Day: April 13, 2018

Could Your Fleet Qualify for an ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Exemption?

Check to See if Your Fleet May Be Eligible
Check to See if Your Fleet May Be Eligible

The electronic logging device mandate has stirred up a polarizing debate. Some call the rule “Orwellian,” while others insist only those guilty of fudging paper records are upset. Many fleets are happily incorporating ELDs by using terminal tractors to reduce wait times with faster trailer towing around the docks. Still, you may be wondering if you qualify for an ELD exemption.

An owner-operator exemption request has not prevailed thus far. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has only granted a handful of ELD exemptions and waivers. These apply to old vehicles and situations where other safety measures are deemed sufficient:

– Vehicles manufactured before 2000

– Drivers who don’t use paper logs more than 8 days a month

– Trucks rented for 30 days or less; waiver through April 19, 2018

– Trucks rented for 8 days or less; exempt through October 11, 2022

– Agricultural commodities; waiver through June 18, 2018

– UPS drivers; exempt through January 19, 2022

– MPAA commercial drivers; exempt through January 19, 2023

Additionally, vehicles with the old AOBRDs are enjoying a two-year grandfathering period before a required upgrade by December 16, 2019.

Satisfy ELD and HOS Rules with Terminal Tractors

DJ Products can help your fleet comply with ELD mandates by using our TrailerCaddy Terminal Tractor. These replace your shunt trucks and any employee can operate them, so your CDL drivers don’t need to waste time moving trailers in and out of docks.

Terminal tractors save time and money. A TrailerCaddy costs less than 25 percent as much as a shunt truck, yet easily moves trailers up to 100,000 pounds and provides a long battery life.

For more info about how our terminal tractors can help ease the burden of ELD and hours-of-service rules, contact DJ Products today.

Hosting an Office Picnic? What Employers Should Know in Advance.

Make Sure Staff Knows the Rules for Company Picnics
Make Sure Staff Knows the Rules for Company Picnics

Summer is a time to turn off warehouse equipment for a day and treat employees and their families to a company picnic. Make sure it remains a pleasant event for all by planning ahead to prevent accidents and other possible liabilities.

1. Attendance Should Be Voluntary

If someone’s not interested in participating, forcing them to attend won’t make it any more enjoyable. On a serious note, making attendance mandatory can imply that the event is “in the scope of employment,” thereby increasing liability.

2. Hold the Event Off-Site

Who wants to spend a social occasion surrounded by reminders of work? Host the event off-site and refrain from award presentations, business speeches and other work-related activities.

3. Enforce Company Policies

Attendees should still be expected to act responsibly. Remind everyone tactfully but firmly that harassment and other company policies guiding respectful behavior will be in effect.

4. Set Hard and Fast Rules About Alcohol

If you prefer to hold an alcohol-free event, proceed no further. If there will be alcohol allowed, keep in mind that this is the biggest minefield for potential liability.

– Hosting a cash bar can help limit consumption and remove you from the role of directly supplying alcohol.

– Take a zero-tolerance approach to underage drinking.

– Ensure that plenty of food is served, along with non-alcoholic beverages.

– If you won’t be providing transportation to and from the event, encourage people to have designated drivers and be prepared to arrange transportation for anyone who is intoxicated.

Turn to DJ Products for Top-Quality Warehouse Equipment

Studies show that job satisfaction is higher when workplace conditions are good. Visit our website and find out how our battery-powered warehouse equipment can make a difference in safety and efficiency at your warehouse.

Expectations – What Your Competitors Expect of Their Warehouse Employees

The "Right" Employees Boost Productivity
The “Right” Employees Boost Productivity

Any business that provides goods to customers, whether they’re consumers or other businesses, needs an efficient warehouse to process direct orders or supply brick-and-mortar stores. Employees work extensively with material handling equipment, but what else is involved in these jobs?

More than two million people in America are employed as order fillers in warehouse facilities. What do Amazon, Walmart and other retail giants expect from these workers, and how are they compensated?

Job Responsibilities

– Approximately one-third of order filling jobs are part-time status. Many of these are due to seasonal employment as companies ramp up for high sales periods.

– Many large warehouses operate 24/7, so employees should be prepared to work 10- to 12-hour shifts day or night, including weekends.

– High-tech radio frequency identification (RFID) scanners have greatly improved order-filling productivity and accuracy. Typical tasks include checking in received items, inspecting them for damage, picking customer orders and preparing them for shipment.

– Warehouse jobs require frequent lifting of items up to 70 pounds. Employees should be knowledgeable about how to recognize safety risk factors to minimize their chances of workplace injuries.

– While warehouses have heating and air conditioning systems, employees should be able to adapt to different temperatures, especially if there are refrigerated areas or freezers onsite.

Compensation

– According to recent figures, the median annual salary for order fillers is $23,840.

– Many companies offer healthcare coverage, which may include dental and vision plans, prescription coverage and parental leave.

– Tuition reimbursement, paid vacation time and 401(k) plans can be other features of benefit packages.

Are You Getting the Most from Your Material Handling Equipment?

DJ Products is a top supplier of high-quality material handling equipment that will raise productivity at your warehouse to the next level. Call 800.686.2651 for more information.

What Should be on Your List of Top Attributes for Warehouse Employees

What Should You Be Looking For When Hiring?
What Should You Be Looking For When Hiring?

When you shop for warehouse equipment, you have a wish list of specific features you’re looking for. Shouldn’t you do the same for your warehouse employees?

Labor is your most valuable asset. Maximize productivity and minimize costly turnover by incorporating this checklist of top attributes of quality warehouse employees in your hiring practices.

Ability to Adapt to Different Work Environments

There’s no physical blueprint for skilled warehouse workers. They can be short, tall, thin or stocky. What’s important is that they feel comfortable working in different environments, regardless of location, temperature, or various other elements.

Familiarity with Warehouse Equipment

Working knowledge of power equipment used in your warehouse is a must, as well as appropriate licensing or certification for operating forklifts and other machinery. A strong candidate should also understand whatever warehouse management system your company uses.

Experience in Warehouse Procedures

At a minimum, your ideal warehouse employee should be skilled in the following procedures:

– Counting and cross-checking orders and shipments

– Picking and staging customer orders

– Reading and completing paperwork correlating to orders and inventory

– Loading and unloading trucks

Safety and First Aid Training

Workplace injuries are a drain on all your resources. Employees with current safety training are more aware of potential accident hazards and they’re ready to assist during an emergency.

Focus on Customer Service

Your workers represent you and your company. The best employees internalize a commitment to superior customer service and take a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Improve Workplace Operations with State-of-the-Art Warehouse Equipment

Help your employees to do their best by supplying warehouse equipment that makes their job safer and more efficient. Visit our website for information about our CartCaddyLite and other battery-powered tugs, movers and pushers from DJ Products.