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Soaring Fuel Prices Demand Strong Partnerships
“Surviving” High Fuel Prices |
 Donald G. Oren, President of Dart Transit & Fleetline
A little over a year ago, Dart and Fleetline began
paying independent contractors a fuel adjustment. Since then,
fuel prices have continued to soar. Analysts forecast that many
independent owner operators and small carriers may not survive
the crushing long-term affects of high fuel costs. Standing alone,
individual independent operators will be the first to go.
It doesn’t have to be, as the smash TV hit, “Survivors,” illustrated.
On the show, those who formed alliances lasted longer. As carriers,
Dart and Fleetline have formed three-way alliances with shippers
and independent contractors. As carriers, we work with contractors
and shippers to promote each other’s long term welfare. In this
partnership, carriers and shippers do not take advantage of each
other when trucks are scarce or loads are scarce. And when fuel
prices soar, shippers accept the added cost in the form of a fuel
surcharge.
As partners, our customers do well in paying fuel surcharges.
Dart and Fleetline pass this along to independent contractors
as “fuel adjustments” on both loaded and empty miles, even though
customers pay only on loaded miles. As carriers we seldom collect
fuel surcharges on brokered or backhaul loads. We recognize that
as carriers and independent contractors, our long term future
lies with shippers who pay fuel surcharges. By sticking together
in our three-way partnership -- independent operators, carriers,
and shippers -- all three partners will continue to be “Survivors”.
| Two Fleetline Contractors Named Highway
Angels |
The TCA honored two Fleetline contractors, as "Highway Angels."
Troy McGhee and Muhammed Rashied were westbound on I-20 in Atlanta,
Georgia when they observed a tire blow out on an automobile ahead
of them. The motorist successfully moved her car through heavy
traffic to the shoulder, and McGhee and Rashied stopped at the
scene to assist. After calming the rattled motorist, they changed
her tire and sent her safely on her way. "Truck drivers truly
are Highway Angels," said Joyce Jordan, Fleetline’s Chief Operating
Officer. "These men are fine, hard-working individuals who did
something very admirable. I’m proud to see them receive this honor."
| Alseth MTA's Driver of the Month |
 The Minnesota Trucking
Association honored Dart contractor Mel Alseth as its July Driver
of the Month. The award puts Alseth in the running for the MTA's
Driver of the Year award for 2000.
| When The Rubber Doesn't Meet The
Road |
 Jose L.C.
Elizarraraz, Safety Advisor, Fleetline, Inc.
While doing research on the causes of jackknife and rollover crashes,
it became clear that the initial responsibility rests on the driver
of the vehicle. We hear the saying, "No vehicle gets in a crash
all by itself. It’s driven into that crash." How true is that?
Often I try to place myself in the driver’s seat. To my surprise,
I find myself placing blame on obstacles and other motorists.
After all, I am the world’s best driver. It is easy to blame others
even when responsibility clearly points back to me. I must remember
that rain, fog, snow, sleet or icy roads never cause crashes.
These conditions are merely ingredients, part of my operating
environment. These are hazards that we as professional drivers
encounter every day. Drivers cause crashes when they fail to make
necessary adjustments for conditions, or when they fail to shut
down their vehicles until conditions improve. Consider the following
formula: High Winds + Empty Trailer = Disaster
A professional driver is expected to make the necessary adjustments
to maintain control of his vehicle at all times, even in adverse
conditions. These include narrow or rough roads, hilly or mountainous
roads, and roads made hazardous by inclement weather. The fact
that crashes commonly occur during adverse weather conditions
does not mean that it can’t happen on a perfect day, and it does
not relieve the driver of responsibility. Again the professional
driver is expected to make the necessary adjustments to keep the
vehicle safely under control.
Remember: Be aware of the weather you are driving
into. If the weather is expected to change, keep your eyes open
for those changes. If appropriate, get off the road and park it!
"Too Fast For Conditions, Makes Everything Happen Faster"Watch
your speed. During our classroom section on traction, we discuss
the stages of traction -- static, rolling, and sliding. All the
recommendations on how to avoid losing traction include speed.
In other words, adjust to the operating environment and pay close
attention to your speed. Be prepared to respond at the first signs
of trouble, such as road construction, heavy traffic, precipitation,
and gusting winds. Place yourself in a position to win. The only
way you can win is to be ready. Think ahead. Use your skills of
perception. Concentrate on the future. Remember that our first
responsibility is to protect the motoring public. Have a safe
trip.
| Dart and Fleetline -- Best Friends
to Trucker Buddy Int’l |
 Fleetline and Dart have
been corporate sponsors of Trucker Buddy International since Gary
King originated the organization many years ago. President Don
Oren presented Ellen Voie, Trucker Buddy’s new Executive Director,
with a $2,500 check this summer at Dart’s Contractor Appreciation
Day Picnic.
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