JJ Keller unveils new flip placard design

A Midwestern fuel hauler is using a newly designed flip placard from J.J. Keller and Associates to improve operations.

The newly redesigned placard triples product lifespan for the fuel hauler’s specific use, reduces maintenance costs, and enhances compliance confidence, demonstrating the power of customer-driven innovation, J.J. Keller reported.

“Our customer reported a dramatic reduction in flip placard replacement and cost, and their drivers spend less downtime dealing with damaged placards,” Joel Clark, J.J. Keller director of product management, said in a news release. “This success story highlights J.J. Keller’s commitment to solving real-world problems through innovation, collaboration, and customer focus.

“The redesigned flip placard is not just a product. It’s a symbol of what’s possible when we listen, learn, and lead with purpose.”

The Midwestern fuel hauler faced a persistent issue: Flip placards, which are critical for identifying hazardous materials, were wearing out due to transit vibration and handling by drivers wearing fuel-tainted gloves. This led to frequent replacements, increased costs, and potential compliance risks.

J.J. Keller engaged directly with the fuel hauler through onsite visits, driver interviews, and real-world prototype testing. The result: A new five-legend super placard set featuring two patent-pending innovations:

• Anti-vibration rubber bumpers minimize vibration during transit.
• Dual-clip retainers replaced the traditional four-clip design, making it easier and quicker to switch placards and keep more of the drivers’ gloves away from the placard surface.

“Overall, the new design has increased the flip placard lifespan by three times for the hauler’s application, reduced maintenance and replacement costs, improved the driver experience, and enhanced the hauler’s compliance confidence,” J.J. Keller stated.