June 17, 2016 - DJ Products

New Dumpster Mover Muscles Trash Containers

Responding to customer need, DJ Products announces the addition of a new dumpster mover to its world-recognized line of ergonomically-designed, battery-powered cart pushers. The DJ Products dumpster mover easily pulls heavy trash and recycling dumpsters and containers to the curb or a designated location for pick up. The new dumpster mover provides an excellent solution for retailers, office buildings, apartment and condominium complexes, hospitals and nursing homes, hotels, shopping centers, manufacturers, distribution centers, and any business that has to haul heavy containers for trash or recycling pick up.

Trash and recycling containers and dumpsters are typically located near trash compactors and bailers deep inside underground parking garages or in designated areas on the plant floor. These heavy containers must be maneuvered around equipment or vehicles across crowded floors or parking garages to designated collection sites or to the outside curb for access by waste haulers. Due to the heavy, unbalanced loads they contain, trash and recycling containers and dumpsters can be extremely awkward and difficult to move and maneuver, particularly around obstacles. When performed manually, the task of pushing and pulling these containers across long distances and up underground slopes to street level puts workers at high risk for expensive and debilitating musculoskeletal injuries.

DJ Products’ ergonomically designed dumpster mover eliminates the pains and strains associated with manually pushing heavy carts and wheeled equipment. Its compact design allows this dynamic cart mover to maneuver easily through tight spaces such as hallways, aisles, doors and crowded parking garages. A powerful 36-volt motor makes this heavy-duty tug capable of muscling dumpsters and containers weighing 500 to 10,000 pounds. The new DJ Products dumpster mover turns a three or four-person job into a quick and easy one-person operation. This powerful battery-operated waste mover can easily push or pull heavy dumpsters or trash/recycling containers up sharp inclines, over asphalt and even through snow and ice.

Visit the DJ Products website for more information on our new battery-powered dumpster mover and to see this amazing ergonomic tug in action. Call 1-800-686-2651 or contact us online to talk to one of our engineering specialists about arranging a free demo trial of our new dumpster mover.

The Ever Shrinking Military Impacts Local Communities

Budget Cuts

When a military base slowly shrinks over the course of years, the effects can be more troubling for the local community than a complete closure. Many military towns have seen a gradual loss of jobs as the Department of Defense moves to reduce infrastructure as an alternative to closing a base.

Tim Ford, the head of the Association of Defense Communities, recently told Federal News Radio that many people who publicly oppose a Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) would admit privately that a planned closure is easier to deal with than a gradual shrink.

The BRAC process involves transparency leading up to a final decision. A community can make plans to repurpose the buildings in order to evolve the local economy. On the other hand, the local community can find itself facing silent job losses and large swaths of unused buildings if the DoD shuts down bits and pieces of the base.

Budget concerns, changing politics, and shifting military strategies all contribute to these changes. A revised BRAC process may be the key to ensuring the best long-term results for affected communities, but many difficult decisions remain.

We follow these affairs closely because our industrial tugs are used by military bases as GSA-approved materials handling equipment. In fact, industrial tugs can help make day-to-day operations more efficient for the military.

With that in mind, the good news is that many military bases are finding ways to streamline operations and reduce costs to avoid closure.

For more information about industrial tugs for military and DoD applications, as well as a wide range of products for businesses of all kinds, visit DJProducts.com.

Understanding the Big Dollars Involved: How the Military Uses Its Budget

When people talk about military spending, the conversation often revolves around an expensive new fighter jet or futuristic technology. Often, those investments total billions of dollars at a time. But how does the sizable U.S. military budget really break down?

Business Insider has demystified military spending with a series of simple infographics about the 2015 budget. It’s an interesting read and you may be surprised at how money gets spread across each branch of service, and among different purposes.

Notable highlights of the budget analysis include:

The base budget comprises 80% of spending. This includes equipment and operations. Overseas contingencies and growth initiatives make up much of the rest.

Out of the $496 base budget, about half pays for personnel and operations. About 13% goes toward R&D.

The Navy takes the lion’s share of the budget, followed by the Air Force. These branches also spend the largest amounts on big-ticket investments such as the $8.3 billion F-35 fighter jet and the $6.3 billion SSN 774 Virginia submarine.

On one hand, it’s true that the military spends the vast majority of its money on day-to-day operations. On the other hand, a single fighter plane cost almost 2% of the annual budget.

Military spending receives special scrutiny, and everyone can appreciate smart steps to improve the efficiency of operations.

DJ Products offers GSA-approved industrial tugs for DOD use. From aircraft tugs to equipment cart movers and beyond, our industrial tugs make it easy for military staff to maneuver and relocate equipment and vehicles with speed and efficiency.

Oshkosh Shakes Up Military Contracting by Winning Humvee Replacement Contract

As the U.S. Army looks to replace a well-traveled fleet of Humvees, the DOD has awarded a $6.75 billion contract to Oshkosh Corp. The agreement calls for the Wisconsin-based manufacturer to produce 16,901 light trucks.

Losing out on the bid were Lockheed Martin and AM General, the latter of which makes Humvees. Lockheed Martin has filed an official protest of the bid, requiring the government to review the selection process. Oshkosh will most likely prevail as the winner, but production will wait until after the protest has been resolved.

The Future of Army Light Trucks

The Joint Light Tactical Vehicles to be produced by Oshkosh will generally fit the mold of the familiar Humvee — light enough for aircraft transport, strong enough to resist explosions.

Oshkosh stock had fallen 20% since the start of the year, but has rebounded aggressively following news of the massive contract, which could ultimately grow to $30 billion. The DOD retains the right to switch suppliers for future production runs.

The new JLTVs are designed to keep costs down by using common parts including GM engines and Allison transmissions. The Army, which will acquire the vast majority of the JLTVs, had set a price-slashing goal to help offset recent overspending.

We keep an eye on major government spending to observe trends in equipment purchases. At DJ Products, our approved GSA industrial tuggers can be purchased by all military and DOD outfits to haul equipment and transport vehicles around bases and hangars.

For more information on GSA industrial tuggers including motorized carts, dollies, and vehicle pushers, visit DJProducts.com or contact us today.

Department of Defense Opens Combat Jobs to Women

Military

In a historic decision last month, the Department of Defense announced that woman will no longer be excluded from any combat operations. The move applies to all branches of the U.S. military.

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announced the decision, calling it an important and necessary step to staff the armed forces with the best talent available.

The Debate Surrounding Women in Combat Roles

Some observers and military leaders have held to the view that women should not serve in combat, for various reasons. A Marine corps report from September 2015 had bolstered this stance with the findings that, in simulated tests, females performing combat tasks were injured more frequently and fared less well at shooting accuracy. The study observed male-only and mixed-gender teams.

However, supporters of women in combat have pointed out that the male-only teams may have fared better partially because those participants were more experienced. With less training and experience, the teams that included females may have naturally produced less positive results.

Finding Ways to Strengthen the Military

Ultimately, the announcement simply means that women pass all requirements for combat roles are allowed assignment to those positions. The move should hopefully strengthen the armed forces with talent better allocated to every role.

The armed forces continue to seek ways to operate more efficiently and optimally. Tools and technology including DOD contractor material handling equipment can help in this regard. Battery-powered equipment to move vehicles and heavy items can be easily used by any service member, allowing units to accomplish tasks with fewer resources.

Contact DJ Products for more information about approved DOD contractor material handling equipment.

Defense Contractors Get Extension on Cyber Security Standards

Cyber Security

An eleventh-hour reprieve has given Department of Defense contractors a reprieve until the end of 2017 before complying with new cyber security standards. For many firms, this defense contracting news comes as a welcome assurance that ample time will be allowed to implement new protocols.

Deadline extended: DOD contractors still face stricter security rules

The DOD heard concerns in December that the January 1, 2015 deadline would be causing undue difficulties for contractors and subcontractors. The reprieve finds a middle ground for increasing protection for sensitive, non-classified data.

Before the latest cybersecurity standards become mandatory, contractors will be required to report non-compliant elements that may affect a contract. The amended rules also stipulate that the toughest security standards will apply only to those subcontractors who are handling certain important data or whose contracts affect critical operations.

More information about the DOD cyber security rules is available from the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

The 2015 NDAA called for tougher security practices for the military and its contractors due to a growing frequency of threats and incidents involving sensitive military data. The goal is to reduce cyber attacks and also mandate reporting of potential breaches.

At DJ Products, we watch out for important defense contracting news that affects our clients. As a DOD contractor you know that staying on top of regulations is critical to maintaining DOD relationships.

As a manufacturer of GSA-approved equipment moving and material handling equipment for military applications, we report on major defense contracting news to help keep you informed. Follow our blog for regular updates on DOD news and solutions for defense contractors.

DoD Contractors In Hot Water for Poor Accounting and Invoicing

Poor Invoicing Has Led to Issues in the DOD

After the Department of Defense found that some transportation contractors had falsified weight tickets, Maersk Line has settled the allegations with $3.66 million in civil penalties.

Maersk’s Farrell Lines and its logistics branch, Damco, appeared to be at fault due to a poor invoicing system. It is unclear whether there was any attempt to falsify the shipment weights, as the matter was settled before going to court.

The large fines indicate the stringent standards placed on DoD contractor equipment and practices — with strict scrutiny expected even for large and established contractors.

Why the DoD Fined Two Maersk Subsidiaries

The transportation companies had been subcontracted to move DoD cargo out of Scott AFB in Illinois. As per the terms of the contract, billing was weight-based. However, the companies did not create authentic weight tickets when shipping the loads — employees had apparently written up 563 tickets after shipment.

With the DoD contractor equipment available today, automated record keeping and material handling should prevent these sorts of invoicing issues.

Maersk had previously paid a $32 million settlement for overcharges to the DoD in 2012, but has been awarded billions in contracts since.

About GSA-Approved DoD Contractor Equipment

Firms with government contracts should take advantage of modern material handling equipment to automate many processes. At DJ Products, we offer GSA-approved truck pushers, trailer caddies, the BombCaddy remote explosive trailer, and other military contractor equipment.

These devices not only make it easier to push and pull heavy equipment and vehicles, but doing so can also make it easier to streamline operations and staffing needs.

Find out more about DoD contractor equipment at DJProducts.com.

DoD Cracks Down on Employees Leaving to be Contractors

DOD Lost an Employee to Boeing

Possible conflicts of interest when Department of Defense (DOD) employees leave to work for defense contractors should be of interest to every tax payer in the country. CNS News reports, when Darleen Druyun, one of the Pentagon’s top-level acquisition officials, was offered a job by Boeing earning $250,000 a year, it clearly compromised the negotiations of a contract for a tanker project. In her role as Principal Deputy Undersecretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Druyun gave Boeing preferential consideration and agreed to a higher price for the project. She then left the DOD to accept the job at Boeing.

Problems still exist

The unethical behavior earned Druyun a $250,000 fine and nine month sentence in federal prison. It also prompted officials to add the “revolving door” provision to the National Defense Authorization Act in 2008. Audits in 2010, 2014, and March of 2016 show potential conflicts of interest remain a major concern. Among other problems with reporting, the required online database known as the After Government Employment Advice Repository (AGEAR) is lacking much necessary information to be an effective tool.

DOD contractor equipment

Civilian contractors are constantly under scrutiny and must operate as efficiently as possible. The GSA has a wide range of requirements for Military and DOD contractors.

At DJProducts, we know the requirements for DOD contractor equipment and the importance of maintaining both the safety of your employees and operational efficiency. Our BombCaddy is a remote controlled, self-propelled power trailer. It is capable of safely maneuvering heavy machines and equipment in tight spaces. Contact us today for more information on our full line of DOD contractor equipment.

The Benefits of the Dumpster Caddy

Few pieces of heavy equipment require as much movement as dumpsters. They’re necessary containers at all types of facilities, from office buildings to hospitals to apartment complexes. Simplify this regular task with use of the Dumpster Caddy from DJ Products.

Fully loaded dumpsters can weigh thousands of pounds, particularly those used at locations such as shopping malls or hotels. Although they generally have wheels, they’re cumbersome to move and turn. They’re often stored in an underground lot where they need to be transported to ground level for pick-up by a waste management or recycling service. It’s not unusual for this task to require at least two or three employees to complete.

Our Dumpster Caddy fastens securely to the container to safely move loads of up to 10,000 pounds. Corners and tight spaces are easy to negotiate thanks to the caddy’s compact size and efficient operation. In addition, battery power enables the caddy to go up and down inclines as well as over ice, snow and other outdoor conditions.

Using a Dumpster Caddy can help streamline your overall operations as well. You can have only one person handle the job instead of sending two or three others. Its ergonomic design reduces the possibility of injury and job-related absences.

DJ Products has a full line of caddies and tugs that can address any of your material handling problems. Our products fit applications from moving shopping carts to maneuvering aircraft. Contact our knowledgeable Sales Engineers at 800.686.2651 for information on solutions to fit your needs.

Dumpsters Need Love Too: Benefits of the WasteCaddy

Dumpsters Need Love Too!

Even though they perform an important function, dumpsters don’t get much love. They provide a convenient disposal location for office and apartment buildings, malls and construction sites, but for most people they’re barely an afterthought. Would you feel differently about a dumpster as a housing option?

A photographer in San Francisco recently used this humorous concept to make a serious point. Fed up with exorbitant real estates prices in his home town, he published a series of tongue-in-cheek photos of “alternative” housing such as mailboxes and manholes covers. The picture of a dumpster was accompanied with a caption referring to it as a “$5,000 waterfront condo”.

All joking aside, without dumpsters trash disposal and recycling would be nearly impossible. The downside is that their size makes them difficult to move, especially when they’re full. Our WasteCaddy and WasteCaddyLite offer perfect solutions to this workplace problem.

These battery-powered pullers are so powerful that one person can easily use them to move dumpsters from underground garages and across dirt and gravel. Their compact design makes them maneuverable even in narrow, confined spaces. Ergonomic features such as the variable speed twist grip help to reduce occurrences of repetitive stress injuries. We also offer a variety of add-ons so you can tailor the caddy to meet your specific needs.

The WasteCaddyLite can handle loads up to 2,000 pounds while the WasteCaddy accommodates up to 5,000 pounds. Our friendly Sales Engineers at DJ Products are ready to help you choose the one that’s right for your application. Please contact us at 800.686.2651 or visit our website to use our convenient real-time chat assistance.

Day: June 17, 2016