Tag: Yard Truck

The Uber Concept for Logistics Movement – Is It Right for You?

The Uber Concept for Logistics Movement - Is It Right for You?
The Uber Concept for Logistics Movement – Is It Right for You?

Could your next yard truck be robotically driven? Alongside autonomous or ‘self-driving’ cars, autonomous tractor trailer technology is entering the market. Turns out Uber isn’t just interested in toting people around … It’s in it for the long-haul. Literally.

Uber Ramps Up Robo-Trucking Efforts

Uber’s been trying to rule over the self-driving big-rig market since it acquired Anthony Levandowski’s self-driving truck company, Otto, in 2006. But it’s far from the only contender battling for market share. Daimler, Tesla, Waymo, Volvo, and even some startups are parrying for position in what’s seen as the future of long-haul trucking.

Driver Shortage Fuels Efforts

Online shopping is pushing out the traditional retail purchase, and with Americans ordering and shipping more and more stuff, and a driver deficit, the market is primed for new players. And though it’s tough to get vehicles to drive themselves in the city, on the freeway is another story.

Dangerous Curves Ahead

Still at issue: The difficulty of trucks safely negotiating industrial yards, intersections, and areas with pedestrians. To navigate such issues, those in the robo-trucking game are trying-on different tactics. Startup Starsky is looking to remote operation on service streets, like an RC car.

Uber is trying out the ‘bar pilot’ model, using humans to pick-up shipments and transfer them to robo-truck transfer hubs situated highway-side, with a hand-off in reverse at the exit. For now it’s trying the task at weigh stations off I-40 in Sanders and Topock, Arizona. Their goal is not only safety, but logistical efficiency, to maximize profit and minimize liability in an arena of multiple players sharing the same tote.

Is your staff safe? Save time, boost manpower, and prevent injuries with the help of an electric yard truck from 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.

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!