Day: February 25, 2019

Dock Damage: Causes and Remedies

Loading docks are dangerous places if they’re not managed properly. Dock damage can occur in an instant and can all but force operations to cease, but it can be prevented. A trailer mover from DJ Products affords a means to streamline your process and avoid hazards that lead to damage to your facility.

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Mistakes at the loading dock can lead to all sorts of damage and problems, such as:

  • Damaged trailers
  • Broken equipment
  • Building damage
  • Ruined goods
  • Injuries
  • Deaths

According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, there are 85 forklift-related fatalities each year, and 34,900 people are seriously injured by one every year—42% of fatalities are due to crush injuries from tipping vehicles.1 Falling cargo and freight is another hazard that causes many injuries.

Causes of Dock Damage

The leading causes of dock-related damage and injuries include:

  • Equipment: Improper use of forklifts, pallet jacks, and other equipment often leads to damage. Crews may be in a hurry or not have the proper experience and training. Forklifts are notoriously unstable under heavy loads and moving too quickly can cause a trailer to be rammed into something or dropped. The damage may be immediately evident or repeated abuse may take a toll over time.
  • Handling: Equipment drivers are often under pressure to get the job done. Working too quickly can have dangerous consequences even if a worker is well-trained. Equipment operators must always use good judgment to ensure the safety of people and their facility. Accidents may also be caused by operating the wrong equipment for the items being handled.
  • Communication: Even with loads properly restrained and the proper equipment used, all hands must communicate to ensure they’re on the same page. Light signals help but are not enough. You need verbal and physical communication to guide vehicles and loads, as well as warn of potential safety issues.

How to Remedy Dock Damage

Attention to safety and communication and using the right equipment can avoid problems at the loading dock. The equipment you use can also make a big difference when it comes to protecting your workers and facility. For example, a trailer caddy from DJ Products is highly maneuverable and available in models that can transport up to 100,000 pounds. Such an electric trailer mover can handle semi-trailers, ocean shipping containers, and other large objects.

The Yard Dog is a TrailerCaddy Terminal Tractor that can move heavy loads, and which is battery operated. Like other electric trailer caddy models, it can be charged up and is ready to go at any time. It also provides forward facing operation. The operator can, therefore, precisely control the machine and has an unobstructed view, improving safety. Speed control also reduces the risk of dock damage.

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A TrailerCaddy requires no training to operate. You easily can get your employees up to speed on properly using the equipment. There’s no need to depend on outside trailer-moving services either, which can create issues caused by unreliable, untimely contractors.

To reduce your chances of dock damage, order a trailer mover from DJ Products or give us a call today.

Source:

 https://ohsonline.com/Articles/2013/09/01/Death-by-Forklift-is-Really-the-PITs.aspx

Why to Invest in a TrailerCaddy for Your Trailer Loading Operation

The TrailerCaddy from DJ Products is just the solution for moving trailers quickly and safely. Operations at the loading dock can be inefficient and unsafe if the wrong equipment is used and loading/unloading is performed by untrained or unprepared individuals. Our electric trailer mover allows your loading dock to be self-sufficient. It is always available to move semi-trailers in and out of the area.

Here are some of the reasons you should consider investing in a TrailerCaddy:

  • Power movers are available on-demand: There’s no need to wait for a trailer shunting service or a CDL-licensed driver and handler. Your crew can spring to action as soon as a shipment arrives. Whenever trailers need to be moved or orders fulfilled, TrailerCaddy is ready. You save on wasted time and costs of outside services.

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  • Accessibility is improved: A high-end trailer dolly can move trailers that weigh up to 100,000 pounds. Entry models can move 10,000 pounds while 20,000- and 50,000-pound-rated units are also available. Each power dolly has a tight turn radius, making it highly maneuverable. Operators can navigate narrow aisles and avoid hitting equipment, goods, and walls.

 

  • Costs are reduced: Traditional terminal tractors and spotter trucks are expensive, as is hiring an outside contractor to manage their delivery and operation. Our trailer movers are a quarter the cost of such equipment, saving your warehouse operation money.

 

  • TrailerCaddy is run on batteries: No expensive fuel is needed, and there’s no downtime due to empty fuel tanks and refueling. These battery-powered machines have long run times, so they don’t need to be charged often. Plus, they plug in a standard 110v outlet, kept on standby and implemented whenever needed.

 

  • Safety is improved: The power caddies have speed control for safer navigation. Operators also face forward, making navigation easier and enabling them to communicate with their crew members. A trailer dolly is also more stable than a conventional forklift, and it does not require special training or licensing to operate.

 

  • Fewer hazards to workers: Injuries are less likely while operating a TrailerCaddy, while the possibility of accidents is lower. This reduces the expenses related to time out of work and potential injury lawsuits. Workers in confined areas are less at risk while using the caddy; this equipment also requires less maintenance, further limiting the risk.

 

Find Power Dolly Solutions from DJ Products

Warehouse managers and warehouse logistics professionals can now run their facilities and trailer lots more efficiently, thanks to the many benefits of battery operated, easy-to-operate trailer dollies.

trailercaddy-extreme

Each caddy has a built-in battery system, hydraulics, and caddy brackets. A selection of models is available, ranging from a motorized trailer puller for moving small boats and campers to more heavy-duty models able to move heavy generators, highway equipment, semi-trailers, and more. To learn more about our products—including the TrailerCaddy—and Terminal Tractor or to discuss the best electric trailer dolly for your business, call us at 800-686-2651, submit a request for more information online, or schedule a free onsite demo today.