February 24, 2019 - DJ Products

Forbes Predicts a Major Consolidation of Shipping Companies in 2019

Pros and Cons of Shipping Business Consolidation

Shipping companies are expected to form alliances in order to provide high-quality services to their customers in 2019. In addition to these alliances, investing in terminal tractors and other products can help these companies improve productivity and raise morale among their employees. Taking these steps can guarantee being able to provide superior service.

Logistics and Shipping Changes

Logistics companies and shipping consolidation have led to fewer carrier options for shipping companies. This drop in available carriers can make it difficult for shipping companies to ensure that they are able to keep products moving on schedule and get the quality they are looking for. This is especially true for independent shipping companies compared to much larger ones.

Some shipping companies have decided to form alliances, so they can do business with carriers that they can depend on. Making this move will help these companies protect their business.

Pros and Cons of Consolidation

Is consolidation a positive or negative change for shipping companies in general?

Consolidating has pros and cons that shipping companies should take into consideration. These alliances allow shipping companies to thrive and stay on schedule overall. However, shipping companies might find that rates end up increasing due to a lower amount of competition in the market. These rate increases could have a negative impact on shipping companies.

With alliance formations expected to continue this year, it’s important for independent shipping companies to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of consolidating before making any decisions on whether or not to go through with it.

If you need more information on terminal tractors for your warehouse, contact DJ Products. These products can help improve working conditions for your employees, which boosts productivity and saves on time.

Important eCommerce Trends for 2019 that Warehouse Managers Should be Watching

Make Work a Little Easier on Yourself – Setting Automated Chatbots to Weed Out Frequently Asked Questions and Issues so You Can Focus on the Bigger Things.

With eCommerce becoming the preferred method of shopping, speed of order processing and shipping has become more important than ever. Equipment such as motorized trailer dollies helps streamline the process, but logistics technology is also growing more sophisticated.

What steps are you taking to upgrade your warehouse? Here are eCommerce logistics trends in the forefront for 2019.

Mobile Optimization

Smartphones are deeply entrenched in today’s society, making them a convenient tool for online shopping. Any retailer who hasn’t prioritized mobile-friendly sites is already behind the eight-ball, but they may fall further off the pace thanks to Google’s rollout of its mobile-first indexing.

Automation

Unfortunately, as the growth of eCommerce has put more demands on warehouses, the available pool of qualified workers has shrunk. Incorporating automation for basic tasks lets your warehouse operate with fewer employees who can be assigned to more skilled jobs.

Chatbots

The longer customers have to wait for assistance, the greater the chance they’ll simply abandon your site. Chatbots provide immediate communication to help customers through the buying process.

Delivery Options

For some time, next-day delivery was the ultimate service, but companies are now pushing the boundaries with same-day delivery. Unsurprisingly, Amazon is at the forefront of creative delivery methods with options such as drones and package lockers.

Upgraded Checkout Process

Slow or complicated checkout is the reason most often cited for cart abandonment on eCommerce sites. Retailers are turning to guest sign-ins, shorter forms and autofill fields to make checkout easier and quicker to navigate. Many companies are also beginning to accept cryptocurrency and other alternative payment options.

DIY Shunting with Motorized Trailer Dollies from DJ Products

Our Electric Yard Dog eliminates the cost and inefficiency of outside shunting services. Contact us for more information.

Five Important Trends for 2019 in Logistics – Part One

All the major economic shifts and advances in technology are impacting the transportation and logistics industry. Everyone hears about eCommerce, the blockchain, augmented reality – but in logistics, these buzzwords are already impacting our bottom lines. Let’s dive into the logistics trends for 2019 to anticipate and stay ahead of the game.

How are Trends Changing and How Can Your Business Adapt?

Machine-driven processes may have the most direct and immediate impact. From robotic picking to new semi trailer movers that tow freight around the yard, any warehouse can benefit from upgrading its material handling equipment.

Accounting and consulting firm PwC recently released Transport and Logistics Trends 2019.

Logistics and the Economy, 2019

First, let’s consider some of the market forces at play:

– Mergers and acquisitions: 38 percent of CEOs are planning an M&A event in the next year. Would consolidation improve your efficiency? Is a competitor about to get much larger?

– International trade deals and trade wars: Are you ready to pivot when the next political move results in shifting trade routes and priorities?

– Rail traffic and trucking shortages: Logistics firms expect the pressure on freight transport to continue. Can you improve warehouse efficiency to mitigate high delivery costs?

All this drama takes place against a backdrop of a strong economy and optimistic forecasts. Money is being made, and the stakes are high. Smaller firms need to stay agile and invest in improvements to come out on top rather than getting eaten up by the behemoths.

The Next Big Thing in Logistics

In Part Two, we’ll look at software and technology trends in logistics. From augmented reality warehouses to automated material handling and semi trailer movers, 2019 will see plenty of changes on the ground and in the cloud. Contact us at DJ Products for more info about trailer movers.

Five Important Trends for 2019 in Logistics – Part Two

Technology Should Make Working Easier. That is the Future. A more Efficient Workplace.

How should logistics use blockchain? Can technology help businesses make up for a shortage of skilled labor? These are some of the burning questions for logistics in 2019. We’re in a strong business climate, but forecasters like PwC say that two-thirds of T&L CEOs expect technology and other factors to substantially disrupt their business.

Now let’s look at how companies will be using technology to change the game. Yard trucks and other material handling equipment are helping workers of all skill levels. On the digital side, we’re seeing a new generation of logistics tools that use blockchain, Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence.

The Machines Are Taking Over…

While the media likes to cover automation that eliminates jobs, most warehouses are using robotics and smart equipment to empower their employees. In 2019, logistics technology is helping businesses make up for the skill gap.

Trends for more efficient logistics include resources such as:

– Predictive AI for inventory, scheduling, deliveries, etc.

– Blockchain and distributed ledgers for security in the supply chain

– Augmented reality (AR) to design an efficient warehouse, find items quickly, scan for shipping, etc.

But We Still Need Tools for Warehouse Workers

Various forms of electro-mobility are empowering businesses to get more productivity and efficiency out of warehouse workers.

Look at the electric yard trucks from DJ Products for an example. You don’t need to waste a CDL driver by asking them to move trailers around the dock or freight yard. Now, any dock worker can shift a semi-trailer using an easy tow dolly. It’s fast, precise, and less expensive than a shunt truck to own and operate.

Follow the DJ Products blog for logistics industry news, and call 800.686.2651 for more info about our yard trucks and material handling equipment.

Warehouse Tips: Special Considerations for Warehouse Shift Worker Safety

Always Enforce Safety Rules – It Might Just Save a Life!

While material handling equipment can handle the demands of being on duty 24/7, warehouse workers rely on shifts to accommodate round-the-clock staffing needs. While nearly 15 million Americans are employed on shifts, night or long-term shift work can result in health and safety risks.

Happy and healthy workers improve job productivity and employee retention rates. Protect your staff with these helpful tips for managing shift work.

Tips for Managing Warehouse Shift Work

Shift work, especially for employees on rotating or night shifts, interferes with the body’s circadian rhythms, which form the internal clock that governs wakefulness. Disrupted sleep patterns can lead to emotional, metabolic and cardiovascular problems as well as greater risk of workplace errors and injuries.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that employers incorporate these procedures for shift workers:

– Schedule workers for a minimum of 10 consecutive off-duty hours each day so they can get seven to eight hours of sleep.

– In addition to regular meal breaks, provide short breaks every one to two hours for particularly demanding jobs.

– Limit shifts to no more than 10 hours wherever possible.

– Provide workers with education and resources about shift work.

Here are steps that shift workers can take individually to control fatigue:

– Take a walk before the start of the shift, preferably outdoors in daylight.

– Limit consumption of caffeinated beverages such as coffee and cola to the first half of the shift to avoid sleep problems.

– Take frequent mini-breaks to move around and keep muscles loose.

Combat Shift Work Fatigue with Material Handling Equipment from DJ Products

Our battery-powered material handling equipment is easy to use and designed to prevent common musculoskeletal injuries. Contact us to find the right tug, mover or pusher for your applications.

OSHA’s Most Cited Safety Issues for 2018

Don’t Be These Guys in the Workplace – Horsing Around Isn’t Funny nor Smart for your Health.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was created to establish and enforce standardized safety and health regulations across private sector companies. Each year OSHA issues a list of the most-cited violations involving misuse of warehouse equipment and other unsafe practices.

For the last two years, the top five categories have remained the same. Here are OSHA’s most-cited violations for 2018.

1. Fall Protection

Fall protection, which is intended to protect employees working on a surface with an unprotected side greater than six feet, has been the top category eight years in a row. Cited violations include lack of guardrail or safety net systems.

2. Hazard Communication

Hazard communication involves notifying and training employees regarding chemicals produced or imported in the workplace. Cited violations include maintaining a written hazardous communication program along with printed and accessible copies of Safety Data Sheets.

3. Scaffolding

Companies are required to protect workers both on and around scaffolding at a height of 10 feet or more. Cited violations include supporting scaffold posts, legs, poles and frames on a suitably firm foundation.

4. Respiratory Protection

OSHA provides specific guidelines for establishing and administering a respiratory protection program. Cited violations include ensuring that tight-fitting facepiece respirators are fit-tested prior to use and workers receive medical evaluations to determine their ability to use respirators.

5. Lockout/Tagout

Lockout/tagout refers to the process of controlling electricity or other energy sources during servicing of warehouse equipment. Cited violations include periodic inspections of lockout/tagout procedures and training employees in the necessary knowledge and skills.

Commit to Workplace Safety with Warehouse Equipment from DJ Products

Our battery-powered tugs, movers and pushers are ergonomically designed to prevent common repetitive-motion injuries. Visit our website for more information about the safety features of our industrial carts.

Encourage Safety in Your Warehouse with Safety Walkarounds

Hard Hats Save Lives, Folks. Wear Them!

Use of our electric industrial tugs demonstrates your commitment to employee welfare. Make workplace safety a permanent part of your company culture by conducting regular walkarounds to promote ongoing safety awareness.

What should you focus on during warehouse walkarounds? The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends a three-step process for safety inspections.

Before the Inspection

– Never do a “cold” walkaround. Take time beforehand to completely understand warehouse operations and review any previously identified safety issues.

– Talk to managers and supervisors about any specific concerns they may have.

– Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

During the Inspection

– Limit walkaround participants to a handful of people. Larger groups may intimidate workers and prevent open communication.

– Look for hazards such as blocked aisles and doorways, exposed electrical wiring, and sloppy work areas.

– Solicit employee input as much as possible. Reassure workers that your goal is to spot and solve problems, not point fingers.

– As you go, make a list of identified hazards and prioritize them based on risk level.

After the Inspection

– Lack of follow-through dooms many workplace programs. Employees will be more engaged and cooperative when they see you taking action on findings.

– Create a hazard abatement plan specifying a course of action and timeline for addressing each issue discovered on the walkaround.

– Share the plan with both supervisors and employees and provide progress updates.

– If you don’t already have one, form a warehouse safety committee to help further integrate safety education and awareness in daily workplace operations.

Make Industrial Tugs from DJ Products Part of Your Safety Program

Customers say ergonomically designed industrial tugs such as our best-selling CartCaddyShorty are “like having an extra employee.” Our cheerful sales engineers are available to help through our convenient online chat feature.

A Look Ahead into 2019 at Trends Shaping the Aviation Industry

2019 Aviation Trends

While the aircraft caddy from DJ Products offers superior performance across a variety of conditions, not every aspect of the aviation industry is that consistent. Each year brings innovations and challenges, and how you respond can profoundly affect your business.

What’s ahead for the next twelve months? Here’s a look at the trends expected to shape the aviation industry in 2019.

Air Traffic Will Double

In a trend that’s continued since the 1970s, air traffic is projected to double by 2035. Reasons behind this trend are twofold:

1. Emerging markets and urbanization cause a shift in economic power, resulting in more people traveling by air.

2. Privatization and deregulation combine to drive air travel costs down.

Major Capacity Shortages

The downside of more air traffic is that it’s not supported by the current infrastructure. Plans are underway to increase facilities, but all regions are still expected to have capacity shortages of up to 50 percent only five years from now.

Green Initiatives

The global agreement known as CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) hits a crucial deadline in 2020, at which time aviation emission levels are required to stabilize. By 2050, emissions must be reduced to approximately 50 percent of 2005 levels.

Focus on Punctuality

As a means of reducing congestion and increasing customer satisfaction, airlines are implementing new performance measures with an emphasis on scheduling.

Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM)

More than two dozen major European airports have implemented A-CDM to facilitate real-time information sharing.

Meet the Future with the Aircraft Caddy from DJ Products

As speed and efficiency become increasingly more important in the aviation industry, our aircraft caddy will help you keep pace. Contact us to learn more about our full line of aircraft tugs.

New Military Bomb Designs are Evaluated for 2019

Be Prepared For Every Outcome. Safety is Key.

Being able to remove suspected bombs or other explosive devices from airports and other places as safely as possible is crucial. Having a bomb caddy on site provides a safe and effective way to accomplish this. If you work in an environment that faces these types of potential threats, staying updated on the latest munitions news can be helpful. Learn more about recent Air Force news about lethal munitions.

Researchers Call for New Bomb Designs

Air Force researchers have been discussing the need for new and improved munitions for modern battlefields. Being able to face potential adversaries in a war, such as China or Russia, means that the Air Force needs to have munitions that are more powerful and provide better precision.

Up-to-date design features would give our forces the advantage if a war broke out with another nation that has advanced weaponry. Researchers have stated that the Air Force is working on maximizing the effects of new munitions rather than minimizing them, which was one strategy of the past.

Peer-Level Threats

The Air Force researchers who are calling for newer designs are concerned about ensuring that the U.S. is ready to handle peer-level or near peer-level threats in terms of power and weaponry. This means making sure that the Air Force has the most updated munitions designs possible. Researchers are expected to continue pushing for this to happen and have begun looking into newer designs this year.

If you are looking into getting a bomb caddy, visit DJ Products. These products are designed to safely carry bombs or other explosive devices, as well as other kinds of items in public spaces.

What’s Trending? What to Know About Concierge Trash Management

Make Life a Bit Easier on Yourself. Invest in Our Waste Caddy.

Considering concierge trash services? A growing trend in waste management in multifamily housing units, concierge trash and recycling collection offers many benefits besides those to residents. And with state-mandatory recycling on the rise, demand for these services is expected to skyrocket.

Why Go Concierge?

Dumpster areas around apartments and condos are notoriously gross, making them a constant, high-maintenance headache for your staff. Concierge trash management helps property owners keep their property and the surrounding environment cleaner, as well as increases resident participation in recycling programs. This supports a healthier, greener, pest-free environment.

Eliminating Waste Worries

How many times have you or your staff witnessed – and had to clean up – a bag of trash that soared off the top of a resident’s car in transport? Just as your dumpster mover makes the process of managing residents waste easier, so too can so-called ‘butler bins’ or trash haulers help you more easily manage transporting trash on a smaller scale.

Easily collect trash and recyclable door-to-door 5-7 times each week in custom-designed trash bins located outside residents’ doors, such as hideaway benches. Then, carry it to your refuse and recyclable dumpsters for collection. No more ‘trash bombs’ from cars or piles of waste left just outside your dumpster.

A Coveted Service

Studies show renters look for efficient trash pickup as a top feature when shopping for housing. Easily covered with a minimal increase in rent, concierge trash services are not only cost-effective and profitable, they can actually help reduce the labor involved in resident-related rubbish issues.

Wish you could reduce waste management headaches at your multifamily property? Improve services and increase safety with a trash hauler and dumpster mover from DJ Products today.

Day: February 24, 2019