Dart named
Andersen Corporation
Partner of the Year

April 2010

Partner of the Year

Andersen Corporation named Dart Transit Company its 2009 Partner of the Year.

The award recognizes exemplary service and Dart's innovation and ability to meet Andersen Corporation's needs. Dart's Dedicated Division provides shuttle, short haul, regional, and long haul dedicated services to Andersen Corporation.

Doug Rose, Transportation Operations Sourcing Manager and JoAnn Welch, Dart Dedicated Account Manager

Dart contractors place
2nd and 3rd

March 2010

TCA Independent Contractor of the Year

Two Dart contractors: Woodrow Walker and Larry Severson were honored by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) early in March. Walker placed second in the TCA's Owner Operator of the Year contest, and Severson placed third.

It is the third year in a row that Dart contractors have held two of the top three spots in the contest.

The goal of the contest is to recognize and pay tribute to the outstanding owner operators who provide reliable and safe truck transportation in moving the nation's goods. They drive safely, give to their community, protect the environment, and enhance the image of trucking.

Walker and Severson join the ranks of many other Dart contractors who have won the contest over the years.

Woodrow Walker (L) and Dart President David Oren

Larry Severson (L) and Dart Chairman Donald Oren

Dart named "Best Fleet for Owner Operators"

March 2010

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) and CarriersEdge, a consulting firm to the trucking industry, selected Dart as the "Best Fleet for Owner Operators" in its annual "Best Fleets to Drive For" contest.

This is the second year Dart has been selected as a "Best Fleet to Drive For," and the first year a carrier was selected as the "Best Fleet for Owner Operators."

According to the TCA, the Best Fleets contest identifies the trucking companies in North America with the best workplace experiences. Carriers are evaluated for the strength of the programs they offer to their fleets, an evaluation that includes a survey of the truckers in each fleet to determine their satisfaction levels with the company.

Dart received the "Best Fleet for Owner Operators" award on March 2nd at the TCA annual convention. Dart Chairman Donald G. Oren accepted the award for Dart.

"We couldn't be more pleased to receive this award," Mr. Oren said. "Dart has operated with independent contractors since my father founded the company 75 years ago, and we are committed to offering professional truck drivers the opportunity to successfully own and manage their own independent trucking businesses. I think this award affirms the hard work that we do as a company to make Dart a place where owner operators succeed."

The "Best Fleets to Drive For" contest is open to any fleet with ten or more trucks, and a fleet must be nominated by at least one of its drivers or owner operators. Nominated fleets are evaluated for compensation, retirement plans and other benefits, professional development, driver and community support, and safety record.

Dart Chairman Donald G. Oren accepts the "Best Fleet for Owner Operators" award from Mark Murrell, President of CarriersEdge.

Dart announces its Fleet Managers of the Year

January 2010

The following are Dart Transit Company's 2009 Fleet Managers of the Year: Les Brandon, Over the Road Fleet Manager of the Year, Heather Parish, New Contractor Fleet Manager of the Year, and Doug James, Regional Fleet Manager of the Year.

Les has been with Dart since 2004 and has spent his full tenure as Over the Road Fleet Manager at Dart's Dallas Operating Center.

Heather started with Dart in 2006 and started working with new contractors in 2007.

Doug has been producing great results for some time in Dart's Northern Region. He was also named Regional Fleet Manager of the Year in 2008.

Congratulations to Dart's Fleet Managers of the Year!

Doug James, Dart President David Oren, Heather Parish

Les Brandon

Dart named Inbound Logistics Top 100 Motor Carrier

November 2009

Dart is one of Inbound Logistics Top 100 Motor Carriers for 2009. The editorial staff at Inbound Logistics evaluated questionnaires, and conducted Internet research and personal interviews to select 100 trucking leaders from more than 300 companies that submitted their credentials.

Dart Name Dry Van Carrier of the Year

August 2009

In August, United Sugars presented Dart Transit Company with its "Dry Van Carrier of the Year" award. Dart hauled 4,591 loads for United Sugars with a 99% on-time percentage.

"This could not have been accomplished with a full team effort from Operations," said Ted Lundberg, Regional Sales Manager - Green Zone and Northern Region. "Sue Ritter leads the United Sugars account and has done a tremendous job of meeting and exceeding the customer's expectations. Thanks Sue! A big thank you to the Eagan Short Haul group and the Green Zone for all of their hard work and dedication with this account. From every zone to fleet manager to contractor who touches the United Sugars account, thank you for your excellent work. It is much appreciated!

The Minnesota Trucking Association (MTA) awarded Attorney Doug Grawe its "Outstanding Service Award" for 2009.

MTA Chair Bill Woolsey presented Doug with the award at the MTA's Annual Banquet at Breezy Point Resort in Minnesota on August 5.

Doug regularly works with both the MTA and Don Oren at Dart Transit Company, assisting in regulatory affairs and helping craft language in legislative bills directed at protecting Minnesota's trucking industry.

This year, Doug supported the independent contractor status and helped educate MTA members on important independent contractor issues at a seminar. He also clarified the description of a motor vehicle relative to liability and worked on the definition of gross misdemeanor legislation.

"Doug is truly deserving of this award," said John Hausladen, MTA President. "No issue posed more risk to the business model of hundreds of MTA member companies that the threat to the status of independent contractors. Doug played an integral role in crafting strategies and responses to these attacks. Through a team effort by many players, the final compromise language was achieved, in large part due to Doug's persistent work. Doug is on of the brightest young legal minds in our industry and we are lucky to have him active in the MTA."

MTA Chair Billy Woolsey presents Doug Grawe with the "Outstanding Service Award."

For the fourth year in a row, Dart received Great West Risk Management's Award for Safety and Operational Excellence.

The award was presented to Dart representatives on August 3 at Dart's Corporate Office in Eagan, Minnesota.

Dart received the award for its loss results, prompt and fair claim settlement practices, timely reporting of serious claims to Great West, innovative loss prevention programs, and demonstrated operational excellence in 2008.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to Dart receiving this award.

From L to R: Gary Volkman, Vice President of Safety Compliance, Dan Oren, Vice President, Ron Lawson, President Great West Risk Management, David Oren, President, Emmon Love, Vice President Ameriplan Benefit Corporation, Tom Travis, Vice President of Claims, Cliff Yentes, Corporate Risk Manager.

Congratulations to Dart Transit Company's 2008 Contractors of the Year: Randy House at Dart's Dallas Operating Center and Al Beck and Harvey Zander at Dart's Eagan Operating Center.

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

Joyce Jordan, Chief Operating Officer at Dart's Dallas Operating Center and Executive VP of Sales and Marketing, and Randy House.

Harvey Zander (L), Dart President Dave Oren, and Al Beck (R)

The Minnesota Trucking Association's (MTA) Safety Council awarded its distinguished Herb Ney Award to Dart Vice President of Safety Compliance Gary Volkman.

The award was created in honor of Herb Ney, who passed away in 1994 while he was president of the MTA's Safety Council.

"Gary has made, and continues to make, outstanding contributions toward the continued success of the MTA Safety Council and its mission," said Dick Gillespie, last year's award recipient. "He has been a member of the Safety Council for many years, with a passion for the regulatory side of life. He is a great role model and a very active board member."

Gary Volkman (L) receives the MTA's Herb Ney Award from Dick Gillespie, last year's award recipient

Congratulations to Dart Transit Company's 2008 Fleet Managers of the Year for the Over the Road, New Contractor, and Regional fleets.

The Over the Road Fleet Manager of the Year is Dan Winstead. Dan has been with Dart since January 2002. He is a Senior Fleet Manager, working with his own board of contractors, while at the same time working to train and direct new fleet managers.

The New Contractor Fleet Manager of the Year is Aaron Danielski. Aaron works exclusively with new contractors, helping them become acclimated to Dart and understand how Dart's system works.

The Regional Fleet Manager of the Year is Doug James. Doug works with a group of contractors and works with Dart's Logistics Managers to plan the trucks in the Northern Region.

Dave Oren (center) with Dan Winstead (L) and Aaron Danielski (R)

Dave Oren (L) with Doug James

The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal named Dart Transit Company a Top 25 Family Owned Business in its 2009 Book of Lists^TM, acknowledging it as a leading company in the transportation industry.

Dart Transit Company is one of the best fleets to drive for, according to the Truckload Carriers Association and CarriersEdge, a Canadian consulting firm.

Earlier this year CarriersEdge surveyed truckload carriers to find which ones offer the best opportunities for professional truck drivers.

Even though Dart is powered by independent contractors, not employee drivers, the quality of its programs and practices ranked it among the best carriers in the nation.

The "Best Fleets to Drive For" award was announced at the TCA's convention.

Dart was nominated by its contractors, and was evaluated by interviewing management and surveying more than 100 Dart contractors. The information was then compared to more than 70 other nominated carriers.

"Contractors have been saying for years that Dart is a great place to operate a small trucking business," said David Oren, Dart president. "During our 75 years as an owner operator company, we've focused on owner operator success. This proves that Dart is getting the job done!"

Dart President, David Oren, and Clark Lett

TCA Independent Contractor of the Year
The Truckload Carriers Association awarded two Dart contractors top honors in its Independent Contractor of the Year contest. Clark Lett placed second and Gerald Clouse placed third.

The TCA announced the winners at its annual convention in Orlando, Florida. Clark and Gerald's prizes included thousands of dollars in bonds, fuel cards, and other merchandise.

Both add their names to a long list of Dart contractors who have placed among the country's top independent contractors.

Dart Chairman, Don Oren, and Gerald Clouse

Clark began his trucking career 55 years ago. He has been an owner operator for 35 years, and has contracted his truck with Dart for 20 years. Clark has driven more than three million miles in his career and his honors include Dart's President's Safety Award and Dart's Hall of Fame Safety Award.

Gerald has spent the majority of his 31-year trucking career with Dart. He has accumulated three-and-a-half million accident-free miles and received the National Safety Council's Three Million Mile Safety Award last year. In 2006, Gerald received Dart's 20-Year Truck Trophy Safety Award and last year he was named Dart Contractor of the Month.

"Gerald and Clark are excellent examples of what this contest and the trucking industry is all about – safe and professional service," said Dart President David Oren. "We are extremely proud of them. Congratulations Gerald and Clark!"

2009 marks a special anniversary for Dart Transit Company. This year Dart celebrates 75 years in business.

Earl Oren founded the company in 1934. In 1979 his son Donald Oren (now Dart Chairman) took over leadership. And today, Donald's son David Oren is president.

"Dart is financially strong and focused on the future," said Donald. Over time, Dart's service offerings have vastly expanded. Today, Dart is one of America's premier truckload carriers, offering service from coast to coast.

It offers regional service in the South, Midwest and Southeast; short haul service in several major markets; and dedicated service to Fortune 500 companies. Through the Dart network of companies, it provides shippers with logistics and brokerage services, Intermodal rail service, warehousing, and portable storage.

Now the third generation of the Oren family is deeply involved in the business, preparing for the opportunities of tomorrow. "As a family-owned company we've never forgotten where we've been and where we're going," David said.

Great West Risk Management honored Dart with its Award for Safety and Operational Excellence for 2007.
This is the third year in a row Dart received the award. It was presented to Dart representatives on July 22 at Dart's Corporate Office in Eagan, Minnesota.
Criteria for the award include loss results, prompt and fair claim settlement practices, timely reporting of serious claims to Great West, innovative loss prevention programs, and demonstrated operational excellence in 2007.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to Dart receiving this award.

Cliff Yentes, Corporate Risk Manager; Tom Travis, Vice President of Claims; Dan Oren, Vice President; Dave Oren, President; Ron Lawson, President Great West Risk Management; Don Oren, Chairman of the Board; Gary Volkman, Vice President of Safety Compliance; Elaine Briles, Director of Safety/Fleet Services, Dallas; Emmon Love, Vice President Ameriplan; and Mark Love, Ameriplan Agent.

Joyce Jordan

The Texas Motor Transportation Association (TMTA) named Joyce Jordan, Chief Operating Officer at Dart's Dallas Operating Center and Vice President of Sales and Marketing, its new Chairwoman of the Board.

Joyce became a member of the TMTA in 1987, and has been active on committees and the board for the last 12 years.

She has held several positions in the TMTA including Committee Chairwoman, Secretary-Treasurer, Chair-Elect, member of the Chairman's Circle, and member of the Political Action Committee.

As a member of the Chairman's Circle, Joyce is involved in the "Day at the Capitol" events in Austin, Texas and Washington D.C. Members visit representatives in Texas and Washington D.C. to lobby changes for the trucking industry and present current issues to congressmen.

During the Hours of Service changes, Joyce worked closely with the TMTA to educate its members on the changes and impact they would have.

Joyce is currently active on the Advisory Board of the Trucking Profitability Strategies Conference, an executive forum at the University of Georgia in Athens.

She has also served as Chairwoman of the Independent Contractors Division in the Truckload Carriers Association.

The Minnesota Trucking Association (MTA) named Gary Volkman, Vice President of Safety Compliance, its Safety Professional of the Year.

The award is presented annually to safety professionals serving the trucking industry who convey the highest level of dedication, professionalism and moral character.

Dan Oren, Vice President; Gary Volkman, Vice President of Safety Compliance; Don Oren, Chairman of the Board; and John Hausladen, MTA President.

The MTA presented Gary with the award at its annual Fleet Safety Awards Luncheon on July 25.

Gary has been a member of the MTA since he started working with Dart in 1996. He is currently a member of the MTA Safety Council Board of Directors, has served as chair of the Council's programming committee, and is chair of the Council's Regulatory Response Committee.

Gary is also active in the Truckload Carriers Association and provides input to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on regulatory proposals. In addition, he has made safety, compliance and recruiting presentations to industry safety organizations.

Dave Oren, President and Walt Newcomb

The National Safety Council (NSC) awarded Dart contractor Walt Newcomb its Safe Driver of the Year Award of Merit for the Midwest Region for his commitment to safe driving practices.

Dave Oren, Dart President, presented Walt with the award at Dart's Eagan Operating Center.

"We are very proud of Walt," Mr. Oren said. Walt's long list of awards include receiving the National Safety Council's Five Million Mile Safety Award this year, being named Overdrive's Driver of the Month in 2006, Dart Contractor of the Year in 2005, and receiving Dart's President's Safety Award in 2000.

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.

Dart Transit Company announces its 2006 Contractors of the Year: Juan Garcia at the Dallas Operating Center and Jerry Miller at the Eagan Operating Center. Dart Contractors of the Year are selected from its Contractors of the Month and are recognized at receptions held in their honor.






Juan Garcia has been driving over-the-road for 12 years and operates in Dart's Super South Region. "I am happy to be working with Dart," Garcia said at the Contractor of the Year ceremony in Dallas. "I appreciate all that everyone does and how the Dart team offers continuous support for me and other contractors."












Jerry Miller contracted with Dart in 1988. He and his wife Laurie operate a 2002 Kenworth with a Target National Dedicated contract. Together, they have accumulated nearly four million accident-free miles. "At Dart it's more about personal relationships," Miller said. "Everybody seems concerned about you. And it's really family-oriented. Dart's been real good to us. They really have."







As Contractors of the Year, Garcia and Miller each received a marble trophy, a $1,000 bonus check and personalized leather jacket.

Capacity is tight and we need your help!

Good service and adequate capacity is what you deserve. For the last year Dart has paid out more surcharge to our contractors than we have collected in fuel surcharge. Still, our contractors have not been made whole. There is a tremendous driver shortage. We do not see any end to this shortage. The average driver continues to move towards retirement age. Contractors will change industries if surcharges do not fairly reimburse them for their fuel costs.

We need your fuel surcharges to be no worse than 1 cent per mile increase for every 5 cents change in fuel cost.

For example one cent per mile fuel surcharge for every 6 cents increase in fuel cost is not adequate.

In the coming days we will be asking for your support if you have a surcharge that is worse than the 1 cent fuel surcharge for every 5 cents additional cost for fuel. This rate only keeps us whole and passes along the cost for fuel.

Some may be asking:

• Why are you asking to be kept whole and expecting the shippers to take the hit?” The simple answer is “we have no choice”. Fuel cost has always been a big part of our costs and subsequently were well managed before fuel costs spiked. The newest trucks now have better emissions but have worse miles per gallon.

The increased costs are far too great to be absorbed.

• “I thought trucks could return 6 miles per gallon or better so 1 cent per mile for every 6 cents in fuel price should be sufficient.”

Factors that impact the surcharge include:

• Necessary out of route milesNormal deadheadPaid miles that are shorter than practical
• New trucks with less miles per gallon and higher maintenance

All of the above issues require 1 cent per mile for 5 cents change in fuel cost.

Most of you have made the commitment and have reflected this need in your fuel surcharge program. Thank you. We truly appreciate your support and foresight.

Others have tried to make up for inadequate surcharges by adding to the freight rates. This is not very practical, requiring a new negotiation every time fuel prices swing up or down. Fuel neutral rates are the most efficient for both the carrier and the shipper. A Fuel neutral contract is the best business practice.

In the coming days, if you have a surcharge that is worse than 1 cent per mile for a 5 cent change in fuel price, we will be asking for your help. This assistance will allow us to retain our loyal, experienced fleet of contractors and also continue to grow our contractor base. It will allow us to provide the service you deserve.

Our mutual goal is to protect capacity for you while delivering freight safely and on-time.

Thank you for your business and support in this time of volatile energy costs.

Sincerely,

Joyce A. Jordan
Executive Vice President - Sales & Marketing
Chief Operating Officer - Dallas Operating Center