Semi Trailer Mover Archives - Page 5 of 5

Top Tips for Keeping Your Long Haul Drivers Healthy on the Road

In addition to satisfying clients and operating legally, you need to make the health, well-being, and safety of your truckers and other employees your top priorities. Products like the DJ Products powered trailer dolly improve the efficiency of companies and safety of yard personnel. The following tips can help your truckers stay healthy on the road.

A wellness program

Company-sponsored wellness programs are proven to be an effective way of helping employees maintain a healthy overall lifestyle. Truckers are at high risk of obesity due to limited healthy food options on the road and having a job that requires sitting for extended periods of time. Programs can save companies money by improving productivity, reducing the risks of chronic diseases, and keeping employees happy and loyal.

Help them overcome bad habits and addictions

Employers should be mindful of all the risks long-haul drivers face. Many hard-working, knowledgeable, and experienced truckers have picked up bad habits like smoking over the years. Long hours of traveling alone make it easy to pick up and maintain bad habits. Offer truckers non-judgemental programs and help in overcoming bad habits and addictions so they live more fulfilled lives and are more productive drivers.

Help them get plenty of rest

Time and miles are money in the trucking industry. Too often, companies focus solely on getting the most productivity out of their drivers without thinking about the health and safety of the person. Drivers getting ample rest must be just as important as customers getting products on time. Convey that in all communications with drivers.

We can help you save time, maximize manpower, and prevent injuries with products like our powered trailer dolly and heavy truck pusher. Contact DJ Products today for more information and a free demo.

Owner/Operators Brace Themselves for New Hours of Service Regulations

New Regulations to Pass

For many drivers and distribution firms, technology makes it easier to comply with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations while operating more efficiently and safely. A driver using an electronic logging device can signal his/her ETA to the next stop, where the crew can use semi trailer movers in the shunt yard to clear dock space or prep the next load. Everybody keeps moving, and regulatory compliance is taken care of automatically.

On the other hand, some owner-operators and small fleets struggle with rigid HOS rules and don’t want to be forced to buy ELDs. They’re putting up a last-minute fight.

Congress has been hearing from truckers and industry groups asking for changes to the FMCSA regulations, including the upcoming ELD mandate. Among the hot-button issues:

– Some owner-operators feel that HOS regs force them to drive less safely

– ELDs reduce paperwork but may not bring significant savings

– Certain industries like concrete mixing have short drives followed by on-site work, and currently ELDs do not reflect actual driving time accurately

Semi Trailer Movers Can Help HOS Compliance

While adjustments may yet be made, ultimately the trucking industry must grapple with the new HOS mandates. Efficiency at warehouse yards can be found and will save time for drivers feeling pinched by the clock.

DJ Products developed the TrailerCaddy Electric Yard Dog so that even non-CDL staff can safely move trailers in and out of docks. These forward-facing, battery-powered semi trailer movers offer precise steering and open sight lines for exceptional safety and quick work.

Whether you’re managing a small fleet or a large warehouse, semi trailer movers from DJ Products offer real value for the investment, even boosting profitability with tight driver hours in effect. Explore the TrailerCaddy terminal tractor to learn more.

ELD Enforcement – Some Have Until April 2018 to Be Compliant

ELD’s will be enforced in the coming year.

On December 18, 2017, the new electronic logging device (ELD) mandate went into effect. However, drivers who are not yet compliant can stop worrying about major penalties being enforced immediately. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance announced it will not issue out-of-service orders until April 2018.

Now’s the time to get on board with the latest technology. ELDs replace paper logs for drivers, saving precious time and preventing human errors. Warehouse managers also have new tools for convenience, including electric yard trucks that can be operated by any employee.

About the ELD Enforcement Delay

With the new ELD mandate on the books, nobody should delay procuring an ELD. The enforcement delay gives the industry time to adjust. Those who were procrastinating, or perhaps hoping for the mandate to be eliminated, now have a few months to get compliant.

Industry experts point out a few key details not to miss:

– The delay only applies to out-of-service orders

– Law enforcement can still issue citations

– Hours of service violations are still in effect

– Drivers using older AOBRD logging methods have until December 2019 to switch to the new ELDs

Saving Money at the Warehouse

You’re juggling a lot, between the ELD mandate, hours of service regulations, and other changes going on in the industry. There’s one small investment that can save a lot of time around the warehouse—new battery-powered yard trucks and terminal tractors that don’t require a CDL or health card.

Our TrailerCaddy yard trucks are your low-cost solution for getting more done on a tight schedule. For a small fraction of the cost of a shunt truck, your workers can better maneuver trailers at any time of need. Contact DJ Products to request more info about TrailerCaddy electric yard trucks!

Tesla Semi Truck Makes the News and Wal-Mart Places Order

Semi’s are Essential for Safely Transporting your Business’ Goods

For a mere $20,000, you can reserve your place in the future of electric, autonomous trucks. Tesla ended years of rumors by formally announcing that the Tesla Semi will go into production in 2019.

Electric semi trucks appear to be the next evolution in distribution and will become a reality sooner rather than later. With an electric semi trailer mover, warehouses can save money and manpower devoted to moving trailers around the yard—or placing new Tesla semis at their charging centers!

The Next Generation of Trucking

Tesla has not confirmed the full specs, but enough key details have emerged to attract plenty of customers:

– 300-mile and 500-mile variants

– 0–60 mph in 20 seconds with 80,000 lbs.

– Less than 2 kWh per mile

– Estimated fuel savings of $200,000 over 1 million miles

Walmart and J.B. Hunt have already placed orders for what Elon Musk has billed “the safest truck ever.” A low center of gravity, automated traction system, and autopilot features should all make for a smooth transit. The futuristic, aeronautical design includes a center driver’s seat with wrap-around windows.

Upgrade to an Electric Semi Trailer Mover

It will be a few years before the Tesla Semi shows up in your shunt yard. DJ Products has a solution that you can use now to improve efficiency: the electric TrailerCaddy Yard Dog.

Our semi trailer mover runs on 48-volt batteries and moves up to 100,000 pounds. Any yard worker can operate the TrailerCaddy Yard Dog, so you don’t need a CDL driver on the ground. Press a button, walk alongside, and position any trailer precisely at the dock.

No need for a massive deposit; you can contact DJ Products for a free demo of our tank, OTR, and semi trailer mover.

Important Semi Wheel Maintenance Tips

Maintaining your Vehicle Is of the Utmost Importance

Through all those highway miles, semi trucks place great demands on the wheels. It takes more than brute force to make sure those wheels are bolted on securely. Use motorized trailer dollies to efficiently shunt trailers around the yard, so you can take a moment for proper semi wheel maintenance.

If you could use a good refresher course, Heavy Duty Trucking provides a thorough walkthrough of what to look for when replacing semi truck wheels. Important maintenance tips include:

– Always check for damage to wheels, studs, and threads

– Clean out the threads if there’s any paint or gunk

– Make sure matching sizes and correct materials are used for threads and nuts

– Replace damaged studs as well as the adjacent ones

– Avoid over-torquing the nuts

– Use a few drops of motor oil when re-installing nuts

The guide also recommends re-torquing the nuts after the truck has driven 50 to 100 miles, to adjust for settling.

Painting and refinishing the wheels are another maintenance point of contention. Experts do not recommend painting steel wheels due to corrosion problems. However, if you must refinish a wheel, then use a spray rather than a brush.

Also, remember that “tighter is not better.” Use 500 ft.-lb. of torque, not more, to avoid weakening the studs.

Make Quick Work of Maintenance with Motorized Trailer Dollies

Spending a little more time on wheel maintenance is worth it. You can make up for it by saving time with motorized trailer dollies. Our TrailerCaddy terminal tractor can be operated by any employee. Move and park trailers up to 100,000 pounds whenever and wherever you need them, all with a safe and user-friendly control system.

Check out our TrailerCaddy terminal tractor and other motorized trailer dollies from DJ Products!

American Truck Association Weighs In on Serious Driver Shortages

Semi Drivers Will Be In Demand

The trucking industry has been dealing with driver shortages for years. At the recent Trucking Associations’ annual Management Conference & Exhibition, it was again a hot topic for key speakers. The freight market is expected to continue growing and many truckers are nearing retirement age. The industry anticipates needing an additional 1 million drivers and technicians over the coming ten years. Products like DJ Product’s electric terminal tractors can help your warehouse terminal operate more efficiently and safely.

Working with federal and state officials

The American Trucking Association (ATA) is establishing a workforce subcommittee to work with state and federal agencies to address the industry’s driver and technician shortage. Labor Secretary Alex Acosta and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao spoke about the labor shortage and possible ways to address it at the conference.

Secretary Acosta suggested apprenticeships are necessary to meet demands for skilled trucking industry workers. Secretary Chao noted that fewer than 7 percent of commercial truck drivers are female and she believes that more women are probably interested in trucking careers. John Smith is chairman of CRST International and will lead the ATA’s workforce subcommittee.

Changing the federal age requirement

Currently, individuals as young as 18 can obtain a license to operate commercial trucks within a state. However, federal law requires drivers be at least 21 for interstate trucking. Dave Manning, president of TCW Inc., says the industry needs to offer apprenticeships to potential drivers before they have pursued other careers. Manning added that new technology makes it possible for people under 21 to operate the big trucks.

DJ Products specializes in energy-efficient terminal tractors that improve the safety and efficiency of your warehouse terminal by allowing each member of your staff to do more. Contact us today.

Feds Propose Banning Mexico-Based Rigs from Driving on US Highways in New NAFTA Negotiations

DJ Products Supplies Motorized Trailer Dollies for Moving Semi Trailers

Long-haul trucking companies may need to add more motorized trailer dollies soon. The long, controversial history of the North American Free Trade Agreement could be adding another chapter.

Renegotiating NAFTA

During recent NAFTA negotiations, President Donald Trump’s team put forth an extensive list of demands to be met in order to keep the agreement in effect. One of the conditions was removing the Mexican long-haul industry from a NAFTA chapter on cross-border services.

While the U.S. Trade Representative’s office has remained mum on the content of their proposals, a number of sources close to the negotiations have reported this particular demand. It was described as a “broad industry exclusion” that was submitted during October’s round of talks.

U.S. and Mexico Trucking Industries: A Contentious Relationship

Even after NAFTA went into effect, the U.S. put up several roadblocks to Mexican truckers operating in the country. Initially, they could transport loads only a short distance across the border before transferring them to American truckers.

In 2001 a dispute resolution panel found in Mexico’s favor, but the U.S. refused to comply, causing Mexico to impose retaliatory tariffs. Finally, in 2015, the U.S. granted licensed Mexican truckers the right to haul cargo across the country.

If the new proposal goes into effect, it could be a step toward restricting Mexican truckers once again. Without the advantages and protections afforded by NAFTA, Mexico would have a hard time challenging future trucking requirements imposed by the U.S.

Motorized Trailer Dollies from DJ Products

Did you know that most injuries and damage to trailers occur in the yard? Visit our website to learn why motorized trailer dollies such as our Electric Yard Dog are your solution for safer and more efficient operations.

Are You Ready for the December 18th ELD Mandate?

Are You Ready for the New ELD Regulations?

It’s been a long time coming, but after a process that began in 2012, the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate is about to take effect on December 18. Are you prepared to implement this rule that will significantly affect your business along with the entire trucking industry?

Why a Mandate?

The primary moving force behind passage of the ELD law is driver safety. Estimates from the Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMCSA) indicate that ELD use can prevent 1,500 accidents, 475 injuries and 22 deaths per year.

In addition to safety benefits, ELD use can provide an unprecedented amount of accurate data, allowing for more efficient operations.

How to Prepare for the ELD Mandate

There are also potential drawbacks to ELD use, including increased shipping costs, smaller truckload capacities and greater need for team drivers. Preparation can help reduce the risk of negative effects.

Maintain open communication about the approaching deadline with your regular carriers and providers. Use the information you gain to adjust plans where necessary.
Notify carriers and providers of your expectations regarding the mandate. Include specific details, such as what date you expect compliance and what documents you’ll accept as proof of ELDs.
Offering support to key carriers and providers can pave the way to stronger relationships and greater levels of trust.

The Trailer Caddy Semi Trailer Mover from DJ Products

How much time and labor is taken up by moving semi trailers around the yard? Visit our website to learn more about our Trailer Caddy, a battery-powered semi trailer mover that lets a single employee move trailers weighing up to 100,000 pounds.

Insulate Your Supply Chain from Bad Weather with Good Planning

Insulate Your Supply Chain from Weather Events

No matter how carefully you plan your operations, weather is a factor you can’t always predict. Use these tips to keep your supply chain running smoothly through rain, snow, sleet and hail.

“Weatherproofing” Your Supply Chain

1. It’s not enough to check the weather forecast in your immediate area. Monitor ongoing weather reports along the routes of incoming and outgoing shipments so you can adjust accordingly.

2. When bad weather hits, transportation providers can be stretched thin trying to handle the demand. Use providers that are large enough to accommodate greater amounts of freight.

3. Harsh weather creates a ripple effect that carries through the length of your supply chain. Make sure there is open and regular communication across the entire network so each part can devise alternate plans during slowdowns or stoppages.

4. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. You may want to diversify the modes of transportation you normally use to gain additional flexibility.

5. Provide as much lead time for loads as possible so all options can be explored. As an added benefit, you may even end up with enough time to complete deliveries before the bad weather arrives.

Industrial Tugs from DJ Products Stand Up to Any Type of Weather

When time is of the essence, you can’t afford to have your employees struggling to move heavy loads. Industrial tugs like our popular CartCaddy can operate across rough surfaces and up and down inclines. They’re also ergonomically designed to prevent repetitive motion injuries.

Visit our website to learn more about how our industrial tugs are the solution for your supply chain needs.

Tag: Semi Trailer Mover