christopher Harper, Author at DJ Products

Tips to Keep Warehouse Workers Warm in a Cold Warehouse this Winter

Frigid temperatures can create an uncomfortable or even hazardous work environment for warehouse employees. Whether staff members are using a forklift or a motorized trailer dolly to move heavy loads around, it’s important to help them stay warm. The following tips can help ensure that your workers can handle the cold, while staying safe and productive.

Provide Education

Educating staff members on working in a cold warehouse to help reduce the risk of cold stress. If your warehouse doors frequently open and close, this is even more important, since more cold air flows in. Workers should know how to recognize signs of hypothermia, frostbite, and similar signs of cold stress. They should also know how to dress warmly and how long to work in cold conditions.

Encourage the Right Snacks and Beverages

Workers should avoid drinking hot coffee to stay warm, since this kind of beverage can dehydrate them. Instead, staff members should drink water or other fluids, such as sports drinks that provide electrolytes. Employees should also eat snacks that offer high amounts of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs.

Offer a Space for Warming Up

Workers need some kind of environment that allows them to escape the cold. Set up a heated break room or office where staff can go when they need to warm up. Another option is to set up space heaters in safe areas, so workers can warm up without leaving the warehouse floor.

Invest in Winter Wear

Consider providing workers with gloves, hats, and other winter wear to protect against the cold. This can help ensure that your staff are safe from freezing temperatures while doing their job. Instead of providing these, you can encourage staff to wear their own items at work.

Warm Up the Warehouse

Take steps to keep drafts and cold air out of your warehouse, so it stays warmer. Seal up gaps, improve airflow, and schedule a tuneup for the heating system. These steps can help keep your warehouse’s interior temperature warmer all winter long.

Exploring other ways to keep workers safe, such as purchasing a motorized trailer dolly? Visit DJ Products to learn more about our material handling solutions.

Winter Safety Tips for Warehouse Workers

Dangerous Snowy Conditions at a Warehouse Loading Dock. — Our Electric Trailer Dolly Operates in Snow

Safety is a year-round priority in warehouses, but injury risks increase during the winter, when snow and cold weather create additional challenges. Our trailer dolly can help you successfully transport materials in any conditions. Here are some other helpful tips to keep your employees safe and injury-free in winter weather.

1. Clear walkways and truck yards.

The simple act of walking becomes treacherous when surfaces are covered with snow and ice. Walkways, truck yards, and any outdoor places where employees travel should be cleared as often as necessary. Salt is commonly used on icy surfaces, but it can damage concrete in the long run. Other options include sand, rubbing alcohol, wood chips, straw, and even kitty litter.

2. Dress appropriately.

Clothing is a first line of defense against cold temperatures. Pay particular attention to protecting vulnerable extremities with hats, gloves, thick socks, and boots. Encourage employees to dress in layers that are easy to adjust as they move from indoors to outdoors and back again.

3. Don’t forget to hydrate.

Drinking water is a no-brainer when the sun’s out, but hydration is equally important in winter. Regular intake of water combats fatigue and keeps the mind alert. Consider providing reusable bottles for your workers so they can always have water on hand.

4. Do regular stretching exercises.

Cold temperatures cause muscles to tighten up, setting the stage for debilitating strains. Instruct your workers in basic stretching techniques that are easy to incorporate during the workday.

5. Keep floors dry.

It doesn’t take long before water from snow and ice outdoors gets tracked indoors. Make sure that warehouse floors are mopped and dried frequently to prevent slips and falls. Any problem areas should be clearly marked and blocked off if needed.

6. Train employees.

Enlist workers to take a proactive approach toward their own safety with training programs focusing on the seasonal dangers of winter.

Our Trailer Dolly Is a Year-Round Safety Solution

The trailer dolly from DJ Products is just one option in our full line of material handling equipment. Call 800.686.2651 to learn more from our friendly and experienced Sales Engineers.

A Push for Greater Productivity and Efficiency is a Top Material Handling Trend in 2024

Top Material Handling Trends 2024 and Electric Trailer Dollies — Electric Trailer Dollies Improve Workplace Safety

Companies in many industries are looking for ways to boost productivity and efficiency in the new year. In the material handling industry, this push is even more important as workers face risks of accidents on the job. The following are some of the top trends that are relevant to these issues.

Labor Shortage

Worker shortages are leading business owners in material handling to look at other options for improving productivity. While some are turning to robotics and other automated systems, there are other solutions to this problem. The use of an electric trailer dolly, for example, allows workers to move loads more efficiently and quickly. This can help make up for having fewer workers to handle these kinds of tasks.

Commercial Construction Costs

The increasing cost of construction has some companies exploring other option for expanding. Rather than paying to have new facilities or additions built, some companies are looking into having overhead conveyors and similar systems installed. This gives companies a way to get more use out of existing space instead of needing new commercial construction.

Quick Delivery Times

With more customers expecting rapid deliveries, companies in the material handling industry have had to find ways to adapt. These businesses need improved ways to have merchandise shipped as quickly as possible without having to wait for brand new systems to be installed.

E-Commerce Growth

Material handling companies need solutions to handle the increase in online shopping. With more consumers turning to e-commerce stores and expecting fast deliveries, these businesses need distribution center and warehouse solutions that allow them to keep up with this pace. Trailer dollies offer a smart way to ensure better productivity and efficiency.

Energy-Efficiency

More and more material handling companies are exploring ways to improve energy efficiency. Forklifts and other equipment that uses fuel are costly to operate, while also using up a lot of energy. Motorized trailer dollies that run on electricity provide a more energy-efficient solution.

If you’re looking for ways to become more productive and efficient, contact DJ Products. Our experts can help you find the right solution, such as investing in a trailer dolly.

5 Industries that Would Benefit From a Motorized Trailer Dolly

An Empty Trailer Dock Yard in Need of a Motorized Trailer Dolly — Industries that Need Motorized Trailer Dollies

Is reducing the number of workplace injuries on your list of resolutions for 2024? Moving heavy materials puts excess strain on muscles and joints, resulting in acute and chronic injuries. Lighten the load for your workers with use of a motorized trailer dolly in these labor-intensive industries.

How Does a Motorized Trailer Dolly Benefit These 5 Industries?

1. Agriculture

While heavy materials are usually associated with manufacturing, the agriculture industry also involves moving large equipment as well as animals.

Flatbed trailers are used to move large and sometimes awkward items, such as bales of hay.
A motorized dolly allows smooth maneuvering of livestock trailers that transport horses, cattle, and other animals.
Tractors and combines are fixtures at most agricultural facilities. Our Trailer Dolly lets a single employee move them with ease.

2. Food & Beverage

Shoppers usually don’t realize how much effort is involved in transporting groceries to keep supermarkets and food distribution centers filled. Motorized dollies can safely move trailers holding several pallets full of canned good, dairy products and beverages.

3. Manufacturing

Finished products of any size, from computer chips to cars, involve massive quantities of raw materials. It can also take massive quantities of time and effort to move those materials from one place to another in preparation for the manufacturing process. Using our motorized dolly to do the heavy lifting provides a significant boost to productivity levels.

4. Construction

Does any industry involve bulkier and heavier materials than construction? Items such as steel girders, wooden beams and cement slabs cry out for trailers. No matter what’s being transported, our motorized dolly will make quick work of it.

5. Distribution Centers, Fulfillment Centers and Warehouses

Businesses rarely have enough onsite space to store inventory and supplies for the long term. Facilities such as distribution centers, fulfillment centers and warehouses serve as a “middle man” between manufacturer and business. With constant movement of trucks in and out of the yard, a motorized trailer dolly is an absolute necessity.

Motorized Material Handling Solutions from DJ Products

Our Trailer Dolly is just one of the full line of battery-powered tugs, moves and pushers from DJ Products. Call 800.686.2651 to learn more.

Top 5 Uses for a Motorized Trailer Dolly

Aerial Image of a Busy Trailer Yard that could Benefits of a Motorized Trailer Dolly. — Benefits of a Motorized Trailer Dolly.

When your business involves moving or pulling heavy loads or large vehicles, having an efficient way to do so is highly important. Using forklifts or other equipment that require manual handling puts your staff at risk of injuries, while also taking up a lot of time. A motorized trailer dolly offers the ideal solution for many businesses. The following are some of the top uses for these trailer dollies.

Distribution Centers

Some distribution centers have semi-trailers that have to be moved from one spot to another in the yard. Trailer dollies provide a safer and easier way to do this. They can be used to pull semi-trailers around distribution center yards as needed with minimal risk to workers.

Fulfillment Centers and Warehouses

Fulfillment centers and warehouses handle a lot of loading and unloading. This involves moving semi-trailers from dock doors to staging areas. Relying on a trailer dolly for this purpose offers a more efficient way to move semi-trailers for loading and unloading.

RV, Boat, and Cargo Trailer Dealerships

Dealerships that sell RVs, campers, boats, or cargo trailers need a safe way to move inventory around inside showrooms or on lots. Motorized trailer dollies are the perfect solution for moving RVs and other large vehicles from one area to another as safely as possible.

Garages

Mechanics who work on trailers or wheeled equipment need a dependable way to move these to service bays for repairs and maintenance. Trailer dollies make it possible to pull these around with greater efficiency.

Production Assembly Lines

Factories that produce trailers or wheeled equipment need to move these along production assembly lines as quickly yet safely as they can. Using a trailer dolly provides a fast way to do this, while also reducing the risk of injuries and productivity loss.

Benefits of Motorized Trailer Dollies

From safety and speed to efficiency, trailer dollies are the best solution for several kinds of businesses. DJ Products has several models available to choose from.

If a motorized trailer dolly could benefit your business, please contact DJ Products for more information. Our team can assist you in selecting the right solution for your company.

Powered Dolly Material Handling Solutions for Hotels

No traveler wants to be told their room isn’t ready for check-in yet. When you’re working on tight deadlines and everything has to be perfect, our powered dolly and other material handling solutions for hotels let your staff turn rooms around quickly and effectively.

Hospitality Material Handling Solutions from DJ Products

We have a variety of tugs, movers and pushers to fit any hospitality applications. Which ones are right for you?

Powered Dolly

Make sure no one is spending valuable time manually transporting materials from room to room. Our powered dolly allow a single worker to move up to 1,500 pounds safely and simply. Different bed and shelf sizes are available.

WagonCaddy

Hotels receive a steady stream of deliveries, from furniture for the rooms to food and equipment for the restaurant. The WagonCaddy hauls loads of up to 3,000 pounds, easily accommodating sofas or cases of steaks.

Powered Linen Cart

Piles of dirty linen are heavy, bulky and difficult to carry. Use our powered linen cart to move as much as 700 pounds of linen back to the laundry. The kit can be installed on new or existing carts, either at our factory or onsite.

Linen Wire Cart

Once the soiled linens are removed, the clean ones have to be brought in and they’re not easy to carry either. Clean linens stay neat and tidy on our linen wire cart.

CartCaddyLite

Our compact and efficient CartCaddyLite adapts to multiple hospitality needs. This handy puller handles loads up to 1,000 pounds, yet its size allows smooth maneuverability around tight corners and through narrow passages.

WagonCaddy

For greater needs, the WagonCaddy provides all the benefits of the CartCaddyLite with a maximum load size of 3,000 pounds.

All of our material handling products operate under battery power so they’re eco-friendly and less expensive to operate.
In addition, all products are ergonomically designed to prevent repetitive stress injuries and other safety risks.

Boost Productivity and Promote Workplace Safety

Let our electric tugs, movers and pushers handle the heavy lifting at your hospitality business. Our cheerful Sales Engineers are ready to help you find the right solution. Contact us at 800.686.2651.

Improve The Safety of Your Trash Room with a Motorized Dumpster Tow

Image of a Tightly Packed Trash Room in Need of a Motorized Dumpster Tow — Improve Safety with a Motorized Dumpster Tow

Having employees lug heavy loads of garbage around in dumpsters can easily lead to injuries. Dumpsters often contain garbage that weighs thousands of pounds. In some cases, dumpsters need to be moved across long distances as well. A motorized dumpster tow can make this task much safer for employees in your trash room.

Motorized Dumpster Tows Offer Safer Trash Hauling

The WasteCaddy a motorized dumpster tow, provides a more efficient way to move dumpsters around. This battery-powered dumpster mover can haul dumpsters that weigh up to 5,000 pounds. There’s no manual lifting or pulling involved, which helps reduce physical strain on employees. This tow uses a 36-volt 3-battery system that can go from 0 to 3 mph in forward or reverse. It also works on inclined surfaces and on snowy or icy surfaces. This allows employees to safely move dumpsters to their designated location without the risk of injuries.

Efficient Design

The WasteCaddy has dumpster brackets that can be bolted or welded to dumpsters. This provides a secure attachment that prevents dumpsters from coming loose. It also includes multiple safety features, such as a safety horn and a safety stop switch and guard kit. Other features that make our motorized dumpster tow safer and more efficient include adjustable acceleration and braking and variable speed twist grip for easy maneuvering. Employees can use the WasteCaddy to pull or push dumpsters over long distances, in tighter spaces, or on slippery surfaces with ease.

Versatile Usage

The WasteCaddy offers an ideal dumpster moving solution for multi-family properties, parking garages, manufacturing complexes, malls, and many other commercial buildings. It provides a simple and efficient way to move dumpsters several yards for curbside garbage pickup. This helps ensure that garbage is removed from commercial or multi-family residential properties on a regular basis.

Cost Savings

Using the motorized dumpster tow for trash rooms can help companies save money. Its efficient design and safety features help reduce workplace injuries. This results in less money spent on workers’ compensation and related expenses and less productivity.

If you’re looking for a dumpster tow for your trash room, please contact DJ Products. We can provide you with additional details about the WasteCaddy.

How to Improve Safety and Efficiency with a Motorized Trailer Dolly

Pallets on a Loading Dock In Need of a Motorized Trailer Dolly — Enhanced Efficiency of the Motorized Trailer Dolly

Dictionary.com defines material handling as “the loading, unloading and movement of goods, as within a factory or warehouse,” generally involving the use of mechanical devices. Our material handling experts explain how battery-operated aids, such as our motorized trailer dolly, help to improve safety and efficiency in your workplace.

What Is Material Handling Equipment?

Broadly defined, material handling equipment is anything that allows effective protection, movement and storage of items and products. This can range from cranes and dollies to refrigerated containers for food.

Much of the activity in a warehouse involves loading and unloading pallets and transporting materials throughout the inbound and outbound processes. Material handling also extends to the yard, where trailers have to be guided into and out of the loading docks. Our motorized trailer dolly lets a single worker navigate trailers weighing up to 100,000 pounds with ease.

OSHA Safety Regulations

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has specific guidelines governing safety features on material handling equipment. This provides a firm standard with no gray areas, so companies know exactly what is required of them.

Safety features on our trailer dolly include:

Neutral throttle braking
Safety stop switch
Safety horn
Safety strobe flashing light
Solid tread tires

The trailer dolly is also ergonomically designed, with features such as a variable speed thumb twist pad, to prevent repetitive motion injuries from excessive strain on the musculoskeletal system.

Eco-Friendly and Low Maintenance

High fuel costs can greatly reduce the cost-effectiveness of gas-powered material handling equipment. In addition, they are expensive to maintain and generate fumes that pose a risk to the environment, as well as to the health of your workers.

Our trailer dolly operates on batteries that provide a full shift’s worth of operation when fully charged. The dolly navigates smoothly in tight quarters and up and down inclines, with a reduced noise level and no dangerous fumes.

Choose the Motorized Trailer Dolly from DJ Products

Our trailer dolly pays for itself in reduced workplace injuries and increased productivity. Call 800.686.2651 or use the chat feature on our website to learn more about our full line of tugs, pushers and movers from our helpful Sales Engineers.

How The DJ Products Trailer Dolly Improved Efficiency

Trailer Yard in Need of a Electric Trailer Dolly. — Trailer Yard in Need of an Electric Trailer Dolly.

Being able to move vehicles, large loads, or other objects around outdoor lots or indoor facilities comes with numerous challenges. Traditional methods, such as using a forklift, tend to be time-consuming and raise the risk of accidents. Find out how the motorized trailer dolly from DJ Products has helped boost efficiency for businesses, including an RV dealership.

Efficient Outdoor Use

Explore RV has relied on the battery-powered TrailerCaddy 6K 36V unit to move RVs around dealership lots. Using a forklift or truck to move these around requires special training, while also increasing the chance of damage or accidents. With a trailer dolly, dealerships and other businesses have a much more efficient way to push or pull vehicles and trailers weighing thousands of pounds in outdoor areas. In fact, the TrailerCaddy 6K can move trailers and vehicles that weigh up to 50k pounds. It also comes with a 6k-pound hydraulic lift kit for ball, king pin, and pintle hitch trailer connections.

Improved Indoor Efficiency

Trailer dollies can help companies become more efficient in indoor settings. Explore RV now has an easier and less time-consuming way to move RVs and trailers around inside convention centers and other indoor areas. The company depends on these trailer dollies for moving vehicles over short distances rather than having to maneuver a forklift around in tight spots. Switching to a motorized trailer dolly can help warehouses, distribution centers, dealerships, and many other businesses with indoor facilities improve efficiency and productivity.

Enhanced Efficiency and Safety Overall

Using the TrailerCaddy has allowed Explore RV to help keep staff safe when moving RVs around. Forklifts and similar machinery require careful operation and training. Otherwise, businesses face higher risks of having workplace injuries or accidents occur. This can result in increased expenses for companies, decreased productivity, lower employee morale, and higher turnover. Using a trailer dolly instead provides a great way to improve safety and employee satisfaction.

If you’re looking for ways to improve efficiency in your facility or outdoor lot, contact DJ Products to learn more about our solutions. We can help you select the ideal motorized trailer dolly for your business to help boost safety, productivity, and efficiency.

The Benefits of Transitioning from a Forklift to a Motorized Trailer Dolly

Warehouse Transitioning from Forklifts to a Motorized Trailer Dolly — Transitioning from Forklifts to a Motorized Trailer Dolly

Forklifts are the traditional way to move loads around warehouses and other facilities. This equipment comes with a number of risks to employees, though. Switching to a motorized trailer dolly can provide a more efficient, safer, and faster way to move heavy loads or items around. Find out more about the benefits of making this change.

Saves Time

Trailer dollies are easier to operate compared to forklifts. This can help reduce the amount of time it takes to push or pull pallets and other loads around warehouses, distribution centers, and other facilities. Saving time allows workers to handle other tasks, leading to increased productivity.

Reduces Costs

Forklifts can cost your company more in terms of hiring drivers with the right training and paying workers’ compensation for accidents and injuries. Using motorized trailer dollies instead costs your business less. Fewer accidents help lower workers’ compensation costs, and operators don’t need to be certified to use this equipment as forklift operators do.

Improves Safety

Having a forklift move loads around carries a high risk of injuries and accidents. This equipment is difficult to maneuver, especially in tight settings. Trailer dollies can handle tight turns and move loads around more safely, which helps decrease the risk of injuries and accidents on the job.

Enhances Efficiency

Forklifts can be challenging to use, which can require more time and effort for moving items or heavy loads around. Changing to electric trailer dollies helps boost efficiency in your business. This equipment makes it easier to pull and push loads from place to place, resulting in a more efficient workplace.

Uses Cleaner Energy

Forklifts typically require gas, diesel, propane, or other fuels to run. This uses up more energy, while also being less eco-friendly. Trailer dollies that run on electricity consume less energy and can be powered up for use in one or more shifts at a time before needing to be recharged. This also helps your company save money.

If you’re looking for the right motorized trailer dolly for your company, contact DJ Products. Our experts can help you select the best type for your business.