5 Essential Winter Driving Tips for Truck Drivers

When it comes to landscaping projects, one of the key challenges is efficiently transporting materials like mulch, stone, and soil. Whether you're a landscaping a development, an office complex or a business, choosing the right trailer for the job can make all the difference. That's where DVC comes into play.

When we think of car technology, we often focus on features like autonomous driving, windshield displays, electronic logging devices, or IoT connectivity. But one crucial element that’s quietly evolving alongside these innovations is the humble tire. In the past ten years, tires have become smarter, safer, and more efficient. And now these smart tires have become even smarter! What Are Smart Tires? Smart tires are not your average rubber. These innovative tires are equipped with advanced sensors and technology that enable them to communicate vital information about the vehicle’s performance. Think of them as the “eyes and ears” of your car’s road contact, offering real-time data that can significantly improve safety, efficiency, and maintenance. But how do they work? Smart tires typically contain sensors embedded within the tire that monitor critical factors such as tire pressure, temperature, tread wear, and more. This data is then sent to the vehicle’s onboard computer system or directly to the driver via a smartphone app. Even Smarter Tires However, these tires have gotten even smarter. Goodyear recently produced a tire that helps prevent collusions and works with a vehicle’s advanced driver-assist system (e.g. lane departure detection). While some cars have an automatic emergency braking system to help prevent collusions, they only brake if there is an obstacle is in the road – not due to road conditions. Goodyear’s tire technology, SightLine , are sensors embedded in tires designed to detect slick, dangerous road conditions. They trigger the automatic emergency braking system in low-friction environments, such as snow, rain and ice. By pairing these smart tires with AEB systems, vehicles can become even more intuitive, adjusting tire performance automatically based on the driving environment. What’s Next for Smart Tires? While smart tires are already available in some high-end vehicles, they’re expected to become more mainstream in the coming years. As technology advances and manufacturing costs decrease, smart tires will likely become a standard feature in all types of vehicles, from everyday commuters to tractor trailers. The future of tires is undeniably high-tech, and smart tires are at the forefront of this transformation. With their ability to enhance safety, improve fuel efficiency, and extend tire life, smart tires are an essential component of the next generation of vehicles. As these tires become more widely available, we can expect to see even more exciting advancements in tire technology that will continue to shape the way we drive.

Bottlenecks in road transportation are a common challenge that businesses and commuters face on a daily basis. These disruptions can lead to costly delays, increased fuel consumption, and inefficiencies that ripple throughout the supply chain. And truck speeds continue to decline as bottlenecks across the country increase. The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) revealed in its annual freight bottleneck survey the average truck speed at 66 of the top 100 bottlenecks is below 45 mph. But what causes bottlenecks? Let’s take a look at the top five causes of this infuriating road transportation issue. 1. High Traffic Volume The most obvious and frequent cause of road transportation bottlenecks is simply too many vehicles on the road. As cities grow and more vehicles are added to the roadways, traffic congestion becomes inevitable, especially during peak hours. High volumes of commuter traffic, delivery trucks, and private vehicles can create slowdowns, particularly on major highways and urban streets. The worst freight bottleneck in the nation for seven years in a row is the intersection of I-95 and State Route 4 in Fort Lee, New Jersey. 2. Road Construction and Maintenance Road construction projects, while necessary for maintaining and improving infrastructure, can often result in temporary lane closures or reduced traffic lanes. When roadwork is underway, it can slow down traffic flow, cause backups, and create bottlenecks that extend for miles. This issue is particularly problematic in busy urban areas where infrastructure is already stretched thin. 3. Accidents and Incidents Accidents and breakdowns are unpredictable events that can lead to significant bottlenecks on the road. Even minor accidents can cause traffic to come to a complete standstill while authorities work to clear the scene. In high-traffic areas (i.e., two-lane roads), this can create a domino effect, causing delays for hours. 4. Inefficient Intersections and Traffic Signals Poorly designed intersections and outdated traffic signals can contribute to bottlenecks by slowing down the movement of vehicles. In areas where traffic lights are not timed effectively or intersections are too congested, vehicles can spend long periods waiting to get through. This is especially true in cities with high vehicle density. 5. Insufficient Road Infrastructure Sometimes, the roads themselves are simply not equipped to handle the volume of traffic they receive. Narrow lanes, outdated bridges, and roads with limited capacity can quickly become overwhelmed when traffic volume exceeds their design capacity. This is especially true in rapidly growing cities or areas where infrastructure hasn’t been updated in decades. Bottlenecks in road transportation are a multifaceted problem that affects both businesses and daily commuters. By understanding the primary causes—high traffic volume, road construction, accidents, inefficient intersections, and inadequate infrastructure—stakeholders can take proactive steps to improve traffic flow and reduce delays. Investing in smarter traffic management, better infrastructure, and more efficient logistics can make a world of difference in ensuring smoother, faster travel on our roads.

When most people think of winter hazards, icy roads and freezing temperatures come to mind. While these are certainly risks, there are some lesser-known dangers that can also pose serious threats to your health and safety. In fact, three winter hazards often go unnoticed—dehydration, cold stress, and carbon monoxide poisoning. These risks can sneak up on you during the cold months, but with the right knowledge, you can avoid them. Here's what you need to know to stay safe this winter.

It’s hard to believe it’s the end of 2024! We are grateful for another great year. There have been many projects and events DVC was involved in, and we are proud of the services we have provided to our customers. Below are some project and event highlights from this year.

As the holiday season approaches, many drivers are already aware of the dangers of alcohol consumption and its effect on road safety. However, there’s another critical, yet often overlooked, danger: drowsy driving . With National Drowsy Driving Prevention Week taking place each November, it’s the perfect time to remind drivers of the importance of staying alert on the road. In fact, did you know that drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol? According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety , over 300,000 car accidents, more than 100,000 injuries, and over 6,400 fatalities occur each year due to drowsy driving. That’s a shocking number, and it’s a danger that can be easily avoided with a little awareness and precaution. The Dangers of Drowsy Driving Just like alcohol, fatigue impairs your ability to make sound decisions while behind the wheel. Drowsy driving can slow your reaction times, reduce your awareness of your surroundings, and impair your judgment. Whether you’re driving a short distance to the store or embarking on a long road trip for work, your ability to stay alert is crucial for your safety and the safety of others on the road. The National Sleep Foundation established Drowsy Driving Prevention Week in 2007 to raise awareness about this serious issue, which happens to coincide with one of the busiest driving periods of the year — the holiday season. Recognizing the Signs of Drowsy Driving How do you know if you’re too tired to drive? Sometimes, we don’t realize how fatigued we are until it’s too late. Here are some common signs of drowsy driving to watch out for: Difficulty remembering the last few minutes of driving Drifting out of your lane Frequent yawning or blinking Feeling irritable or restless Missing exits or road signs If you notice any of these signs, it's time to pull over and take a break. Driving while tired is dangerous and can quickly lead to disastrous consequences. Tips to Avoid Drowsy Driving The good news is that there are several steps you can take to avoid drowsy driving. Whether you’re planning a road trip or simply driving around town during the busy holiday season, staying alert is key. Here are some practical tips to help you avoid drowsy driving: Get Plenty of Rest: Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep, especially before a long road trip. A good night’s sleep is the best defense against drowsy driving. Take Medication Seriously: If you take medication, check the label for any warning signs about drowsiness or other impairment. Some medications can make you more tired or less focused while driving. Short-Term Solutions: If you’re feeling sleepy while driving, try turning up the air conditioning, increasing the volume on the radio, or drinking coffee. These strategies may give you a temporary boost, but they are no substitute for rest. Avoid Driving During Normal Sleep Hours: If possible, avoid driving at times when you would normally be asleep, such as late at night or early in the morning. Never Mix Alcohol and Driving: Alcohol can exacerbate the effects of fatigue, making you even more impaired behind the wheel. Always avoid drinking if you plan to drive. Stay Safe This Holiday Season As we head into the holiday season, it’s essential to keep drowsy driving in mind when planning your trips. Whether you’re traveling long distances to see family or transporting products or materials, prioritize your alertness before you get behind the wheel. By recognizing the signs of fatigue, ensuring you’re well-rested, and following safety tips, you can help reduce the risks associated with drowsy driving. Let’s all do our part to keep the roads safer for everyone this holiday season. Keep Drowsy Driving on Your Radar This November, during Drowsy Driving Prevention Week , take a moment to reflect on your driving habits and make sure you're well-prepared for any road trips ahead. Stay safe, stay alert, and enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season!

On the chilly evening of Saturday, October 26th, the streets of downtown Hamburg, PA, came alive with the King Frost Parade, an annual tradition that has been captivating locals for over sixty years. With around 20,000 spectators in attendance, this event is more than just a parade—it's a celebration of community and the arrival of fall. This year's parade featured an impressive lineup of three vehicles from Delaware Valley Contractors (DVC), alongside a mini-excavator and a tractor from Elk Environmental Services. The star of the show was King Frost himself, who was joined by the Phillie Phanatic. The parade boasted five divisions, showcasing 130 floats and five marching bands, all weaving through the heart of Hamburg. Our DVC service truck, adorned with cobwebs, balloons, and chains, led the way, with Terry Wentzel at the wheel. The highlight of our float was “Mr. Skellington,” a half-skeleton perched on the roof, making his debut in style. Following closely was the DVC roll-off truck, carrying a mini-excavator that featured mischievous skeletons, driven by Stew Rivers. Nick Olivieri took charge of the Elk tractor, while another DVC service truck, driven by Jason Moffett, rounded out our parade presence. Our walkers, dressed in costumes ranging from Captain Marvel to a skeleton princess, won first place in the Walkers Category! Congratulations! They spread joy by handing out candy to the excited crowd. We had a blast this year and can’t wait until next year's parade! A big thank you to everyone who helped make this event special: Terry Wentzel and family Dominick Wentzel Tommy Wentzel and family Stew Rivers Nick Olivieri Jason Moffett If I missed anyone, I apologize! Sincerely, Russ Oswalt

As fall approaches, employees of Empire Group eagerly look forward to the Annual Fishing Rodeo and Picnic—and this year certainly delivered! Held on Saturday, October 12th, at the scenic farm of Todd and Karen O’Neill, the event was a tremendous success.

It was a special year for Northern Berk County National Night Out! The event was held at a new venue – the Berks County Fairgrounds in Leesport. Each vendor had plenty of space for their vehicles and tables, a welcome change from last year's crowded setup at Schuylkill Valley High School. A New Gathering It was exciting to see employees from DVC, Empire Group, and Berks Transfer all together at the event. DVC's Russ Oswalt and Jimmy Blatt, along with Empire Group’s Ellen Ganime and Berks Transfer’s Karen O'Neill, Lauren Bohning, and Mitzi Cote, distributed fun giveaways, including police SUV stress relievers, small toys, bracelets, sunglasses, and snacks. Despite the cloudy weather and a rescheduled date, everyone had a great time. National Night Out: A Nationwide Celebration National Night Out takes place on the first Tuesday of August in most states, with some opting for an October date. Founded in 1984 by Matt Peskin, who also established the National Association of Town Watch, this event has grown significantly over the past 40 years. It fosters connections between police departments and communities through activities, music, and food. Last year, nearly 40 million people attended National Night Out events across over 16,800 communities from all 50 states. An Exciting Vendor Lineup The Berks County Fairgrounds showcased 80 vendors this year, and we anticipate even more participation next year. Empire Group was proud to be among a diverse group of vendors, including local businesses, first responders, and non-profit organizations. The variety was impressive, featuring everything from insurance companies to car dealerships, and healthcare providers to restaurants. New vendors like Spitler’s Towing, HNL Lab Medicine, and Blinds To Go added to the fun atmosphere. Attendees enjoyed delicious food options, from pizza to popcorn, while engaging in games and exploring a variety of vehicles, including a Tesla Cybertruck and two helicopters. A Spectacular Ending DVC showcased their tri-axle dump truck, while Berks Transfer displayed their roll-off truck with a dumpster. The evening concluded with brilliant fireworks, leaving everyone in high spirits. At Empire Group, we search for ways to enrich our community. Like National Night Out, we strive to connect with our neighbors. Our employees had a blast at the event and look forward to National Night Out 2025. We hope to see you next year!