World’s Shipping Industry Sets Aggressive Goal to Obtain by 2050

World's Shipping Industry Sets Aggressive Goal to Obtain by 2050
World’s Shipping Industry Sets Aggressive Goal to Obtain by 2050

Are you using an eco-friendly electric terminal tractor to handle your semi trailer moving needs? The global shipping industry has fully embraced a green mandate with an agreement to cut carbon emissions in half by the year 2050.

Seeking an International Solution to Carbon Emissions

The landmark deal was finalized on April 13 by members of the UN International Maritime Organization. Plans call for a minimum 50 percent total reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions against the benchmark measure of 2008.

During the two-week discussion period held in London, not all of the organization’s 173 member nations were initially in accord. Saudi Arabia and the United States raised objections to earlier drafts, while some members, including the Marshall Islands and the EU, lobbied for higher reduction goals.

In the end, stakeholders expressed satisfaction with the final terms of the agreement. Peter Hinchcliffe, secretary general of the International Chamber for Shipping, called it a “clear signal” for the shipping industry to develop zero carbon dioxide fuels.

The Fight Against Global Warming

The United Nations Paris climate agreement of 2015 did not include aviation and shipping. While the aviation industry subsequently forged its own emissions plan, shipping’s reliance on bunker fuel to run long-distance ships presented a greater challenge.

Shipping currently produces approximately two percent of carbon emissions worldwide. Experts at the World Bank have warned that the figure could eventually reach 15 percent if steps are not taken to halt growth.

Go Green with the Electric Yard Dog from DJ Products

Our battery-powered TrailerCaddy terminal tractor easily accommodates semi trailer moving up to 100,000 pounds. The Yard Dog is ergonomically designed and includes a number of safety features to reduce the risk of workplace injuries.

Call 800.686.2651 for more information.

Colorado Adds Human Trafficking Prevention Training to CDL Requirements

Colorado Adds Human Trafficking Prevention Training to CDL Requirements
Colorado Adds Human Trafficking Prevention Training to CDL Requirements

In 2016, the state of Colorado saw a 56 percent increase in human trafficking cases. The trucking industry is taking notice. Recently, human trafficking prevention was added to semi trailer movers’ requirements for acquiring a CDL.

Exercising proper safety measures is vital to all things related to the transfer of products, especially to those involved in the warehouse/trucking business. Similarly, DJ Products, a company that strives to provide quality machinery so that safety requirements are met, embodies that same care for human life by providing applicable solutions to the potential hazards in the industry.

Using Products to Protect

Safeguarding human lives is a priority. By putting in place machinery that lightens the workload and lowers the amount of work-related accidents, the potential for human error begins to evaporate. Semi trailer movers use precision machinery to make their tasks easier and to increase efficiency.

Products like the Yard Dog/Terminal Tractor move loads that weigh hundreds of thousands of pounds and allow workers to focus on other important tasks. Drivers and warehouse workers often work long hours and in human trafficking prevention, being aware is key. Increased hours of labor wreaks havoc on mental awareness.

The ability to observe surroundings more thoroughly because of the utilization of prime machinery can help stop the influx of human trafficking.

Giving to Get

Affordable solutions like time-saving, durable machinery may seem too simplistic to solve big problems, but like in human trafficking, simple changes create impactful results. At DJ Products, semi trailer movers benefit from the products we provide. Enduring, fail-safe machinery allows employees to use their energy for the benefit of many. Contact DJ Products today and find out how our products facilitate safety!

What Is Changing the Face of Logistics in 2018?

What is Changing the Face of Logistics?
What is Changing the Face of Logistics?

Thanks to improved efficiency and safety, battery-powered semi trailer movers from DJ Products are raising the bar on logistics productivity. What are some other major innovations and trends that have been changing the face of the logistics industry in 2018?

Blockchain Technology

Originally developed for use with digital currency Bitcoin, blockchain technology allows for open distribution of digital data without alteration or copying. Experts predict that by 2021, approximately one-quarter of major global companies will incorporate blockchain for transactional data.

Choice of Logistics Providers

In the continuing competition to offer a superior customer experience, the latest element gives buyers a choice of logistics providers to handle their shipments. While the option began last year with only a few e-commerce companies, the trend has picked up steam in 2018.

Elastic Logistics

As the term implies, elastic logistics is a means of expanding and contracting services to align more precisely with supply chain requirements at any given time. Many companies are outsourcing fleets through third-party logistics providers (3PLs) to take advantage of increased flexibility without increased costs.

Perfect Order Deliveries

Can it get any better than perfection? The numerous challenges involved in the delivery process create a daunting barrier to perfect orders, but when the goal is attained, it provides the ultimate in customer satisfaction.

Integration of Sustainability and Profitability

Carbon footprint reduction has become an essential part of operations for all businesses. Logistics companies that offer green features such as intelligent auto-routing are attractive partners for shippers looking to reduce both carbon emissions and costs.

DJ Products: Your Source for State-of-the-Art Semi Trailer Movers

Our Electric Yard Dog is an eco-friendly solution to save time and money while reducing injury risk. Visit our website to learn more from our sales engineers.

Infrastructure Priorities for Supply Chain Logistics Help the Economy to Grow

Infrastructure Priorities for Supply Chain Logistics Help the Economy to Grow
Infrastructure Priorities for Supply Chain Logistics Help the Economy to Grow

End users may sometimes take supply chain functions for granted. The truth is that shippers and logistics management face congestion, bad weather and other challenges to deliver goods on time and in good condition.

Supply chain professionals invest in high-tech software and high-quality equipment such as yard trucks, but they can’t do it all by themselves. Here are five infrastructure-related priorities that should be addressed by public funding.

Congestion

Highways, rail hubs and ports in the United States are at such a high level of congestion that it’s putting our country’s shippers at a serious disadvantage with global competitors. This problem needs to be corrected so it aligns with economic growth goals.

Parking

Lack of sufficient truck parking was apparent during the stormy weather that battered the East Coast earlier this year and restricted travel on major highways. The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act includes helpful provisions for building new parking areas and using existing facilities such as weigh stations.

Freight Advisory Committees

Under the FAST Act, the Department of Transportation is charged with promoting the establishment of freight advisory committees in each state. These committees would include stakeholders from the public and private sectors, enabling better communication regarding freight-related projects.

National Hiring Standards

Creating national hiring standards would eliminate confusion surrounding FMCSA credentials and help small carriers be more competitive.

Infrastructure Funding Methods

While there’s a definite need to create funding mechanisms, care should be taken to institute methods that allow collection of funds without hampering the interests of the freight companies they’re meant to help.

Boost Safety and Productivity with Yard Trucks from DJ Products

Looking for a cost-effective way to increase efficiency while reducing injury risk? Call 800.686.2651 to learn more about our Electric Yard Dog.

Tips for Moving Your Supply Chain into the World of Digital

Moving to the Digital Domain
Moving to the Digital Domain

Digital technology has touched every part of our lives, so it’s no surprise that supply chain management is embracing this transformation. As consumers continue to demand faster delivery times, technology can streamline every step of the process, from forecasting seasonal demand to managing terminal tractors.

What Is Digital Business?

As explained by IT research and advisory firm Gartner, digital business refers to new business designs that combine the digital and physical worlds. A recent study by Gartner found that digital business is second only to the cloud in terms of top investment areas.

Technology provides the means to gather unprecedented amounts of data. Digital business requires an ability to connect directly with customers and partners in order to access, extract and analyze relevant information.

Benefits of Supply Chain Digitalization

– Real-time updates for inventory and freight are readily available.

– Decision-making is more accurate thanks to a greater understanding of supply and demand.

– Companies have the flexibility to respond immediately to sudden changes or disruptions.

Making the Move to Digital

Digitization involves much more than simply overlaying digital apps over current processes. In order to realize the full power of digital, it’s important to examine core processes in terms of how they support digital and align them accordingly.

According to Gartner, although most C-suite leaders believe digital disruptions are inevitable in the near future, only 25 percent of them have a digital strategy in place. As a result, Gartner recommends that businesses make it a priority to develop short- and long-term plans to incorporate digital into their supply chain.

Save Money and Manpower with Electric Terminal Tractors

The Electric Yard Dog from DJ Products lets a single employee move trailers weighing up to 100,000 pounds. Call 800.686.2651 to learn more.

In 2018 Intermodal Services between Semi and Rail are Set to Grow

In 2018 Intermodal Services between Semi and Rail are Set to Grow
In 2018 Intermodal Services between Semi and Rail are Set to Grow

Over 2018-2019, intermodal services between semi and rail are expected to grow between 6-9%. Although these services have potentially positive potential, they are not without challenges. Determining new ways to optimize today’s intermodal services is key.

Idiosyncrasies of Intermodal Services to Watch:

Driver Pay
Though a favored position for drivers who can return home each night, dray pay is lower than other delivery types, and must be carefully evaluated to avoid the loss of superior drivers to shared labor pools with better income opportunities.

Inventory Management
With shippers looking to consistent and reliable delivery in choosing carriers, tighter inventory control measures are necessary to offset the shipping times of reliable, but typically longer, intermodal services.

Higher Rates and Tighter Capacity
Higher rates and tighter capacity are making manpower and efficiency boosters like smart inventory management systems and electronic semi trailer movers more important than ever before. A team outlook, aligning your goals with those of your clients, can offer huge payoffs here, helping you retain your position as a favored shipper in today’s dog eat dog world of freight transportation.

Changing Service Times Due to ELDs
With intermodal services, typically the closer to ramps at pickup and destination, the more reasonable rates will be. Though still true today, electronic logging devices (ELDs) remain a wrench in the works, resulting in some types of fright taking longer to transport than ever before.

Need to add to your labor pool fast? Ensure shipping times with an electric semi trailer mover. With no CDL or health card required for operation, an electric semi trailer mover from DJ Products helps you save time and boost efficiency, while protecting your workforce and shipping schedule. Learn more. Contact us today.

Tips for Diversifying the Number of Your Truckload Carriers

Tips for Diversifying the Number of Your Truckload Carriers
Tips for Diversifying the Number of Your Truckload Carriers

With more than 200,000 for-hire full-truckload carriers in the U.S., it seems there are enough providers to keep semi trailer movers hopping. But available capacity is subject to a number of fluid factors, which could suddenly leave you in a bind without proper planning.

Experts say your best bet is to diversify suppliers among large- and small-asset carriers. Here are their top suggestions for optimizing this approach.

Align Supply Chain Segments with Provider Goals

Many carriers are implementing yield management tools to maximize revenue opportunities without overburdening drivers. As a result, there is little flexibility to accept jobs that don’t fit their lane and volume requirements.

High volume alone is sometimes not enough incentive for carriers. Look for providers whose goals are compatible with your different needs.

Leverage the 80-20 Rule

If your business is like most, 80 percent of load volume is in 20 percent of lanes. The challenge becomes addressing the other 20 percent of load volume that’s in 80 percent of lanes.

Approximately 97 percent of carriers in the U.S. have fleets of 20 or fewer trucks. These smaller providers have the elasticity to handle demand spikes, niche locations and other features of the 20 percent volume.

Engage a Third-Party Logistics Provider

Portfolios with multiple carriers benefit the big picture, but they’re difficult to manage on a day-to-day basis. A third-party logistics provider (3PL) consolidates the process so you’re working with a single source rather than several.

Solve Yard Congestion with Semi Trailer Movers from DJ Products

Our Electric Yard Dog offers valuable returns in greater efficiency and fewer workplace injuries. Our knowledgeable sales engineers are ready to help you choose the best semi trailer movers for your applications.

Call 800.686.2681 to learn more.

2018 Truckload Market Trends – What to Know

2018 Truckload Market Trends - What to Know
2018 Truckload Market Trends – What to Know

Will you be hauling trailers for autonomous vehicles with your yard trucks in the coming year? Times are rapidly changing for the truckload industry. Here’s what to be on the lookout for in the near future:

2018-2019 Truckload Market Trends:

Hyper-Efficiency Continues
With truckload utilization efficiency of 95%+ since the 2011 pull-up from the recession, the market trend of efficiency in for-hire capacity is expected to continue, albeit at the price of elasticity in the market.

New Trucks Enter the Market
FTR Transportation Intelligence expects 60,000 more trucks than necessary will replace retiring trucks in 2018. Will you need more yard trucks? Whether this is additional/replacement capacity remains unknown.

Labor Issues Remain
Driver availability will continue to pose challenges. An abundance of parked equipment does not matter if hauling personnel remain absent. Several factors will continue to play a role here, including an aging workforce, wage increases, immigration, housing, and a shared labor pool with the oil, gas, and manufacturing industries.

Strengthening Economy Adds to Pressures
As GDP and manufacturing grows and strengthens, the demand for transportation will increase, adding pressure to already flailing fleet growth.

E-Commerce Continues to Change Freight Patterns & Efficiency
Orders shipped from retail, fulfillment, and manufacturing locations continue to alter the historical flow of freight, requiring higher cube for the same goods, and boosting market capacity used.

Fuel Prices Continue to Climb
45% higher compared to a year ago, despite fluctuations, the cost of crude oil is expected to continue its climb.

ELD Mandate Remains In-Question
Electronic logging and closer tracking of driver behaviors may/may not shift HOS behaviors, influencing availability.

Are you prepared to meet the coming years’ varied needs? Ensure success, boosting efficiency and preventing injuries with electric yard trucks from DJ Products today.

Tips on Understanding the Importance of Your Load Dimensions

Tips on Understanding the Importance of Your Load Dimensions
Tips on Understanding the Importance of Your Load Dimensions

Our electric terminal tractors can handle a wide range of trailers, but transporting flatbed loads over the road involves a different set of issues. In an effort to reduce risk to both drivers and products, states have instituted a number of regulations for oversized and wide loads that must be followed.

Guidelines for Transporting Oversized and Wide Loads

1. Know the Legal Limits

Here are the standard limits in the United States:

– Maximum height and width is 8’6″ each way

– Maximum length is 48′ to 53′

– Maximum weight is 46,000 pounds

Anything beyond these measurements is considered an oversized or wide load. Dimensions may vary slightly from state to state, so perform due diligence for any state through which your trucks pass.

2. Understand How Measurements Are Calculated

Weight restrictions are determined per-axle. While a load may not exceed total weight limits, it may go beyond per-axle limits, so rearranging the load can remove it from the oversized category.

3. Use Travel Escorts and Special Markings as Necessary

Shipments wider than 12′ often require travel escorts, sometimes referred to as pilot vehicles. Red flags and amber lights are required for the tractor or trailer to improve visibility, and these markings are also necessary for the travel escorts.

4. Factor Oversized Travel Rules into Your Schedule

Most states enforce specific hours of travel for oversized loads. Drivers also require permits for each state that outline the exact route to be traveled.

Battery-Powered Terminal Tractors from DJ Products

Maximize efficiency and improve worker safety with our popular Electric Yard Dog, which lets a single employee safely move trailers up to 100,000 pounds. Our friendly sales engineers are standing by to assist you on our convenient online chat feature.

Cryptocurrency Payments Coming to Container Shipping; is Trucking Next?

Cryptocurrency Payments Coming to Container Shipping; is Trucking Next?
Cryptocurrency Payments Coming to Container Shipping; is Trucking Next?

Cryptocurrency is increasing its impact on various industries through the world of finance. Since its inception in 2009, digital financial avenues are beginning to widen. The container shipping industry has now jumped on the cryptocurrency bandwagon.

Certain companies (like those involved in manufacturing) benefit from the cost-effective solutions cryptocurrency provides, directly or indirectly. One logistics business that is considering using digital currency in their day-to-day is the trucking industry. The implementation of cryptocurrency increases time and cost-saving opportunities, much like what quality products provide to trucking companies who incorporate their use in day-to-day operations.

Transporting Solutions

The trucking business touches all aspects of commerce, including manufacturing. From transference of products from place to place to employing yard trucks to make loading simpler, the trucking world is ripe with potential. And their need for sufficient data logging and record-keeping is well-known.

The man-hours required to ensure invoices, arrival dates, load documentation, supply chain info and other valuable data is properly secured and accounted for is astronomical. In the past traditional methods have proven woefully inefficient without utilizing advanced technology to make workloads lighter.

Cryptocurrency is a data safeguard for companies that have an internal and external need for accurate data transfer. Trucking logistics requires keeping accurate ledgers, inputting vital information, and producing proficient timing that works in sync with warehouses and other businesses.

Compiling information that is secured through digitized algorithms and computer coding protects blocks of data from illegal interlopers. Cryptocurrency offers the element of efficiency to an industry that thrives on timing and information security.

Like cryptocurrency, quality machinery by DJ Products through their line of quality yard trucks can move the truck industry towards better efficiency and an altogether less strenuous work environment.