Wrapping Up Winter

When Health Meets the Highway Truck driving is more than just a job—it’s a lifestyle. But long hours behind the wheel, limited access to healthy food, and irregular sleep can take a toll on your health. That’s why medical emergencies on the road are a growing concern for truck drivers and fleet managers alike.  Do you know the most common truck driver medical emergencies? Let’s take a look at them along with the warning signs and what every driver can do to stay prepared—no matter how far the road stretches. 1. The Most Common Truck Driver Medical Emergencies Medical emergencies can strike at any time—especially for drivers spending 8 to 14 hours a day on the road. The top health risks include: a. Heart Attacks Prolonged sitting, stress, poor diet, and high blood pressure make drivers more susceptible to cardiac events. b. Strokes Symptoms like sudden weakness, confusion, or slurred speech are signs of a possible stroke—requiring immediate medical attention. c. Diabetic Episodes Drivers with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes may experience blood sugar crashes (hypoglycemia) or spikes (hyperglycemia), which can impair focus or lead to unconsciousness. A diabetic driver may also experience ketoacidosis. These symptoms include excessive thirst, confusion and high blood sugar levels. d. Dehydration and Heat Stroke Long hours in hot weather without proper hydration can lead to dizziness, confusion, or even collapse. e. Deep Vein Thrombosis Sitting and driving for long periods of time can cause this life-threatening disease. Swelling of arms or legs, pain in legs, and color changes in affected limb(s) are some of the symptoms. 2. Recognize the Warning Signs Early Quick recognition can save lives. Drivers should watch for these red flags: Chest pain or tightness Difficulty breathing Sudden dizziness or fainting Blurred vision or slurred speech Excessive sweating or chills Extreme fatigue or confusion If any of these symptoms occur, do not continue driving. Pull over safely and call for emergency assistance immediately. 3. Preventing Medical Emergencies on the Road a. Regular Health Check-Ups Schedule DOT physicals and personal check-ups to monitor chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol. b. Prioritize Healthy Habits Eat nutritious meals (pack healthy snacks and extra water) Stay active during breaks Get consistent, quality sleep Stay hydrated c. Manage Stress Use relaxation techniques like deep breathing, audiobooks, or short walks during breaks. d. Keep Medications Accessible Store daily meds and emergency prescriptions within reach, including epinephrine, insulin and albuterol. It’s important to keep a first aid kit, a glucose meter, a phone charger, and a blood pressure monitor in the truck. And always have an updated list of medications and dosages stored in a safe place in the vehicle. 4. What to Do During a Medical Emergency Step-by-Step Guide: Recognize the symptoms – Trust your body. Don’t ignore warning signs. Pull over safely – Stop in a safe, visible location with hazard lights on. Call 911 immediately – Time is critical, especially with heart attacks or strokes. Notify dispatch – Let your manager know where you are and what’s happening. Wait for help – Do not attempt to drive further or “wait it out.” Prioritizing your health on the road saves lives, reduces downtime, and keeps the wheels of logistics turning. At DVC, we strive to keep our drivers safe with health and safety training and safety equipment. Stay healthy. Stay alert. Stay on the road.

At DVC, we take pride in more than just moving materials—we move history, serve communities, and build futures. Here's a glimpse into what we've been up to recently alongside our trusted affiliate, Empire Services . Historic Building Demolition on Penn Street Downtown Reading has seen a lot of change over the years—and DVC is honored to be part of the transformation. Recently, we partnered with Empire Services to support the demolition of two buildings on Penn Street that were deemed imminent threats to public safety. One of these structures held a special piece of local history. It featured a façade from the original Reading News Building, a wonderful example of Reading’s architectural heritage dating back to 1912. Our experienced drivers navigated the tight turns of a narrow side street, expertly backing our barrel trailer into position. From there, we hauled mixed debris—concrete, glass, and brick—to a local disposal facility. We also provided a flatbed to haul equipment to and from our yard.

The trucking industry is on the verge of a technological revolution, and at the forefront of this transformation are driverless or autonomous trucks. As advancements in autonomous vehicle technology accelerate, the concept of self-driving trucks is quickly shifting from futuristic novelty to practical reality. With rising operational costs, driver shortages, and increasing demand for faster deliveries, many logistics companies are exploring autonomous trucking as a scalable solution. But what does this mean for freight transportation? What Are Driverless Trucks? Driverless trucks, also known as autonomous trucks, are commercial vehicles equipped with advanced systems that allow them to operate without human input. These systems combine technologies like: Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) Radar sensors Cameras Artificial intelligence (AI) Machine learning algorithms Real-time GPS and mapping systems There are different levels of autonomous driving. According to SAE international’s standard J3016, there are five levels: Level 0 = Truck driver has complete control of the truck, but there are driver-assisted technologies (e.g., automatic emergency braking and cruise control) available. Level 1 = The driving system can control speed and direction but not both simultaneously. The driver-assisted features are more advanced (e.g., lane-keeping assistance). Level 2 = Control of speed and direction can be done simultaneously. These trucks still require driver input since the system is not ready yet for real-world driving conditions. Level 3 = The driving system is more autonomous, and it can request the driver to take over to drive. Level 4 = The driving system is fully autonomous, and some Level 4 trucks may not have pedals or steering wheels. Many driverless trucks on the road today operate at Level 4 autonomy, meaning they can handle all driving tasks under certain conditions without human intervention, but may still have a driver onboard as an observer (a safety backup). Autonomous Trucks in the Trucking Industry Here’s why driverless trucks are gaining traction in logistics and freight: 1. Alleviating the Driver Shortage According to the American Trucking Association, the U.S. still faces a shortage of over 80,000 truck drivers in recent years, and could double by 2030. Autonomous trucks provide a scalable way to move freight without relying solely on a shrinking labor pool. 2. Boosting Efficiency and Uptime Unlike human drivers, autonomous trucks don’t need to rest, take breaks, or stop overnight allowing for nearly 24/7 operation. This translates to faster delivery times and reduced downtime. 3. Lowering Operational Costs While the upfront investment is significant, driverless trucks offer long-term savings by reducing labor costs, fuel usage through optimized driving, and accident-related expenses. 4. Improved Safety AI-powered trucks are programmed to follow traffic laws precisely, maintain safe distances, and avoid distracted or fatigued driving. 5. Sustainability Autonomous trucks can be integrated with electric drivetrains and optimized routing to reduce carbon emissions, helping companies meet sustainability targets. Challenges and Considerations While promising, driverless trucking isn't without its hurdles: Regulatory uncertainty : Federal and state laws are still evolving around autonomous vehicles. There is no federal standard yet, only at the state level. Twenty-four states have permitted some degree of autonomous commercial trucks. Infrastructure readiness : Roads, signals, and logistics hubs may require upgrades. Also, a person could tamper with road signs or painted lines on roads to mislead the driving system. Cybersecurity concerns : More connectivity means higher vulnerability to digital threats. Autonomous tractor-trailers can be activated wirelessly, which has been proven by engineers at the National Motor Freight Traffic Association . Along with cybersecurity concerns, there are other security issues, such as a person tampering with a vehicle’s CAN (Controlled Area Network) bus or hardware. Public perception : Gaining trust in autonomous technology is still a work in progress. However, with continued investment and testing, these challenges are being actively addressed by the industry.  Driverless trucks are not a distant dream—they are a real and growing presence in the transportation ecosystem. While full adoption may take time, the trucking industry is clearly steering toward an autonomous future.

It was a busy and windy day for The Junior League of Reading’s 18th Annual Touch-a-Truck event on Sunday, April 27th. There was so much to see with over 50 businesses, organizations, and non-profits at the event, which was held at the FirstEnergy Stadium in Reading, PA. There were over 1,000 attendees and a variety of vehicles. This year, we brought a DVC tri-axle dump truck for eager children to explore. The DVC team was excited to meet the families and to provide information about the trucks and also DVC and the Empire Group. DVC’s table was set up at the start of the vehicles area. We were kept on our toes helping kids of all ages into our truck. By walking around the event, it was clear that there were more exhibitors than previous years. The kids loved learning about the different vehicles and collecting giveaways. The DVC team handed out foam baseball mitts and baseball bats (while trying to keep them from blowing away!) to the kids as they waited in line to see the truck. The vendors provided fun samples and educated families on their services, along with those whom were selling their goods. From a horse trailer to a propane truck, there was no shortage of excitement for children to experience. There was also a train ride for the little ones and Phunland with mini golf putting. Behind the scenes, The Junior League of Reading orchestrated the event flawlessly, which benefits Women’s Leadership and Youth Empowerment initiatives. DVC extends heartfelt gratitude to the Junior League for their unwavering commitment and the opportunity to be part of such a remarkable event. With anticipation building for next year's gathering, the team eagerly looks forward to creating more lasting memories and fostering connections within the vibrant Reading community.

Why Are So Many Trucks Parked on the Shoulder?

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.