Author: Marc DigitalParc

The Top 5 Benefits of a Motorized Trailer Dolly

Trailer Yard
5 Reasons to Use a Motorized Trailer Dolly

Moving trailers and other large items or equipment around requires special care. Using a dolly that involves manual pulling can lead to injuries in your warehouse, dealership, or business. A motorized trailer dolly provides numerous benefits for moving heavy equipment around. The following are some of the top benefits of using these.

Greater Strength

Motorized trailer dollies use a motor to move around, which prevents employees from having to pull and push using their own muscles. These dollies are built to provide much more strength than humans, resulting in a safer, faster, and more efficient way to pull heavy items and equipment from place to place. In fact, many of these dollies are able to move around 50,000 pounds or more.

Versatile Usage

Electric trailer dollies have more than one usage. Some of these are designed for use with multiple trailers or heavier trailers. With some models, users can easily switch from one trailer to the next instead of having to use separate dollies for every trailer. This versatile use can help companies save money on the cost of towing equipment.

Better Maneuverability

One of the top benefits of using motorized trailer dollies is their maneuverability. These dollies are built to maneuver in tight areas much easier than vehicles can. They also provide easy maneuvering in all directions, so users can move them forwards and backwards or turn them at angles as needed.

Enhanced Safety

Motorized trailer dollies provide a high amount of safety compared to using manual dollies. These electric dollies have safety features that help reduce the risk of injuries to workers. Since they’re also easier to maneuver, this cuts down on the risk of accidents or damage in warehouses and other areas.

Better Efficiency

Using motorized trailer dollies offers increased efficiency. Users are able to move heavy items and equipment around in a much shorter timeframe while also doing so safely. This can help businesses move these items around faster and with a lower risk of accidents or injuries.

If you’re looking for a trailer dolly for your business, contact DJ Products. We can help you find the best motorized trailer dolly to suit your needs.

5 Tips to Keep Your Trailer Yard Employees Safe in 2023

Trailer Yard Safety
Trailer Yard Safety Tips

Our Trailer Dolly from DJ Products is a cost-effective and efficient way to maintain safe conditions in your trailer yard. Here are five more useful tips to reduce the risk of injuries to your employees.

5 Tips for Improved Trailer Yard Safety
1. Create a pre-trip checklist

There are specific steps to make sure a trailer is ready to go out on the road. In the hustle and bustle of daily activities, don’t rely on memory when performing the safety check. Create a written list that includes steps such as:

 

2. Grease the bearings

When bearings aren’t sufficiently lubricated, the resulting heat can cause them to seize up. In the worst-case scenario, the wheels can fall off while driving. Take the time to clean and repack bearings once a year or every 10,000 miles.

3. Ensure that the trailer rides level

Taking measurements to determine the amount of “drop” needed for the ball mount is just part of the process. For total accuracy, hook the fully-loaded trailer up to the truck and make any necessary adjustments.

4. Test the emergency brakes

Emergency brakes are a vital fail-safe in case a trailer becomes detached from the towing vehicle. Most e-brakes are triggered by a breakaway switch that’s activated when the key, attached to the truck by a cable, gets pulled out. It’s easy to test the e-brakes by doing a dry run in which you remove the key and attempt to pull the trailer forward. If the brakes are working correctly, the wheels will remain stationary.

5. Have the right tire jack on board

The best spare tire available is useless if the jack isn’t up to the job. For best results, make sure your trucks are equipped with dedicated trailer jacks.

The Trailer Dolly and Other Material Handling Solutions from DJ Products

No matter what the application, we have a tug, pusher or mover to handle your needs. Call 800.686.2651 or use the handy online chat feature to learn more from our Sales Engineers.

MHEDA Weighs in with the Top 2023 Trends for the Material Handling Businesses

Trailer Dolly
Material Handling

After weathering unprecedented challenges over the last couple of years, what can the material handling industry anticipate for 2023? DJ Products, maker of the electric trailer dolly, shares the trends that will be shaping your business over the next 12 months.

Top Material Handling Trends for 2023

The Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) has been the industry’s leading trade organization for more than 65 years. Here are MHEDA’s top predictions for what you can expect to see in 2023.

1. Supply chain challenges continue to be an issue. Extended lead times and order cancellations are only two of the trickle-down results from this major interruption. Consider diversifying customer offerings as a way to deal with shortages.

2. Record inflation has impacted pricing, expenses, wages and interest rates. Look for an economic correction to take place this year.

3. A tight labor market means increased competition for qualified workers across all industries. Make sure you stay current with compensation levels, benefit packages and flexible work schedules to attract top talent.

4. Due to the pandemic and its effects on the workplace, mental and physical health of employees has become a greater concern than ever. Learn to recognize fatigue, low morale and other signs of health issues. Provide resources and support to workers whenever needed.

5. E-commerce and online sales continue to grow. Set yourself apart from the competition by developing creative ways of providing value-added services to end users.

6. Use and integration of internal and external data has become a crucial part of business operations. The downside is that cyber-attackers have become more sophisticated in their methods. Make cybersecurity a priority in your infrastructure and network and provide employee training, especially if you have remote workers.

7. Legal requirements for contracts, licensing and safety standards are constantly changing. Protect employees and customers by staying on top of the latest regulations.

Bring in the New Year with a Trailer Dolly from DJ Products

Are you providing workers with the right tools to do their job safely and efficiently? Contact us at DJ Products to learn more about our trailer dolly and other material handling solutions.

eCommerce Expansion Drives Increased Awareness of Workplace Injury in Fulfillment Warehouses

Trailer Dolly
Blurred Warehouse For Industrial or Logistics Background. Interior Warehouse Space Storage of Tall Shelf. Business Distribution Storage Cargo.

As eCommerce grows, so does the risk of injury to warehouse workers trying to keep up with increased demand. Here’s a look into workplace safety and specific steps, such as use of the Trailer Dolly from DJ Products, that companies are taking to alleviate the problem.

Sobering Statistics About Warehouse Injuries

In 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics issued a report about workplace injuries by industry. At 4.8 injuries per 100 workers, the rate of the warehousing and storage industry is nearly 80 percent higher than the average of 2.7 per 100 of all private industries.

As a result, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) launched a five-year program aimed at reducing warehouse injuries. The regional initiative, focused on four Mid-Atlantic areas, includes onsite warehouse inspections and targeted enforcement of safety standards.

Tips for Reducing Warehouse Injuries

Daily awareness of correct procedures and recognition of safety hazards are the biggest factors in preventing workplace injuries. How are companies taking ownership of this issue and giving employees proper tools?

  • Musculoskeletal injuries, caused by stress to muscles and joints, are common in warehouses. Wearable devices implement “smart” technology to analyze safety risks in real time. Employees wear the devices that track physical data to issue immediate alerts signaling hazardous movements.
  • Forklifts accidents, from collisions to rollovers, present a serious challenge. Many companies are improving their training programs while instituting campaigns to raise awareness. Infographics and checklists are posted in prominent areas where they can be seen every day.
  • With several warehouse tasks, factors such as repetitive motions and proximity to conveyor belts and other machinery pose a major injury risk. As robots become increasingly sophisticated, companies are turning to this method. For example, logistics provider NFI developed a robot nicknamed “Stretch” that can handle loading and unloading jobs quickly and safely.
Is There a Trailer Dolly in Your Truckyard?

Loading docks are a prime spot for injuries. Our Trailer Dolly lets a single employee move semi-trailers up to 50.000 pounds with ease. Contact us at DJ Products or use the handy online chat feature to learn more from our cheerful and knowledgeable Sales Engineers.

The Cost of Workplace Injuries Surpass $250 Billion

Prevent Workplace injuries with a Trailer Dolly
Workplace Injury Prevention

While Amazon’s rising warehouse injury rates may be grabbing the headlines, it’s hardly an isolated problem. Here are some sobering statistics about the industry-wide issue, along with tips for using our Trailer Dolly and other methods to reduce injury risk.

The High Cost of Workplace Injuries

According to Economic Policy Institute, a non-profit think tank, workers at U.S. companies incur an average of 23,000 on-the-job injuries each day. That adds up to 8.5 million injuries per year at a cost of more than $250 billion.

As a result, many companies are investing heavily to make warehouses a safer place to work. But where should these funds be directed? Here are suggestions for targeted steps to improve working conditions and promote safety awareness.

Creating a Safer Warehouse
1. Use accurate data collection methods.

Are you still relying on manual documentation? Incorporate the Internet of things (IoT) and warehouse management systems (WMS) that allow for accurate data that’s connected across a number of platforms.

2. Develop effective training programs and best practices.

Over the last couple of years, labor shortages have forced several companies to put new hires to work with little or no training. Institute a comprehensive training program and make sure workers demonstrate a certain level of competency before letting them work independently.

Other techniques include:

    • Analyzing data to determine where maximum efficiency intersects with minimum injury risk
    • Supply workers with wearable tech that can alert them to potentially unsafe situations, such as proximity to harmful substances or incorrect lifting postures
    • Make safety part of your company culture and encourage workers to report injuries promptly, without fear of negative consequences

 

3. Make proper use of automation and infrastructure.

Sometimes, potential gains through use of automation can actually be offset by increased risk of injury. When workers need fewer motions to complete a task, they can become more prone to musculoskeletal injuries such as sprains and back pains. Invest in tools like our Trailer Dolly, which is ergonomically designed to reduce repetitive motion and overexertion injuries.

Material Handling Solutions for All Application

Want to learn more about our Trailer Dolly and other tugs, movers and pushers? Contact us at 800.686.2651.

Our TrailerCaddy Loves Snow!

View online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUpUy-8bkvQ.

Snow… Snow… Snow… Watch our DJ Products TrailerCaddy in action, moving a fully loaded semi-trailer through the snow! Seeing is believing. Our industrial and material handling products are made for performance regardless of the weather. #TrailerCaddy #TrailerDolly #TrailerMover #DJProductsInc

Our Predicted 2023 Warehouse and Distribution Center Trends

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The Future of Warehousing

Warehouses and distribution centers are heading into 2023 with many opportunities and challenges. Safety improvements are always important, making the use of trailer dolly solutions an ongoing trend. From supply chain and inventory solutions to increased interest in the use of automation, these are some of the other top trends in the warehouse and distribution industry for the new year.

Electric Delivery Vehicles

More companies are looking into using electric delivery vehicles to help cut down on pollution, noise, and costs. This involves the use of smaller vehicles, such as vans and small trucks, rather than box trucks. The use of these smaller vehicles is more practical in some areas, while also offering a way to reduce environmental damage.

Autonomous Lift and Reach Trucks

The use of forklifts in warehouses and distribution centers comes with a risk of injuries. Businesses are exploring the possibility of using autonomous lift and reach trucks to improve safety and efficiency. These trucks can make it easier to move items around with a lower risk of worker injuries.

Neighborhood Distribution Centers

Real estate costs and limited inventory on the market are pushing business owners to find other solutions for storing products. Some are turning to neighborhood distribution centers or mini-warehouses for storing goods. These localized distribution centers and warehouses could help make up for a lack of larger warehouse space.

Automation

With the rise in eCommerce, warehouse and distribution center owners are showing a growing interest in adopting automation. The use of automation can offer a solution to the problems the industry faces due to supply chain issues, labor shortages, and rising costs.

Supply and Inventory Solutions

With the supply chain improving in some areas, companies are looking into solutions for managing inventory more efficiently. Some companies face shortages of certain products, while others are dealing with too much inventory. Solutions might involve reducing prices on overstocked items or finding ways to obtain low inventory items.

If you’re looking into solutions for moving large vehicles safely in warehouses, hangars, or other facilities, please contact DJ Products. We offer trailer dolly solutions that make it much safer to pull or push large vehicles and other items.

Top Tips for 2023 on Optimizing Your Warehouse Space

Trailer Dolly
Warehousing Tips

As your business grows, more warehouse space may be on your 2023 wish list. Let our staff at DJ Products, makers of the electric Trailer Dolly, help you get the new year off to a great start with these helpful tips on optimizing warehouse space.

3 Tips to Optimize Warehouse Space
1. Re-evaluate current warehouse space.

When warehouse space is at a premium, the automatic reaction is to look for a larger facility. Many times, the answer is right in front of you. Ask yourself if you’re making the best use of the warehouse you currently have. More space, whether it’s adding on to your current facility or moving to a new warehouse, is costly in terms of productivity and the bottom line.

2. Make necessary enhancements to work flow.

Are your work processes tight and efficient, or do they involve a number of unnecessary or redundant steps? Tasks such as packaging can take up a lot of space if they’re not laid out in a logical flow. Solicit input from workers, who know from experience where time and space can be conserved.

3. Maximize use of pallet space.

Standard pallets take up just over 13 square feet, which by itself doesn’t seem like much space. But multiply that by the thousands of pallets stored in the average warehouse and it’s a considerable amount. While you can’t change the size of a pallet, you can use creative techniques to accommodate them.

    • Switch to a just-in-time (JIT) model for packaging supplies and other items that are stored regularly. JIT means products are delivered as you need them, freeing up otherwise stagnant storage space.
    • Bubble wrap, styrofoam peanuts and other packaging materials are bulky. Storage often requires a number of pallets that are out of proportion to the amount of materials being stored. Consider switching to inflatable packaging elements that are both compact and eco-friendly.

 

DJ Products: Home of the Trailer Dolly and Other Material Handling Solutions

Do you equip your employees with the right tools to work safely and effectively? Contact us at 800.686.2651 to learn more about our Trailer Dolly, CartCaddy, and other products designed for maximum efficiency.

Warehouse Fall Prevention and Safety for the New Year

Fall Prevention Tips
Fall Prevention Tips

Did you include a goal to reduce warehouse accidents in your 2023 business plan? Our eco-friendly trailer dolly is a valuable tool to improve workplace safety. Here are some additional expert tips to protect against falls, one of the most frequent types of accidents occurring in warehouses.

Types of Falls

Knowing the three basic types of falls helps you focus on specific areas of improvement.

      • Same-level falls, also known as same-surface falls, take place on flat ground, such as the workplace floor.
      • Elevated falls refer to falls from one level to another, such as from a ladder or loading dock.
      • Swing falls involve the use of a Personal Fall Arrest System, or PFAS. If the PFAS is not fastened securely, the person using it may lose their balance and swing freely, striking a nearby object.

     

Tips to Prevent Falls
      • Education raises awareness. Institute a comprehensive training program on risk reduction, including proper use of equipment. Make it easy for employees to report potentially hazardous areas or behavior.
      • Invest in a PFAS that meets Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. In addition, install passive fall protection systems in high-risk areas. Examples include hand rails, netting and safety gates.
      • Make maintenance a priority for everyone. Keep aisles free of obstructions and clean up spills promptly.
      • Check the warehouse floor from one end to the other. Make any necessary repairs, such as filling in holes or refinishing uneven spots.
      • Create and enforce a dress code that includes hard hats, safety shoes or boots and other items designed to minimize risk of injury.
      • Examine work practices to ensure they allow for enough time to complete a task. Assign more complicated jobs to experienced employees who are already familiar with safety protocols.
      • Remove excess vegetation that may be obstructing views around building entrances, loading docks and other high-traffic areas.

     

Improve Safety and Productivity with the Trailer Dolly from DJ Products

Loading docks are a primary risk area. Our trailer dolly lets a single employee move up to 15,000 pounds safely and efficiently. Call 800.686.2651 to learn more about our full line of electric material handling solutions.

What are the Top Five Warehouse Injuries?

Trailer Dolly
Warehousing Tips

When it comes to your warehouse safety program, does it focus on the areas of greatest risk? Our trailer dolly is a great tool for protecting employees against these top five warehouse injuries.

1. Forklift and Heavy Machinery Accidents

Not surprisingly, forklifts and other machinery are involved in the greatest number of warehouse injuries. Statistics from the Occupational and Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) indicate that forklift-related accidents number close to 100,000 each year. All workers should be fully trained in the operation of forklifts and heavy machinery, with periodic reviews to maintain awareness.

2. Slips and Trips

Slipping and tripping may seem like relatively mild mishaps, but they can lead to serious injuries and even fatalities. Proper maintenance is the best safeguard against such incidents. Make sure aisles are kept clear and spills are promptly cleaned up. Other tips include:

    • Install adequate lighting to improve visibility.
    • Clearly mark steps, ramps and other areas where the floor is not flat.
    • Encourage workers to get in the habit of not leaving boxes, pallets and materials unattended on the warehouse floor.

 

3. Musculoskeletal Injuries

During the workday, employees are in almost constant motion, with tasks frequently involving movement of heavy items. Sprains and strains can sometimes lead to chronic pain, which affects productivity both short- and long-term. Train workers in proper ergonomic techniques and provide personal protective equipment, such as back braces and knee supports.

4. Pallet Rack Collapses

When a pallet rack collapses, it can trigger a domino effect by causing its contents to spill out. It may even result in nearby pallets collapsing. Invest in high-quality pallet racks that conform to safety standards and avoid overloading them.

5. Falls

Warehouse falls account for more than 95 million lost workdays annually. Instruct employees to use approved ladders to reach high levels, rather than climbing on forklifts or shelves, and repair any uneven sections of the floor.

Choose the Trailer Dolly from DJ Products

Our electric trailer dolly is just one of the many eco-friendly and ergonomically designed material handling solutions we offer. Learn more when you call 800.686.2651 to speak with one of our cheerful Sales Engineers.