market.

Looking to get ahead of the pack? Achieve new heights in efficiency and productivity with terminal tractors from DJ Products today.

Tips to Cool Down Your Overheated Warehouse in August

Some cultures have the traditional siesta to cope with the dog days of summer, but companies don’t have that luxury. How do you keep the heat from affecting your employees, warehouse equipment and inventory?

Use these helpful tips to keep your warehouse cool and you’ll have it made in the shade.

Monitor Warehouse Temperature

Cooling a warehouse is much different than cooling an office building.

– Ensure that the building is sufficiently insulated.

– Supplement air conditioning with ceiling or industrial fans if necessary.

– Shut off any machinery that’s not in use.

Use Appropriate Supplies

Thermal labels and other warehouse supplies can malfunction during times of extreme heat. Review the supplies used in your warehouse to determine where alternative products are required.

Maintain Proper Inventory Control

Avoid carrying excess inventory, which increases the chances of spoilage. Even if products are not heat-sensitive, too much stock can prevent optimum airflow within the warehouse.

Invest in Dehumidifiers

Moisture in the air makes it heavier, which raises the perceived heat levels. Dehumidifiers remove moisture and make air conditioning more efficient.

Keep Doors and Exits Closed

When doors and gates are constantly opening, it lets cold air out and hot air in. Consider installing curtains or strip doors on exits that are used frequently.

Prevent Heat Exhaustion

High temperatures can lead to negative effects ranging from low morale to heat stroke. Provide frequent breaks and plenty of water so workers can stay cool and hydrated, and educate employees on the symptoms of heat exhaustion.

Beat the Heat with Warehouse Equipment from DJ Products

Moving heavy loads in excess heat increases the chance of workplace injuries. Visit our website to learn how our electric warehouse equipment increases productivity, even during hot weather, while reducing injury risk.