Replace Your Manual Material Handling Equpment with a Motorized Tug

Top-Down View of a Warehouse Worker Using a Motorized Trailer Dolly.
Improve Efficiency with a Motorized Tug

The mantra, “Work smarter, not harder,” certainly applies to warehouses and distribution centers. Excessive manual labor puts a serious strain, literally and figuratively, on your employees, here’s why you should consider replacing your manual material handling equipment with one of our battery-powered tugs, movers and pushers, such as the motorized trailer dolly.

The High Cost of Workplace Injuries

Musculoskeletal disorders, or MSDs, occur when the physical demands of a task go beyond the body’s capabilities. Injuries can arise from a single incident, or they may be the result of repetitive strain over time.

Each year, workers compensation claims due to MSDs total nearly $33 billion. Add in the indirect costs of reduced productivity, lost time and increased turnover, and it’s easy to see why employee safety should be a priority.

Types of Manual Material Handling Equipment

  • Retrieval aids include basic transport equipment such as hand trucks and flat platform trolleys. While these devices are an improvement over carrying boxes and materials, they can be easy to overload and difficult to maneuver.
  • Pallet jacks come in one-handed pull and two-handed push varieties. The former allows limited visibility, while the latter solves that problem but requires increased muscle activity to operate.
  • Carts incorporate flat surfaces, bins and shelves on which materials are loaded. Height-adjustable carts that minimize the amount of lifting needed are generally preferable.

Benefits of Motorized Tugs for Material Handling

  • Manual material handling equipment sometimes takes the efforts of two workers to operate efficiently. All of our motorized tugs can be used safely and effectively by a single employee, which particularly comes in handy with our motorized trailer dolly.
  • All of our equipment is ergonomically designed to prevent chronic stress that can lead to repetitive motion injuries.
  • Our movers are strong enough to handle tough jobs but compact for easy handling and maneuverability.
  • Battery power eliminates noxious fumes and noise pollution.

Are You Ready for Our Motorized Trailer Dolly?

DJ Products has a full range of electric tugs, movers and pushers to accommodate any application. Contact us at 800.686.2651 and let our experienced Sales Engineers help you find the solution that’s right for your company.

4 Ways Ergonomic Motorized Equipment for Manual Material Handling Improves Safety

Motorized Material Handling Equipment in a Warehouse.
Motorized Material Handling Equipment

Workplace musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) include injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, back strains and hernias. Did you know that, in addition to direct treatment costs, WMSDs can cost up to five times as much in indirect costs? Find out how equipment such as our motorized trailer dolly can increase workplace safety and reduce risk of WMSDs.

How Does Ergonomic Motorized Equipment Improve Material Handling Safety?

1. Minimizes strain and fatigue

Excessive stress placed on joints and muscles is one of the leading causes of WMSDs. Employees may lift materials that are too heavy or

perform repetitive motion tasks that create undue strain. Use of motorized equipment takes the physical burden of such activities off the employees, relieving the causes of musculoskeletal stress.

2. Encourages correct posture and position

Have you ever seen workers attempting to extend their reach to retrieve an object on a high rack? Maybe you’ve noticed people bending over to pick up heavy items, rather than bending at the knees and using their legs. When an employee operates our motorized trailer dolly, they can maintain optimum posture as the dolly performs any necessary turns, twists and lifting.

3. Limits time spent on manual tasks

Alarmingly, nearly three-quarters of workers who participate in manual material handling, or MMH, experience back-related pain. These injuries, in turn, account for approximately one-third of compensation costs and lost productivity. Motorized material handling equipment moves items safely and efficiently, without the need for manual labor.

4. Reduces risk of slip-and-drop accidents

Many objects in a warehouse are heavy and bulky or have an irregular shape. This makes it difficult for workers to get a secure grip when handling or transporting these items. As a result, an employee may twist their body or limbs to gain better control, or they may lose their grasp altogether, causing injury to themselves or damage to the item.

Choose the Motorized Trailer Dolly from DJ Products

Are you ready to make safety a priority in your warehouse? Contact us at 800.686.2651, where our knowledgeable Sales Engineers are standing by to help you find the right ergonomic motorized tug, mover or pusher for your application.

Essential Safety Tips for Powered Industrial Movers from OSHA

Warehouse Worker Operating a Motorized Trailer Dolly.
Motorized Dolly OSHA Safety

Forklifts and powered industrial movers are a common part of warehouses. This type of equipment is used to move items from place to place conveniently, but it comes with risks. Whether operating a forklift or using a powered trailer dolly, OSHA offers the following safety tips to help keep warehouse workers as safe as possible on the job.

Pay Close Attention to Rated Loads

Forklifts and powered industrial trucks are able to carry or move heavy items and equipment, but there are limits. Those operating these warehouse vehicles should always be aware of the rated load. Exceeding this load is unsafe and can lead to injuries or accidents.

Ensure Proper Training

Operating a forklift or powered industrial truck requires training. Only workers who have been properly trained should operate these vehicles. Warehouse owners should ensure that workers receive training on the type of vehicle they will be operating, including how to use it safely in workplace conditions. The use of a motorized trailer dolly reduced the risk of injury as this electric tug does not require any special training or licenses.

Check for Damage Before Using

Forklifts and powered industrial trucks can develop damage from wear that makes them unsafe to operate. These types of warehouse vehicles should be carefully checked for any conditions or damage that makes them unsuitable for use. Repairs should be made before these vehicles are used again.

Go Slow in Certain Areas

Driving a forklift or powered industrial truck should be done with caution in areas that are crowded. These congested areas have a higher risk of injuries as these vehicles pass through. Forklifts and powered industrial trucks should also be operated carefully when surfaces are slippery in order to lower the risk of accidents.

Ensure Routine Maintenance

Warehouse vehicles, such as forklifts, can develop minor damage that goes undetected, which puts drivers and other warehouse workers at risk of injuries. These types of vehicles require routine maintenance to keep them in safe operating condition.

Consider Trailer Dollies

Motorized trailer dollies provide a safer way to move items around warehouses compared to forklifts. Warehouse owners should consider switching to these dollies to make their warehouse safer.

If you’re exploring trailer dolly options for your warehouse, contact DJ Products. Our experts can help you choose the right dolly to improve safety and efficiency.

Reduce the Impact of Truck Driver Shortages with a Motorized Trailer Dolly

View of a Busy Distribution Trailer Yard in Need of a Trailer Dolly.
Benefit of a Motorized Trailer Dolly

Truck driver shortages, already a serious issue, have become even more critical in the post-pandemic world. Mitigate the challenges of a limited labor force by operating a trailer yard anchored by the use of our electric trailer dolly.

How Does a Trailer Yard Work?

In the past, delivery and unloading were often two parts of a single process. Trucks would pull up directly to a dock for loading or unloading. While this may sound logical in theory, the process included many inefficiencies, such as creating congestion. that interfered with timely completion of a job.

Several of the disadvantages of the traditional process are eliminated with use of a trailer yard. Delivery and unloading are handled as two separate tasks for streamlined operations.

1. When a truck arrives for delivery, instead of pulling up to a loading dock, the driver parks the trailer in the yard’s holding area.

2. A single worker employs a yard dog to move the trailer to the appropriate dock for loading or unloading.

3. Once the work is completed, the trailer is staged back in the holding area.

4. Instead of waiting for the loading or unloading to be done, the driver can pick up another trailer and be on their way.

Benefits of an Electric Trailer Dolly
    • Since the truck driver never enters the loading and unloading area, there’s less risk of safety concerns and accidents.
    • The cumbersome and time-consuming process of directing a driver into the proper orientation to the docks is eliminated.
    • As the world has become more aware of the spread of infectious diseases, use of an electric trailer dolly reduces the number of “outside” personnel on the premises.
    • The trailer dolly also cuts down on the possibility of sensitive or proprietary information being exposed to outsiders.
    • Our electric trailer dolly is battery-powered, creating a more sustainable workplace with much lower levels of CO2 emissions.

 

Put Our Trailer Dolly to Work for You

Is your warehouse as productive as it could be? Let our qualified Sales Engineers help you find the right mover, tug or pusher for your specific application. Contact us today at 800.686.2651 to learn more.

Explore RV Trusted the Trailer Caddy to Optimize Productivity and It Can Do The Same For You

Aerial View of a Tightly Packed RV and Trailer Sales Lot.
A Motorized Trailer Dolly is Essential

RV dealerships and rental companies need dependable ways to move RVs around in showrooms, on lots, or from one location to another. For Explore RV, this involves using motorized trailer dollies from DJ Products to handle these moves. Find out more about why Explore RV has nothing but praise for the TrailerCaddy 6K 36V trailer dolly.

Versatile Performance

Explore RV carries a large selection of rental RVs, including small bumper pulls and spacious fifth wheels. Hauling these RVs around requires a solution that works for all sizes. Instead of having to invest in multiple forklifts, the company uses the TrailerCaddy to move all of its RVs, from the smallest bumper pull to the largest fifth wheel. This kind of versatility helps save Explore RV money, while also providing efficient ways to move a variety of RVs.

Dependability

Our motorized trailer dollies offer reliability and durability, which helps Explore RV and other businesses reduce costs on equipment expenses. Explore RV has been using the TrailerCaddy without any issues. Instead of having to deal with equipment that breaks down often or requires major repairs, our trailer dollies provide exceptional performance over the years. Explore RV recommends the TrailerCaddy for moving trailers short distances thanks to its dependable quality.

Improved Efficiency and Safety

Explore RV appreciates how easily our trailer dollies can move RVs around in different types of settings and on various surfaces, especially indoor venues where forklifts can’t be used. The company has been able to move their RVs around on their lots and within their showrooms with better efficiency using our battery-powered trailer dollies. They’ve also used our trailer dollies to move RVs from their location to convention centers or other locations for shows. These solutions have helped the company boost safety and efficiency overall.

Try Our Trailer Mover Solutions

Our trailer dollies can help your business handle the challenges that come with having to move large pieces of equipment or vehicles around.

If you’re looking for a reliable trailer dolly for your business, contact DJ Products. Our motorized trailer dollies are suitable for a wide range of businesses, including RV dealerships, warehouses, and airport hangars.

Sony Pictures Uses the Trailer Caddy Extreme Find Out Why You Should Too

Movie Production Clapboard.
DJ Products Had the Solution for Sony Pictures

When Sony Pictures became frustrated with the cumbersome performance of their lot tractor, they turned to DJ Products. Find out how our trailer dolly became the solution to a long-term problem.

The TrailerCaddy: One Company’s Experience

Sony Pictures is one of the “Big Five” major American film studios, with billions of dollars in sales each year. Their properties include the iconic Karate KidMen in Black and Ghostbusters franchises.

For years, Sony used a tractor to move equipment and cast trailers around their massive lot. Use of the tractor required two employees, one to operate the tractor and one to serve as spotter. Sony realized this was costing them time and money.

While researching possible options, Sony discovered the battery-powered TrailerCaddy from DJ Products. Our Sales Engineers worked with Sony to create a customized version that fit their particular needs.

It took just a short presentation to get Sony’s lot employees up to speed. They were able to use the TrailerCaddy right away, without an awkward learning curve. There was an immediate improvement in the ability to move set pieces and trailers quickly and efficiently, using a single employee.

After more than four years, the TrailerCaddy continues to operate as well as it did on the first day. Sony recommends our trailer dolly as a safety- and labor-saving solution for any company that moves heavy trailers.

What Can the TrailerCaddy Do for You?

Let’s take a look at some of the specific features of our TrailerCaddy.

  • Moves trailers weighing up to 100,000 pounds
  • Battery-powered for eco-friendly operation, as well as less maintenance and noise
  • High-tech speed controller allows for precise regulation
  • Emergency stop switch and horn for added safety measures
  • Ergonomically designed to minimize risk of repetitive motion injuries.
  • 6,000-pound hydraulic lift kit works with king pin, ball and pintle hitch trailer connections.

Does your application call for additional features? We offer a wide range of optional accessories to customize your TrailerCaddy, just as we did for Sony Pictures.

Find Your Trailer Dolly at DJ Products

Are you ready for increased productivity and improved safety at your company? Contact us to learn more from our helpful Sales Engineers.

4 Benefits of Utilizing a Trailer Dolly

Trailer Yard From Above
Benefits of a Trailer Dolly

Are employees at your warehouse or distribution center still using shunting to manage trailer movement? Leave this costly and time-consuming method in the past where it belongs. Here are four major benefits that our trailer dolly can bring to your business, now and in the future.

1. Improved Efficiency

According to DOT (Department of Transportation) regulations, a person must hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in order to operate a shunt truck. How many times have you experienced frustrating delays waiting for a qualified driver?

No special licensing or certification is needed to operate our trailer dollies. With a minimum amount of basic training, any of your employees will be ready to move trailers around the yard by themselves. This process also eliminates the possibility of sizable fines if the shunt driver’s hours are not logged properly.

2. Safer Working Conditions

Shunt trucks have the same potential for accidents as any other motorized vehicle. This is compounded by the fact that these trucks are operating in a confined area with sight lines that are frequently obstructed. The compact size and easy maneuverability of trailer dollies neutralizes the most dangerous aspects of shunting. In addition, fewer workplace injuries means improved productivity and profitability.

3. Better Equipment Control

There are a number of reasons why a CDL is needed to operate a shunt truck. One of the primary reasons is the difficulty of safely operating these unwieldy vehicles, especially in a crowded and constricted yard. Size and maneuverability, the same features that make our trailer dollies so safe, enable smooth movement of trailers weighing thousands of pounds.

4. Reduced Expenses

Whether you employ a full-time CDL driver or contract with a third-party service to handle shunting duties, you’re incurring a significant ongoing expense. There’s no need to hire additional staff to use our trailer dollies, and costs are further reduced due to less maintenance and no need for expensive fuel.

The Trailer Dolly: An Effective Solution for Any Application

Learn more about the advantages of a battery-powered trailer dolly from DJ Products. Contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable and friendly Sales Engineers.

Boost Warehouse Efficiency with a Motorized Trailer Dolly

Warehouse Injury
Prevent Unnecessary Injuries with a Motorized Trailer Dolly

When your warehouse workers need to move or tow heavy equipment and items around, this can take up a lot of their time. Without a reliable way to do this, efficiency in your warehouse can suffer. A motorized trailer dolly can help boost warehouse efficiency while also reducing the risk of workplace injuries. Learn more about the benefits of using this type of dolly.

Greater Control and Safer Maneuvering

Moving a trailer dolly around manually can be difficult for warehouse workers to do. These trailer dollies can be tough to turn and maneuver in tight spaces, which can raise the risk of injuries and accidents. Using these dollies also leads to a higher risk of having items or equipment damaged, especially in small warehouse areas. Motorized trailer dollies provide better control over steering, so that heavy loads of equipment can be moved from place to place more efficiently and safely. This helps workers accomplish these tasks in a shorter amount of time with a lower risk of workplace injuries.

No Licensing Needed

Operating a truck to tow heavy loads or equipment around can lower warehouse efficiency. Warehouse managers who use trucks need to make sure every driver has the right licensing, and they need to keep a log of driving hours. This can become a time-consuming task that slows down warehouse operations. Using motorized trailer dollies doesn’t require any licensing or logging hours. While warehouse workers who use these dollies need to undergo safety training, this still takes up less time overall compared to having them operate trucks.

Cost Savings

Using trucks for heavy equipment comes with higher operating costs due to the need for fuel, licensing, and maintenance. These costs can quickly add up for warehouse managers. Motorized trailer dollies that run on electricity help lower costs, since they don’t need fuel to operate. Warehouse managers also save in other ways, such as not needing licensing for drivers or a lot of maintenance to keep these trailer dollies in good condition.

If you’re looking for a motorized trailer dolly for your warehouse, please contact DJ Products. We can help you find the ideal solution for moving heavy equipment around safely.

Move Trailers Easily With Precision and Control Utilizing the Electric Trailer Dolly

Trailer Caddy
Trailer Caddy Terminal Tractor

Semi-trailers keep businesses moving by transporting goods, but who moves the trailers? Thanks to the electric trailer dolly from DJ Products, a single employee can easily shuttle these heavy vehicles from one spot to another for maximum productivity.

Today’s Solution for Moving Heavy-Duty Loads

The efficiency of distribution centers and warehouses depends on how quickly they can get semi-trailers loaded and unloaded. Every minute spent moving a trailer back and forth from the lot to the loading docks takes precious time away from the major job at hand.

If you use a shunting service, you already know how much those charges eat up your budget. Even if you own your own shunt truck, fuel and maintenance costs add up, and gas-powered vehicles significantly increase your carbon footprint.

With our series of trailer dollies, one person can move trailers weighing up to 100,000 pounds. No special licensing is required, and employees can get up to speed on operating the trailer dolly with a minimum of training. All our dollies run on battery power, so they’re eco-friendly and need little maintenance.

Trailer Dollies for Any Application

Our trailer dollies aren’t limited to warehouse and distribution center applications. Do you own a boat or RV dealership? Maybe you have a garage where mechanics work on large vehicles, or a production line that involves moving vehicles along the line and onto lots.

If you have a large vehicle that needs to be moved, DJ Products has an electric dolly that’s up to the job.

    • The TrailerCaddyHD Chain Drive, with its ability to move king pin, pintle and covered equipment trailers, is well-suited for use at RV and camper dealerships along with military bases.

     

DJ Products: Your #1 Material Handling Experts

DJ Products specializes in material handling solutions for a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and hospitality to transporation and military/DoD.

How can we streamline your operations? Contact us at 800.686.2651 or use the online chat feature and let our friendly and knowledgeable Sales Engineers find the right fit for your needs.

eBay Invests to Speed Deliveries with Logistics Joint Venture

eBay Invests to Speed Deliveries with Logistics Joint Venture
eBay Invests to Speed Deliveries with Logistics Joint Venture

In the highly competitive digital marketplace, expedited shipping is one of the ways a company can set itself apart from the competition. A motorized trailer dolly and other sophisticated equipment are useful for making shipping processes more efficient.

In an effort to boost its cross-border logistics network, eBay has entered into a joint venture with Citic Private Equity Funds Management Co. Ltd. The ultimate goal is to speed delivery service to eBay’s customers around the globe.

The Debut of SpeedPAK

Orange Connect Holding, a unit of Citic, and eBay have agreed to start a company called Orange Connex Ltd. (OCL). In their first order of business, OCL has rolled out SpeedPAK, an eBay shipping program focused on cross-border activity and China-based eCommerce vendors.

Currently, SpeedPAK offers a total transit time of eight to 12 business days across all regions of the U.S. In the second quarter, the company plans to initiate service to a number of other countries. including Australia, United Kingdom and France.

How SpeedPAK Will Benefit eBay

John Lin, eBay’s global vice president of international cross-border trade, praised the partnership with OCL, saying that it will give eBay “end-to-end management of shipping processes” for a superior customer experience. He added that more buyers will be able to purchase high-quality, competitively priced products from China.

eBay is actually the second online retailing giant to take this proactive approach. In September 2017, Alibaba Group Holding announced plans for a $16 billion investment toward creating its own global logistics network.

The Yard Dog Motorized Trailer Dolly from DJ Products

Do you want to improve turnaround time in your warehouse terminal? Visit our website and find out how the Electric Yard Dog can improve safety and efficiency in the workplace.