christopher Harper, Author at DJ Products

Will President Trump’s Focus on Imports and Exports Impact the Nation’s Warehouses?

With so much emphasis placed on trade policy by President Donald Trump, the warehouse industry remains on high alert for any clues about what the future will bring. If policies will truly reduce the trade deficit, how will your warehouse be affected?

The Trump administration says that they want the U.S. to “reclaim all of the supply chain and manufacturing capability” that they believe have been lost to overseas competitors.

Warehousing Outlook in the Trump Era

Over at Material Handling & Logistics, industry experts point to a Cushman & Wakefield study that predicts major changes — but that President Trump will stop short of pulling out of NAFTA or initiating a trade conflict with China.

At DJ Products, we keep tabs on the industry because our warehouse movers and tugs can play an integral role in a company’s speed and agility in changing circumstances. Here’s what seems clear about Trump Administration policy and the warehousing industry:

• Imports from countries that subsidize their goods below market value may get tariffs added.

• U.S. warehouses, which have increased by 3.5 billion square feet since the start of NAFTA in 1995, will continue to see plenty of trade with Canada and Mexico.

• China’s growing wealth and consumerism will help increase the amount of U.S. exports to China.

Warehouse Movers and Tugs for Material Handling Efficiency

Whether your warehouse handles imported goods or serves as a logistics center for a U.S. manufacturer, the years ahead will hold plenty of changes no matter which Trump Administration trade policies take effect.

DJ Products can help your business grow and improve efficiency with industrial cart movers, warehouse movers and tugs.

Warehouse News: What’s In Store for 2017?

One of the keys to successful supply chain management is matching inventory levels to consumer demand. How is retail activity for 2017 shaping up compared to recent years?

Predicting Sales Based on Port Activity

The Global Port Tracker is a monthly report generated by the National Retail Federation (NRF) in conjunction with consulting firm Hackett Associates. Based on activity at major retail container ports, the NRF predicts that sales will grow between 3.7 percent and 4.2 percent over 2016’s numbers.

Port activity is measured in twenty-foot equivalent units, or TEUs, which equate to a 20-foot-long cargo container. According to Global Port Tracker, the ports it covers handled 1.58 million TEUs in December 2016, which was a 10.2 percent increase from the previous December.

Total cargo volume in 2016 equaled 18.8 million TEUs. That number was up 3.2 percent from 2015, which in turn showed a 5.4 percent increase over 2014.

What’s in Store for 2017?

Jonathan Gold, vice president of Supply Chain And Customs Policy for NRF, explains that greater quantities of imports flowing through ports usually indicates a corresponding growth in sales. This trend led NRF to forecast 9.4 million TEUs during the first half of 2017, for a healthy 4.6 percent increase over the same period in 2016.

Move Inventory Efficiently with Warehouse Tugs from DJ Products

When inventory is flowing through your warehouse, every minute counts. A single employee can move loads up to 10,000 pounds quickly and safely with our CartCaddy5WP. Visit our website and let our friendly sales engineers help you find the right solution from our full line of electric warehouse tugs.

Mobile Computers and Their Role in the New Warehouse Landscape

The digital age has made its presence known with material handling equipment, but is warehouse intelligence as effective as it could be? Hardware and software experts are working to use mobile computers for a more integrated communications system.

Mobile Computers: Expanding the Horizons

Mobile touchscreen computers are making it easier for lift truck operators to handle the work flow. According to Mike Maris, senior director of transportation and logistics at Zebra Technologies, they could be even more efficient if the technology was integrated into one central communications point.

Directing a lift truck from point A to point B is only part of the equation. Each lift truck is part of an entire fleet of vehicles that needs to be managed, and maintenance also needs information to keep the trucks in good working order.

Instead of simply communicating work orders, mobile computers have the potential to handle a number of data streams. Different screens can be dedicated to different functions, such as one that provides task instructions and another that relays maintenance information or real-time maps.

Better Technology = Improved Productivity

Maris explains that the mobile computer on a lift truck can serve as a point of communication to broader systems rather than just a portal restricted to one vehicle. Streamlining the process can pay off with a 10 to 15 percent improvement in productivity.

State-of-the-Art Material Handling Equipment from DJ Products

Maximizing your work force is a major element of top productivity. Visit our website to learn how using electric material handling equipment such as our CartCaddyLite can be like adding an extra employee.

Winn Companies Recognizes the WasteCaddy Dumpster Mover as a Best Practice to Reduce Injuries.

June 1, 2017 – Minneapolis, MN – WinnCompanies, the nation’s fifth largest multi-family property management company, announced today that they have successfully completed field testing for the WasteCaddy Dumpster mover, and that the company considers the use of WasteCaddy to be best practice for safety.

“The WasteCaddy has proven to be a valuable tool in reducing the risk of injury for our maintenance employees.” said John Tarrant, Vice President of Procurement & Sustainability at WinnCompanies. “The feedback we have received from the properties using the WasteCaddy to move trash dumpsters has been overwhelmingly positive.”

WinnCompanies have a strong commitment to employee safety, and the battery-powered WasteCaddy will become part of WinnCompanies industry-recognized “WinnSafe” program.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with WinnCompanies.” said Jeff Berg, President of DJ Products, manufacturer of the WasteCaddy. “The trash room is the most dangerous area in a multi-family property, and this product continues to prove itself as a best practice for eliminating injuries in the trash room.” Jeff went on to say that in order to reduce risk, a number of leading property management companies have modified their trash room policy to state that at least two employees are required to move dumpsters, empty or full. “The challenge here is that while requiring two employees is certain to reduce injuries, it has a negative impact on maintenance staff efficiency. The WasteCaddy allows one employee or any age, size or gender to efficiently move dumpsters by themselves. It is a huge boost to efficiency.”

DJ Products will be exhibiting at the National Apartment Association Show in Atlanta in June 21 to 24.

About WinnCompanies WinnCompanies is an award-winning national property development and management company dedicated to the highest standards of excellence. WinnCompanies acquires, develops and manages affordable, senior, mixed-income, market-rate, military and commercial properties through its three divisions: WinnDevelopment, WinnResidential and WinnMilitary. Founded in 1971 and now operating in 22 states and the District of Columbia, WinnCompanies is the fifth largest multi-family housing manager, the largest manager of affordable housing, and the second largest manager military housing in the United States.

About DJ Products

DJ Products markets and manufactures battery powered tugs and pushers that move heavy loads on wheels. For more information about the WasteCaddy dumpster mover or any of DJ Products other equipment, visit them at www.djproducts.com or call 1-800-686-2651.

Military Leadership Must Reflect the Nation’s Diversity

As our country takes a hard look at the meaning of diversity today, should that examination include the military? A former Assistant Secretary of Defense explains why it’s important for the military to mirror the society it serves.

Does Diversity Have a Place in the Military?

Todd A Weiler is a decorated combat veteran who served in both the Clinton and Obama administrations. He wrote about his views on the topic for The Hill in the wake of Army Secretary nominee Mark Green’s withdrawal after negative reactions to comments he made about minorities.

Weiler points out that with an active draft, it’s easier to get a fair representation of all socio-economic groups. While the all-volunteer force has been largely successful, it “requires constant vigilance” to ensure that certain groups are not underrepresented.

Dangers of a Disaffected Public

According to Weiler, a strong connection between society and military is a vital part of democracy. If civilians perceive a disconnect between themselves and the military, they’re less likely to speak up on matters of defense, resulting in decisions that may not serve the best interests of the public.

During Weiler’s time at the Pentagon, he says the standard they used for accepting enlistees was simply whether they were willing and able to serve. He concludes by saying it’s imperative that the next Army Secretary follows this principle.

Battery-Powered Movers for DOD Equipment Suppliers

DJ Products offers a full line of electric movers, tugs and pushers that accommodate the diverse workforce of DOD equipment suppliers. Visit our website and use the convenient online chat feature for immediate assistance from our friendly sales engineers.

Cyberattacks Using Ransomware Are Shutting Down Hospitals

Make a Decision to Better Your Hospital.

The sensitive nature of medical data makes any hospital a target for cyberattacks. Whether the hackers wish to profit from terrorizing the health organization or if they seek to steal personally identifiable information for other purposes, these security threats present a danger to both hospitals and patients.

In May, a wave of ransomware attacks affected hospital systems around the world. Here’s how the attack works:

• Hackers take over a hospital’s computer network

• Computers are frozen, effectively bringing most procedures to a standstill

• Hackers demand a ransom, usually in the tens of thousands and paid in Bitcoin

• The hospital must pay the ransom for a decryption key

Any organization could be the target of this kind of cyberattack, but the fact that patients’ lives are at stake makes it more likely that a hospital will have to relent and pay the fee.

Managing Security in a World of Electronic Medical Records

Ironically, the proliferation of health technology is also what makes a hospital vulnerable to cyberattacks. No one will be returning to paper records, so experts are pushing for better security.

Hospitals can reduce the risk of cyberattacks by educating employees about password and network protection. Patients should also be educated about methods of communication used by the hospital to help avoid phishing scams.

Hospital Carts for Better Operations

At DJ Products, we’re obsessed with helping you improve operations at your hospital. Our ergonomically designed hospital carts are battery-powered so employees can be more productive and enjoy a safer work environment. Explore our many types of hospital carts and feel free to request more info or a free demo.

Top Reasons Why You Need a Dumpster Mover

Do you think a dumpster mover is an unnecessary expense? Maybe you believe your employees can handle the job just fine. Here are three big reasons why you need a dumpster mover for your workplace today.

1. Safety

Are you aware that the trash room is the top area for injuries in a multi-family property? When employees manually move heavy dumpsters through tight quarters and across rough surfaces, they put themselves, and by extension you as their employer, at risk.

2. Efficiency

One of our satisfied clients expressed it best when she said that a dumpster mover from DJ Products is “like having another employee on staff.” It lets a single employee of any age, size and gender move a heavy dumpster with ease, freeing up the second employee for other tasks.

Battery-powered dumpster movers reduce another source of inefficiency. When employees are injured, they have to be replaced with someone who usually has less experience, costing you time and money.

3. Risk

The average trash room injury claim through workers compensation is $40,000. If that’s not enough to frighten you, the change in your Experience Modification Rate (E-MOD) can mean an increase to your insurance premium of approximately $120,000 over three years.

Save Money and Time with Dumpster Movers from DJ Products

Why continue rolling the dice with workplace safety? Our popular WasteCaddy dumpster mover can pull up to 5,000 pounds up and down inclines and across ice and snow.

Visit our website today and use the handy online chat feature to learn more about our full line of motorized dumpster movers from our knowledgeable sales engineers.

Introducing the BombCaddy

The BombCaddy was designed to handle one of the most sensitive situations — removing bombs or suspected explosive devices from public areas such as airports.

Remote control lets the operator safely steer the trailer smoothly at low speed, while the rugged design also makes the trailer towable at high speeds. It’s a versatile solution for many DoD equipment requirements.

The maneuverability of the BombCaddy makes it ideal for tight spaces. Operate it manually or by remote control to get around narrow hallways, warehouse floors, or other confined areas. The smooth, self-propelled movement has been calibrated for efficient transportation when safety is a priority.

Key Specs for the BombCaddy

Here’s a quick rundown of the BombCaddy’s features:

RC steering from 0 to 2 mph
Up to 40 mph towing speed with bogie wheels
Manual, wireless, or pendant steering
Trailer payload up to 5,000 lbs
Approved as DoD contract equipment

The Many Uses for a Remote-Controlled Trailer

Based on similar technology to the industrial powered trailers from DJ Products, the BombCaddy is a convenient tool for many applications. First, it’s an ideal piece of machinery for safely maneuvering explosive devices from a safe distance.

The BombCaddy also gives DoD contractors a handy solution for materials handling. The dual-mode feature can tow multiple tons of heavy equipment across long distances in addition to maneuvering around factories, warehouses, hangars, and runways.

If you need a self-propelled trailer to move machinery or equipment — bombs or otherwise — the BombCaddy is a smart investment.

Contact DJ Products for a free demo or to learn more about our powered trailers for military and DoD contract equipment.

Is the Hospitality Industry Facing a Labor Shortage?

What’s the biggest challenge facing the hospitality industry today? According to experts at the recent Hospitality and Design Expo, there is a serious shortage of workers who have a “passion” for the business.

“Mediocrity of Service”

In his address to attendees at the Expo, held in early May at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Viceroy Hotel Group CEO Bill Walshe said the problem of recruiting talented employees keeps him “awake at night.” His company has been exploring ways to overcome what he refers to as the “mediocrity of service.”

The rise in high-end restaurants and bars has been a shot in the arm to hotel revenues, but it’s actually intensified the labor situation. Brad Wilson, president of Ace Hotels, explained that it’s difficult to find and retain qualified cooks.

The Eye of the Beholder

Hospitality industry leaders are also facing a challenge involving property upgrades. The normal seven-year design cycle is falling short with guests who are used to consumer goods such as electronics and automobiles being constantly updated.

As Wilson pointed out, things change so swiftly that once they are considered a trend, they’re already out of date. Walshe added that hotels need to “constantly surprise” guests in order to keep them coming back.

Hospitality Industry Solutions from DJ Products

Maintaining a safe and efficient workplace is an important way to reduce employee turnover. Our hospitality industry solutions such as the popular CartCaddyLite are battery-powered and ergonomically designed to prevent the more common injuries resulting from pushing and pulling.

Call 800.686.2651 and let our cheerful sales engineers help you find the right solution for your needs.

Rocket Equipped Military Semis Have Serious Firepower

You can measure military firepower many ways. The miles of range, the pounds of explosives. For the new missile cradle launcher (MCL) by Jobaria Defense Systems in the United Arab Emirates, the key stat is 24 — the number of rockets it can shoot at once.

The MCL profiles as a roadbound military semi truck mover, so it’s not a tool for offroad driving or long-distance battles. When the need for serious firepower arises, however, this MCL packs a punch.

The Astonishing UAE Missile Launcher

Popular Mechanics offers a rundown of the MCL specs along with some video of it in action.

4 rocket cradles with 60 rockets each
Uses TRB-122 122-mm rockets
Rocket range of up to 22 miles
Fires up to 240 rounds in under 2 minutes

Other missile launchers have larger rockets or longer range, but this one from Jobaria stands out with 6 times more rockets than others.

The MCL Is a Tank Hauler, Too

Jobaria used a tank hauler to enable the MCL to carry so much firepower. The US Army uses the same vehicle, an M1070 HET, as a military semi truck mover and Abrams tank hauler. Equipped with a 700-hp turbo diesel engine from Caterpillar, the M1070 is built by Oshkosh Defense.

Moving Heavy Equipment for Uncle Sam

You don’t need a M1070 to move trucks. The TruckCaddy Heavy Truck Pusher and C arCaddy Vehicle Puller are two compact, battery-powered solutions to use as a military semi truck mover. On base or in country, these GSA-approved equipment from DJ Products make it easy to maneuver or tow any heavy vehicles.

Author: christopher Harper