Semi Trailer Moving Archives - Page 3 of 3

American Truck Association Weighs In on Serious Driver Shortages

The trucking industry has been dealing with driver shortages for years. At the recent Trucking Associations’ annual Management Conference & Exhibition, it was again a hot topic for key speakers. The freight market is expected to continue growing and many truckers are nearing retirement age. The industry anticipates needing an additional 1 million drivers and technicians over the coming ten years. Products like DJ Product’s electric terminal tractors can help your warehouse terminal operate more efficiently and safely.

Working with federal and state officials

The American Trucking Association (ATA) is establishing a workforce subcommittee to work with state and federal agencies to address the industry’s driver and technician shortage. Labor Secretary Alex Acosta and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao spoke about the labor shortage and possible ways to address it at the conference.

Secretary Acosta suggested apprenticeships are necessary to meet demands for skilled trucking industry workers. Secretary Chao noted that fewer than 7 percent of commercial truck drivers are female and she believes that more women are probably interested in trucking careers. John Smith is chairman of CRST International and will lead the ATA’s workforce subcommittee.

Changing the federal age requirement

Currently, individuals as young as 18 can obtain a license to operate commercial trucks within a state. However, federal law requires drivers be at least 21 for interstate trucking. Dave Manning, president of TCW Inc., says the industry needs to offer apprenticeships to potential drivers before they have pursued other careers. Manning added that new technology makes it possible for people under 21 to operate the big trucks.

DJ Products specializes in energy-efficient terminal tractors that improve the safety and efficiency of your warehouse terminal by allowing each member of your staff to do more. Contact us today.

Truck Terminal Managers – Here’s Why Driver Retention is Problematic

Sometimes having the right tools on hand can make a world of difference to your drivers. If you’re struggling to keep drivers on staff, it might help to take a closer look at your operation. The fact is that having a yard truck to make their job easier might help you retain them.

Problems in Semi Truck Driver and Long Haul Driver Retention

Sometimes drivers leave their jobs for basic reasons, like not making enough money or having enough home time. However, if you are willing to dig a little deeper, you might find that there are more reasons behind their quick exits.

All too often, trucking companies expect their drivers to perform certain tasks, but they lack the tools to do them efficiently. At the very least, this can lead to frustration. At the most, it can result in serious injuries and accidents. When drivers don’t have the essential tools they need, this translates into a lack of appreciation for them as workers. They grow to believe that their employers aren’t concerned about their safety; just their bottom line.

How a Yard Truck Can Improve Employee Relations

As an employer, the safety of your employees should always be your first priority. However, you also want to save money in the process. The DJ Products yard truck can help you reach both of these goals. You’ll find that with this tool, anyone can move a trailer quickly and efficiently, without having a CDL. You won’t have to spend a lot of money on expensive shunt trucks, and you won’t need a specialized class of driver.

The yard truck can move up to 100,000 pounds. It’s the tool every trucking company should have. Do you want to learn more? Contact us at DJ Products to receive more information.

Feds Eye Rule Change to EPA Regulation of Glider Kit Semi Trucks

DJ Products Supplies Equipment for Shunting Trailers — DJ Products Supplies Equipment for Shunting Trucks to Move Semi Trailers

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt recently stated that glider kit semi trucks provide a more affordable option for independent operators and small business owners. Pruitt added, gliders also provide a crucial economic driver to many rural areas. With advancements in technology and increased focus on more environmentally friendly ways of doing business, the trucking industry is facing new challenges and being forced to adapt to new regulations.

Trucking industry businesses of all sizes can improve safety, operate more efficiently, and reduce damage to docks and trailer equipment with the electric yard trucks from DJ Products.

The debate over glider kit semi trucks

While Pruitt feels the EPA lacks the authority to regulate glider kits under a proposed new interpretation of the Clean Air Act, the American Trucking Association (ATA) opposes repealing the Obama era rule for medium- and heavy-duty truck standards for the glider industry.

Glen Kedzie, energy and environmental affairs counsel for ATA, responded to the proposed rule change by saying the previous standard was based on sound data and science. Kedzie went on to say that it is perplexing that the EPA would support the continued growth of the glider kit industry because it produces the most polluting equipment on America’s highways.

Under the Trump administration, the EPA states that the unique way gliders are manufactured makes them exempt from the regulations of new motor vehicles. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) also takes issue with the proposed rule change, stating that gliders produce 40 times more pollution than modern semis.

We offer a line of low-maintenance, energy-efficient yard trucks for the trucking industry to help your business operate safely and profitably. Contact us to discuss your business operation with one of our knowledgeable and friendly sales engineers.

Long Haul Semi Drivers May See More Pay Raises as Job Market Tightens

Truckers’ pay rates have increased only a fraction as much as other work sectors in the last two decades. Now, carriers are increasing driver rates by several cents per mile and offering compelling sign-on bonuses to poach from their competitors.

For those managing warehouses, the pay raises create a domino effect. Business is good, but efficiency still rules. Even down to operating costs, such as how your terminal tractors can shunt trailers in and out of the docks.

According to a report by Transport Topics, third quarter 2017 driver wages rose 1.6% over last year, with pay hikes across the board:

– Dry van index up 2.5%

– Flatbed up 1.4%

– Truckload pay up 4 to 7 cents in the stronger markets

– Signing bonuses up to $14,000

Experts point to low unemployment, high GDP, and the likelihood of driver numbers holding steady as indicators that the transportation industry should expect to increase driver pay rates in 2018.

Boost Efficiency with TrailerCaddy Terminal Tractors

DJ Products developed the TrailerCaddy Electric Yard Dog to make it safer, easier, and more efficient to shift and relocate trailers at docks and warehouse terminals. Making things even better is the fact that any dock worker can operate the tractor; no CDL is required.

TrailerCaddy terminal tractors move tank, OTR, and semi trailers weighing up to 100,000 pounds using a long-life 48-volt battery. It’s a small machine that any yard spotter can use to precisely maneuver trailers wherever they need to go.

Let our automated tractors do the heavy lifting with pinpoint control. Warehouses can expect lower maintenance costs, fewer injuries, and maximized efficiency to keep transportation costs down even in a competitive job market.

Contact DJ Products to find out more about TrailerCaddy shunt yard trucks.

FMCSA Grant Helps Cover Costs to Train Vets to Become Semi Truck Drivers

Over the past few years, the trucking industry has been facing a driver shortage. In efforts to encourage more people to become truck drivers, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is offering a grant for veterans to receive training.

Effects of Driver Shortage

The driver shortage doesn’t just affect the trucking industry. It has also had an effect on warehousing, with deliveries taking longer in general. This has kept warehouse employees busy moving warehouse items around and ensuring that there’s enough space to store items until they’re ready to be picked up.

From employees who stock warehouse shelves to those who operate a powered trailer dolly to move items around, those who work in the warehousing industry need to make sure that they’re able to keep doing their jobs safely.

FMCSA Grant

The FMCSA grant should help alleviate some of these problems. Under the terms of this grant, veterans who are eligible for the Trucking with the Troops program receive assistance with fees and tuition at Hawkeye Community College. The college offers a six-week or 16-week program that teaches veterans how to safely operate commercial vehicles, so that they can get their license and become truck drivers.

With the driver shortage in effect, this offers a solid opportunity for well-paying employment for those who have served in the Armed Forces. The grant is also available for spouses and children of veterans, making it more affordable for them to become truck drivers. This financial assistance should help increase the number of truck drivers who are on the road.

If you need a powered trailer dolly for your company, please contact DJ products. We offer several high-quality trailer products that help your employees work as safely as possible.

Feds Propose Banning Mexico-Based Rigs from Driving on US Highways in New NAFTA Negotiations

Long-haul trucking companies may need to add more motorized trailer dollies soon. The long, controversial history of the North American Free Trade Agreement could be adding another chapter.

Renegotiating NAFTA

During recent NAFTA negotiations, President Donald Trump’s team put forth an extensive list of demands to be met in order to keep the agreement in effect. One of the conditions was removing the Mexican long-haul industry from a NAFTA chapter on cross-border services.

While the U.S. Trade Representative’s office has remained mum on the content of their proposals, a number of sources close to the negotiations have reported this particular demand. It was described as a “broad industry exclusion” that was submitted during October’s round of talks.

U.S. and Mexico Trucking Industries: A Contentious Relationship

Even after NAFTA went into effect, the U.S. put up several roadblocks to Mexican truckers operating in the country. Initially, they could transport loads only a short distance across the border before transferring them to American truckers.

In 2001 a dispute resolution panel found in Mexico’s favor, but the U.S. refused to comply, causing Mexico to impose retaliatory tariffs. Finally, in 2015, the U.S. granted licensed Mexican truckers the right to haul cargo across the country.

If the new proposal goes into effect, it could be a step toward restricting Mexican truckers once again. Without the advantages and protections afforded by NAFTA, Mexico would have a hard time challenging future trucking requirements imposed by the U.S.

Motorized Trailer Dollies from DJ Products

Did you know that most injuries and damage to trailers occur in the yard? Visit our website to learn why motorized trailer dollies such as our Electric Yard Dog are your solution for safer and more efficient operations.

Category: Semi Trailer Moving