August 2007 Edition
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You are appreciated!
More than 500 people joined in the fun at Dart's Eagan,
Minnesota, Contractor Appreciation Day on July 28.
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Dart contractors Bob McAndrew, Karen Zander,
Dart Retention Manager Mike Griffin, Dart
contractor Larry Wilson and his wife,
Harvey Zander and Ron Hayward. |
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Champions of the annual golf open with their
trophies: Dart contractor Don Brown, Dart Senior
Fleet Manager Dan Winstead, Dart contractors
Kevin Carlton and Al Kingsriter. |
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Dart contractors Larry Wilson, John Borofka and
Juan Rivera received truck trophies from
Dave Oren, Dart President. |
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Rolando Velazquez-Cruz with his daughter and
Dana Ellefson holding their Buff'n'Shine trophies. |
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Once again, it was no competition and the Dart contractor "Heros" beat the
employee "Zeros" in the annual Tug-O-War contest. |
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Contractors were quick to step up
and dunk Dan Randall,
Senior Compliance Advisor. |
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Dart's Million Mile contractors were
recognized during the picnic. |
Mark your calendar!
Contractor Appreciation Days
| Sellersburg |
..........September 10-14 |
| Buford |
..........October 13 |
Don't miss out on the fun!
Contractors of the Month
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| Mark Daquilla |
Mark Daquilla- Dallas Operating Center
Kristin Ries, Staff Writer
Mark Daquilla always wanted to own his own truck. That dream finally came true when he contracted with Dart two years ago.
"I wish I would've come to Dart a long time ago," Mark says. "I enjoy being an owner operator. I like to travel, I like to take time off when I want to and I love my truck."
Mark leases a 2005 Freightliner through Highway Sales, Inc., a truck and finance vendor to Dart contractors, and averages about 6.8 miles per gallon. "In the south I don't have to idle," he says. "And I use IdleAire as much as I can."
Mark operates in Dart's Super South region. "I love the Super South," he says. "It's the best thing Dart offers. I get lots of miles and I'm home all the time."
That means he gets to spend a lot of time with his wife Stacey, his son Kyle, and his dog Rocco. "We do a lot of barbequing in the back yard," he says. "I'm happy with life and everything is ok. Dart's a good company. I plan on staying with Dart until I end my driving career."
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| Don Moore |
Don Moore - Eagan Operating Center
Kristin Ries, Staff Writer
Don Moore has contracted with Dart for 18 of his 19-½ years in the trucking industry.
"I was going to go to school for auto-body repair, but my brother talked me into going to truck driving school," Don says. His brother, Gary, drives for Allpoints, Inc. "My father tried talking us out of driving. He said he couldn't imagine losing two sons if we were to get in accidents."
But Don is sure he made the right career choice and contracted with the right company. "I have been contracted with Dart for so long," he says. "At Dart I don't have to worry about my money, and I don't have to wait to get paid."
While on the road, Don says he really misses his family. He lives in Louisiana with his wife Samona, his two daughters Andrea and Aleana, and his son Don Jr.
Every summer, Don brings his son with him in the truck. "He wants to be a truck driver," Don says, smiling. "And he loves Dart! When we're out on the road he always looks at the trucks going by and says, ‘Hey, look! A Dart truck!'"
Dart awarded for safety and operational excellence
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From L to R: Gary Volkman, VP Safety Compliance;
Tom Travis, Director of Claims; Emmon Love,
VP Ameriplan; Ron Lawson, President Great West
Risk Management; Dave Oren, Dart President;
Dan Oren, VP Advantage Management; and
Cliff Yentes, Corporate Risk Manager. |
Kristin Ries, Staff Writer
For the second year in a row, Great West Risk Management honored Dart Transit Company with its Award for Safety and Operational Excellence.
The award was presented to Dart representatives on July 17 at Dart's Corporate Office in Eagan, Minnesota.
The award was based on loss results, prompt and fair claim settlement practices, timely reporting of serious claims to Great West, innovative loss prevention programs, and demonstrating operational excellence in 2006.
Thank you to everyone whose effort contributed to Dart receiving this award two years in a row.
Dart recognized for On-Time Performance
Kristin Ries, Staff Writer
For the second year in a row, Dart Transit Company received Sony Logistics of America's "Best On-Time Performance" award for the Sony Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania facility.
The award was presented at the Sony Carrier Conference in San Diego, California, on June 4. Present to accept the award on Dart's behalf were Dave Oren, Dart President, and Larry Lozinski, Marketing Support Team Leader.
Dart was awarded for its on-time delivery, communication, equipment availability, customer service, information accuracy and quality of service during the 2006 fiscal year.
A special thanks goes to Ralph Kinkead, Dart Dedicated Account Manager, and Aaron Flaitz, Dart Fleet Coordinator, whose hard work and dedication to this account has made it possible for Dart to receive the award two years in a row."
What can you do?
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Benedicto Leon (L), Dart contractor, and
Jim Nichol, Operations Manager. |
As part of training, Dart employees take "truck trips" with owner operators to learn first hand what life on the road is all about.
Jim Nichol is an Operations Manager at Dart's Dallas Operating Center. After riding with one of Dart's independent contractors, Jim will always remember what he learned on the trip.
Jim Nichol, Operations Manager
As he extended a hand shake with a smile, to meet me for the first time, I couldn't help but notice the dark circles and deeply grooved lines under his eyes, as though it resembled a road map with almost one million miles of stories to tell. He was a humble man, friendly and kind, and with one look at him, the only thing that came to mind was the Brooks and Dunn song, "Hard working man."
His name is not driver # 40074. His name is not truck # 14185. His name is not appointment # 123. His name is Benedicto Leon. Born in San Luis, Mexico, father of three sons, grandfather to two boys and one precious girl, six-year veteran to Dart Transit, multiple winner of Dart's 100% On Time award, recently proud owner of his Highway Sales, Inc. truck, a hero to his wife and an inspiration to us all. I knew for the next 72 hours, I was in the presence of greatness.
Our journey began in the Lancaster yard at 12:00 on Tuesday, May 29. We were dispatched to downtown Dallas to pick up an empty trailer that we would be pulling to Texarkana. I climbed up in the truck, took a quick look around the cab, sat down in my seat, and buckled my safety belt. Benedicto took a few minutes to walk the exterior of the truck, checking his mirrors, tires, airlines, etc.
Moments later we were off. After looking for an empty trailer, we were diverted to the Target Distribution Center in Tyler, Texas to pick up an empty there. From there we headed north to Texarkana to pick up our load of paper going to Joplin, Missouri. We headed up Highway 71 traveling through high winds, heavy rain, and very curvy roads.
It was about 9:30 p.m. when we noticed a car traveling over the center stripe on Highway 71 as we were approaching a sharp curve in the road. Benedicto told me to hold on, we may get hit. He stayed calm and cool, and hugged the far right shoulder of the road to give the other vehicle plenty of room to correct. He blew the horn and flashed his brights to make sure the car could see us coming. Suddenly the car swerved back into his lane missing the front of our truck by just a few feet. Benedicto stayed calm the entire time, while I was curled up in the seat, sucking my thumb, whispering "find your happy place, find your happy place." I was wide-awake for the rest of the trip. Late that night, we pulled in to eat a quick bite, and get some sleep.
The next morning we were up and gone after our 10 hour break. When we reached Joplin for our delivery, we were routed to the underground caves to deliver at the loading docks. That was a very interesting delivery to make. There were so many tunnels and caves that were not very well marked. I felt like we would never find our way out once we got in.
We found our dock area to unload, and waited our turn in line to back in. Our appointment time was set for 2:00 p.m. but the reality was the customer received freight up until 2:00 p.m. I was able to make a phone call to the customer service representative for the receiving company, and they took us a little later in the day than normal. If Benedicto had been by himself, he probably would have had to wait until the next day to get unloaded.
That night we were dispatched on our next load to head home. After we picked up the load, we pulled into a truck stop to get a hot shower and a bite to eat. I kept thinking the entire time, "Only one more day until I get to go home." How selfish was that? This man who allows me to get a paycheck won't see home for another three weeks, and I am griping about three days on the road. How do they do it?
I was fortunate to see many of the obstacles that these drivers encounter on a daily basis. So now I ask others, and myself, what can we do from our end to make sure the customer information is updated and accurate? What can we do to make sure we are being that support system for our independent contractors? What can we do to make sure they know we appreciate them on a daily basis? What can I do to make sure I don't forget those three days on the road? What can YOU do?
Pro Stop opens 3 new locations
Kristin Ries, Staff Writer
In June, Pro Stop Truck Service, Inc. opened new shops in Buford, Georgia; Tifton, Georgia; and Commerce City, Colorado.
The new facilities offer the same repair and maintenance services as the current facilities. "In addition to the new shops, Pro Stop added mechanics, new hours of operation and sales staff," said Mike Busch, Pro Stop National Sales Manager. "We are making the effort to step up and better serve Dart contractors' needs."
If you're in the area, and you need your truck serviced, bring it to one of the new locations.
About Pro Stop
Pro Stop has offered complete truck and trailer repair services for over 15 years. Pro Stop has eight locations nationwide. In addition to the new locations, there are full-service shops in Lancaster, Texas; Houston, Texas; Sellersburg, Indiana; and Eagan, Minnesota. The Pro Stop shop in Kansas City, Missouri, currently offers trailer repair service, but may offer tractor repair in the future.
Bring your truck to the Pro Stop nearest you for major mechanical repairs, body and glass repair, air conditioning repair, truck lube, D.O.T. inspections and tires.
Can't move your truck? That's ok. Pro Stop also offers road service and towing through its Vehicle Maintenance department. If you need road-side assistance please call x5051.
Don't forget about Pro Stop's monthly specials for Dart contractors. This month, Pro Stop offers FREE king pin lock inspections, and in September, contractors can get a FREE 5th wheel lube (no purchase necessary). Schedule your maintenance in advance to take advantage of the monthly specials at Pro Stop.
For more information about Pro Stop's new locations, please contact Grover Bagley (Pro Stop Manager in Buford) at 770-904-4717, Shad Breckel (Pro Stop Manager in Tifton) at 229-386-5935, or Jason Wehus (Pro Stop Manager in Commerce City) at 720-274-1963.
For more information about Pro Stop, please send e-mail to Mike Busch at or log on to Pro Stop's web site at www.pro-stop.com.
MTA Scholarship goes to Allpoints child
Kristin Ries, Staff Writer
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The Minnesota Trucking Association (MTA) awarded one of its seven scholarships to Rachel Greenlee, daughter of Allpoints, Inc. driver Brian Greenlee.
Rachel received a $5,000 scholarship from the MTA for the 2007-2008 academic year. "I was really surprised to get the scholarship," she said. This was the first year Rachel applied for the MTA Scholarship, but she has also received a scholarship from her high school for being on the Dean's list, and one from the University.
Rachel will be a sophomore this fall at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona. She studies Space Physics with a concentration in Exotic Propulsion.
This summer, Rachel is a counselor for a children's camp at the University. "Kids from across the country and from other countries come to learn about the aeronautical experience," she said.
Brian has been driving for Allpoints since 2002. Rachel said one thing she learned from her dad was to, "Be happy with what you do – no matter what it is you're doing."
Dart financially supports the MTA Scholarship Program.
New apparel available at the Pro Shop!
Pro Shop has new ladies and youth Dart apparel on the shelves.
There are new ladies V-neck Polo shirts in a new fit and style. The new shirts are available in two new colors – Bimini Blue and Spring Green – in addition to the pink and purple previously offered.
Also, youth T-shirts with a new truck design just arrived. Come check out the new apparel!
If you're at the Eagan Operating Center, stop in and see me in the Pro Shop's new location. It is in the lounge across from Settlements and Operations. Pro Shop store hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Can't make it in to Eagan? Feel free to give me a call at extension 1398 to place an order or if you have any questions.
Hurry! Grab your camera & enter!
2008 Calendar Contest
What are you waiting for? You only have two more months to submit photos for the 2008 Calendar Contest.
It’s easy to enter. Pick a location, grab your camera, take your shots, and send them to the AdVANtage Newsletter.
Winners receive $100, extra calendars, and the satisfaction of being featured in the 2008 Dart calendar.
Most winning photos include both truck and trailer, but any photo with a Dart theme is eligible. Enter as many photos as you like. The 2008 contest ends Friday, October 5, 2007.
Contest Rules
- Park in a safe location, not along-side highways.
Use safety triangles if necessary.
- Digital photos at 4 mega pixel or higher
resolution or 35 mm prints.
- 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.
Send entries to:
Steve Gundale, Editor
AdVANtage Newsletter
PO Box 64110
St. Paul, MN 55164-0110
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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
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