March 2008 Edition
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Fast settlements
New option - scan paperwork from your truck!
Dart Transit Company offers contractors a new option for scanning settlement paperwork - you can now scan from inside your truck! All you need is a laptop computer with wireless Internet and a scanner.
To use the service, you need to download Flying J's program from Dart's web site. If you already pay for Flying J's SCAN & GOSM services, there is no additional cost to use the in-cab scanning service. The cost for SCAN & GOSM service is just $5 per month, and is charged on your settlement, just like TripPakSM.
Here's what you need to do
Just go to Dart's web site, click on the Driving menu at the top of the page, select E-Driver On-line Services, and before logging in there are three options on the screen - one of them is "Flying J Scanning Program." Click on it to download Flying J's software on your laptop. Then documents can be scanned and sent to Dart from anywhere you have an Internet connection.
Benefits of in-cab scanning program.
- You can scan paperwork at any time and send it immediately to Dart.
- Scan anywhere you have wireless Internet service (you don't have to be at a truck stop to do it).
- You can also download the program to a home computer and scan your paperwork from home.
"One of contractors' biggest concerns is that there are not enough truck stops where they can scan," says Keith Stadler, Dart's Billing Manager. "This allows them to scan from the customer or wherever they are. It's a great way for them to get settlement money even faster."
In addition to in-cab scanning, Dart offers SCAN & GOSM at Flying J Service Centers and TripPakSM next day settlement. Dart has SCAN & GOSM kiosks at it's Eagan and Houston locations.
And remember: you can stop by the Settlements Departments in Eagan, Dallas, Sellersburg and McCook to settle.
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| SCAN & GOSM kiosk |
How to use SCAN & GOSM
SCAN & GOSM is fast and easy. Just swipe your EFS fuel card to retrieve your loads, and then scan your envelope, bills of lading, and reimbursements. The scanner guides you through the process and shows you the order to scan documents. If you have any problems or questions, pick up the handset (included on all SCAN & GOSM kiosks) to speak to a customer service representative.
Crystal clear images of your documents are sent from the SCAN & GOSM kiosks directly to Dart. A receipt prints from the SCAN & GOSM confirming that your scanned documents have been sent. After you receive the receipt, send a Settlements Request (Macro 23) on your Qualcomm. Wait until you receive a message from Dart on your Qualcomm confirming that you are settled. Then put everything in an envelope and drop it in the mail.
You can scan documents 24 hours, 7 days a week, but settlements are available only during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.) when settlement staff are available. Settlement requests after 5 p.m. are completed the next business day. If Dart receives your settlement by 1 p.m. you are guaranteed same day pay.
Dart is looking into other truck stop scanning options that will keep the cost down for contractors. "Our main concern is to save Dart contractors money," Stadler says. "We want to work with vendors to keep the number of charges to contractors as few as possible."
Remember - use E-Driver to look up fuel prices and settlement info
Take advantage of Dart's on-line services
Dart contractors: Dart has convenient and valuable on-line services that are just for you!
Log on to E-Driver, a tool on Dart's web site, to view settlement information and access nationwide fuel prices and discounts on Dart's Advantage® Fuel Network.
Go to www.dart.net to take advantage of these great services today!
Simulator gets face lift
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Sandy Alcala-Villagran, Fleet Services Administrative Assistant, Dallas
Have you ever really taken a good look at Dart's Safety AdVANtage Simulator, especially the decals on the side? Have you ever wondered what they represented or even meant? Have you noticed the simulator has a new look?
All of the decals and the new look come from the simulator sponsors.
When we have the opportunity to build a relationship with a vendor that we think would be a positive representative for the Safety AdVANtage Simulator, we ask if they would like to participate in helping promote the simulator, help with the cost of operating and using the simulator for driver safety.
Sponsors gain exposure at trade shows, job fairs, industry events, and when the simulator is used by other carriers for safety training. We anticipate that the unit will make over 50 appearances this year!
How does the sponsorship work? Dart's vendors and customers can sponsor space on the simulator trailer at two levels: $5,000 entitles the sponsor to a decal on the trailer and brochures in the classroom; $10,000 entitles the sponsor to a larger decal, brochures in the classroom, and recognition on Dart's history video that will play in the classroom at recruiting events.
We'd like to thank our current sponsors: Randall-Reilly Publishing in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, helping with our advertising needs; Tread-1 in Vancouver, Washington, supplying us with our training units; Great West in Knoxville, Tennessee, supporting the simulator insurance coverage; Cummins Southern Plains in Dallas, Texas, servicing our generator; and RPM Truck and Trailer Repair in Kennedale, Texas, responsible for the simulator's new paint job and design.
Our sponsors' make it possible for us to promote the simulator and to attend top-notch events. To the sponsors who support Dart's Safety AdVANtage Simulator, we say "Thank you!"
Don't miss out on the fun -
Contractor Appreciation is just around the corner!
Each year, Dart thanks independent contractors for their dedication and commitment by holding Contractor Appreciation events at each location.
Mark your calendars!
Here's the 2008 schedule:
| Eagan | June 21 |
| Sellersburg | July 7-11* |
| Dallas | July 19 |
| Buford | October 11 |
*Prize drawings and lunch served daily in Sellersburg between noon and 1 pm.
Bring your family and friends. It's fun for everyone!
Are you registered to vote?
With the voting season nearing, please remember the 2008 United States General Election will be held Tuesday, November 4.
Are you registered to vote? If not, don't wait to register! Every state has its own deadline for registering to vote. Deadlines are usually 15-30 days before Election Day. Some states allow you to register at the polls on Election Day. Voters must meet the residency requirements of their states and register by the set deadlines.
After you register, plan ahead. If you know you won't be home November 4, you can still vote. You just need to obtain an absentee ballot in advance and vote by mail. Contact your local courthouse and ask them how to vote using an absentee ballot.
Every vote counts and yours will make a difference!
Contractors of the Month
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| Gilbert Rodriguez |
Gilbert Rodriguez
Fleet Manager: Les Brandon
Dallas Operating Center
Kristin Ries, Staff Writer
This is not the first time Gilbert Rodriguez has contracted with Dart during his 21 years in the industry. He had left Dart and then returned. "I keep coming right back over here," Gilbert said.
He returned to Dart for several reasons: "It's closer to home, I can haul a lot more freight in Texas, and I've never had any problems with Dart employees," he said. "Everyone is really nice. I like it."
Gilbert leases a 2006 Freightliner through Highway Sales, Inc., a truck and finance vendor to Dart contractors, and operates with a Dart National contract. "It works well for me," he said. "You're not pressured. When you contract with Dart they ask, ‘Where do you want to operate?' I like running in the Midwest and Southeast - not the Northeast. I like particular areas."
Gilbert sees many benefits to being an owner operator. "I don't have a time clock. I don't have anyone looking over my shoulder. And as long as I get freight safely to where it needs to be I do what I want."
Gilbert spends three to four weeks working before going home to Texas. "My whole family lives there," he said. His wife Mary of 22 years, their kids, his father, several aunts and uncles, and three brothers live in the area.
Gilbert's younger brother is in trucking, like him. "He drives local around San Antonio," Gilbert said. But, their father is also interested in the trucking industry.
"My dad thinks he is a truck driver," Gilbert said, laughing. "He reads OOIDA's magazines and updates me on issues, like if certain laws change. When he tells me something new I say, ‘Huh, well, I didn't know that!'"
Aside from his brother and dad, he often looks to his wife for advice and support. "She's the backbone of the whole family," Gilbert said. "I don't know how she does it. We have a 2,800 square-foot house and yard, and she's a nurse's aid at the elementary school."
Gilbert was surprised to be Dart Contractor of the Month. "I never thought it would come around to me," he admitted. "I just try to do my job the best I can and get the freight there safely."
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| John Kroll |
John Kroll
Fleet Manager: Deb Hendrickson
Eagan Operating Center
Kristin Ries, Staff Writer
John Kroll has contracted with Dart for most of his 12 years in the trucking industry. His brother-in-law Carson, a truck driver, got him interested in the career. "Trucking was just one of the things I got into and liked," John said. And having Carson there was a help when John had problems.
John started as a company driver, but decided to become an owner operator and contracted with Dart in 2000. "Highway Sales helped me get a brand new truck," he said. John now leases a 2004 Freightliner - his second truck through Highway Sales, Inc.
Besides getting the truck he wanted, John also received the respect he was looking for at Dart. "I like the people here and I like the way I'm treated," he explained. "As an owner operator, nobody's over me to tell me what to do. No one tells me I have to go a certain route. I have the freedom to get where I need to be."
John sometimes chooses to work three months at a time before visiting home. He lives northeast of Chicago (where he grew up). During his time off he relaxes with his wife Jennifer of 31 years, his two daughters and six grandkids.
For most of his seven years with Dart, John has operated with a Dart Dedicated contract. "I go to the same places," he said. "And I have people-friendly pickups and deliveries."
John said a big part of being a successful owner operator is enjoying driving. He also said, "You have to be courteous to people you work with. If somebody makes you mad, you just have to hold it in and smile. If I ever have problems, Dart helps me.
"When I got a call from Deb (his fleet manager) saying I was Contractor of the Month it brightened my day! Dart's been very good to me."
Dart Advantage Logistics
Providing companies with transportation solutions
Dart Advantage Logistics is a broker and 3PL provider based in Eagan, Minnesota, that offers a variety of transportation services throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, including truckload, intermodal, expedited, and less than truckload.
Truckload
Dart Advantage Logistics offers flatbed, temperature-controlled, tanker, International and dedicated carrier options. It uses state-of-the-art technology to ensure shipments arrive safely and on time.
Intermodal
Door to door service, ramp to ramp service, International, freight consolidation, warehousing options, web shipment tracking, and access to a national rail fleet of over 150,000 containers and trailers - these are some of the benefits of Dart Advantage Logistics' rail options.
Expedited
Dart Advantage Logistics offers expedited air freight trucking services to domestic and international airlines and freight forwarders. It offers 24-7 dispatch and customer service, CPS air bill tracking, GPS and satellite tracking, and specialized trailer service including roller beds, flatbeds, drop deck, and refrigerated.
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Less than truckload
Less than truckload with Dart Advantage Logistics includes volume discounts, load to ride networks, expedited, consolidation, refrigerated, pallet freight, partial freight loads, container freight, and international options.
Dart Advantage Logistics also provides logistics consulting for customers. "Dart Advantage Logistics works with companies to find customized solutions to meet their needs," said Rob Gale, General Manager of Dart Advantage Logistics. "We are a growing company. In 2007 Dart Advantage Logistics moved over 50,000 loads. With 14 offices across the United States, we are able to serve customers and carriers on a local, regional and national level. And we are constantly expanding our services."
Dart Advantage Logistics was incorporated in 1996. It is a proud member of the Transportation Intermediaries Association's Platinum Performance Program (P3). The P3 acknowledges the best practices and highest performance levels between brokers and motor carriers.
Get fit!
Dart opens new workout room
Taking a break? Need exercise? It's too cold to go outside. Instead you should use the new workout room at Dart's Eagan Operating Center.
Recently Dart opened a workout room for contractors and employees. It includes an elliptical machine, a treadmill and a bike.
What are you waiting for? Get fit in Dart's new workout room!
Lynda Retterath retires after 21 years with Dart
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| Lynda (center) |
Kristin Ries, Staff Writer
On January 25, her desk filled with flowers, balloons, and cards - gifts from Dart employees and contractors. They were signs that, even though Lynda Retterath was retiring, she had made many friends at Dart.
Lynda started working at Dart in September 1986 in Dart's Fleet Services Department. "Back then the Fleet Services Department was just me and one other office person and a couple managers," Lynda recalls. "Now the department is larger and I joke with them and say, ‘I see how it is! I leave and you need to get 10 people to replace me.'"
Lynda left Dart in May 1989. She and her husband Joe moved to Fergus Falls, Minnesota to run a meat locker business. But it wasn't long and Lynda was back at Dart. In May 1991, she accepted a job as a Dart Settlements Clerk. "It was different working in Settlements then," she says. "It morphed into what it is now - we are basically problem solvers. Contractors come in and say, ‘Lynda can fix it!'"
In March 1995 Lynda was promoted to Settlements Supervisor. "I like my job," she says through a smile. "I love the people! I work with really, really great people. The atmosphere is relaxed. And I've enjoyed working with contractors. I like helping them and making them feel like someone cares. It's nice knowing you took care of them. They are good people. I made friends with a lot of them."
Lynda is excited to retire, though it hasn't really sunk in yet. "It's surreal," she says. "After all this time I'm not going to get up at five in the morning to come in to work anymore."
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| Lynda Retterath |
Lynda lives in Eagan, Minnesota, and says it only takes her three and a half minutes to get to Dart. "When the weather is bad, people come in and complain how long it took them to get to work. I say, ‘It took me an extra minute.'"
She and Joe will celebrate their 44th wedding anniversary this year. He retired five years ago, so she is looking forward to more time with him, their two daughters and three granddaughters - and she is eager to spoil them.
Upon retirement, Lynda's initial plans include cleaning her house. "I love cleaning," she says. "People around here ask, ‘Lynda, what did you do this weekend?' And they know I will always say I cleaned the house. So I'm going to clean the house for two months."
She will also read books, garden, spend time at their cabin in Fergus Falls, and take care of an antique store, Nook and Granny's, that she and Joe own in Hastings. "I'm going to go to the library and start with the A's and read every book," she says. "And I'm going to do lots and lots of gardening. I'll invite everyone at Dart to come see my gardens.
"I have enjoyed working at Dart," she says. She's enjoyed it so much, that if you're wondering if you will ever see Lynda around Dart again, her answer is, "Absolutely! Try to keep me away!".
Need help paying for college?
MTA scholarship applications available
The Minnesota Trucking Association (MTA) Scholarship Program is now accepting applications for the 2008-2009 school year. Scholarships are available to high school seniors, college freshman, sophomores, and juniors who are dependents of full-time Dart employees, fleet drivers and owner operators.
Winners will be chosen based on academic merit, evidence of outstanding character, leadership qualities and financial need. Preferential treatment will be given to students who express an interest in pursuing studies related to the trucking industry.
Applications must be postmarked by April 1, 2008. The awards will be announced at the MTA Annual Conference in July.
Please stop by Dart's Eagan Operating Center to pick up an application or call Steve Gundale at x1277 or Kristin Ries at x1869 to have one mailed to you. If you would like to apply online log on to www.goonline.cc (use the access code MTA) or visit the MTA's web site at www.mntruck.org/scholarship.html and scroll to the bottom of the page to download the application.
Apply for a TMTA Foundation scholarship
The Texas Motor Transportation Association (TMTA) Foundation is also accepting applications for the 2008-2009 academic year. Applicants must be high school seniors or graduates and be attending school full-time.
Scholarships awards are based on academic achievement, community involvement and financial need.
Applications must be received by the close of business on June 16, 2008. Applications are not accepted by fax or email. Applicants will be notified by mid-August on whether or not they received a scholarship.
Please stop by Dart's Dallas Operating Center to pick up an application or call Sandy Alcala-Villagran at x8754 or Chaun Burch at x8768 to have one mailed to you. If you would like to download the application online, please log on to www.tmta.com.
