July 2008 Edition
Click here for Back Issues
 |
Joe VanderHeyden's photo appeared
on the cover of the 2008 Calendar. |
What are you waiting for?
Grab your camera and enter the 2009 Calendar Contest!
Would you like to have your truck featured in the 2009 calendar? It could happen if you submit photos.
It's easy to enter. Pick a location, grab your camera, take your shots, and send them to the AdVANtage Newsletter.
Here are some tips for taking great calendar photos.
- Park legally. When taking photos, please make sure you are parked in a safe location, not along-side highways. And remember to use safety triangles if necessary.
- Do some prep work. Before you take the photo, take a good look at your truck. Is the outside clean and the dash clear of any clutter? Is your Dart logo visible? Don't forget about the trailer. If you are hooked to an empty, the Pro Stop Service Center, Inc. in Eagan, Minnesota will wash your truck and trailer FREE of charge (see article "Dirty Truck? Dirty Trailer?" for more information).
- Get the whole package. Though any photos with a Dart theme are eligible, most winning photos include both truck and trailer.
- Look around. Besides your truck/trailer, what else is in the picture? Stand back and make sure everything you want is in the photo and anything you don't want, isn't.
- Find a new angle. Want to make your truck look bigger? Try crouching down closer to the ground and taking the picture looking up at your truck. Want a bird's eye view of your truck and trailer? Find a high place to take a picture looking down at your truck.
- Pay attention to light. Where is the sun? Are there any shadows in the picture? Do you want to highlight certain parts of your truck? Make sure to use the flash when needed.
 |
| The April 2008 photo was taken by Taney Altizer. |
Finally, get creative! Photos are judged on quality and creativity. So try to find a new place or exciting way to capture your truck/trailer. There is no limit, so enter as many photos as you like.
Remember!
- Digital photos at 4 megapixel or higher resolution or 35 mm prints are accepted but you must include your digital file or negatives. Please don't cut negative strips.
- Winning photos become property of Dart Transit Company, and may be used for other purposes. Other photos will be returned. Dart is not responsible for damages to photos.
Winners receive $100, extra calendars, and the satisfaction of being featured in the 2009 Dart calendar.
The contest ends Friday, October 3. So what are you waiting for? Grab your camera and enter!
Please send entries to:
Steve Gundale, Editor
AdVANtage Newsletter
PO Box 64110
St. Paul, MN 55164-0110
or sgundale@dart.net
Contractor of the Month
 |
| Chuck (Lobo) Lee |
Chuck (Lobo) Lee
Fleet Manager: Deb Hendrickson
Eagan Operating Center
Kristin Ries, Staff Writer
"I got the trucking bug," says Chuck Lee.
His parents ran a truck stop called Skelly's when he was younger and Chuck liked to visit with the truck drivers who came in.
At 18, Chuck joined the U.S. military and earned a degree in Police Science, thinking he would work in crime scene investigation. He served 10 years in the army and 15 years in the Navy.
On December 7, 1969, Chuck's helicopter was shot and crashed into the side of a mountain in Vietnam. He spent eight months in a body cast, but recovered completely.
After all he went through in the military, Chuck was disappointed to retire in 1993. "I hated to leave," he says. "I had a good time."
Upon retirement, he entered the trucking industry and drove for a company in Hammond, Indiana, but soon decided to bring his truck to Dart.
Chuck has spent 12 of his 14 years in the industry with Dart and chooses to operate with a dedicated contract. When he first started with Dart he hauled loads between Minnesota and Chicago, picking up freight at the customer's distribution centers and delivering it to stores.
"I like dedicated," he says. "I'm here at Dart for the miles, and I make a good living. They have the freight so I can make the money to pay for my toys."
His "toys" include a 1950 Chevy half ton he is restoring and a 70-foot yacht he and his family just sold. "We are planning on buying a 50-foot houseboat," he says.
When he's not in the truck, Chuck enjoys "sport" fishing with his family in Florida. He has two daughters Christina and Lisa, a son Christopher, and nine grandkids. "We used to go down to St. Thomas. We fish mostly for blue tuna."
He is also remodeling his kitchen. "I grew up in a truck stop, cooking," Chuck explains why he is redoing the kitchen. He attended a Culinary Arts School in Kansas City and really enjoys cooking. "I like to eat too."
The new kitchen will have granite countertops and all new appliances including stacked ovens, a five-burner stove and an extra wide fridge/freezer. "Sears loves me," he laughs.
Chuck says in order to be an owner operator you have to have a good business sense – something that makes him successful.
In a way, his trucking success is similar to his military experience. Chuck was honored as Soldier of the Month several times in the military and is now happy to be Dart Contractor of the Month.
 |
Mark your calendar!
Help raise money for Special Olympics
The "World's Largest Truck Convoy" is held each year and gives truckers and the community a chance to join together and raise money for Special Olympics.
This year, Minnesota's convoy will be held on Saturday, September 13 at Canterbury Downs in Shakopee. Mark it on your calendar so you don't miss it!
 |
Dart child receives MTA Scholarship
Attend "Keys to Profitability and Success" to learn something new!
The Minnesota Trucking Association (MTA) awarded a $5,000 education scholarship for the 2008-2009 academic school year to Laura Powers, daughter of Dart contractor Dan Powers.
Laura attends North Dakota State University (NDSU) and studies Mass Communications and Teaching. It is Laura's fourth year at NDSU. She plans to graduate in the spring.
This is the third year Laura has received a MTA scholarship.
MTA scholarships are based on academic merit, leadership and financial need.
Watch for announcements on how to apply for a MTA scholarship next year. For more information on MTA scholarships log on to www.mntruck.org.
Save the dates!
Join us for Contractor/ Driver Appreciation:
| Sellersburg |
July 7-11* |
| Dallas |
July 19 |
| Houston |
September 28 |
| Buford |
October 11 |
Bring your family and friends. It's fun for everyone!
*Prize drawings and lunch served daily in Sellersburg between noon and 1.
Are you financially successful? Or barely getting by?
No matter what shape your business is in, you can learn something with "Keys to Profitability and Success"
John Kasel, Retention Analyst, Eagan
Have you ever asked yourself, "Why is it that so many Dart contractors are doing so well, but I am struggling?" Or, if you are already doing well, do you think, "What more can I do to improve my business?"
Don't wonder anymore! Attend "Keys to Profitability and Success," a new information session to help Dart contractors, like yourself, improve their business.
Several Dart contractors have already attended the session and found it to be very educational. What's even more exciting is that many successful contractors have also attended and found it to be beneficial.
Come find out for yourself! Keys to Profitability and Success is open to anyone who wants to attend.
Sessions will be held every Friday at 11 a.m. (10 a.m. Eastern Time in Sellersburg) after the Ethics and Techniques for the Professional driver session. Matt Doth, Senior Retention Analyst, will conduct the session at Dart's Eagan Operating Center in the Safety Class Room outside the Safety Department. Chaun Burch, Contractor Services Manager, will hold the session at Dart's Dallas Operating Center in the Contractor Information Session Room. And Bob Tinklepaugh, Safety Advisor, will lead the session at our Sellersburg location.
Contact your fleet manager for more information.
Pro Stop welcomes new supervisors
And announces new hours in Eagan, Minnesota
Things are changing at Pro Stop Truck Service, Inc. The Pro Stop in Commerce City, Colorado and Kansas City, Missouri recently welcomed new Working Shop Supervisors. And the Pro Stop in Eagan, Minnesota extended its hours.
Erich TerAvest – Working Shop Supervisor at Commerce City
Before coming to Pro Stop, Erich recruited high school students interested in the automotive and diesel fields for Lincoln College of Technology. And for three years before that, he was a lead technician for a fleet of buses.
During his time off, Erich enjoys spending time with his wife, four-week old daughter, and three dogs. His other interest: "I'm a motorcycle enthusiast," he says. "I currently have a business on the side, building custom motorcycles."
Erich said he looks forward to working as a team with the others at Pro Stop. "The guys in the shop are great to work with," he says. "And the atmosphere is pleasant."
Stop by the Pro Stop in Commerce City to say "hi" to Erich!
Jason Dahlin – Working Shop Supervisor at Kansas City
Jason brings seven years of experience working on trucks to Pro Stop. "I have worked on everything from pick-up trucks to tractors, and almost every make and model, but mostly Internationals and Freightliners," he says.
When he gets home, Jason spends time with his wife and two kids – who he enjoys taking to the park. He also likes to "tinker with almost anything that has an engine."
Jason said he looks forward to the challenge of being Supervisor at the Pro Stop in Kansas City. "Once I get the hang of things, I hope to have a shop that runs like a well-oiled machine, that our customers deserve, and the employees can be proud of," he says.
Be sure to welcome Jason to Pro Stop when you are in the neighborhood!
New hours in Eagan
Also new at Pro Stop, the Eagan shop added a second shift and is now open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday. Plans are to expand the second shift to 11:30 p.m.
Pro Stop offers complete truck and trailer repair services at seven locations nationwide. Give us a call for more information or to schedule your maintenance in advance!
Atlanta, Georgia
770-904-4717
Dallas, Texas
972-274-8709
Denver, Colorado
1-800-366-9000 x1963
720-979-8180
Houston, Texas
713-671-9785
Kansas City, Missouri
816-241-4693
Mpls./St. Paul, Minnesota
651-452-8137
Sellersburg, Indiana
812-246-3742
Don't forget!
Stop by the nearest Pro Stop to take advantage of the monthly special for Dart contractors. In July get a free tire gauge when you purchase a set of steer or drive tires.
Simulating safety professionals
2008 Truck Driving Championship
 |
| Drivers anxiously waiting for the competition to begin |
Sandy Alcala-Villagran, Fleet Services Administrative Assistant, Dallas
Recently Dart's Safety AdVANtage Truck Driving Simulator attended the Regional Truck Driving Championship in Grand Prairie, Texas. The event is hosted by the Dallas/Fort Worth Council of Safety Professionals and was held at the FedEx Freight building.
Truck Driving Championships are some of the largest and most important safety programs in the industry. Truck Driving Championships begin at the state level. Each state holds a competition; the winners are then eligible to compete at the national level (with some exceptions) in eight classes of competition.
The Classes include Straight Truck, 3-Axle, 4-Axle, 5-Axle, Flatbed, Tank Truck, Twins and Sleeper Berth. Competitors are judged in four categories: a written exam (the Facts for Drivers Book), a driving test (driving a mapped out driving course), a pre-trip inspection test, and a professional interview (overall presentation of one's self). Competitors must have driven accident-free for at least 12 months (from one National Truck Driving Championship to the next).
 |
About 125 people went through the simulator
at the Grand Prairie, Texas Regional
Truck Driving Championship. |
There were 17 companies at the Grand Prairie Regional Championship. Out of all the companies, 148 company drivers were involved.
For 15 years, Dart's Dallas Operating Center has supported the Dallas/Ft. Worth event, and the Safety/Compliance Department volunteers to help. The Safety Department will also send volunteers to the next level of competition, the State Truck Driving Championship that will be held in Bryan College Station, Texas. This marks the 70th year for the nation-wide Truck Driving Championship.
Dress for success
Professional appearance makes a difference
 |
Dart's Pro Shop has everything you
need to look professional. |
Successful owner operators know their business depends on professionalism. Looking like a professional is a big part of that.
Every time you come in contact with your customers you leave an impression. They often respond positively if you have clean equipment and a neat appearance.
In our shared customer's eyes you are Dart Transit Company. So by keeping up with your appearance and your truck's appearance, you are helping build a positive reputation for yourself and Dart.
Dart's Pro Shop can help!
Dressing professionally doesn't always require a suit and tie. Dart's Pro Shop has everything you need to look professional and still be comfortable.
The Pro Shop has long- and short-sleeved collared shirts, t-shirts, denim shirts and polos. There are also jackets, sweatshirts, windbreakers, and vests for Dart contractors.
Stop by the Pro Shop at Dart's Eagan Operating Center to see what is available. Pro Shop hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also visit the Pro Shop on-line at www.dart.net or call Edie Davidson, Pro Shop Specialist, at x1398 to place an order.
 |
| Pro Shop's youth t-shirts get
this cool new design. |
Stop by the Pro Shop to pick up
Summer gear for the kids!
Edie Davidson, Pro Shop Specialist
Youth t-shirts and Chino-wash hats are in stock at the Pro Shop!
This year, the youth shirts are available in seven colors: daisy, fuchsia, lime, sapphire, ash gray, navy and royal blue. Last year's cartoon truck is back with "Trucks Deliver America" above the stacks.
The hats are available in four colors: light blue, orange, pink and purple, with a colorful Dart logo embroidered on the front.
Come visit the Pro Shop at Dart's Eagan Operating Center to get new shirts and hats for your kids.
Edie
Laptop investment
Robin Munro, Safety/Compliance Technician, Atlanta
There are many reasons why access to a computer benefits a business. The trucking industry is no exception. As an owner operator you own your own business and having a laptop computer in your truck can contribute to your bottom line. Here are four big reasons why you might want to invest in a laptop for your business.
- Flying J scanning program. If you have a laptop computer and a scanner in your truck, you can download the Flying J scanning program directly into your computer from Dart's web site. This allows you to scan and send your paperwork to Dart from your truck, when it is convenient to you. This saves time from having to find a Flying J Service Center, go inside, and scan your paperwork. This is also beneficial if you are in an area that does not have a Flying J.
- "Fuel Discounts" on E-Driver. This handy tool can greatly add to your bottom line. You only need to select where you are or where you will be when you will need fuel and the program will tell you which station has the cheapest fuel. The program will tell you what the pump price is and what you will pay per gallon after Dart's discounts.
- "Settlements" on E-Driver. This program gives you access to your settlement statements online. It can be a while before you get to the house and have access to the paper version of your settlements, especially if you operate over-the-road. Immediate access to your statements gives you a good idea of your profitability and allows you to quickly correct any practices that are hurting your bottom line.
- Access to family and friends online. Email is a great way to keep in touch with loved ones while on the road. While it is nice to talk to your family on the phone, it is also great to share photos with them. Drivers can enjoy receiving photos from loved ones to keep up with the activities at home. Families back at home can also keep track of what the driver is up to and what they are seeing while on the road.
There are many reasons why investing in a laptop computer can benefit your business. Whatever your main reason for investing in a laptop, please keep in mind that if you are using it for business purposes, the purchase may be tax deductible. The laptop purchase can enhance your bottom line, so it can be a great tool.
Take advantage of Dart's on-line services
On April 30, employees at Dart's Eagan Operating Center "Dressed Down for Leukemia and Lymphoma."
For $5, participants could "dress down" or wear casual attire to work. Each participant received a complimentary coupon from local Subway restaurants.
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society entered those who donated $10 or more into a drawing for prizes from local businesses.
Dart raised $560 for the cause.
Dart employees get a fresh perspective
Dart contractors: Dart has valuable on-line services that are just for you!
Log on to E-Driver, a tool on Dart's web site, to view settlement information and access nationwide fuel prices and discounts on Dart's AdVANtage Fuel Network.
Go to www.dart.net to take advantage of these great services today!
