Dart Transit Company's 2007 Contractors of the Year are Mark Daquilla at the Dallas Operating Center and Bob McAndrew at the Eagan Operating Center.

Dart's Contractors of the Year are selected out of its Contractors of the Month. Each Contractor of the Year receives a marble trophy, a $1,000 check and personalized leather jacket.

Mark Daquilla
In 1982 Mark got behind the wheel of a big rig for the first time. The best part of trucking, he says, is the "freedom of the open road. I cannot imagine doing anything else."

Mark received a marble trophy for being named Dart Contractor of the Year.

In 2006 Mark contracted with Dart and says he has found a home. "I like Dart because everyone is considerate of contractors," he says. "The offices are not locked off to the driver. I can walk into the building and everyone is friendly. I plan on staying with Dart until I end my driving career."

Bob McAndrew
Bob contracted with Dart 18 years ago. His long list of awards include being named Overdrive's Driver of the Month, the National Safety Council's Minnesota Driver of the Year, receiving Dart's Hall of Fame and President's Safety Awards, and being named Dart Contractor of the Month.

Bob (L) received the National Safety Council's Five Million Mile Safety Award last year.

Though impressive, Bob says those honors don't have as much weight as his family does on his success. "I think success is being comfortable with your assets, having a great truck and a great family," he explains. "My family has been terrific. They've always stood behind me."

The National Safety Council awarded its very prestigious Four Million Mile Safety Award to Jerry Miller for more than four million miles of accident-free driving.

Miller has operated his own truck under contract with Dart Transit Company for 20 years. Stephen Kaufmann, Safety Manager, and Greg Hall, Safety Advisor, presented Miller with the award at Dart's Minnesota Corporate Office.

"I cannot think of a more reliable contractor than Jerry Miller," said Troy Peterson, Jerry's Fleet Manager. "He keeps his equipment well-maintained and therefore does not have issues with break downs. His on-time service record is impeccable, and he represents Dart very well!"

In 1995, Miller was named Dart Contractor of the Month and in 2006 he was honored as Dart Contractor of the Year. "Jerry's Contractor of the Year award was well-deserved," Peterson said.

Dart contractor John Gill received one of the industry's most prestigious awards this year – the Truckload Carriers Association's Owner Operator of the Year award.

As the grand prize winner, John will receive a brand new International 9400i tractor with a Cummins ISX 500-horsepower engine, an Eaton transmission of his choice, G300 series radial truck tires, a GPS navigation system, four passenger vehicle tires, a $1,000 business consulting gift certificate, $4,500 cash, $5,750 in truck stop gift cards, and a $1,500 truck parts gift certificate.

Dart contractor Billy Smith was awarded second place.

From L to R: Billy Smith, Dave Oren, Dart President, John Gill, and Don Oren, Dart Chairman of the Board

Billy's prizes include a trip for two to a Cincinnati Reds baseball game, a GPS navigation system, $2,000 in cash, and $3,000 in truck stop gift cards.

"Dart is exceptionally proud of both John and Billy," said Dart President Dave Oren. "They have represented our company exceptionally well for many years, and we're so happy for them in receiving these honors. They are very deserving and they join a long list of Dart contractors who have won this contest over the years. That says a lot about the quality of Dart contractors, and we just can't say enough to express our pride in them."

Congratulations John and Billy!

Previous Dart TCA winners
1990 Harvey Zander
1997 Herb Rauschnot
1998 Jimmy Davidson
2000 Harvey Zander
2002 Carol Ann Schlussler
2003 Carroll Benn

CCJ recognizes Dart for "breakthrough" HOS proposal

CCJ Magazine has named Dart Transit Company its 2007 "Innovator of the Year."

Throughout the year, editors at the Commercial Carrier Journal (CCJ) recognize innovators for finding innovative ways to overcome trucking challenges. One innovator is then chosen and recognized as Innovator of the Year.

CCJ recognized Dart as an innovator late last year and selected Dart as 2007 Innovator of the Year for applying for an exemption from the current Hours of Service Rules to test a new way to reduce truck driver fatigue. Avery Vise, CCJ Editor, sees the proposal as one of the most important innovations in the trucking industry in many years. No one else, he says has taken the initiative to resolve the current conflict over rules governing truck driver hours of service.

Dart's proposal is a breakthrough, according to Vise, in that it brings science into how to reduce driver fatigue. It provides better documentation, and more control by the driver to rest when needed. The proposal also has the potential to improve driver productivity and reduce highway congestion, although these two benefits are not the purpose of the exemption request.

The Innovator of the Year award was presented at the 3rd Annual CCJ Innovators Summit held January 31 through February 1 at Hawk's Cay Resort in Duck Key Florida. Accepting the award on Dart's behalf were Dan Oren, Vice President of Advantage Management Corporation, and Gary Volkman, Dart's Vice President of Safety.

CCJ featured Dart on the cover of its April 2008 issue. From L to R: Dan Oren, Vice President, Dave Oren, President, and Gary Volkman, Vice President of Safety.

About Dart's HOS exemption application
In June 2007, Dart applied for an exemption from current Hours of Service Rules. Existing rules allow 11 hours of driving time and 14 hours maximum on-duty time per day, and the clock cannot be stopped once drivers start their workdays.

If approved, the exemption would allow Dart to use a fatigue management process designed by sleep scientists and permit professional truck drivers more flexibility in how and when they obtain their rest.

Under the terms of Dart's proposal, a driver would be exempt from the 14-hour clock and split-rest limits, but all other rules – 10 hours minimum daily rest, maximum 14 hours on-duty per 24 hours, 11 hours driving per day and 70 hours per eight days – would still apply.

That means a driver can stop the clock on their logbook and break up their driving time with rest periods. In exchange for that flexibility, it would require at least six hours of uninterrupted rest during the night (between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m.), with electronic logging (EOBR) and a fatigue-tracking algorithm to replace paper logs for documentation of the driver activity.

According to Volkman, the added flexibility as to when a driver can use his/her daily 11 hours of driving time would benefit public safety in several ways.

• Allows truck drivers more flexibility to rest when they feel the need to rest
• Promotes safety more effectively than current rules
• Would be more effective in combating fatigue than simply cutting back driving time, as proposed by critics of the current system
• Encourages more productive use of driving time
• Assures sleep during the night when the human body is programmed to sleep
• Has the potential to reduce highway congestion during rush hour traffic by allowing drivers the option to rest instead of driving in rush hour traffic

Joyce Jordan, Chief Operating Officer in Dallas and Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing (R), presents Dave Seppala with Dart's Fleet Manager of the Year award at Dart's Dallas Operating Center.	Dave Oren, Dart President (L), presents Rick McCartney with Dart's Fleet Manager of the Year award at Dart's Eagan Operating Center.

Dart Transit Company's 2007 Fleet Managers of the Year are Dave Seppala at the Dallas Operating Center, and Rick McCartney at the Eagan Operating Center.

Dave began working at Dart in 2005 as an intern in the Short Haul Operations Department at Dart's Eagan Operating Center. In April 2007 he moved to the Dallas Operating Center and became a Fleet Manager. Six months later, he accepted a position as a New Contractor Fleet Manager.

"I enjoy being a fleet manager at Dart," Dave said. "Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn more about this complex industry. Not a day goes by that I don't learn something new."

Before working at Dart, Rick worked in the airfreight industry for 20 years. He began working at Dart in 2003 as a Fleet Manager, and was promoted to Senior Fleet Manager in December 2007.

"I find my position in the Operations Department to be challenging and rewarding," Rick said. "Every day brings new opportunities for skill development. And Dart is loaded with valuable, dedicated people, the company's greatest assets. I work with contractors who do a tremendous job providing the quality of service that makes Dart an industry leader."

Fleet Managers of the Year are selected for average mileage per contractor per week, low contractor turnover rate, and active count of contractors.

New name, no change of function

On January 1, two of Dart Transit Company's capacity providers will combine their operations. Major Transport of Indiana, Inc. will combine with Allpoints, Inc., resulting in a single company with a combined capacity of 350 tractors and company drivers.

The capacity will operate under contract with Dart Transit Company, and will also change its name to Dartco, Inc. The transition and new name will simplify the organization and give the company more name recognition.

"We expect day-to-day changes to be minimal," said Gary Volkman, General Manager of Allpoints. "Under Dartco, we will continue to offer equipment and drivers to Dart Transit Company in the same way we do today."

Major's operation between the West Coast and the Midwest will continue as Dartco's Western Division. Allpoints will continue as Dartco's Central Division.

"We will continue operating out of Sellersburg, Indiana; Denver, Colorado; Buford, Georgia; and Eagan, Minnesota," said Tim Watts, Operations Manager of Major Transport. He will be Operations Manager for Dartco's Western Division. Joe Kilgore will be Operations Manager for Dartco's Central Division. "And we do not plan to add trucks to Dartco's fleet in 2008," added Volkman.

"For 74 years, Dart has been a company where owner operators succeed," said David Oren, President of Dart Transit Company. "That won't change. Dartco will remain independent of Dart Transit Company, offering employee drivers a Western and Central operating option."

Dart awards contractors for more than 20 years of safe driving

Dart Transit Company recently awarded Dart contractors Larry Wilson, John Borofka and Juan Rivera with its 20-year safety award – a custom-made scale model of a tractor-trailer cast in pewter.

Dave Oren, Dart President, presented the awards at a ceremony at Dart's Corporate Office in Eagan, Minnesota. "Dart is proud to have Larry, John, and Juan as part of our road team," Mr. Oren said. "During their long professional driving careers they have achieved amazing safety records paralleled by few. They help make our highways safer for everyone."

Dart's award winning professional driver development program includes a yearly driver improvement course, safety advisors, driver performance analysis, and professional recognition.

Bob McAndrew's radiant smile lights up any room, and for good reason. He says a positive attitude contributes to his astonishing safe driving record – and receiving the National Safety Council's most prestigious driver award.

In 2007 Bob received the National Safety Council's Five Million Mile Safety Award for driving more than five million accident-free miles. And in October, the National Safety Council selected him for the council's top award, the "Joseph M. Kaplan Safe Driver of the Year."

So you might be wondering, how does anyone achieve such an amazing safety record? According to Bob, there are several important keys. Bob stays alert to his surroundings at all times, focusing on what is happening well ahead of him on the road. During bad weather he adjusts his driving for conditions, and he keeps his truck well maintained. But his personal secret weapon is being friendly with everyone. Being naturally good natured and cheerful makes it natural for him to be a courteous driver, and keeps him out of many dangerous situations. "You have to be extremely courteous with other vehicles around you," he explains.

He also strongly believes in being prepared. According to McAndrew, having access to Dart's resources makes it much easier to be successful as an owner operator "It makes a big difference to be associated with a company like Dart," he says. "I've been contracted with Dart for 17 years, so I know that I can depend on them, just like they depend on me."

Each year the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) searches for successful independent contractors who best represent the industry and honors them in its Owner Operator of the Year contest.

This year, Dart Transit Company has three finalists in the contest: Billy Smith from Dart's Dallas Operating Center, and John Gill and Melissa Owens from Dart's Eagan Operating Center.

    

Billy contracted with Dart in 1995 and has accumulated four million accident-free miles during his 20-year career in the trucking industry. In 2002, he entered the Dart Hall of Fame for seven years of safe driving.

John has contracted with Dart for 25 years. This year, he received the National Safety Council's Three Million Mile Safety Award for driving more than three million accident-free miles. In 2003 he was Dart Contractor of the Year.

Melissa contracted with Dart in 1996. She was awarded the National Safety Council's Two Million Mile Safety Award this year, and in 2006 she received the Dart President's Safety Award for 10 years of safe driving.

The TCA will select winners based on the operator's ability to run a successful business, operate safely, and enhance the public image of the trucking industry. The top three winners, including the grand prizewinner will fly to The Bahamas in March for the TCA Annual Convention where the winners will be announced and recognized.

Congratulations to the Dart contractors who made it to the final round!

Dart Transit Company recently awarded seven independent contractors with National Safety Council Million Mile Awards. The awards are given to professional drivers who drive one or more million miles without an accident.

Herb Rauschnot was awarded the Four Million Mile Award. Pat Rauschnot received the Three Million Mile Award. Al Beck, Carol Ann Schlussler and Melissa Owens received Two Million Mile Awards. And Ed Mead and Junior Neville received One Million Mile Awards.

Dart President Dave Oren presented the awards at a ceremony at Dart's Corporate Office in Eagan, Minnesota. During the ceremony, he emphasized how difficult it is to achieve so many million miles of safe driving.

"To drive millions of miles takes great expertise and dedication," said Mr. Oren. "These seven individuals demonstrate the highest levels of professionalism every day. Their safety records significantly contribute to the company's reputation as one of America's safest trucking companies."

Dart's award winning professional driver development program includes a yearly driver improvement course, safety advisors, driver performance analysis, and professional recognition.

3PL provider re-brands to gain sharper market identity

On September 14 Advantage Transportation, Inc. will begin doing business as Dart Advantage Logistics. The company is a transportation broker and third party logistics provider based in Eagan, Minnesota.

According to Don Oren, President of Dart Advantage Logistics and chairman of Dart Transit Company, re-branding does not change the company's business focus or practices. "We're the same great group of people and company, providing the same great service. It's just a new name," he said.

Advantage Transportation, Inc. was established in 1996. Since then it has experienced robust growth and operates today with 14 offices nationwide and an extensive network of independent sales agents.

"With new and unproven brokers entering the market, it is important for shippers and carriers to know that we are an established and reputable company," said Rob Gale, General Manager of Dart Advantage Logistics. "With our new name, we are clearly saying that we are part of the Dart network of transportation-related companies."

Dart Advantage Logistics offers a broad range of logistics services including dry van truckload, LTL, expedited, refrigerated, flatbed, tanker, Intermodal, international and freight management. Carriers prefer working with Dart Advantage Logistics because of the company's friendly staff, driver-friendly freight and fair payment practices.

Dart ranks high on Logistics Management's Quest for Quality list

Logistics Management magazine recently awarded Dart its Quest for Quality Award, placing it among the highest ranked companies in the transportation and logistics industry.

Each year, Logistics Management surveys its readers to determine the highest performing companies in the industry. Motor carriers, railroad and intermodal services, ocean carriers, airlines, freight forwarders, and third-party/contract logistics services are ranked according to the survey results.

In the truckload segment, the following criteria were measured (in order of weighted importance): on-time performance, information technology, customer service and equipment and operations.

Dart received an above average score that placed the company sixth on the list of Dry Freight Carriers.

"We are honored to rank among the industry's top carriers," said Dave Oren, Dart President. "This award is a reflection of Dart's commitment to excellence."

United Sugars presented Ted Lundberg, Dart Regional Sales Manager, with its Marketing Executive of the Year award on August 15.

The award was presented at the 7th Annual United Sugars Carrier Partner Meeting in Fargo, North Dakota. "United Sugars would like to honor Ted Lundberg for his outstanding performance and commitment to United Sugars in the area of Sales and Marketing," said Darla Willoughby, United Sugars Business Analyst – Transportation.

Willoughby said Dart has a 99.4 on-time delivery percentage while delivering over 5,000 loads each year. And over the past five years, Dart's volume has grown by over eight percent each year.

"Dart provides capacity when other carriers say none are available, even during hurricane season," Willoughby commented. "Ted and Dart give United Sugars creative solutions, available capacity and exceptional service."

Criteria for the Sales and Marketing Executive of the Year award are:

• 500 or more annual loads
• Customer complaints
• Delivery performance
• Weights
• Invoicing accuracy
• Communication
• Responsiveness of Operations and Sales
• Innovativeness and ingenuity
• And professionalism of staff.

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