christopher Harper, Author at DJ Products

2018 Is the Year of the Capacity Crunch

Is your staff geared-up with semi-trailer movers for this year’s “capacity crunch?” Low truck supply and heightening freight demands are continuing to tighten access to shipping services in the ongoing driver shortage. Don’t let a staff loss due to injury add to the capacity crunch climate…

Disappearing Drivers, Declining Services
As older drivers retire, fewer younger drivers are stepping up and into the cab. With fewer trucks available, rates are rising, and the competition to secure shipping services is fierce. Long work hours, lengthy driving distances, and extended periods of time away from home, friends and family make for a hard position to fill.

Climate Complications
The political and literal global climates have also complicated matters, diverting what resources remain given the rising freight volume of the burgeoning U.S. economy. Combined with the needs of servicing hurricane-ravaged regions, these issues have further added to the difficulty of securing trucks for shipment.

Big Brother
Another mitigating factor: Government mandates requiring electronic logging devices be installed on haulers, for the tracking of drivers’ hours of service. Drivers may now remain on the road for only 11-hours by law, with a continuous rest period of 10-hours mandated, daily.

Aimed at creating safer roads, though most carriers are compliant, many drivers have been turned-off, taking issue with the perceived privacy infringement on their personal space. Trucks are not only their workspace, but also their literal home away from home. It goes without mentioning that carrier concerns over the cost of installing such devices are quite the step-up from the manual logbooks of yesteryear.

Are you armed to protect your workers from the repetitive strain injuries of the capacity crunch? Gear-up with the latest in time and money-saving semi-trailer movers from DJ Products today.

Amazon Warehouse Workers Complain of Constant Stress

Amazon’s dominance of the digital marketplace has created an unprecedented demand for warehouse equipment and workers. As competition to host the company’s second headquarters continues, other communities are re-evaluating how much of a windfall an Amazon facility has been to their residents.

Working at Amazon: Blessing, Curse or Both?

In 2012 the city of San Bernardino, 60 miles east of Los Angeles, welcomed the development of a new Amazon distribution center. The facility was hailed as a lifeline to a community struggling with double-digit unemployment rates.

Six years later, the reality has not lived up to the dream. While unemployment has dropped to five percent, the demanding and high-stress warehouse jobs are taking a toll on workers. Employees are required to spend most of the day on their feet, with minimal time breaks and little opportunity for days off.

Trade-Off Between Job Stress and Benefits

By their nature, warehouse jobs can be physically trying. According to Amazon workers, it’s the mental stress that proves debilitating. Employees are under constant pressure to not only meet, but exceed job times, including messages to work faster that are sent via scanners.

With few people able to withstand the pressure, turnover is high. In addition, a number of Amazon jobs are seasonal or temporary, so as a result not many employees get the advantage of the company’s vaunted benefits, many of which require a minimum one year of employment.

Relieve Stress with Electric Warehouse Equipment Movers from DJ Products

Safe working conditions make for greater employee satisfaction. Our battery-powered tugs, movers and pushers minimize the physical stress that increases the risk of job-related injuries.

Visit our website and use the convenient online chat feature to learn more from our friendly sales engineers.

Tips on Boosting Morale and Making Your Warehouse Staff Love Their Job

Does it feel like the air in your workspace is so heavy lately that even the strongest material handling equipment couldn’t lift it back up? If laughter in your workspace is but a vague memory, your employee morale needs a boost!

Low Morale = A Losing Business Scenario
Employee morale can make or break a company’s success. Low morale zaps productivity, amplifies grouchiness and lack of cooperation, and increases turnover. Keeping an eye on morale and strengthening it when times are tough are integral to helping your business achieve its goals.

Creative & Easy Ways to Strengthen Morale:

1. Help Employees Understand Their Work Serves a Higher Purpose.
It’s easy for employees to lose their sense of purpose in the daily grind. However simple postings of ‘I Got a Job’ stories from recently hired, grateful job seekers who snagged a spot with the company can help highlight the value of job positions.

2. Celebrate Accomplishments.
In your quest to get ahead, don’t forget to look behind, recognizing significant accomplishments of team members annually.

3. Give Employees the Chance to Recharge.
With adequate time off that grants an energizing break from regular responsibilities, whether in the PTO or creative office party arena. S’mores Friday, anyone?

4. Mix-It-Up.
Doing the same thing day-in-day-out is boring. Shake things up with office Olympics, ping-pong tournaments, or simple impromptu cookout lunches.

5. Have Fun.
Conduct a monthly lotto for participation in a card, board game, or Wii bowling match. Or reward workers with gift cards for play-days at amusement parks or other fun area events.

Boost morale by showing you care with ergonomic material handling equipment designed to prevent injuries, make work easier and more efficient, and reduce labor. Learn more from DJ Products today.

Shipping with Amazon Takes on UPS and FedEx Head-On

Will your semi trailer dolly soon be moving loads for Amazon’s latest pet project? In its efforts to expand its shipping and delivery infrastructure, Amazon will be rolling out a new shipping service, “Shipping with Amazon” or SWA, in the Los Angeles market.

Move Over FedEx & UPS!
Geared toward taking-on UPS and FedEX shipping services, SWA services will be shipping packages from third-party (independent) Amazon sellers. Items will be delivered to the doorsteps of customers relying nearly entirely on Amazon’s shipping infrastructure, using USPS and other shipping services for the last leg of delivery when necessary.

Shaking the Shipping Market
Amazon hopes to open up SWA to non-affiliated businesses in the future. The e-commerce giant is stepping into the shipping arena to offer a more affordable means of product delivery for sellers that both do and do not sell on Amazon. Pricing has yet to be revealed for comparison against UPS and FedEx standard rates, but online retailers – and shoppers – are salivating at the potential implications.

Just the Beginning
Grease-up your semi trailer dolly… This is just one of the online giant’s pet shipping projects, with more waiting at the on-ramp. SWA is one of many ventures aimed at giving Amazon added control over packages sold through its website. To date it has its own ocean freights, cargo planes, warehouses and lockers stationed around the globe. Its latest endeavor: Smart home devices allows couriers inside the homes of customers to deliver goods more quickly and securely.

As internet shopping grows in prevalence and popularity, protect your workers from the rigors of daily duties with the latest in tugging technology. Learn more about the time saving, injury preventing possibilities a semi trailer dolly can deliver. Contact DJ Products today.

GSA Schedules and GSA Suppliers – The History of the General Services Administration

Despite the prevalence of the organization, it can be hard to find a GSA supplier for warehouse equipment. Established in 1949 in efforts to better manage and support the function of U.S. federal agencies, the GSA has a long and colorful history to match its occasionally unusual equipment needs…

An Interesting Combo

Established by President Harry Truman, the GSA consolidated a number of establishments into one organization:

– The National Archives

– The Federal Works Agency

– Public Building Administration

– The Bureau of Federal Supply

– Office of Contract Settlement

– The War Assets Administration

Varied & Versatile

While the GSA’s initial mission was to handle emergency preparedness, stockpile strategic supplies for wartime, dispose of surplus goods, and manage and store government records, it facilitated everything from the regulation and sale of office supplies to the government, to managing hemp plantations in South America.

The organization’s 2 largest offices, Public Building and Federal Acquisition, house over 1-million federal civilian workers, manage more than 480 historic buildings, and facilitate the purchase of goods and services for the U.S. government from commercial vendors.

Among the GSA’s Historical Contributions:

– A 1950s White House overhaul.

– The 1960s creation of the Federal Telecommunications System.

– The 1970s addition of the Consumer Product Information Center/Federal Citizen Information Center, Federal Buildings Fund, and Office of Information Resources Management.

– The 1990s introduction of the Design Excellence Program.

– Electronics and Internet-technology initiatives in the 2000s.

– Work at over 500 American Recovery & Reinvestment Act projects in the 2010s, alongside the Open Government Directive (Data.gov) and Making it Easier initiative.

Looking for DoD and military equipment designed to step-up safety and boost productivity? From the rare to the run-of-the-mill, for over 20-years, DJ Products has been an innovator and trusted GSA supplier for warehouse equipment. Discover more today.

Tips for Keeping Your Dumpster Enclosure Clean

The importance of a clean dumpster enclosure goes beyond looks. A messy dumpster area endangers the safety of tenants and employees. Protect against injuries with a dumpster moving product and use these tips to keep the enclosure neat and well-maintained.

Do Your Homework

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to dumpster and recycling set-ups for properties. Factors such as size, number of tenants and community standards all play a part in determining waste disposal needs. Review each property carefully to make sure you have appropriate equipment and procedures.

Enlist the Help of Tenants

It’s easier to maintain a clean trash area when all associates and tenants are involved. Encourage tenants to take pride in the property and use signage and other materials that make it simple for them to dispose of trash properly.

Use Correct Disposal Methods

No property can efficiently dispose of trash with only one type of receptacle. In addition to creating environmental hazards, poor waste disposal usually results in a messy trash area due to spills and congestion. Make sure you have appropriate receptacles for everyday trash along with food waste, recyclables, liquids, grease and other forms.

Use Effective Dumpster Moving Equipment

Full dumpsters can weigh thousands of pounds. If employees are forced to move them manually across different surfaces, it increases the chances of a dumpster tipping over and causing a messy spill. Battery-powered dumpster movers let a single person quickly and safely move the heaviest dumpsters.

Effective Dumpster Moving Solutions from DJ Products

We offer a wide range of electric dumpster moving equipment, such as our popular WasteCaddyLite, that meets the needs of any type of property. Visit our website and let our sales engineers help you find the model that best fits your applications.

Forbes Evaluates the Cost of Ownership of Small Aircraft

There are many factors that affect the cost of ownership of small aircraft. That is why a lot of aviation enthusiasts opt to rent small aircraft instead of taking on the many expenses that come with owning their own plane.

Airplane hangar owners and airport managers can significantly reduce their operating expenses with efficient solutions like an aircraft caddy from DJ Products. These battery-powered tugs can operate on pavement, grass, and even ice. They allow one person to smoothly move small planes quietly and safely.

What does it cost to own a small plane?

Forbes ran an article by a Quora contributor on the costs associated with owning small aircraft. The costs add up quickly and many expenses like insurance, annual inspections, hangar rental, and licensing fees are due annually.

Aircraft maintenance is costly, too. While some automobile owners may push their luck by skipping routine maintenance when money is tight, airplane owners don’t get that option. Knowledgeable pilots can save some money by doing a lot of the minor mechanical work themselves, but aircraft engines must be completely rebuilt or replaced eventually.

Also, aviation fuel costs much more than gas for automobiles and Single engine planes burn through 8 to 20 gallons per hour of flight.

Flying is a hobby fueled by passion

For many recreational pilots, flying is in their blood and their life feels incomplete without it. If you have a small airport with planes for rent, they will come.

We want to help your business operate efficiently and safely. Our passion is providing business owners like you with the best possible tuggers and aircraft movers available. Contact one of our knowledgeable and courteous sales engineers today to discuss which aircraft caddy is best for you.

Investing in Supply Chain and Terminal Management Technology Starts with Staff Training

Has your supply chain company fully committed to the high-tech advancements that are revolutionizing the industry? Embracing technology like data capture and terminal tractors is the most strategic way to attract a talented workforce.

Solving the Supply Chain Employment Crisis

The supply chain sector is facing a dire shortage of qualified workers. According to the 2016 MHI Annual Industry Report, approximately 600,000 manufacturing positions in the United States go unfilled and 58 percent of survey respondents reported major difficulties in hiring and retaining skilled workers.

Rather than continuing to search within the same talent pool, why not target the next generation that’s preparing to enter the workforce? The challenge is making an older-skewing industry appealing to younger workers.

Changing the Perception of Supply Chain for a New Generation

Today’s twenty-somethings have grown up with technology, so it’s an integral part of their lives. Incorporating technology in your company makes the business more relevant to them and offers a way for younger workers to express their ingenuity and creativity.

Technology was once seen as merely a way to automate and simplify repetitive tasks. Younger employees, who are familiar with the range and application of technology, want to use these methods to manage and grow a business.

Do you need another reason to invest in technological solutions for your company? In addition to making your workplace attractive to younger generations, technology cuts costs in the long run by improving productivity.

State-of-the-Art Technology for Material Handling Solutions from DJ Products

Our Electric Yard Dog easily moves loads up to 100,000 pounds and includes the latest safety features to reduce risk of accidents and repetitive motion injuries. Contact us for more information about our electric terminal tractors and other pushers, tugs and movers.

Our Top Tips for Choosing Dumpster Moving Equipment

Video thumbnail for youtube video xvlygad2cfy — Dumpster Mover

Did you know that the trash room is the most dangerous area on multi-family apartment and condo properties? A high-quality dumpster caddy reduces risk of injury while improving efficiency.

Here are four questions to help you find the right dumpster caddy for your applications.

Tips for Selecting Dumpster Moving Equipment

1. Is the equipment designed for the job?

OSHA recommends use of motorized aids when employees have to exert more than 50 pounds of force to move an object. A full dumpster can weigh in the neighborhood of 2,000 pounds.

People sometimes try to multitask and use forklifts, pallet jacks and similar vehicles to move dumpsters. These methods are not optimized for the task of moving dumpsters, so they won’t do much to minimize injury risk.

2. Does your equipment vendor understand your needs and stand behind their products?

Material handling requirements for property trash rooms are different from those of warehouses and other industries. A top equipment vendor will ask the right questions to assess your specific needs and make sure that you’re satisfied with your choice.

3. What’s the availability of parts and service?

Whether it’s leased or purchased, a dumpster caddy is an investment that should last many years. Check with the supplier about service plans, maintenance schedules and parts availability.

4. What is the supplier’s track record?

A successful equipment vendor should have no problem providing you with references who can talk about their positive experiences with the products.

DJ Products: Your First Choice for Dumpster Moving Equipment

A battery-powered dumpster caddy from DJ Products demonstrates your commitment to workplace safety. Call 800.686.2651 and get more information about our full line of dumpster moving equipment from our friendly sales engineers.

Top Logistics Industry Disrupters End a Business as Usual Mentality

DJ Products is your preferred supplier for state-of-the-art electric yard trucks, but are you on board with state-of-the-art logistics technology? The future is no longer “business as usual” as disruptors present structural and competitive challenges.

Impact of Projected Global Market Growth

Industry consulting firm Transport Intelligence (Ti) recently published Total Logistics 2018, an analysis of the long- and short-term state of the logistics sector. According to Ti, adaptability is crucial for international freight-forwarding companies hoping to weather upcoming changes.

While different sectors will experience varying degrees of growth, Ti projects that the total global market will see a compound annual growth rate of 5.1 percent over the next five years. Road freight currently accounts for approximately one-third of the market.

Tighter capacity is expected to cause a rise in sea and air freight rates. This factor, combined with increasing numbers of regional trade blocs, will favor road-based shipping as supply chains grow shorter.

Technology Disruptors Upend the Logistics Industry

Technology puts unprecedented amounts of data at our fingertips. As a result, customers are demanding accurate, real-time information and more transparency. Adding to this disruption are start-ups that can easily build new systems unencumbered by existing ones.

Providers are also able to develop platforms that create a better match between supply and demand. The end result could be lower costs for shippers.

Improve Productivity and Safety with Yard Trucks from DJ Products

Is your company equipped to keep up with the fast pace of today’s logistics industry? Our Electric Yard Dog allows employees to quickly maneuver trailers weighing up to 100,000 pounds with reduced risk of human injury and property damage.

Visit our website to learn more about our full line of battery-powered tugs, movers and pushers.