Tag: Spotter Trucks

Distribution Managers – Transportation Metrics That You Should Monitor for Success

Distribution Managers - Transportation Metrics That You Should Monitor for Success
Distribution Managers – Transportation Metrics That You Should Monitor for Success

Using electric yard trucks to move trailers is one way to immediately boost productivity and reduce costs. How do you uncover those less obvious but equally important areas for improvement? Transportation metrics help you implement and measure best practices to strike the right balance between service and cost.

Tips for Incorporating Transportation Metrics in Your Logistics Operation

– It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer amount of available data. Choose the measurements that are most aligned with your goals and focus on three to five key performance indicators (KPI) per functional area.

– Don’t assume that you understand the various metrics. Make sure you know what each one measures, what variables affect them and how they are relevant to your specific business.

– Set goals that are aggressive enough to result in true growth, but realistic enough to be obtainable.

– Designate a person or department to take ownership of achieving a goal and be sure you’re all on the same page.

– The most sophisticated metrics mean nothing without corresponding action. Evaluate results and create plans to make any necessary improvements.

Commonly-Used Transportation Metrics

– Freight cost per unit shipped is particularly helpful when standard units of measure are being used.

– Percent of truckload capacity used reveals opportunities to maximize efficiency.

– Transit time is vital for quoting accurate lead times.

– Truck turnaround time is a good overall snapshot of your operations, including receiving and shipping processes.

– Freight bill accuracy can detect small errors that add up to big savings.

Optimize Efficiency with Yard Trucks from DJ Products

DJ Products is your preferred supplier of battery-powered yard trucks that save manpower, improve workplace safety and reduce costs. Visit our website and learn more about our popular Yard Dog from one of our cheerful sales engineers.

DJ Products: Tips on Semi Truck Driver Retention

Tips on Semi Truck Driver Retention
Tips on Semi Truck Driver Retention

Respect is its own currency. Truck drivers often jump ship for better pay elsewhere, but high turnover rates may have just as much to do with whether your drivers feel appreciated. One way to start? Respect their time by providing useful equipment like easy-to-use terminal tractors in the shunt yard and dashboard navigation systems for the cab.

Some great tips for truck driver retention from the blog The Road:

– Offer mentorships for closer relationships and career development

– Provide state-of-the-art equipment

– Be proactive about communication

– Listen and engage your drivers

– Offer exercise and nutrition programs

Trucking Can Be Lonely Work

It’s no surprise that drivers can easily feel isolated. Employers should take initiatives to prevent drivers from feeling forgotten. Even the most independent-minded driver needs an adequate amount of interaction with colleagues. Don’t assume drivers will come to you with concerns or complaints before they quit.

Keep Drivers Happy with Better Equipment

Imagine being a driver with an insulated cab, comfortable seats, and even a DVR to watch your favorite shows on breaks. You’re going to be a lot more loyal to your employer than if you were driving an old truck that constantly breaks down.

You can also use equipment to respect drivers’ time at their terminals. Speed things up at the warehouse, and they can make more money with less unnecessary downtime. That’s what our TrailerCaddy terminal tractors can do!

Electric terminal tractors can be operated without a CDL license, so many of your employees can move trailers wherever they need to be. The TrailerCaddy protects workers from injury and improves efficiency—for both you and your drivers.

Contact DJ Products to learn more about our highly affordable yard spotters that cut costs and boost employee morale and retention rates.

Tips for Long Haul Drivers to Stay Family and Friend Connected While on the Road

Tips for Long Haul Drivers to Stay Family and Friend Connected While on the Road
Tips for Long Haul Drivers to Stay Family and Friend Connected While on the Road

Innovations in technology help to make our lives easier and improve safety as we go about our jobs. Products like the yard dog from DJ Products allow one person to easily, safely, and efficiently move semi-trailers weighing up to 100,000 lbs. This improves efficiency, reduces workplace injuries, and lowers costs for companies. Technology can also help long-haul drivers stay connected with loved ones while on the road, improving their mood and making time away more bearable for everyone.

Social media posts

Long-haul truckers get to see practically every corner of the United States. They see amazing natural wonders, interesting cities and towns, and man-made attractions. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter allow drivers to show everyone back home how their day is going and get feedback and support. With Facebook, posts can be sent to a wide audience of people or just a selected group of friends.

Face to face communication

Apps like FaceTime, Skype, and Google+ Hangouts allow truckers to have conversations with the entire family all at the same time. Kids can show their report cards or school projects. Being able to see family members during live conversations is one of the best ways to feel connected. Video messaging apps are available for a variety of portable devices like tablets, laptops, and smartphones.

Schedule time for loved ones every day

For long-haul truckers, maintaining a proper work-life balance has additional challenges. Just as trucks and other equipment need ongoing maintenance, relationships must also be maintained.

DJ Products carries a wide selection of low-maintenance, battery-powered products like the yard dog that help companies maximize manpower, reduce damage to docks and other equipment, and reduce risks of injury to workers. Contact one of our sales engineers for more information.

ELD Enforcement – Some Have Until April 2018 to Be Compliant

ELD's will be enforced in the coming year.
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!

Truck Terminal Managers – Here’s Why Driver Retention is Problematic

Retaining Semi Truck and Long Haul Drives is Problematic for Some Distribution Centers
Retaining Semi Truck and Long Haul Drivers is Problematic for Some Distribution Centers

Sometimes having the right tools on hand can make a world of difference to your drivers. If you’re struggling to keep drivers on staff, it might help to take a closer look at your operation. The fact is that having a yard truck to make their job easier might help you retain them.

Problems in Semi Truck Driver and Long Haul Driver Retention

Sometimes drivers leave their jobs for basic reasons, like not making enough money or having enough home time. However, if you are willing to dig a little deeper, you might find that there are more reasons behind their quick exits.

All too often, trucking companies expect their drivers to perform certain tasks, but they lack the tools to do them efficiently. At the very least, this can lead to frustration. At the most, it can result in serious injuries and accidents. When drivers don’t have the essential tools they need, this translates into a lack of appreciation for them as workers. They grow to believe that their employers aren’t concerned about their safety; just their bottom line.

How a Yard Truck Can Improve Employee Relations

As an employer, the safety of your employees should always be your first priority. However, you also want to save money in the process. The DJ Products yard truck can help you reach both of these goals. You’ll find that with this tool, anyone can move a trailer quickly and efficiently, without having a CDL. You won’t have to spend a lot of money on expensive shunt trucks, and you won’t need a specialized class of driver.

The yard truck can move up to 100,000 pounds. It’s the tool every trucking company should have. Do you want to learn more? Contact us at DJ Products to receive more information.