Will Your Drivers be Sleeping While Their Self-Driving Trucks Take the Wheel?

Magnifying Glass – Questions
Questions on Self Driving Trucks

The newest technology advancements in the transportation sector have all the hallmarks of either creating revolutionary solutions or causing a plethora of troubling problems. Should the trucking industry get on board?

Semi trailer moving has already been made simple with products like terminal tractors and other battery operated machinery. Are drivers or the world ready to trust their livelihoods to autonomous vehicles?

Analyzing the Angles

Safety on the job is imperative to protect vulnerable drivers from injury. Terminal tractors are complicit with the higher standards set by quality craftsmanship and quality assurance. Both self-driving semis and semi trailer moving machinery seek to ensure exhausted workers get much-needed rest to avoid accidents.

Sadly, the highways and other types of roadways throw an unpredictable cog in the proverbial wheel. It’s called human error. Without safeguard controls put in place, tragedy can occur. Already, DJ products have a proven track record to enable drivers to be diligent without safety hazards. Self-driving semis do not.

Making the Right Decision

Would you be able to sleep if your job, your pay, and your life depended on implicit trust in autonomous vehicles? One article fears that drivers wouldn’t have the assurance they needed to allow self-driving vehicles to deliver them and their cargo to crucial checkpoints without allowing for more human control. So many variables need to be overcome before those in the industry will utilize a computerized system.

One thing drivers don’t fear is what they can see, maintain and maneuver for themselves. At DJ products, we understand that man and machine can work together to create simple solutions to real problems. Unlike self-driving semis, our semi trailer moving premium machinery keeps drivers abreast of the situation and aware while we ease their labor burden!

eTailers Will Soon be Paying State Sales Taxes

Stacks of Ten Thousand Dollars Cash
Etailers Will Most Likely be Paying State Sales Taxes Soon

According to a recent article, the Supreme Court ruled that Internet retailers will be required to collect a sales tax. The effect of this newest ruling could have a lasting positive or negative impact on profitability for certain companies. For warehouse workers and truck drivers, it could mean an increase in orders from smaller companies who can now compete with their online retailer counterparts.

Alternately, for those involved in the Internet retail industry, this newest development could mean that employees are required to do more tasks to offset profit loss. What can you do to help keep orders flowing smoothly? How do you ensure employees aren’t overworked? Invest in a semi trailer moving machine to keep costs from inclining and work injuries on the decline!

Move it or Lose It

The retail industry is an industry that continually craves new ideas, better solutions, and ingenuity. After applying sales tax to goods, some businesses may be reeling from the implications such a move could make on their bottom line.

Be the first to move forward with a semi trailer moving solution that lowers your cost and increases your earning potential. The answer to any issue doesn’t have to be complex, it can be simple. Utilize premium machinery to cut costs, increase efficiency and remove the burden from your already diligent employee base. You’ll be two moves ahead of the competition!

Trusting Quality

If you are looking for quality solutions, trust DJ Products. We set the bar high. Our numerous battery-operated machines are heavy-duty for a reason. We use technology, common sense and precision to ensure you get the results you need to get orders moving at an effortless pace. Visit DJ Products today and find the solution that suits you best!

Are Load-Boards Right for You and Your Fleet?

Kenworth Previewed Hydrogen-Powered Semi Truck at Consumer Electronics Show
Could Load-Boards Work for Your Fleet?

In the trucking industry, the process of semi trailer moving is often filled with unknown variables. Reliable machinery, logistics and increased efficiency will improve the working relationships between owners, brokers, and shippers.

The utilization of Load Boards can be a positive tool when used to benefit warehouses, product acquisition, and transactions, but it can also bring added challenges. One quality machine can help bring assurance to all the moving parts involved. The addition of a premium terminal tractor will provide a reliable constant to unpredictable operational hazards.

Who Needs Load Boards?

For start-up companies, new or small business owners, using a Load Board is a simple way to accrue the resources needed to ensure product delivery and acquisition. Deadlines are important for increasing profit margins. A Load Board is utilized to post loads, available transportation for delivery and acts as an extra line of communication between owners, shippers, and brokers.

If you’re a broker and need a load to be delivered ASAP and can’t find a truck, a Load Board can help. But trusting an unknown shipper/truck driver or broker to handle a transaction appropriately can be an experience in uncertainty.

How They Handle Loads

If you’re working with an inexperienced driver, new warehouse workers, or a large load, our TrailerCaddy can benefit your bottom line. Late drivers and warehouse workers (that need a little help negotiating through unloading/loading) can inadvertently freeze product delivery and thus lower profit.

Efficient use of time in the industry benefits everyone. A TrailerCaddy makes semi trailer moving simple, allowing warehouse workers to move loads where needed and inexperienced drivers more efficient at unloading and loading so they can move on to the next job. Visit DJ Products to discover simple answers to complicated tasks!

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.

Self-Driving Trucks Hit the “Big Slab” Starting in Arizona

DJ Products Supplies Equipment for Shunting Trailers
DJ Products Supplies Equipment for Moving Semi Trailers in Your Yard

Self-driving trucks sound like the things that futuristic movies are made of. However, it might not be long before they’re as commonplace as tractor trailers are on our nation’s highways.

Uber now has self-driving commercial trucks that are moving freight in Arizona through the Uber Freight network. These trucks can be seen traveling along Interstate 40 in both directions. They’re using dry van trailers, although the companies that are using their services have not yet been named.

Are Self-Driving Trucks the Start of a New Industry?

The goal is for long haul self-driving trucks to work with conventional trucks to improve the efficiency of the trucking industry. Experts believe that the use of this technology may save lives and improve the quality of life for our country’s truck drivers.

Currently, these self-driving vehicles will remain on the highway. They’ll still rely on drivers to complete the start and the end of each trip, which keeps humans behind the wheel for the more complex work.

The Role of Motorized Trailer Dollies

Motorized trailer dollies can be very useful in Uber’s new venture. The trailers have to be swapped at some point once the highway travel has been completed. Using manpower to do this can be time-consuming, but it can also be dangerous for the driver. With the right tools, trailers can be moved easily and quickly, getting both vehicles back on the road in no time.

The Future of Automated Trucks

Right now, every Uber self-driving truck has a driver in it at all times. They’re working toward making them completely driverless. There’s no telling what the future holds.

Will you be a part of it? If you are, DJ products can help make it happen. Contact us to learn more!

Could Your Fleet Qualify for an ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Exemption?

Check to See if Your Fleet May Be Eligible
Check to See if Your Fleet May Be Eligible

The electronic logging device mandate has stirred up a polarizing debate. Some call the rule “Orwellian,” while others insist only those guilty of fudging paper records are upset. Many fleets are happily incorporating ELDs by using terminal tractors to reduce wait times with faster trailer towing around the docks. Still, you may be wondering if you qualify for an ELD exemption.

An owner-operator exemption request has not prevailed thus far. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has only granted a handful of ELD exemptions and waivers. These apply to old vehicles and situations where other safety measures are deemed sufficient:

– Vehicles manufactured before 2000

– Drivers who don’t use paper logs more than 8 days a month

– Trucks rented for 30 days or less; waiver through April 19, 2018

– Trucks rented for 8 days or less; exempt through October 11, 2022

– Agricultural commodities; waiver through June 18, 2018

– UPS drivers; exempt through January 19, 2022

– MPAA commercial drivers; exempt through January 19, 2023

Additionally, vehicles with the old AOBRDs are enjoying a two-year grandfathering period before a required upgrade by December 16, 2019.

Satisfy ELD and HOS Rules with Terminal Tractors

DJ Products can help your fleet comply with ELD mandates by using our TrailerCaddy Terminal Tractor. These replace your shunt trucks and any employee can operate them, so your CDL drivers don’t need to waste time moving trailers in and out of docks.

Terminal tractors save time and money. A TrailerCaddy costs less than 25 percent as much as a shunt truck, yet easily moves trailers up to 100,000 pounds and provides a long battery life.

For more info about how our terminal tractors can help ease the burden of ELD and hours-of-service rules, contact DJ Products today.

Why Would Amazon Want to Start Its Own Shipping Network?

Check Out Our Yard Truck Products
Check Out Our Yard Truck Products

Amazon will soon be adding a yard truck to its extensive assortment of warehouse equipment at its distribution centers. The online giant is preparing to launch a delivery service for businesses that will pit them head-to-head with established companies FedEx and UPS.

Shipping with Amazon

Amazon’s announcement of the new service initially caused stock prices for both FedEx and UPS to dip. While the current partnership between Amazon and UPS is expected to continue short-term, it’s unclear how it will be affected down the road.

The service, to be known as Shipping with Amazon, will begin by delivering shipments from the company’s third-party suppliers. Shipping with Amazon will kick off in the Los Angeles area before branching out.

Why Expand into Delivery?

Experts speculate that there are several reasons why Amazon is pursuing this new venture:

– Amazon’s lucrative Prime membership service offers free two-day shipping on specific items, but that perk is lost when customers order from a third-party supplier. By assuming more control, Amazon is hoping to drive additional customers to purchase a Prime membership.

– With the massive size of its operations, Amazon prefers to be as self-contained as possible. Taking charge of delivery service will minimize problems, such as delayed shipments during the last holiday season.

– Shipping causes a lot of red ink on Amazon’s books. In 2017, the company spent $20 billion getting orders to customers. That figure can be sharply reduced with in-house delivery.

– UPS recently reported quarterly revenues of $18.83 billion. Even for Amazon, it’s hard to resist the lure of that kind of money in their coffers.

Move Trailers with the Electric Yard Dog from DJ Products

Our battery-powered yard truck allows any employee to safely move trailers weighing up to 100,000 pounds. Call 800.686.2651 to learn more.

Trucking Firm with the Big Heart Strives to Feed Hungry Children

Trucking Firm with the Big Heart Strives to Feed Hungry Children
Trucking Firm with the Big Heart Strives to Feed Hungry Children

The nation’s food supply depends on truckers, so it’s fitting that C.R. England is going the extra mile with a food drive for hungry kids. Through its One Initiative, the firm aims to provide a million meals for children throughout the country facing hunger. For every load delivered by a C.R. England driver and every transaction by England Logistics, a meal will automatically be funded.

At DJ Products, we love seeing the distribution industry recognized for its profound contributions. We support the field by offering affordable motorized trailer dollies that make the job easier around the shunt yard while reducing injuries.

C.R. England’s Donations for Childhood Hunger

Known on the road for its coat-of-arms logo, C.R. England started its crusade against hunger to help feed the 13 million children in the U.S. who don’t always know where their next meal will come from.

Everyone is getting involved, too. Truck drivers not only get the satisfaction of helping out, but they also get to choose where each donation will go. C.R. England partnered with 19 food banks around the country, so drivers can send a meal to a child close to home.

C.R. England has donated hundreds of thousands of meals to date, with more fundraising and community efforts planned.

Do More with Distribution

What could your organization accomplish if operations were more streamlined at the distribution center? The TrailerCaddy Electric Yard Dog costs a small fraction of a shunt truck, yet is safer and more maneuverable. Our motorized trailer dollies don’t add to your driving logs, and dock workers can get trailers up to 100,000 pounds towed into prime position, even at tight shipping docks.

Find the right trailer movers for your needs at the DJ Products website.

Kenworth Previewed Hydrogen-Powered Semi Truck at Consumer Electronics Show

Kenworth Previewed Hydrogen-Powered Semi Truck at Consumer Electronics Show
Kenworth Previewed Hydrogen-Powered Semi Truck at Consumer Electronics Show

The powered trailer dolly you might use for your warehousing and transportation business doesn’t cause much damage to the environment, but what about the semi-trucks that deliver your products? Semi-trucks that run on traditional fuel do contribute to environmental damage, which is why improvements to these vehicles are being made. In fact, a semi-truck that runs on hydrogen was recently introduced at an electronics show.

Eco-Friendly Trucking

At the annual Consumer Electronics Show in January, Kenworth previewed a semi-truck that’s powered by hydrogen. The Kenworth T680 day cab runs on a hydrogen fuel cell rather than needing to rely on natural gas or diesel fuel. Why was this eco-friendly truck shown at an electronics show? The fuel cell contains a mixture of hydrogen and air that ends up producing electricity. When the truck runs, its only tailpipe emission is water vapor.

Details on the T680

The Kenworth T680, which was demonstrated for the show’s Zero Emission Cargo Transport project, won’t be ready to do long hauls just yet. Initially, the truck will mainly be able to handle 150 miles, which is better suited to short hauls. The horsepower that the motor puts out comes in at 565, and the truck is strong enough to carry the same weight as other Class 8 vehicles.

The electricity that the truck produces can be used to run the motor or recharge the batteries. This high-tech truck could help reduce emissions overall once it’s ready for regular use.

If you need a powered trailer dolly for your warehouse, please visit DJ Products to see our selection of available items. Our products offer important benefits for your business, including savings on manpower and reducing the risk of injuries.

US Railways Are Flourishing As an Alternative to Semi Freight Hauling

Road Accidents are a Big Cause of Death. Moving Loads By Train Could be a Great and Safer Alternative.
Road Accidents are a Big Cause of Death. Moving Loads By Train Could be a Great and Safer Alternative.

The idea of railroads often conjures up romantic images of days gone by, while semi trucking offers a more pragmatic picture of workers using motorized trailer dollies. Passenger rail travel has certainly fallen out of favor, but the freight rail industry is robust, thanks to its status as a viable alternative to semi freight hauling.

Today’s Thriving Railway System

Freight rail may seem old school, but the U.S. railway system is the envy of other countries around the world. Approximately 40 percent of all intercity cargo is transported via the 140,000-mile railway network.

Unlike many other elements of the U.S. infrastructure, the railroad industry is self-sufficient. President Barack Obama’s 2009 stimulus bill provided major support for freight-rail initiatives with sizable grants, but as a private entity, the industry maintains and improves itself without the help of taxpayers’ money.

In fact, freight rail makes significant contributions to the economy. The industry employs more than 200,000 across the country and pays taxes on the $60 billion it generates each year.

Benefits of Freight Rail

– Freight rail transport is more eco-friendly than long-haul trucking. Trains are three times more energy-efficient than trucks, reducing pollution and dependence on fossil fuels.

– Moving freight by rail means fewer trucks on the road. That, in turn, results in less congestion and fewer vehicle accidents.

– While trucks are preferable for time-sensitive shipments, rail transport is a more efficient way to move heavy loads over long distances, such as raw materials.

Improve Safety and Efficiency with the Electric Yard Dog

Is an outside shunting service costing you time, money and productivity? Visit our website and chat with our friendly sales engineers to find out why motorized trailer dollies from DJ Products are the best solution for your company.