AdVANtage Contractor Newsletter

Mark your calendar!
Contractor Appreciation Days

Dallas	..........June 9
Eagan	..........July 28
Sellersburg	..........September 10-14
Buford	..........October 13

Bring your family and friends!

Gary King writes
Gary King, former Dart Contractor and founder of Trucker Buddy International, wrote the following letter to Dart.

4-13-07
Dear friends at Dart,
It is always a pleasure to receive a copy of the Dart AdVANtage® Digest and read of the success of so many drivers. I found success at Dart, but in a completely different way than most of my fellow truckers.

In November of 1992, I started writing as a pen pal to a classroom of children, 18 fourth-graders in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. I shared my experience with other drivers, Mr. Steve Gundale and eventually Mr. Don Oren. Mr. Oren could see some positive public relations potential and Dart became the first sponsor to what became the Trucker Buddy International organization.

Without this support and enormous encouragement from Steve and many others, Trucker Buddy International would not have happened. Everyone at Dart shares in the positive things that have transpired at Trucker Buddy. Every member is a winner in being a positive role model for children.

I no longer am able to drive an 18-wheeler as I have fought cancer and heart disease for seven years. In the last 17 months I have lost over 140 pounds and I am frequently not recognized by friends who haven't seen me recently.

Though I've been told my time may be short, I have many precious memories and have had the pleasure of meeting some of the most special people on earth, many who chase that white line every day serving our great nation.

May God bless each and every one at Dart and I wish all of you every success. I thank the Oren family for their generosity in helping me, not just with Trucker Buddy, but financially when I had an urgent medical need. I ask that whatever your faith, please remember me in your prayers.

Sincerely,
Gary D. King

John Burk - Dallas Operating Center

Kristin Ries, Staff Writer
"John goes beyond good and reaches for great," said Calvin Gilbert, Dart Fleet Manager. "I am proud to be a part of his success."

John Burk contracted with Dart three years ago and owns a 2000 Freightliner FLD 120. "I keep my truck in top shape," John said. In order to do that, he puts 30 cents a mile into a maintenance account. "You've got to save a decent amount of money. It's not how much you make, it's how you manage your money and save it."

John said Mildred, his wife, helps him with his business. "She's my right arm," John said. She was always in the truck with John, until recently, when she was hospitalized for surgery. "I really miss my wife being with me every day," said John. "It's hard not having her with me."

But he said he loves being an independent contractor. "I've been driving a truck all my life, and I enjoy it," John said. "I just try to be happy and I enjoy working. I always give 110%, but I would never expect to be Contractor of the Month. Dart's been good to me."

Denny Yoder - Eagan Operating Center

Kristin Ries, Staff Writer
During the spring of his junior year of High School, Denny Yoder drove a truck part-time, delivering feed and fertilizer.

Twenty-two years later, in 1991, he contracted with Dart and now operates a 2004 Freightliner with a Dart National contract. "I like driving over-the-road," Denny said. "I like to see the country. North Dakota in the winter is my favorite."

Denny's fleet manager, Michelle Baker, is another reason why he enjoys his National contract. "When my wife had cancer, she helped out a lot to get me home to be with my wife," he said.

Denny's wife, Cathy, was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer and passed away in July 2006. "My wife, parents, neighbors and a lot of good friends have all influenced me in some way or another," Denny said.

"Dart has been good to me," he said. "I'll probably stay here as long as they'll have me." But 10 years from now he hopes to be "Retired, and in a boat fishing!"

Kristin Ries, Staff Writer
It sounds like a military mission, but it's far from it. Operation Roger – Truckers Pet Transport – is a non-profit organization that rescues sick, endangered, or abandoned pets and finds them safe homes. It was founded by a truck driver and named after her dog, Roger, who became ill and died.

Dart contractor John Kern has been involved in Operation Roger for almost a year. He started out as a volunteer truck driver, and is now a Team Leader, which means other volunteer drivers report to him.

How did you get involved with Operation Roger?
John: My truck broke down in Little Rock, and I saw Debbie, one of Operation Roger's Rescue Coordinators, walking a dog. I love dogs. So after talking with her I decided to help.

How many animals have you transported?
Personally, I've transported four dogs. And Operation Roger has transported about 185 animals as an organization.

Do you just transport dogs?
Yes. No cats, because my dog Buddy doesn't get along with them.

Do any of the dogs you've transported stand out in your memory?
They all do. Every one of them has a little quirk. The first one I picked up in Michigan and took to Pennsylvania. When we stopped I was going to take the dog for a walk, but Buddy grabbed the leash from me and he took it for a walk!

Can you go through the process of how you transport a dog?
I meet Debbie at the Petro truck stop in Little Rock. She brings the dog, food for the dog, a leash, collar, and health history on the dog. Then I take the dog with me.

Do you have to go out of route to deliver pets?
Sometimes drivers go a little out of route for a transport. But there is a bulletin board on their web site where they post animals that need rides and where they need to go. That way, drivers can be matched to the pets, so they aren't going out of route to deliver the pet. Operation Roger stresses that we should always deliver on time and that business comes first, and Pet Transport comes second.

What does it take to be a volunteer for Operation Roger?
You have to be an animal-lover, you have to have patience and it's all about volunteering. Some people ask, "How much money will I make?" Operation Roger is non-profit. They get funding from other people.

What are some of the ways they get funding?
Down in Louisville they had an auction to raise money. They asked people at the Louisville Truck Show to donate things to give away.

How can others get involved?
Operation Roger is always looking for volunteers, rescue coordinators, and layover homes (for when one driver takes the pet to a location and another driver picks it up to bring it the rest of the way).

Why do you stay involved?
It's not just for the animals; it's for the truckers too. It's a way for us to give back to our community. Being a part of Operation Roger is a way for me to make a difference. It makes me feel good that I'm helping somebody.

For more information on Operation Roger and how you can help, visit www.operationroger.com.

Owens Corning has awarded Dart Transit Company its 2006 Enterprise Carrier of the Year Award for outstanding service.

"This is the first year Owens Corning gave the Enterprise Carrier of the Year Award," said Steve Huckabee, a Vice President of National Accounts for Dart. "It is Owens Corning's most prestigious carrier award and is given to one deserving carrier in each of the three categories: van, flatbed and intermodal. Dart received the award for van carrier by meeting and exceeding Owens Corning's service goals."

"If you want an example of what Owens Corning is looking for in a carrier, Dart is the perfect example," said Jerry Ulm, Owens Corning Global Leader Carrier Relations, at the Owens Corning Transportation Systems Excellence Awards Program at their headquarters in Toledo, Ohio.

Dart also received Owens Corning Carrier of the Year awards from the following facilities: Carrier of the Year at Waxahachie, Texas; Carrier of the Year Long Haul at New Braunfels, Texas; Carrier of the Year Long Haul at Kansas City, Kansas; and Carrier of the Year Long Haul at Fort Smith, Arkansas. Present to accept the awards on behalf of Dart were Steve Huckabee and Jerry Randgaard, a National Account Manager for Dart.

"Dart contractors and staff are the best in the business," said Dave Oren, Dart's President. "And we constantly work to improve our service. It is a great honor to receive these awards, especially the Enterprise Carrier of the Year Award."

It was a long journey for Gil Berrios from Puerto Rico to Minnesota, where he found success as an independent owner operator in Dart's Northern Region. It's just one of many contract options that Dart offers. Other options include National -- 48 states, Super South -- Texas to Georgia, Dedicated – tailored service for major corporations, Local -- many metro areas. Find your own success. One of Dart's contract options may be perfect for you.

Gil, how long have you been a professional truck driver?
Since April 2001.

What did you do before that?
I went to a University and received an Associate Degree in Computer Programming. For eight years I worked in computer programming. Then I worked six or seven years for a telephone company in electronics and system repair.

So how did you begin driving professionally?
I was living in Puerto Rico where I grew up and where my family still lives. I saw a newspaper ad for a school in the United States to become a truck driver. I always wanted to be a truck driver. So I went to the school, got my license and drove as a company driver for 11 months. Then I bought a truck and contracted it with Dart in April 2002.

Where do you live today?
I live in Minnesota but my family still lives in Puerto Rico. I have three kids – Jilliana (15 years old), Valeria (10 ½) and Gil Jr. (9).

Do you ever visit them?
Every December I go to Puerto Rico and rent a house next to the beach. I take them to the movies and the beach and take ATV's out on paths. It is one of my passions because I used to ride Motocross.

What is it like being away from your family so much?
It's hard. I miss them every day. But now I can support my family.

What kind of support have you received from Dart?
My family is 3,000 miles away, but I feel like you guys are also my family. Everybody at Dart helps me.

Was it easy to make the switch from being a company driver to owner operator?
Yes, because Dart employees helped me feel welcome. And my recruiter helped me. He would call every week to ask me how I was doing.

What do you like best about Dart's Northern Region?
I get lots of miles and I get home.

What do you do when you go home?
Ride my motorcycle and work on cars. I have a Corvette.

What do you most enjoy about being an owner operator?
Being my own boss. I can decide how I want to run my business and my future is in my own hands. But I have to be responsible and hard working and watch out for others on the road.

Did you ever picture yourself where you are today?
I always wanted to be a truck driver. When I was 15 years old, I saw trucks passing by and I would say, "I want to be a truck driver some day." I love being a truck driver.

Do you feel successful?
Yes, I am successful. When I started at Dart my dream was to be Contractor of the Year. That's why last year when I was a Dart Contractor of the Month it was a dream come true. I want to keep working with this company. Dart is the best company I've ever known.

Kristin Ries, Staff Writer
You remember the day - we all do. September 11, 2001. The image of the two towers billowing smoke and then falling is likely engrained in your memory. Most of us remember exactly where we were and what we were doing when it happened.

"I was in New York on the George Washington Bridge when I watched the second tower fall," remembers Monika Jacobsen, an independent owner operator with Dart Transit Company. "Watching the tower fall changed my whole life," she says. "I never thought people could be so evil." The attack of 911 also put her on a new career path.

Responding to the disaster, Jacobsen began flying an American flag on the company truck she was driving. "The company I drove for made me take the flag off," she says. She was so upset that she decided to buy her own truck. "The whole reason I became an owner operator was so I could honor the people of September 11 by dedicating my truck to them," she says.

Being an owner operator was frightening at first, she said, but she grew in confidence. Her first experience was bad but she persisted and continued to look at owner operator companies. She finally contracted with Dart in 2005. "I was looking for a good truck lease program with a buy-out option." She found it at Highway Sales, Inc., a truck and finance vendor for Dart contractors, when she leased a new 2005 International.

Now that she owns her truck and has the freedom to do with it as she pleases, she has invested thousands of dollars in graphics that commemorate the events of 911. "I'm always adding more. It's my way of remembering the people who died."

Born and raised in Germany, Monika moved to the United States 31 years ago. At first, she worked for an airline in operations, but it wasn't long before she decided to try a major career change. "I'm going for it," she promised herself as she went off to truck driving school to become a truck driver. "Nobody in my family was in the trucking business, and my kids told me I couldn't do it. But I wanted a job with security." She knew that the trucking industry was rich with driver opportunities.

Monika operates with a Dart National contract, and loves the freedom and success that she enjoys as an owner operator. "I couldn't go back to working in an office," she says.

"I think success is paying your bills on time and still having extra money. If I weren't successful, I wouldn't be here. You have to watch your income and watch what you spend. Keep your truck in good shape. If you're mechanically inclined, do it yourself. And I'm not afraid to ask questions or ask for help to slide the tandems."

Monika says she is grateful for the support she receives from Dart employees. "They understand owner operators," she says. "It's their patience and their attitude. They're straight forward. I've been with a lot of companies, but the support system at Dart is different from the others."

Gerald Branch
"I like making my own decisions"

"I was raised around trucking," says Gerald Branch, a 26-year veteran of the industry. "My father owned his truck, hauled cars and worked with a moving business." He also taught Gerald how to drive a truck. "That's the best way to learn," Gerald relates. "It's the old-fashioned way – being taught by someone you know, not a school."

After a ten-year stint in the Navy, Gerald returned to civilian life and followed his father's example by driving for a moving company. In 1993 he switched to dry freight after he was approved by Dart. "I was sold (on Dart) when I found out that I could settle right away," he recalls. "Dart pays fast."

The transition to Dart was easy for him because he found dry freight so much easier than household goods.

The availability of trucks and financing was another big advantage for him at Dart. Earlier this year Gerald upgraded his 2005 Columbia for a 2007 Volvo through Highway Sales, Inc., a truck and finance vendor to Dart contractors. He loves the new truck. "It's got a much better ride," he says. And it gets very impressive fuel economy.

That's important to Branch. As an owner operator, the money he saves on fuel goes into his own pocket. To save fuel he limits his idling time, keeps his speed down by setting his cruise control at 65 mph, regularly checks his tire pressure, and uses Dart's web site to find the best prices and biggest fuel discounts.

Discounts on Dart's Advantage Fuel Network start at 2¢ and sometimes reach 50¢ or more per gallon.

"Cut back your speed, pick the cheapest places to buy fuel, keep your filters clean and your tire pressure up," he suggests. "Being successful as an owner operator means making good decisions. I like the independence of being an owner operator because I like making my own decisions," he says. "In the end its what you make of yourself."

Good advice.

Larry Haugen – "This is the best job"
Small company – Major opportunity

Making his way over lofty mountain passes and through low river valleys, Larry Haugen never tires of the beauty he sees from his driver's seat. "It's an awesome drive through the high mountain ranges and deep canyons," he says. "In early spring, the cacti are in bloom and the scenery is breathtaking. This has to be the world's best job," says Haugen, a long-time driver for Major Transport of Indiana. "I go sight seeing – and get paid to do it!"

But grand scenery isn't the only reason Larry likes driving in America's West. He calls it home. "One of Major's best features is quality home time," Larry says. It works for him because his loads get him home every 5-7 days. "As I get older, spending time with my grandkids becomes more important."

Larry and his wife, Barbara, live in Utah, near the junction of I-15 and I-70. They're on Major's most traveled traffic lane, making it easy for him to get home often. A typical trip takes him on a grand circle from Denver to Salt Lake City, Reno, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and finally back home to Cedar City, Utah. Other times his route is a circle from Cedar City to Denver, Phoenix, L.A., and back to Cedar City."

It all adds up to great miles. Larry says he averages about 140,000 miles a year. "When I started with Major I was amazed at how well they treated me. Major has a very open door, and I've gained a lot of friends here. The longer I stay, the better it is. They treat me like gold."

In December 2005, Larry was named Driver of the Month and last year he was 2006 Driver of the Year. "Recognition is one of the things I really like about Major," Larry says. "They say thanks for doing a good job. It really makes drivers feel like part of what's going on."

For the last four years, Larry has helped the safety department road test new drivers. He also helps with driver training. "I take new drivers along with me for a week or two and show them the ropes," he says.

Haugen also likes Major's new equipment. He has driven a 2007 Volvo since November.

"Growing up in a big family like I did, you learn to appreciate what you have," Larry reflects. "I enjoy driving for Major. They've become like family to me. It's a good feeling. How can you walk away from that?"

$60,000 a year, great benefits
"Allpoints is like being an owner operator but without the headaches."

Steve Gundale , Editor
There is no question in Russ Reynolds' mind. "This is the best job I've ever had." With over 30 years on the road and the last six with Allpoints, Inc., he's got a pretty good idea what makes a company great to work for.

"In my experience, driving for Allpoints is like being an owner operator but without the headaches," Reynolds says.

That may go a long way toward explaining why Allpoints has unusually low driver turnover. Drivers who start with the company don't like to leave unless they retire or leave for reasons beyond their control such as family or health problems. "People in the office treat us right," he says. "One thing is they know me and trust me. They take the time to tell you when you do a good job. It nice to hear the positive."

Allpoints, Inc., is a company fleet with 150 tractors and drivers, and hauls freight for Dart Transit Company as a capacity provider.

Being part of Dart's "network" of transportation companies gives Allpoints many business advantages that make it a great company to drive for. "Last year I made over $60,000," says Reynolds. "I drive a brand new Volvo that I take home with me (no slip seating). I get three weeks of paid vacation, six paid holidays, detention pay and layover pay, although that doesn't happen very often. The reason I make good money is that the miles are good."

Because Allpoints is a small operation, Reynolds knows everyone in the office. "Drivers get outstanding support from office employees," he says. "I've had the same dispatcher for all six of my years at Allpoints. Office turnover is low, which goes to prove that this company is a great place to work."

Allpoints drivers also get other important benefits: good insurance including health and life, a 401K retirement program with a contribution from Allpoints, and a 2¢ per mile monthly bonus program. "I consistently make bonus," says Russ. "I've only missed one in six years, and that was because I took nine days off for a family emergency."

Allpoints is updating its recruiting area to help drivers get home every 7-10 days. Call Allpoints and find out how it can work for you.

Larry Luers
Safety first – and 3 Million Miles prove it

The National Safety Council recently awarded its Three Million Mile Safety Award to Dart contractor Larry Luers. Larry has driven professionally for 33 years and has contracted with Dart during most of the last 16 years. He sometimes takes time off to care for his wife, Fay, who is battling cancer.

Luers owns and operates a 2000 International with a Dart Dedicated contract. He just switched to a brand new dedicated operation with Cargill because it gets him home every night or two. That is especially important to him now that he needs more time at home with Fay. "Dart has plenty of opportunities to fit people's needs," he says.

According to Luers, Dart's safety policies have contributed to his three million mile safety record. "Dart expects you to drive safely," he says. "They don't want you to operate in unsafe weather, and they don't want you to operate fast, either. I've never felt that they've pushed me to be unsafe."

Larry is one of 27 Dart contractors with the National Safety Council's Three Million Mile Award. Dart has also sponsored more than 500 contractors for One Million Mile Awards. More than 100 have Two Million Mile Awards. Three Dart contractors have Four Million Mile Awards, and one has a Five Million Mile Award.

Senior fleet manager Roger Meyer presented Larry with the award at Dart's home office. "Larry is a very particular owner operator," Meyer says. "He really takes his business to heart and is very dedicated to the service he delivers. He works hard to delivery loads safely and on-time. If he believes it can't be safely done, he'll leave it alone."

"Driving three million accident-free miles is something most people don't do," Larry says. "I'm blessed."

Are you a Dart contractor? Do you have a business tip or advice on how to improve fuel economy? Share it with your fellow Dart contractors. E-mail your tip or advice to Kristin at