Tag: Equipment to Move Railcars

Dray Drivers Impacted by ELD Regulations Boosting Rail Use

Dray Drivers Impacted by ELD Regulations Boosting Rail Use
Dray Drivers Impacted by ELD Regulations Boosting Rail Use

Dray drivers are feeling the pinch of the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate, just as truckers grapple with the same. We may even see dray drivers plot a career switch to OTR trucking, causing labor shortages and a spike in drayage costs. Railcar movers look more attractive than ever to help meet the demands of the intermodal supply chain.

As the ELD mandate proves a stumbling block for trucking, the market shifts more toward intermodal. That increases the demand for drayage, but many dray drivers are restricted by ELD rules, which only exempt those who log fewer than 100 air-miles daily. Plenty of drivers move longer distances depending on geography and work loads.

In short, we have fewer dray drivers and drayage is getting busier. The strong market for intermodal leaves many railway fleet managers looking for ways to reduce the workload and increase productivity—which railcar movers can help accomplish.

The Impact of ELD Regulations on Rail Use

Many factors come into play besides the electronic logging, not the least of which is the rise of e-commerce and its effects on rail industry trends.

However, the solutions will have to come from the ground floor up. As industry insiders recently told DC Velocity, “the big will get bigger” and small firms will fight to compete. “Timely and efficient operations” hold the key to success.

DJ Products railcar movers move up to 200,000 pounds at up to 3 mph in forward or reverse. Battery-powered, free of local emissions, and easy for most anyone to use, the equipment even has a versatile coupler to fit all rail cars.

If you need to make drayage more efficient, with fewer employees and better maneuvering in tight spaces, visit DJ Products and request a demo.

Alaska’s Governor Sets Up Task Force to Evaluate Enhanced Rail Usage

Alaskan Weather Can Be Cold and Brutal. Minimize the Time and Labor your Employees Spend Outside with a Railcar Mover.
Alaskan Weather Can Be Cold and Brutal. Minimize the Time and Labor your Employees Spend Outside with a Railcar Mover.

Alaska Governor Bill Walker has good reasons for establishing a task force to analyze the possible benefits of a commuter rail service that would connect Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Commuter rail lines reduce pollution and traffic congestion. Cities with commuter rail stations often see economic growth, new businesses, and new jobs. DJ Products helps rail yards operate more efficiently with solutions like our railcar movers. They allow one person to move up to 200,000 pounds simply and safely.

Alaska Commuter Rail Advisory Task Force

According to Railway Age, initial findings of the task force are due to Governor Walker by May 31, 2018. The task force is made up of several mayors and some transportation experts. The commuter rail would connect the two largest population centers in The Land of the Midnight Sun.

The initial costs of commuter rails often lead many to oppose their construction. However, commuter rails are less costly to maintain than highways. Commuter rails decrease traffic congestion, while adding additional highway lanes does not. The sole transportation link that currently connects the two Alaska communities has a daily average of 50,000 drivers.

Other benefits of commuter rail lines

Commuter rails consume less energy per passenger mile than automobiles and it saves time and money for passengers. Both commercial and residential property values typically increase with the introduction of new commuter rail service to communities. In addition to the economic benefits, rail lines are less harmful to the environment than large highways.

Our battery-powered railcar movers are also energy-efficient and economically beneficial. They reduce workplace injuries and workers comp claims. By allowing one person to smoothly move large rail cars, they maximize manpower. Contact DJ Products for more information and a demo.