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Should You Be Tracking Your Semi Trailers by GPS?

Innovative products and new developments in technology can improve efficiency in your trucking business. GPS tracking of your semi trailers can be a valuable tool for your fleet managers. Motorized trailer dollies from DJ Products maximize manpower while preventing injuries and damage to property. If you don’t currently use GPS on your trailers, consider these benefits of 24/7 asset tracking.

Different trackers for different needs

There are GPS devices available at affordable prices for every size of company and for every type of trailer in use. You have the option of advanced systems that constantly monitor speed, location, and can allow managers to label which trailers are full and which are empty using color codes. You can also opt for lower cost systems that simply help monitor trailer locations.

Very affordable to operate and maintain

GPS tracking units use low-voltage, internal batteries that operate for long periods of time without needing recharges. They can also alert fleet managers when their power is disconnected. This is just one of the many ways GPS trackers help prevent loss due to theft.

Easier to compile driver and cargo data

The electronic logging device (ELD) rule went into effect in December 2017 and applies to logging devices for truck activities. Currently, there are no requirements for cargo and trailers. However, with GPS tracking on trailers, fleet managers can easily monitor driver activity and track deliveries in real time.

At DJ Products, we specialize in providing affordable, energy-efficient, user-friendly solutions that help businesses just like yours operate more profitably and safely. Our motorized trailer dollies make it possible for one person to easily move trailers weighing up to 100,000 lbs; no CDL or health card required. Contact one of our sales engineers for more information.

Tips for Keeping Your Semi Truck Fleet in Top Shape

When trucks aren’t working, your company pays a heavy price in lost productivity and increased expenses. Keep your semi truck fleet in top operating shape by using a semi trailer mover and following these standard maintenance tips.

Semi Truck Fleet Maintenance Checklist

– Check oil levels regularly, especially before the start of long-haul jobs. Lack of oil can trigger extensive damage in the truck’s engine, which is expensive to repair or replace.

– Check the radiator and its overflow bottle. Top off radiator fluid as needed and repair small leaks immediately. It’s no fun getting stopped dead in your tracks thanks to an overheated engine.

– Tires with low pressure can reduce fuel mileage and interfere with steering, while over-inflated tires are vulnerable to punctures and damage from road debris. Check tire pressure weekly, and more often during times of weather changes or extensive highway driving.

– If your trucks have dual fuel tanks, parking sideways on a hill causes fuel to run into the lower tank. Once the engine is started, the fuel uptake system will pull in air instead of fuel. Make it a practice to park front to back rather than side to side on slopes.

– When trucks sit idle for a period of time, insects can build nests that block the fuel vent. Be sure to check the vents on any trucks that haven’t been moved in a few days.

– Have the brakes checked frequently to address problems before they go too far.

Electric Semi Trailer Mover Solutions from DJ Products

Our best-selling Electric Yard Dog lets a single employee safely and easily move trailers weighing up to 100,000 pounds. Visit our website and learn more about our battery-powered semi trailer mover from our sales engineers.

Experts Share Their Tips on Running More Efficient Distribution Centers

As a warehouse manager, you undoubtedly understand just how important it is to find ways to boost productivity. Increased productivity helps ensure that all tasks are handled promptly and efficiently, no matter how busy your warehouse is. While using certain types of equipment, such as a powered trailer dolly, can improve productivity, there are several other ways to accomplish this as well.

Offer Easy Access to Top Selling Products

One of the most effective ways to increase warehouse productivity is by making sure that all of your best-selling products can be easily reached. Providing convenient access to these products makes it easier for warehouse employees to reach them and prepare them for shipping.

Invest in an Automated Inventory Management System

This type of system helps you maintain more accurate inventory management. Having greater accuracy means that you will know when inventory items are getting low, so you can restock. It also means that you will not end up with too much inventory for items that do not sell as well. Maintaining accurate inventory levels also helps boost your profitability.

Seek Input from Employees

Warehouse managers can also talk to employees about ways to increase their productivity. Turning to employees can help managers come up with effective ways to help them perform their jobs more efficiently. Managers can hold periodic meetings with employees to brainstorm new ways to become more productive and put these suggestions into practice. Getting employees involved helps boost morale, which can also lead to a boost in productivity.

At DJ Products, we offer equipment that can help you increase warehouse productivity. If you need a powered trailer dolly or another piece of equipment for your warehouse, please visit us to view our entire selection.

FedEx Changes Up Its Specialized Logistics and E-commerce Businesses

TrailerCaddy for Semi Trailer Moving

As a leading supplier of semi trailer moving options, DJ Products is always on the lookout for the latest news and trends affecting logistics and supply chain. E-commerce continues to have a major impact on the industry, as delivery and logistics titan FedEx Corp. realigns its specialty units to accommodate this fast-growing segment.

Meeting the Demands of a Changing Industry

In January, FedEx announced that its specialized logistics and e-commerce units are now under the umbrella of FedEx Trade Networks, Inc. As the company’s global freight-forwarding service, FedEx Trade Networks allows for a greater range of resources to serve these robust areas.

FedEx units affected by the restructure include:

– Custom Critical, their rush-delivery service

– Cross-Border, which serves global e-commerce

– Supply Chain, a third-party logistics survivor

– Transport & Brokerage, which offers customs clearance services

The move also marks the launch of a new operation called FedEx Forward Depots, which was created to incorporate on-demand services led by 3D printing.

Leveraging the Power of FedEX

The new unit will be headed up by Richard W. Smith, current CEO of FedEx Trade Networks and son of company creator Fred Smith. At the time of the announcement, FedEx President and CEO David J. Bronczek stated that this move would enable the company to “offer customers the full power” of FedEx’s resources in a more convenient fashion.

Safe and Efficient Semi Trailer Moving Solutions from DJ Products

Don’t sacrifice safety for productivity. With our popular Electric Yard Dog, a single employee can move semi trailers weighing up to 100,000 pounds, improving efficiency while reducing injury risk.

Visit our website and chat with our sales engineers to learn more about our full line of battery-powered tugs, movers and pushers.

Amazon Becomes a Competitor to Nearly All Businesses in the New E-commerce Supply Chain

Amazon is Moving Into More Verticals Impacting Sales

There’s a good chance your business relies on Amazon services one way or another. It’s even more likely that you view Amazon Fulfillment as a competitor. One recent survey showed that 92% of distributors are feeling pressure from the online behemoth.

As the supply chain faces increasing pressure these days, how is your warehouse keeping up? Whether it’s picking merchandise faster with fancy robots or moving trailers around the yard more efficiently with a semi truck tow dolly, everyone needs to find an edge.

Top-of-mind concerns for distributors in 2018, according to Supply Chain Dive, include:

– Emerging technology

– Online sales

– Outsourced warehousing

– Regulatory effects on pricing

Constant change is the new norm. Amazon’s acquisitions frequently remake the landscape. Distributors find themselves partnering with Amazon Fulfillment even as the company feels like a competitive pressure. It’s becoming more likely that your warehouse serves as a commerce distribution center rather than a transport service for shipping goods to brick-and-mortar stores.

So, what does all this mean? The supply chain industry must operate as efficiently as possible while embracing new technology and equipment to stay lean.

Ship Faster with a Better Terminal Tractor

Speedy warehouses are only effective when the products can get on the road faster. Are you paying licensed shunt truck drivers to move trailers in and around the docks?

A highly maneuverable semi truck tow dolly like our TrailerCaddy Electric Yard Dog makes quick work of moving trailers. It’s safer, faster, less expensive to buy, and less expensive to operate.

Find out what the TrailerCaddy semi truck tow dolly can do to streamline your warehouse distribution and help your business operate as efficiently as the online giants. Contact DJ Products for a free demo or more info.

How to Become a More Efficient Logistics and Terminal Manager

How to Become More Efficient at Your Logistics and Warehouse Management Job

As a logistics and terminal manager, semi trailer moving is just one of your many responsibilities. How do you keep operations moving smoothly and effectively in the face of business growth? Here are valuable tips for improving productivity while reducing expenses.

1. Plan Ahead

The tried-and-true 5 P’s – “Proper planning prevents poor performance” – are still words to live by. In addition to optimizing available time, resources and manpower, planning makes you better equipped to handle any unforeseen circumstances that arise.

2. Embrace Automation

Information is a crucial management tool, and technology provides more extensive and accurate data than what has ever been available before. Automation saves time and eliminates the mistakes that occur during manual data collection.

3. Make Customer Service a Priority

“A chain is only as strong as its weakest link” has become a cliche because it’s true. Implement regular training classes and workshops that encourage all employees to work at their highest level.

4. Use Appropriate Warehouse Management Methods

Excellent warehouse management involves maximizing utilization of space and manpower in relation to the type of goods. Set specific procedures and goals so that employees understand the importance of their roles in smooth workplace operations.

5. Streamline Transportation

Transportation is one of the largest expenses in logistics and supply chain. Review and upgrade routing, packaging and other factors that affect delivery.

6. Analyze Metrics

The most detailed data in the world is useless on its own. Analyze data to find out what works and what doesn’t, and make appropriate changes.

The Electric Yard Dog from DJ Products

Our popular TrailerCaddy terminal tractor lets employees perform semi trailer moving up to 100,000 pounds safely and efficiently. Visit our website for real-time assistance from our helpful sales engineers.

Self-Driving Trucks – They Are Coming, Are You Ready?

As if Life Wasn’t Already Convenient Enough, Self Driving Cars are Just on the Horizon.

When it comes to moving cargo around for your business, you know how important it is to have dependable terminal tractors and employees who know how to operate them safely. Imagine what it would be like to have this equipment run on its own. This will soon be happening on the road thanks to autonomous trucking technology.

Safety Concerns

While using autonomous trucking technology is expected to make it easier for the trucking industry to handle the driver shortage problem, there are certain safety concerns that can’t be ignored. In order to address these, the Alliance for Driver Safety and Security, or Trucking Alliance, has looked into the development and availability of autonomous technology that makes self-driving trucks safer.

Some of this new technology includes electronic logging devices, speed limiters, brake stroke monitoring systems and forward collision warning. These kinds of safety technologies are expected to help reduce the risk of collisions when self-driving trucks arrive on the road.

Different Levels of Autonomous Technology

It’s important to keep in mind that there are varying levels of autonomous technology for trucks. While some trucks are considered full self-driving vehicles, others use combined-function automation or limited self-driving automation that restrict how much driving these trucks can do on their own.

There’s also function-specific automation that allows drivers to step in at any time to take control of the truck. At this time, drivers will continue to be a crucial part of the trucking industry, even with a rise in autonomous technology.

If you need new terminal tractors that offer high quality and improved safety and convenience, visit DJ Products. We offer equipment that can help you keep your employees as safe as possible on the job.

Trucking Contract Rate Trends for 2018 – Bigger Rate Increases in the Future

What’s in store for the transportation industry over the coming year? Get your semi truck tow dollies ready, because experts are predicting a “trucker’s market” in 2018.

Supply and Demand Continues to Tighten

Trucking analyst John Larkin of Stifel Nicolaus says that growing demand due to economy growth is being stretched by the shortage of drivers. While the lack of skilled blue-collar labor cuts across the entire economy, low pay scales are contributing to the specific difficulty in transportation.

According to Larkin, driver pay rates began to increase in the second half of 2017, but the base was so low that it will take several more raises to move the needle on the driver shortage. In addition, the Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) mandate was fully implemented as of December 17, which could further aggravate the situation.

Truckload Rates on the Rise

Another effect of the ELD mandate could be increases in truckload rates, which have already been rising. Larkin explains that it began with “an inflection” in spot rates during mid-2016, but the normal six-month lag time for contract rates ended up to be just over a year.

Less-than-truckload (LTL) rates have seen more modest increases recently, but that could change in the next 12 months. Between marketing automation, the growth of e-commerce, and overflow freight from truckload carriers, demand for LTL carriers is becoming greater.

Meet the Electric Yard Dog from DJ Products

With this anticipated scenario for 2018, the productivity of your trucking company needs to be on point. Visit our website and chat with our sales engineers to find out how semi truck tow dollies like our Electric Yard Dog are the solution to your efficiency and safety challenges.

Tips to Improve Efficiency in Your Terminal Distribution Center

The rise of e-commerce companies has lead to a boom for terminal distribution centers. A significant part of the manpower and overall operation of distribution centers involves picking orders, packaging, and shipping orders. Equipment like the battery-powered terminal tractors from DJ Products can help maximize manpower, reduce injuries, and save money.

The following are a few more tips that can help improve the efficiency of your terminal distribution center:

Utilize available technology

There have been some extraordinary advancements made in the area of industrial robots in recent years. Along with robots, there are now smart conveyor systems, and warehouse management systems (WMS) that not only keep things running smoothly but also make tracking incoming shipments and monitoring inventory easier than ever before.

Innovations like the TrailerCaddy Terminal Tractors from DJ Products reduce injuries to employees and damage to trailers and buildings.

Improve inventory management

By keeping inventory low you spend less effort managing products that are sitting on the shelf. There are WMS solutions to help monitor inventory in real time and lower costs due to damaged products.

Frequently evaluate your processes

People working on the floor are the first to notice problems and can identify areas that are not flowing as efficiently as possible. Be sure your warehouse personnel know their input is heard and appreciated. People work more efficiently when they are not fatigued or overexerting themselves. Incorporate equipment that allows one person to do the work of several both easier and safer.

Consult with experts

If you’re looking for ways to reduce workers comp claims, lower operational costs, and increase productivity, contact one of the knowledgeable and courteous sales engineers at DJ Products for a consultation about your businesses and which products are best for your needs.

Trucking Industry 2018: Tight Capacity and Strong Demand

What adjustments have your trucking firm made to prepare for 2018? Based on expert predictions for the transportation industry in the upcoming year, you’ll need sturdy semi trailer movers to help accommodate the demand.

Business Expansion = Higher Demand

According to Don Ake, trucking industry analyst for FTR Transportation Intelligence, confidence and business conditions are “at their highest level since the Great Recession.” Positive indicators are leading experts to anticipate extended business expansion, both at home and abroad.

This optimism is built on a number of factors:

– Tax reform is expected to create more a favorable regulatory environment for the trucking industry.

– There are signs that Congress and the Trump administration are ready to start considering an eagerly anticipated infrastructure funding proposal.

– Growth in real gross domestic product is expected to continue, climbing from 1.5 percent in 2016 to 2.8 percent in 2018.

Economy’s Impact on the Trucking Industry

A surge in business means a greater need for trucking services. Rachal Snider, vice president of Customer Supply Chain at consulting firm AFN, cites reports predicting an increase in demand of 3.6 percent over the coming year.

With the Great Recession prompting carriers to pare fleets and reduce expenses, the boost in demand will lead to tighter capacity. Other contributing causes include a shortage of drivers and implementation of the ELD (electronic logging devices) mandate, which can reduce capacity by as much as 8 percent.

Keep Trailers Moving with the Yard Dog from DJ Products

Get ready for a successful year with our battery-powered semi trailer movers that improve productivity while reducing risk of workplace injuries. Visit our website or call 800.686.2651 to learn more from our friendly and knowledgeable sales engineers.

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