christopher Harper, Author at DJ Products

DJ Products: Tips on Semi Truck Driver Retention

Respect is its own currency. Truck drivers often jump ship for better pay elsewhere, but high turnover rates may have just as much to do with whether your drivers feel appreciated. One way to start? Respect their time by providing useful equipment like easy-to-use terminal tractors in the shunt yard and dashboard navigation systems for the cab.

Some great tips for truck driver retention from the blog The Road:

– Offer mentorships for closer relationships and career development

– Provide state-of-the-art equipment

– Be proactive about communication

– Listen and engage your drivers

– Offer exercise and nutrition programs

Trucking Can Be Lonely Work

It’s no surprise that drivers can easily feel isolated. Employers should take initiatives to prevent drivers from feeling forgotten. Even the most independent-minded driver needs an adequate amount of interaction with colleagues. Don’t assume drivers will come to you with concerns or complaints before they quit.

Keep Drivers Happy with Better Equipment

Imagine being a driver with an insulated cab, comfortable seats, and even a DVR to watch your favorite shows on breaks. You’re going to be a lot more loyal to your employer than if you were driving an old truck that constantly breaks down.

You can also use equipment to respect drivers’ time at their terminals. Speed things up at the warehouse, and they can make more money with less unnecessary downtime. That’s what our TrailerCaddy terminal tractors can do!

Electric terminal tractors can be operated without a CDL license, so many of your employees can move trailers wherever they need to be. The TrailerCaddy protects workers from injury and improves efficiency—for both you and your drivers.

Contact DJ Products to learn more about our highly affordable yard spotters that cut costs and boost employee morale and retention rates.

Fleet Managers Steer Staff Towards Improving Terminal Efficiency

Cutting corners in business can improve your profits, but it can also carry a risk of lower quality or even a dangerous workplace. That’s certainly the case at warehouses. How do you improve the semi trailer moving process for better terminal efficiency without putting your workers in a high-stress, injury-prone environment?

Supply chain experts say that driver safety and productivity are right up there with cost-reduction measures for the top challenges in fleet management. Fleet managers need real-time solutions to address situations on the ground.

At DJ Products, we can help improve both safety and efficiency. Our TrailerCaddy shunt yard truck is your low-cost, high-reward solution for semi trailer moving at warehouse terminals.

About the TrailerCaddy Electric Yard Dog

The TrailerCaddy is a compact, heavy-duty dolly that can tow semi trailers and tank trailers up to 100,000 pounds. Running on a 48-volt battery, it lasts the workday and recharges from a normal electrical outlet.

You don’t even need CDL operators, because the TrailerCaddy makes semi trailer moving easy enough for anybody. Just walk alongside and steer it at a comfortable pace, up to 3 mph.

Fleet managers can address the biggest items on their wishlist with the TrailerCaddy:

– Prevent warehouse injuries

– Reduce driver downtime

– Avoid damage to docks and trailers

– Save money (costs much less than a shunt truck)

Does your terminal get slowed down while waiting for a shunt truck? What if any worker could take care of semi trailer moving on the spot, with no waiting?

DJ Products offers a free demo program to help you decide if the TrailerCaddy, our car and truck pushers, or other equipment solutions are right for your team.

Improve terminal efficiency with a safe, user-friendly TrailerCaddy from DJ Products. Contact us today!

DoD Contractors: Did You Make the NIST Cyber Security Deadline of December 31st?

The end of the year can bring a whirlwind of last-minute tasks and tying up loose ends. Defense contractors also faced a deadline of December 31, 2017 to comply with new NIST requirements for securing data. As your DoD equipment supplier, we want to make sure you’re kept abreast of major defense contractor news.

What Is the NIST 7012 Rule?

The DoD updated the security requirements for defense-related information on or passing through your computer or network. This was covered in the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement clause 252.204-7012. Unclassified information must now meet higher security standards than in the past.

The -7012 clause covers such unclassified info labeled as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Such information may have been supplied as part of the contract paperwork, or transmitted during fulfillment of the contract.

Notably, the -7012 security standards apply to subcontractors as well as prime contractors.

The revised rules also call for “Cyber Incident Reporting” for any cyber threats, data breaches, identified weaknesses, etc. All contractors must report cyber incidents to the DoD, and inform their higher-up contractors.

What if I Missed the NIST Security Deadline?

If your firm does not comply with -7012 as of now, you are prevented from securing new defense contracts. Any ongoing contracts are potentially affected as well, with negative evaluations or cancellations being possible.

DoD Contractor Equipment for Better Operations

If you need to tighten up operations for better efficiency and productivity, your DoD equipment supplier specialists at DJ Products can help. Material handling equipment such as our TrailerCaddy powered dolly, BombCaddy remote-controlled power trailer, and other GSA-approved tools can help move vehicles, trailers, machinery, and more.

Contact DJ Products to request more info about material handling equipment from your DoD equipment supplier today.

Top Tips for Keeping Your Long Haul Drivers Healthy on the Road

In addition to satisfying clients and operating legally, you need to make the health, well-being, and safety of your truckers and other employees your top priorities. Products like the DJ Products powered trailer dolly improve the efficiency of companies and safety of yard personnel. The following tips can help your truckers stay healthy on the road.

A wellness program

Company-sponsored wellness programs are proven to be an effective way of helping employees maintain a healthy overall lifestyle. Truckers are at high risk of obesity due to limited healthy food options on the road and having a job that requires sitting for extended periods of time. Programs can save companies money by improving productivity, reducing the risks of chronic diseases, and keeping employees happy and loyal.

Help them overcome bad habits and addictions

Employers should be mindful of all the risks long-haul drivers face. Many hard-working, knowledgeable, and experienced truckers have picked up bad habits like smoking over the years. Long hours of traveling alone make it easy to pick up and maintain bad habits. Offer truckers non-judgemental programs and help in overcoming bad habits and addictions so they live more fulfilled lives and are more productive drivers.

Help them get plenty of rest

Time and miles are money in the trucking industry. Too often, companies focus solely on getting the most productivity out of their drivers without thinking about the health and safety of the person. Drivers getting ample rest must be just as important as customers getting products on time. Convey that in all communications with drivers.

We can help you save time, maximize manpower, and prevent injuries with products like our powered trailer dolly and heavy truck pusher. Contact DJ Products today for more information and a free demo.

Tips for Long Haul Drivers to Stay Family and Friend Connected While on the Road

Innovations in technology help to make our lives easier and improve safety as we go about our jobs. Products like the yard dog from DJ Products allow one person to easily, safely, and efficiently move semi-trailers weighing up to 100,000 lbs. This improves efficiency, reduces workplace injuries, and lowers costs for companies. Technology can also help long-haul drivers stay connected with loved ones while on the road, improving their mood and making time away more bearable for everyone.

Social media posts

Long-haul truckers get to see practically every corner of the United States. They see amazing natural wonders, interesting cities and towns, and man-made attractions. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter allow drivers to show everyone back home how their day is going and get feedback and support. With Facebook, posts can be sent to a wide audience of people or just a selected group of friends.

Face to face communication

Apps like FaceTime, Skype, and Google+ Hangouts allow truckers to have conversations with the entire family all at the same time. Kids can show their report cards or school projects. Being able to see family members during live conversations is one of the best ways to feel connected. Video messaging apps are available for a variety of portable devices like tablets, laptops, and smartphones.

Schedule time for loved ones every day

For long-haul truckers, maintaining a proper work-life balance has additional challenges. Just as trucks and other equipment need ongoing maintenance, relationships must also be maintained.

DJ Products carries a wide selection of low-maintenance, battery-powered products like the yard dog that help companies maximize manpower, reduce damage to docks and other equipment, and reduce risks of injury to workers. Contact one of our sales engineers for more information.

Tips to Reducing Costs and Improving Efficiency in Your Warehouse – Part Two

Are you looking for ways to control labor, inventory and freight in your warehouse? In a recent blog post, we addressed the use of material handling equipment and other ways to optimize productivity. We’re continuing our look at ideas to help you improve efficiency and reduce costs.

How to Reduce Costs and Improve Efficiency

Here are five more tips from experts to streamline your warehouse operations.

1. Optimize Inbound Supply Chain Policies and Procedures

Late deliveries and vendor non-compliance on issues such as product packaging and labeling create costly delays for your employees. Develop specific policies and push value-added services up the supply chain so your employees can focus on their own jobs.

2. Implement Voice-Enabling Technology

Voice-enabling technology reduces errors and improves productivity to the extent that a system will pay for itself in as little as four to six months. Most systems are installed quickly and require little training, but do your homework and make sure you find the right program for your application.

3. Consider Third Party Fulfillment Options

Many companies prefer to keep fulfillment functions in-house, but there are times, such as when you need more warehouse space, when third party fulfillment (3PF) is a cost-effective solution.

4. Compare SaaS and Licensed Services

Enterprise and WMS systems involve substantial investments that may prohibit timely upgrades. A SaaS subscription model can be a more appropriate option.

5. Never Stop Improving

Measure the results of your plans and build on them to continue ongoing improvement.

DJ Products: Your #1 Source for Quality Material Handling Equipment

No matter what your industry is, DJ Products has a full line of material handling equipment to meet any need. Call 800.686.2651 for assistance from one of our helpful sales engineers.

Tips to Reducing Costs and Improving Efficiency in Your Warehouse – Part One

Managing a warehouse is a constant juggling act as you work to control labor, inventory and freight. Tugger carts from DJ Products help employees be more productive. What other methods can you use to improve efficiency and reduce costs?

How to Reduce Costs and Improve Efficiency

Here are five top tips from experts to keep all three elements of your warehouse operations running at high levels.

1. Control Freight Charges

Freight charges can eat away at profits more quickly than any other factor. Skilled consultants can help you negotiate carrier agreements at lower rates without a corresponding decrease in service.

2. Develop Incentive Pay Programs

Incentive pay for performance is actually one of the more cost-effective methods to increase productivity. Review programs carefully to make sure they’re not redundant.

3. Simplify Workflow and Processes

Less really can be more. Take a look at the warehouse layout and work processes to see if you can identify any wasted space and motions.

4. Establish a Baseline and Benchmarks

If you don’t know where you started, how can you tell when you’ve reached the finish line? Determine the measurements you want to track and provide employees with regular feedback to get them engaged.

5. Invest in Manager Development

When managers are the weak leak, it impacts every area of your business. Make sure they have proper training and other tools they need to succeed.

Streamline Warehouse Efficiency with Tugger Carts from DJ Products

Battery-powered tugger carts, such as our best-selling CartCaddyLite, promote higher levels of productivity and reduce costs through lower risk of workplace injuries.

Visit our website to learn more about our full line of material handling solutions. Use the convenient online chat feature to get real-time assistance from our sales engineers.

Shred It! Don’t Put Personal Information in Your Dumpster

Identity theft is a big and thriving business. In addition to competing against other companies in your industry, you must be vigilant about properly destroying personal information and sensitive documents. DJ Products can help you save money, prevent injuries to employees, and maximize manpower with products like our battery-powered dumpster moving equipment. If you are throwing away any documents containing personal information, shred it properly first.

Old tax forms were left in open dumpster

The East Bay area NBC affiliate reports a Fremont certified public accountant assumed the documents placed in a dumpster near his office were going to be burned by the waste management company. The tax forms containing personal information and Social Security numbers were left fully intact in the open dumpster for several days prior to being discovered.

The local CPA, Ed Robinson, is retiring and claims he didn’t know the documents needed to be shredded prior to being placed in the unlocked bin. Robinson says he will pay for a company to shred the papers.

Dumpster diving to obtain sensitive information

While most companies would not be so negligent as to leave the personal tax information of customers or employees in an open dumpster, they must be ever-vigilant about proper disposal of any documents containing sensitive information.

Rodents and other pests are constantly looking for ways to enter homes or businesses. The same is true of the vermin who would like to steal credit card numbers of customers or other confidential information from your company. Always shred before placing sensitive documents in a dumpster.

Trash-related injuries are also the #1 risk for workers. Dumpster moving equipment from DJ Products can improve trash room efficiency and lower your Experience Modification Rate (EMR). Contact us for more information.

Weekly Rail Freight Traffic Increases – a Growing Trend

Freight traffic in the U.S. is expected to end 2017 on an upward trend. Railroads moved 463,602 carloads during the week ending November 25. The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports that was a 2.4 percent increase over the same week last year. An improving U.S. economy is credited for much of the increase in rail volume. Railyards managing increased volume can improve efficiency, save time, and prevent injuries by utilizing products like the RailCar Mover from DJ Products.

Key commodity groups

Four of the ten key commodity groups tracked by AAR showed increases: motor vehicles and automotive parts up 12 percent, nonmetallic minerals up 18 percent, metallic ores and metals increased by 8.9 percent. While rail volume increased in some groups, there were significant decreases in grain shipments (16.9 percent); non-grain farm products also decreased by 6.7 percent. Coal shipments typically increase as winter approaches but were down by 2.6 percent for the same time period. According to Railway Age, the cumulative volume of 12,199,607 carloads for the first 47 weeks of 2017 was a 3 percent increase over the previous year.

Industry must embrace innovation

Rail remains the most cost-effective method of moving high volumes of freight across the county. However, it is far from the quickest method. Rail companies must improve efficiency and cut costs in every area possible to remain viable.

One of the best ways to maximize manpower and lower costs associated with workplace injuries is to utilize a battery-powered RailCar Mover from DJ Products. These movers have industry standard rail car couplers that allow one person to pull or push rail cars weighing up to 200k lbs. Contact DJ Products to speak with one of our knowledgeable sales engineers about your equipment needs.

Protect Your Warehouse Workforce from Cold Stress

It’s not just warehouse equipment that suffers the ill effects of cold weather. When the temperature drops, employees are vulnerable to a number of physical conditions ranging from non-threatening to serious.

How do you protect your workforce from the effects of winter? Follow these guidelines to keep employees safe during cold weather conditions.

Understand Cold Stress

Cold stress occurs when frigid temperatures and wind combine to lower skin temperature, eventually leading to reduced internal body temperature. Dampness can accelerate the process.

Monitor the Weather

Appearances can be deceiving. It’s not enough to go by the air temperature. Wind chill allows for the factor of wind speed, which can make actual conditions even colder than what the thermometer shows.

Train Employees

Supervisors should:

– Keep a close watch on employees for signs of cold stress

– Assign workers in pairs or groups

– Allow frequent breaks in warm, dry areas

Employees should:

– Learn to recognize conditions that promote cold stress

– Learn what to do if they or co-workers begin showing signs of exposure

– Dress in appropriate clothing and accessories

Know the Signs

– Trench foot results from exposure to wet and cold for long periods of time. Symptoms include red skin, numbness, tingling and cramps.

– Frostbite begins as reddened skin and progresses to patches of gray and white.

– Hypothermia is characterized by uncontrollable shivering, while more serious cases can cause slurred speech, clumsiness and confusion.

DJ Products: Your Year-Round Source for Warehouse Equipment Moving Solutions

In any type of weather, musculoskeletal stress is the number one cause of workplace injuries. We offer a comprehensive line of electric warehouse equipment movers designed to reduce the risk of lifting and repetitive motion tasks.

Call 800.686.2651 to learn more from our helpful sales engineers.