Day: November 29, 2017

DOT Add Opioids to List of Drugs Drivers to Be Tested For January 1

Drivers Are Now Being Tested for Opioids
Drivers Are Now Being Tested for Opioids

With the increase in opioid abuse over the past several years, the Department of Transportation will be requiring truck drivers to be tested for them soon. This testing is being done to help ensure that truck drivers are able to safely operate their vehicles. It’s also being implemented as part of a nationwide effort to address opioid abuse.

New Drug Testing Rules

Starting on January 1st, truck drivers will be tested for four different kinds of opioids as part of routine testing. These include hydromorphone, hydrocodone, oxycodone and oxymorphone, which are all semi-synthetic opioids that are used as prescription painkillers.

The DOT will be adding this new testing panel to routine urine testing for those who operate commercial vehicles. Whether driving on the road or operating a semi trailer mover, it’s important for those in the industry to stay safe and not put others at risk on the job.

Support and Opposition to the New Rules

These new rules have been met with both strong support and opposition. Supporters are in favor of these new rules in order to reduce safety risks associated with truck driving and opioid abuse. They also believe that the new rules are necessary under the Department of Health and Human Services guidelines, which determine the types of drugs that federal agencies can test. Those who oppose the new rules cite concern that truck drivers who are taking prescription pain medication under their doctor’s orders could be unfairly punished.

If you need a reliable semi trailer mover for your business, contact DJ Products to learn more. We offer a wide selection of products to help keep your employees safe on the job. These products lower the risk of injuries and save you time, money and manpower.

What Supply Chain Trends are Being Driven by Cloud Technology?

Supply Chain Management is Moving to the Cloud
Supply Chain Management is Moving to the Cloud

Businesses that have embraced cloud technology have a clear advantage over their competition. This is especially true in the area of supply chain management. Technology that is commonplace today was difficult for most people to believe possible just a few years ago.

By analyzing current supply chain trends that are driven by cloud technology you can get an idea of industry changes yet to come and position your business to stay ahead of competitors. Optimizing manual processes with modern material handling equipment should be a part of every business plan.

Improved security

Many company managers were reluctant to embrace cloud technology due to security concerns. They felt anytime data left the company’s premises it was placed at higher risk. The concern was understandable. Over the past few years, cloud providers have improved infrastructure security to comply with mandatory standards for HIPPAA, SOX, FedRAMP, and other regulatory agencies.

Smart robots

Assembly-line robots and other industrial robots have been in use for decades. Cloud technology is making it possible for these robots to work smarter and humans to work more efficiently alongside these artificially intelligent machines that are constantly learning. Modern robots can navigate complex work environments and improve the efficiency of order fulfillment and all other aspects of e-commerce.

Enhanced integration

According to a recent article by business.com, integrated organizations will outperform the competition going forward. Cloud technology makes it easier for companies to collaborate with their customers, business partners, and employees.

Machine-to-machine (M2M) communication is rapidly becoming commonplace in supply chain management. It allows people to better manage material handling equipment, warehouse inventory, and delivery truck routes. Cross-channel integration requires intra-organizational and inter-organizational reconfigurations along with a dedicated investment in the company’s IT department.