Trailer Dolly Archives - Page 2 of 7

Managing Warehouses in a Blended Environment of Change

Improve Efficiency with Our Trailer Dolly

Historically, the material handling industry has been highly fragmented but relatively stable. Manufacturers were able to specialize in a particular subsegment, maximizing brand awareness and sales growth. The new millennium has brought eCommerce, artificial intelligence and other factors that are forcing manufacturers and warehouses to keep up with these rapid changes. DJ Products, makers of the electric trailer dolly, identifies four strategies that can help to navigate the new blended environment.

The Changing Landscape of Material Handling

So what are the primary elements driving this shift?

- Advances in technology have created new subsegments, including AGV (automated guided vehicles) and ASRS (automated storage and retrieval systems).
- Segments are challenged to adapt to trends such as new regulations, response to COVID-19 and increased customer demand.
- Since different segments have varying degrees of market resilience, companies should consider diversifying material handling solutions.
- Cost control is a consistent throughline that runs through all segments and trends.

Four Pathways to Success

1. With the growth in eCommerce, it’s difficult for companies to be equally responsive to challenges such as same-day delivery, fluctuating volumes and urban area logistics. Instead of specialization, companies are better served by expanding into a comprehensive suite of capabilities.

2. Cost control, combined with the need for more efficient distribution channels, means companies can benefit from new delivery models in order to stay competitive. Options include pay-per-use or leasing-and-rental contracts.

3. As labor remains scarce and workforces continue to age, automation is a need, not a luxury. During the transition to more advanced technology, make sure that all subsegments can be integrated with each other to avoid disruptions and reduced productivity.

4. Customers value “one-stop solutions.” Leverage your solutions and partnerships to create a seamless experience for consumers.

Our Trailer Dolly Serves Multiple Needs

Eco-friendly, cost-effective, easy to use, ergonomically designed – the battery-powered trailer dolly from DJ Products checks all the boxes for a state-of-the-art material handling solution. In addition, we offer a wide variety of options for customization to fit any specific applications.

Call 800.686.2651 or use our online chat feature to be connected with one of our friendly and helpful Sales Engineers.

Warehouse Automation Trends – Are You Ready?

The Future of Warehousing

Advancements in technology are leading to new and improved ways to automate warehouse processes and tasks. From the way fleets are managed to the way picking and packing is done, automation is making big strides in the industry. Using automation can help warehouse owners and managers increase productivity, boost safety, and fulfill orders more quickly and efficiently.

Keep in mind that investing in motorized solutions, such as an electric trailer dolly, and making use of automation tools can benefit warehouses even more. Learning about the latest automation trends can help you determine if your warehouse is ready.

Wireless Fleet Management

More and more warehouses are depending on wireless fleet management using the latest technological tools. Some of these systems use Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to manage warehouse vehicles. This kind of technology can provide real-time monitoring for safety purposes and detailed analytics for cost savings.

AI and IoT Analytics

The combined use of artificial intelligence (AI) and IoT analytics can help warehouses improve the way data is collected and analyzed. This helps provide more accurate predictive analytics for the purpose of improving logistics.

Mobile Robots

Some warehouses are already using robots to handle stationary tasks, such as sorting or inspecting items. Robots have also been handling picking and packing, which has helped speed up order fulfillment. Mobile robots, such as automated guided vehicles, are becoming more common in warehouses. These automated robots are able to handle multiple kinds of tasks with minimal training. In some cases, warehouses retrofit traditional forklifts for automated purposes during busy seasons. Afterwards, they restore forklifts to their traditional use.

Motorized Solutions

While automation can be beneficial, retrofitting forklifts and changing them back is a time-consuming task. Warehouse owners can instead invest in an electric or motorized trailer dolly. This type of dolly is safe and simple to operate and doesn’t require operators to have a special license. These trailer dollies can go a long way toward boosting operations in your warehouse.

If you’re interested in buying an electric trailer dolly to improve warehouse safety and productivity, please contact DJ Products. Our team can assist you in finding the right solution for your warehouse.

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

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 Kid, Men 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.

Celebrate Your Independence Today from Hostlers to Move Your Semi Trailers

Celebrate the Benefits of a Trailer Dolly

Waiting for hostlers to move semi trailers around can take up a lot of time. Relying on manual labor to pull or push trailers from one place to another also increases the risk of accidents. Investing in a motorized trailer dolly offers the ideal solution, so you won’t have to depend on hostlers anymore.

What Is an Electric Trailer Dolly?

This type of trailer dolly has a motor that makes it easier to push or pull heavy equipment and vehicles around. These electric trailer dollies can be charged up to provide a full day’s labor. They also provide a more efficient way to move large items from place to place.

Who Should Use Them?

Any business that involves moving oversized vehicles, tons of equipment, or other heavy loads around can benefit from using these trailer dollies. This includes distribution centers, cargo trailer dealerships, RV dealerships, warehouses, and fulfillment centers. These trailer dollies are also ideal for boat dealerships, garages, and production assembly lines.

What Features Do They Have?

Electric trailer dollies from DJ Products have a variable speed handlebar twist grip, This makes it easier to operators to start up these dollies and move trailers around on hazardous surfaces. In fact, they allow smooth maneuvering on icy surfaces and steep inclines. Other features include convenient charging options to ensure that they’re always ready for use. These trailer dollies plug into 120-volt outlets. They also feature automatic safety brakes to help keep operators safe and lower the risk of accidents.

What Benefits Do They Offer?

Motorized trailer dollies offer enhanced safety, better maneuvering, and greater efficiency. Businesses don’t have to use hostlers to get heavy trailers moved to other locations. Instead, they can use these dollies on nearly any type of surface. These trailers can also handle moving around in tighter spaces due to their improved maneuverability.

What Types Are Available?

We have eight trailer dolly models to choose from. These models can be adapted to fit different trailer hitches, including king pin and gooseneck.

If you need help selecting the right motorized dolly for your business, contact DJ Products. Our experts can help you choose the best one to fit your needs.

Safety Tips for Operating Electric Tugs and Dollies

Improve Safety with an Electric Trailer Dolly

Our Trailer Dolly is so efficient and easy to use that workers may start to take it for granted. Keep your workplace accident-free by sharing these safety tips for operating electric tugs and dollies from our Sales Engineers.

- Before operating an electric mover, conduct an inspection to make sure everything’s in working order. Does anything look off-kilter? Are all parts moving as they should? If anything even seems questionable, always err on the side of caution and report the possible malfunction to a supervisor.
- Whenever possible, face the direction of travel when operating a mover. If you do need to walk backwards, do an initial check to make sure the path is clear. Look periodically to avoid any sudden obstacles. Installing mirrors can help monitor blind spots.
- Keep all body parts, especially feet and ankles, clear of the mover. In case of emergency, don’t try to use your body to stop the mover. Engage the safety stop switch.
- Our Trailer Dolly and other movers are designed to maneuver well around corners and in tight spaces, but use caution when going up or down a ramp or incline.
- Make sure all aisles are free of pallets, cartons, trash and other obstructions.
- Create clearly delineated pedestrian walkways to keep foot traffic out of the way of movers. Our movers have optional safety lights and light poles to increase visibility.
- Keep floors well-maintained. Clean up spills promptly and repair cracks, bumps, holes and other hazards.
- Ensure all new employees are fully trained in operating electric tugs, pushers and movers. Conduct ongoing refresher sessions to help workers incorporate safety awareness in their everyday activities.
- Establish a regular maintenance schedule for material handling equipment to keep movers in good shape and catch problems early.

Make Workplace Safety a Priority with the Trailer Dolly

Do you have a goal to reduce workplace injuries? Our battery-powered tugs, movers and pushers do all the heavy lifting, so a single worker can transport loads weighing thousands of pounds with ease. They’re also ergonomically designed to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive-motion injuries.

5 Tips to Make Your Material Handling Operation Safer

Improve Material Handling Safety

From lifting heavy items to pushing large loads, material handling can put employees at a high risk of being injured. These workplace injuries can cost your business significant money in terms of decreased productivity and workers’ compensation. Making the following changes in your workplace can help reduce material handling risks, while also boosting employee morale.

Invest in Safer Equipment

Using forklifts and similar types of equipment to pull or lift loads comes with an increased chance of accidents and injuries. A motorized trailer dolly can handle these loads safely and with greater efficiency. This helps protect your employees from potentially serious injuries in the workplace.

Provide PPE

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is an important part of keeping your staff from injuries. Gloves, eye protection, and other kinds of PPE can greatly reduce the risk of injuries as employees handle material handling tasks. Make sure your employees know how to correctly wear and use PPE on the job.

Reduce Ergonomic-Related Risks

Having to do repetitive lifting or carrying heavy items can lead to physical fatigue and a higher risk of injuries in your material handling operation. Take time to identify these risks, so you can implement measures to reduce the risk of injuries.

Encourage Employees to Report Fatigue

Employees can develop high levels of fatigue on the job due to the physical strain of material handling tasks. Over time, this fatigue can raise their risk of ending up with musculoskeletal problems and serious injuries. Provide a way for employees to report fatigue and encourage them to do so. You can then ensure that fatigued employees have a chance to rest and recover.

Minimize Vibration and Noise

Vibration and noise in a material handling environment can increase the risk of fatigue and injuries. They can also serve as distractions for employees, which also raises the risk of accidents. Use equipment that helps keep vibration and noise to a minimum, such as softer wheels, in order to protect employees from workplace injuries.

If you need a trailer dolly to make your material handling operation safer, please contact DJ Products. Our team can provide you with the perfect solution for improving workplace safety.

Top 5 Warehousing Trends in 2023

Warehousing of the Future

What does the crystal ball reveal about this year’s developments in the warehousing industry? Our experts at DJ Products, makers of the electric Trailer Dolly, share some insights about the top five warehousing trends taking shape in 2023.

1. Automation

Automation of warehouse processes improves workplace safety while also reducing the possibility of human error.

- Amazon and UPS are two of the companies that have begun to incorporate drones in their delivery services. Ware, supplier of automated inventory systems, offers autonomous drones that fly inside warehouses, using 2D scanners and stored location data to map a digital “twin” of the facility.

- Peer Robotics has developed mobile robots with sensing technologies to collaborate with human workers.

2. Wearables

Digital wearables enable workers to utilize high-tech tools without the need to carry them around.

- Ox, a US-based startup, has smart glasses fitted with scanners and real-time messaging systems to maximize pick routing and communication between workers.

3. Internet of Things (IoT)

Much like it does in your home, the Internet of Things uses technology to automate and simplify functions such as climate control and lighting.

- Track inventory and personnel with an IoT beacon from ScratchNest, which sends signals to smart phones and tablets via Bluetooth. The beacon also has extended battery life for better performance.

4. Sustainability

Companies continue to search for ways to minimize their carbon footprint and reduce their impact on the environment.

- Leave petroleum-based pallet wraps behind with innovative solutions from Australia’s Great Wraps. Their innovative wraps are made from converted food waste, which decomposes into carbon and water for toxic-free disposal.

5. Fleet Management

Forklifts are involved in a high number of warehouse accidents, causing significant injuries and damage. Telematics solutions allow for safe and effective interaction between workers and equipment.

- Onyx, a telematics system from GemOne, collects data on its proprietary hardware system and stores information on a cloud platform for easy retrieval.

Improve Productivity and Safety with the Trailer Dolly

Our battery-powered tugs, movers and pushers are eco-friendly solutions for your material handling needs. Contact us at 800.686.2651 or use our convenient online chat feature to learn more from our friendly and helpful Sales Engineers.

Top Warehouse Injuries and How to Avoid Them

Warehouse Safety Can Be Improved With a Trailer Dolly

Warehouses can put workers at risk of being injured in several ways. Knowing more about some of the more common warehouse injuries can help warehouse owners take steps to prevent them from happening. From using a motorized trailer dolly instead of a forklift to making sure workers use protective equipment, keep the following in mind to improve warehouse safety.

Forklift Injuries

These industrial trucks are used to move pallets and other objects around warehouses and distribution centers. Forklift accidents and injuries can occur if these vehicles are operated incorrectly or when warehouse environments are set up in an unsafe way. Ensuring proper training for forklift operators, clearing obstructions in warehouses, and switching to trailer dollies are all ways to lower the risk of having forklift injuries occur. Keep in mind that forklift injuries can occur inside warehouses or on loading docks.

Slips and Falls

Warehouse workers can become seriously injured from falling on slippery floors or falling from heights. This can lead to fractures, head injuries, and other severe injuries. Having workers use protective equipment, marking slippery surfaces with signs, and making sure workers use ladders safely can help prevent fall injuries in warehouses.

Overexertion Injuries

Workers in a warehouse environment might put too much strain on their muscles and other parts of their body while lifting or moving items around. This can result in torn or strained muscles, injuries to connective tissue, sprains, and other injuries. Workers should know how to properly lift and carry objects around in order to reduce the risk of overexertion injuries.

Falling Objects

Having items stacked in an unsafe manner, such as being too high and unstable, can cause them to fall from shelves or other areas. This can lead to neck and head injuries if objects, especially heavy items, land on workers. Making sure products are stored and stacked as safely as possible can help prevent these kinds of injuries from occurring.

Looking for the right trailer dolly for your warehouse? Contact DJ Products to learn more about our products. We can assist you in finding the best motorized dolly to help keep workers safe on the job.

Three of The Most Common Warehouse Injuries

Common Workplace Injuries

Based on statistics, industry experts estimate that five percent of warehouse workers will suffer a workplace injury each year. Use our electric Trailer Dolly and other proactive methods to cut down on these three common warehouse injuries.

1. Forklift

Not surprisingly, forklifts are involved in a significant number of workplace injuries. Based on data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), each forklift in your facility has a 10 percent chance of being involved in an accident this year. In addition, nearly 80 percent of forklift accidents include pedestrians.

2. Overexertion

The physical nature of warehouse work puts a great deal of stress on a worker’s body. Nearly two-thirds of these injuries affect the back, but arms and legs are also vulnerable. In some cases, overexertion can lead to heart attacks. These types of injuries are especially costly to you and your workers because they can result in chronic pain that affects work performance and quality of life.

Poor body mechanics are a leading cause of stress injuries, so training in the correct methods can go a long way toward reducing the risk. Make sure that workers are both fully trained and physically capable of performing any tasks they are assigned.

3. Slips, trips and falls

Slips and trips occur when obstacles on the warehouse floor or outside grounds cause a worker to lose balance. Frequent risk factors include:

- Uneven walking surfaces
- Loose rugs or protective mats
- Exposed cords and cables
- Spilled water or other liquid materials
- Ice and snow in the truck yard

While falls can happen on ground level, they most often occur at elevated levels. Loading docks and ladders are common sites of falling accidents. One potentially dangerous practice involves workers using a forklift to raise themselves up to the higher shelves. This move is risky, even for experienced employees.

Improve Workplace Safety with the Trailer Dolly from DJ Products

Our Trailer Dolly and other material handling solutions are ergonomically designed to reduce the musculoskeletal stress caused by many warehouse task. Visit our website and use the handy online chat feature to learn more from our friendly Sales Engineers.

Common Risks of The Trailer Yard and How a Trailer Dolly Can Help

Trailer Yard Management Made Easier

Your trailer yard may not handle traditional road traffic, but there’s still a significant risk of injury to workers and damage to products and equipment. An electric Trailer Dolly from DJ Products can help improve safety by minimizing or eliminating some of the common risk factors found in trailer yards.

1. Poor maintenance

Although yard tractors rarely leave the yard, they’re still designed for legal on-road use. This means they include a number of controls and gauges that need to be inspected and maintained on a regular basis. Our Trailer Dollies are battery-powered, eliminating the costly expense of fuel and corresponding systems. There’s also no need to worry about cab-tilt systems, transmissions, and other intricate features.

2. Pedestrian safety

As road-legal vehicles, yard tractors must be operated by qualified workers who hold a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). In addition, both driver and vehicle are subject to all Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR).

If no licensed driver is available, your yard activities can come to a screeching halt. Even trained drivers have to navigate a number of difficulties, such as poor sight lines and narrow clearances, in order to avoid injuring pedestrians.

No special licensing is required to operate a Trailer Dolly. Any worker, regardless of size, can become fully operational with a minimum of training. Our tugs are also compact enough to easily negotiate sharp corners and tight clearances.

3. Driver injuries

Some of your workers have undoubtedly suffered injuries associated with operating yard tractors. Common injuries include slips and falls while entering or exiting the tractor and catching hands in pinch points.

Workers simply walk behind or in front of Trailer Dollies, so there’s no chance of falling out of a cab. These movers are ergonomically designed to reduce the strain that often leads to repetitive motion injuries.

Protect Workers with a Trailer Dolly from DJ Products

A demonstrated concern for employee welfare provides a boost in worker morale, leading to greater productivity. Contact us at 800.686.2651 and let one of our friendly Sales Engineers help you find the right material handling solution for your specific application.