August 2008 Edition
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More than 400 people attended
Appreciation Day
in Eagan, Minnesota on June 21st
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| Clowning around at Appreciation Day. |
Dart contractors Don Brown (L) and Kevin Carlton
golfing with Dan Winstead, Senior Fleet Manager (R). |
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As always, Dart contractors won the annual
Tug'o'War against Dart employees. |
Dart contractor Tom Grogan and his wife
provided
contractors with information about
Trucker Buddy,
International. Two years ago, Tom
was a guest
speaker at "A Trucker's Wife"
convention in
Wisconsin.
He discussed how wives
could get
involved with
Trucker Buddy. |
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Dart contractor Harvey Zander and his wife Karen.
Harvey received the National Safety Council's
Four Million Mile Safety Award at the picnic. |
Dave Oren, Dart President (R), presented Dart
contractor John Robbins with Dart's 20-year
Truck Trophy. |
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Dart contractor Walt Newcomb (L) on the course with
Darin Heinemeyer, Director of Fleet Services.
Walt received the National Safety Council's Five
Million Mile Safety Award at the picnic. |
Appreciation Day is a great time for
friends to get together. |
Save the dates!
Join us for Contractor/ Driver Appreciation:
| Houston |
September 28 |
| Buford |
October 11 |
Bring your family and friends. It's fun for everyone!
Dart contractors: shut your trucks off!
Pro Stop now offers APU's
Do high fuel prices have you pinching pennies everywhere you can?
Fuel economy can be tough to manage, but there is one simple way you can improve mpg – simply turn your truck off.
Well, it sounds simple, but giving up your own comfort can be hard. Pro Stop Truck Service, Inc., makes it easier to limit idling by offering auxiliary power units to Dart contractors.
Choose from two models – Carrier's ComfortProTM and Thermo King's TriPacTM – available at the Pro Stop locations in Eagan, Minnesota; Lancaster, Texas; and Sellersburg, Indiana.
Financing your APU
The price for the ComfortProTM is $8,255, and the TriPacTM price is $8,931.
* Prices include installation and a 48-month warranty. Financing options depend on the age of your truck and how it is financed. If you are interested in financing an APU, please review the following two options carefully.
If you have a . . .
- Truck through Highway Sales, Inc.'s in-house financing, a 2006-2007 truck not through Highway Sales, or a 2005 and older truck, please contact Bob Koenders – 248-743-5180 – at Lease Corporation of America for credit approval. Lease Corporation of America finances APU's on a 36-month lease and has the following credit criteria:
- No bankruptcy or repossessions in the last five years.
- No back taxes or child support.
- At least one year of owner operator experience.
- First and last payment due at signing (about $700).
Or
- 2006-2007 Highway Sales truck financed through US Bancorp, Wells Fargo, or Kraus-Anderson Capital, please contact Highway Sales for credit approval.
Terms would be as follows:
ComfortProTM
40 months at $250 per month
TriPacTM
42 months at $250 per month
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 |
ComfortPro
2-cylinder engine
40-amp alternator
4,000-watt generator
10,000 BTU/hour heat
10,000 BTU/hour air conditioning
About 460 pounds
1,000-hour maintenance interval |
TriPac
2-cylinder engine
65-amp alternator
7,500 BTU/hour heat
13,000 BTU/hour air conditioning
About 430 pounds
1,000-hour maintenance interval |
Installation
After receiving credit approval from a finance company, contact one of the Pro Stop locations below to schedule installation.
Eagan, Minnesota
651-452-8137
Lancaster, Texas
972-274-8709
Sellersburg, Indiana
812-246-3742
Use your truck's engine for driving down the road. Use your new APU for everything else.
* Differences in features on the APU's account for the price difference.
"It's worth the investment"
Dart contractors get better fuel economy (and sleep) with new APU
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Sarah and Landry Dunsing give their new APU
two thumbs up. "If somebody said I had the choice
between keeping my husband or the unit, I'd
pick
the unit," Sarah jokes. |
Kristin Ries, Staff Writer
Sarah and Landry Dunsing are pretty typical over-the-road owner operators. They drive long miles, travel all kinds of roads in all types of traffic, and at the end of the day they park their truck.
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It doesn't stop there . . . Besides eliminating
idling, Sarah and Landry save money on fuel
in other ways too. Regular truck maintenance
keeps their truck running at its peak
performance and buying fuel on Dart's
AdVANtage® Fuel Network ensures they
never pay too much at the pump.
The two change their oil every 12,000 miles,
replace air filters every other oil change,
and always keep their tires properly inflated.
"Air filters are one thing you have to
change," Sarah says.
She also has a laptop, so as soon as she gets it
up and running they will use it to look up
fuel prices on Dart's web site. Until then,
her and Landry call their fleet manager to
find the best places to buy fuel.
"A lot of people don't know you can
call in and have your fleet manager look
up prices for you." |
The couple figures they idled their truck about 95% of the time when they weren't driving. "My husband has to have air conditioning," Sarah says. "And you have to have heat. During snow blizzards you don't want your lines freezing up."
But idling that often emptied their fuel tanks . . . and their wallets. "I won't pay for the fuel," Sarah finally said.
Since they wanted to save money but didn't want to give up heat and air conditioning, they decided to purchase an APU through Pro Stop Truck Service, Inc. On June 11, Sarah and Landry brought their truck to the Carrier dealership in Minneapolis to get a ComfortProTM APU installed.
The installation, Sarah says, went smoothly. "They were fantastic. They showed me everything and explained how it runs. The maintenance guy was there to talk to me about it. The sales representative answered more questions that I had. Talk about service. The Carrier dealership is very customer-oriented."
Since that day, Sarah figures huge savings in fuel. "You can tell the difference in fuel economy," she says. "It burns about a pint of fuel in an hour, costing us about $6 to idle 10 hours."
They've used the APU 235 hours. That means since June, Sarah and Landry have spent around $140 on fuel to run their APU. "It's a tremendous savings," she says. "Every time we turn the truck off we use the APU."
Sarah looks at it in another way – she sees the APU as not only a money investment, but also an investment in safety. "When you can sweat all night or sleep comfortably and get a good night's sleep – that's a safety thing," she explains. "It's paying for itself in money, fuel, and also health-wise."
Another benefit: at Dart's Contractor/Driver Appreciation Day in Dallas, Texas, Sarah reported the temperature was over 100 degrees. So her son-in-law and granddaughter escaped the heat to take a nap in her truck while the APU ran. "It works so well," Sarah says. "It is designed to heat and cool the whole cab. It only cost $1.98 to keep them cool that day. But to be able to take care of my family – that's important to me."
"If somebody said I had the choice between keeping my husband or the unit, I'd pick the unit," she jokes.
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| Dave Oren (R) and Walt Newcomb |
Dart contractor named National Safety Council's
Midwest Safe Driver of the Year
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.
Contractor of the Month
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| Gary Peddycoart |
Gary Peddycoart
Fleet Manager: DJ Wilson
Dallas Operating Center
Kristin Ries, Staff Writer
Gary Peddycoart has been driving "all my life," he says. He started in the trucking industry in 1975.
It was Gary's dad who got him interested in driving a truck. His dad drove for 15 years. "I wasn't very old when I first started trucking," Gary says. If it weren't for his dad's teachings, he says, "I wouldn't have known where to go. Watch and learn – that's how I learn. I got some of daddy's habits."
Gary always thought he would drive locally, and never pictured himself as an over-the-road owner operator. "I've made money being an owner operator," he says. "But it takes somebody with determination, and you have to make a lot of sacrifices."
Gary contracted his truck with Dart in 2002. "I like Dart," he says. "Dart has good freight and keeps me moving. They have plenty of miles."
Gary operates with a National contract and has driven in almost every state. But his favorite route is Interstate 20 from Alabama to Texas. "I have a lot of family all over," he says. "My dad comes from a family of 14 and me from a family of 10."
Gary usually chooses to stay out two to three weeks before going home. "Dart works with you to get you home," Gary says. "I haven't ever had trouble getting home when I need to. I need my blood pressure checked every 90 days and I've never had a problem doing that."
At home, Gary enjoys time with his wife Betty, two kids Sarah and Jim Lott, and three grandkids. When he's on the road, Gary misses his family and home. "There's no place like home," he says.
Being Contractor of the Month, Gary says, feels good. "It shows all companies aren't alike. Dart appreciates you."
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| Roy Brown |
Roy Brown
Fleet Manager: Chad Schak
Eagan Operating Center
Kristin Ries, Staff Writer
Roy Brown contracted his truck with Dart nearly 20 years ago and has tried almost every operating option Dart offers.
First, he contracted with Dart's Super South Region. Ten years later, he moved to Northern Region. But he wanted to "see change for a little bit," and switched to a National contract. Now Roy operates on Dedicated, hauling freight for specific customers.
Before trucking, Roy served in the U.S. military for four years, spending 19 months in Vietnam. He began driving over-the-road in 1971 and "worked for a bunch of different outfits" before contracting with Dart.
When he first started at Dart, Roy drove a friend's truck for two years before deciding to purchase his own. "My buddies told me to get in a Highway (Sales, Inc.) truck," he says. And he did. He now drives the 7th truck he has purchased through Highway Sales – a 2002 Freightliner.
Before Dart, Roy drove company trucks. Now, he realizes owning his own is rewarding, but it's not an easy task. "You have to work for it," he says. "Some new guys get in trucks for the first time and think you don't have to work. As an owner operator, you have to work twice as hard."
He also advises, "Watch your money and take care of your equipment so it will take care of you." Roy says doing little things like keeping your air filters clean could make a big difference in your truck's performance. Right now, he averages about 7 mpg. Besides regular maintenance, Roy also keeps his cruising speed below 65 mph.
Roy lives in Missouri with his wife of 25 years, Cathy. They have four kids – Brian, Bradley, Tanya, and Elizabeth – and three grandchildren.
Roy usually works two to three weeks before choosing to go home, but says being away from his family has gotten easier since he got a cell phone. Now, he keeps in touch with his family every day.
Last year, Cathy rode in the truck with Roy for a month. And when Bradley was younger, he too enjoyed trips with Roy. "He still remembers it," says Roy. "He won't forget it. It's something kids don't always get the chance to do."
Dart dresses to support the American Cancer Society
On June 18, employees at Dart's Eagan Operating Center "dressed down" in support of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life campaign.
For $5, participants could "dress down" or wear casual attire to work. Dart raised $450 for the cause.
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"Trucking used to be an honorable career with
proud professionals guiding their trucks across
the highways of America." - Doug Brill |
"Whose fault is it?"
Dart contractor ponders why the perception of truckers went sour
Doug Brill, Dart contractor
Recently, while waiting to deliver a load, I began a conversation with a driver from Illinois. Mr. Julius was a striking figure: tall and thin, neatly cut and combed grey hair, pressed white shirt and jeans, and clean polished western-style boots.
As our conversation progressed, my brother of the road told me that he recently turned 72. He beamed with pride when he told me that he had been driving professionally for 55 years. I was amazed! This man had been driving longer than I had been alive.
I have been driving professionally for 15 years, a relative newcomer compared to my newfound friend. Since coming into this industry, I have enjoyed talking to drivers with a great deal more experience than me. Their insight has been nothing short of impressive, as they have shared the current state of the industry.
The things these highway veterans have told me about trucking in the "good old days" has caused me to ask the question, "Whose fault is it?" I have been told many times, and this day's encounter told me the same thing, that trucking used to be an honorable career with proud professionals guiding their trucks across the highways of America.
So then, whose fault is it that many people in the motoring public look down on truckers? Why do some motorists fear if a truck pulls to the side of the road to offer assistance? Why do many shippers/receivers refuse to allow drivers to use their restroom? Why have many stores and shopping centers erected signs reading "NO TRUCKS"? The question remains, "Whose fault is it?"
The answer I have received from the veteran drivers I talk to has always been the same – "We are!" Many have gone on to add that we, the drivers of today, have hurt our industry in the areas of image and professionalism.
Our image has been hurt in many ways, but primarily, by the way many in our industry dress. I hear that in days gone by many drivers wore white shirts and that some even wore ties. The reason I am given is that it was a simple matter of pride.
Remember the driver from Illinois I talked to? Today sweat pants, t-shirts (often a size or more too small) and flip-flops are the norm. Imagine waiting for a flight and seeing your pilot board the aircraft dressed like that. I would probably change flights or even airlines! Either way I would not have much regard for the industry.
Some would say, "I don't make any more money if I dress in a white shirt or a sweatshirt." True! But we cannot ask the public to treat us as professionals and then dress like slobs. I dress very much like Mr. Julius. On several occasions I have been loaded or unloaded around other drivers and allowed to use the "NO DRIVERS" restrooms because, in the words of my customers, "You look and act like a professional." So the question remains, "Whose fault is it?"
The trucking industry has also been hurt in the area of professionalism. I often hear the terms "Knight of the Road" applied to drivers from other eras. Days when truckers drove like professionals compensating for the errors of those around them, especially those ever-popular "four-wheelers."
Today, if a four-wheeler drives too slow many "professional" drivers tailgate hoping to intimidate them into speeding up. We need to realize that we are hurting the professional image of the entire industry when we drive like that. Not to mention the fact that nervous drivers make foolish mistakes. How professional does our industry look when a family on vacation is all but run off the road by a tractor-trailer barreling through a construction zone at twice the posted speed?
"Whose fault is it?" The question just won't go away. At times I have thought that maybe it is because many drivers coming into this industry today look at it as a job and not a profession.
"Whose fault is it?" I can't answer the question definitely. But I do believe that we, the drivers of today, are at least partly to blame.
That chance encounter several months ago with the veteran driver, Mr. Julius, had an impact on me to be sure. He was a proud man; proud of what he did and proud of how he did it!
As he drove away I realized that more than ever before I was proud of my profession too. Not proud of how some of its members conduct themselves, but proud of the industry. That day I recommitted to be a professional every day! To conduct myself in such a manner that would cause others to look upon me as a professional trucker.
By the way, Mr. Julius, "Thank you!"
Pro Shop makes looking like a professional easy!
Dressing professionally doesn't mean giving up comfort. Dart's Pro Shop has everything you need to look professional from collared shirts to jackets.
New in August are ladies polos in different colors and short-sleeved henleys for men.
Stop by the Pro Shop at Dart's Eagan Operating Center to see what is available. Pro Shop hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also visit the Pro Shop on-line at www.dart.net or call Edie Davidson, Pro Shop Specialist, at x1398 to place an order.
Defending a World Champion title
Dart manager competes in the Canoe/Kayak World Championships
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John Pinyerd, Sales and Operations Manager, Atlanta
In my life I try to keep things pretty simple. That means focusing on the things that matter most to me – my wife of 30 years, my family, the Lord, the transportation industry, my job at Dart, and the Atlanta Short Haul Operation that I have been blessed with starting up and growing. Last but not least, I love the sport of paddling and I especially enjoy the challenge of competing in Wildwater (downriver) racing.
Some folks might argue that there is a quantum leap between loving canoe/kayak racing and competing in the sport at the World Championships. I'm not so sure about that. Certainly "the devil is in the details" and I put extra effort into planning, setting goals, and trying to do things the right way. For example, I carefully planned my workouts in the three months prior to the World Championships while being flexible for travel and work demands.
To prepare, I also benchmark off of the best athletes in the sport, get coaching (even at my level), and practice the sport year-round. There are also times when I have to force myself to do what I know I need to do, and I feel better for it. This includes things like training in the dark on cold, rainy winter nights or running (yuck) when I am traveling. In any case, it is my love for the sport and the desire to do the best that I can that has kept me joyfully competing in the sport for more than a quarter of a century.
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While I certainly thrive off of competition, I really love the "journey," or training, too. I started preparing for this year's World Championships at least a year ago. I was anxious to see how I stacked up at the USA Team Trials that were held on the Cheat River in West Virginia in early April.
Ultimately after winning our trials, I felt like I owed it to the USA Team to race at the World Championships and I made the commitment to do so. So I stepped up the intensity level of my training to prepare.
A real challenge of the 2008 World Championships was caused by an act of God. The entire region suffered huge floods that lasted close to a week. As a result of the flooding the Master's events kept getting postponed and several competitors left the competition. Patience is a virtue, even for athletes.
I carefully continued to practice with short, intense workouts on sections of the river that were safe to paddle and used the extra time to catch up on my reading. I thought, "I came to Italy to race and I will be happy to race in the parking lot if it comes down to it."
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There is nothing quite like the excitement of the World Championships in the small sport of Wildwater (downriver) Canoe/Kayak racing. This year's events brought together racers from six continents and 30 countries, building tons of excitement in the region.
The town of Ivrea, Italy, came together to produce an Athlete's Parade and Opening and Closing Ceremonies that were all simply breathtaking. As a result, the Wildwater World Championships felt like a one-sport mini-Olympics.
When the race day finally came around, I gave it everything I had, figuring I should honor the title of Master's World Champion even though some of the competitors had dropped out. As a result I finished in 8:53 in the Masters C-1* event, a full 32 seconds (6%) ahead of the nearest competitor, Dario Grossi of Italy, and Michael Harris of the USA who finished third.
I was thrilled to be able to defend my title as Master's World Champion and proud that all five of the American Master's racers won medals (which included my Gold, two Silver medals, and two Bronze medals).
I feel very blessed to continue racing in the World Championships for the USA Team in all of the events. This year I did well in the "classic" distance race, finishing 23rd in C-1 just behind our top American racer, Tom Wier, who finished 19th in the C-1 category.
Another compelling reason for going to this year's World Championships was to be able to help the USA in the Team Race. There is a great deal of strategy like there is in the Team Race in the Tour de France, except instead of drafting off of air, we are surfing each other's wakes. Our teamwork paid off and we finished in 5th place in the C-1 Team Race, which turned out to be the USA's best finish at this year's World Championships (except for the Master's medals).
I will always be grateful for the opportunity to compete at a World Class level in the sport I love. I cannot help but feel that the results from this year's Wildwater World Championships really underscore what happens if you keep pursuing the things you love regardless of your age.
* C-1 is the racing classification for a one-person canoe.
$9 a gallon fuel . . .
How truckers in Europe deal with the high cost of diesel
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In Italy, no one idles his or her
motor for
anything longer than
stopping at a red light.
In fact, idling
is considered to be extremely rude. |
John Pinyerd, Sales and Operations Manager, Atlanta
I am one of those guys who like to look at trucks everywhere I go. I can't help it. I've been in some facet of the transportation industry all of my life and I am always looking at trucks and learning from truck drivers. My trip to Italy this year was no exception as I was dying to know how Europeans are dealing with $9 a gallon fuel.
First of all, I must dispel a myth that I sometimes hear that Europeans somehow magically don't use trucks. Sure they do. They eat food, wear clothes, live in houses or apartments, and more or less live their lives similar to the way we do. That means that they have to have trucks to deliver their goods just like in the United States.
The trucks are similar on both continents except that Europeans use cabovers and different axel/vehicle configurations to help them get through small towns. With diesel and gasoline now at $9 per gallon, they have taken fuel conservation to the next level.
Here are my observations on how European truckers are staying competitive in an environment with $9 fuel:
- Speed – The speed limit for tractor-trailers is set at 90 kph (or 56 mph) and trucks are governed so they cannot exceed this speed. Straight trucks are governed to a maximum of 100 kph (or 62 mph).
- Idling – No one idles his or her motor for anything longer than stopping at a red light. In fact, idling is considered to be extremely rude. It was a real eye-opener when I saw everyone cut off their motors and get out of their vehicles when waiting for a train to pass. No trucks, busses, ambulances, or even police vehicles idled (no kidding).
- Other – Anything that affects fuel consumption is taken seriously. This includes eliminating out-of-route miles and keeping parts on their trucks that affect fuel mileage in top shape.
Does this all sound familiar? You bet it does!
Take advantage of Dart's on-line services
Dart contractors: Dart has 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!
Dart speaks out about Hours of Service
In June 2007, Dart applied for an exemption* from the current Hours of Service Rules to test a new way to reduce truck driver fatigue. While the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reviews the request, Dart's proposal has roused attention.
Gary Volkman, Vice President Safety Compliance, was interviewed on Sirius Satellite Radio, Road Dog Channel 147, about Dart's proposal.
Gary was also interviewed on a national broadcast on WBAP Radio's Midnight Trucking Radio. He discussed how to reduce fatigue in order to improve driver alertness, productivity, and highway safety.
* For a copy of the notice and other documents, go to www.regulations.gov and search FMCSA-2007-0056.
Dart contractors:
You are invited to attend "Keys to Profitability and Success"
What: Keys to Profitability and Success is an information session Dart offers to help contractors, like yourself, improve their business. Topics include fuel economy, time management, how to take advantage of resources such as Dart's AdVANtage® Fuel Network, and much more!
When: Sessions are held every Friday after the Ethics and Techniques for the Professional driver session.
Where: Matt Doth, Senior Retention Analyst, conducts the session at Dart's Eagan Operating Center in the Safety Class Room outside the Safety Department. Chaun Burch, Contractor Services Manager, holds the session at Dart's Dallas Operating Center in the Contractor Information Session Room. And Bob Tinklepaugh, Safety Advisor, leads the session at our Sellersburg location.
Please contact your fleet manager for more information.
Profitability Question of the Month:
What are the top five maintenance issues that effect mpg the most?
Answer: Air filters, clean fuel filters, tire pressure, tune up or overhead, and making sure the engine fan only runs when the engine starts to get hot.
Want to learn more? Keys to Profitability and Success is open to anyone who wants to attend.
Mark your calendar!
Help raise money for Special Olympics
The "World's Largest Truck Convoy" is held each year and gives truckers and the community a chance to join together and raise money for Special Olympics.
This year, Minnesota's convoy will be held on Saturday, September 13 at Canterbury Downs in Shakopee. Mark it on your calendar so you don't miss it!
Retirements
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Dart says farewell to Dart contractors Sharon and Elmer Blankenship who both retired.
Elmer contracted with Dart in 1988. During his first six years with Dart he ran solo. Then in 1995, Sharon joined him and they began driving as a team. Both enjoyed their time in the truck together – Sharon took care of the business side of their operation and Elmer the mechanical side.
After the September 11 attacks, the Blankenships delivered two critical government loads – one went to the FBI and the other to the Department of Defense. Both required exacting call-in procedures and precise deliveries. The task earned them recognition at an executive meeting and a commemorative plaque.
In 1998, Elmer received the National Safety Council's Two Million Mile Safety Award and was named Dart Contractor of the Month in 2003. Two years later he and Sharon were named Dart's first husband/wife Contractors of the Month.
"I worked with Elmer and Sharon on Dedicated," said Irene Troje, Dedicated Fleet Manager. "I couldn't have met a more professional, polite couple than the Blankenship's. They were always willing to go out of their way to help when needed and always made pick up and deliveries on time. I had the pleasure of working with them for three years. When Sharon called and said they were retiring, I knew Dart and the customers were losing a very valuable couple, as they felt like family."
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Dart contractor Bob McAndrew retired due to health reasons after nearly 20 years with Dart.
Bob contracted with Dart in 1990 and since then was named the National Safety Council's (NSC) Minnesota Driver of the Year, Overdrive's Driver of the Month, received the NSC's Five Million Mile Safety Award, the NSC's Joseph M. Kaplan Safe Driver of the Year Award, and was named Dart Contractor of the Year earlier this year.
"Bob's career was that of a true professional," said Gary Randall, Vice President of Operations. "Bob was a successful independent businessman who was loyal to his carrier and customers. Dart Transit Company and the trucking industry as a whole will miss Bob McAndrew as he retires."
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After 14 years, Dart contractor Robert Pickell retired.
Bob contracted with Dart in 1993 and operated with a dedicated contract. In 1998 he received the National Safety Council's One Million Mile Safety Award, and in 2004 he was named Dart Contractor of the Month.
"Bob enjoyed working with Dart," said Lynn Christensen, Dedicated Fleet Manager. "But as much as he liked it, he was looking forward to his upcoming retirement and spending more time with his family. I worked with Bob for a year on the dedicated fleet. He was always willing to help out where needed. Bob is a kind soul and we all wish him many, many years of happiness!"
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Warren Stewart, a switcher at a plant in Roseville, Minnesota, retired after more than 20 years with Dart.
"Warren is a hard-working, dedicated man who loved his job," said Chris Lacher, Account Manager. "He has hung up his trucking keys and is looking forward to time at the cabin, fishing, working around the house, and spending ample time with his family. We salute you, Warren. Thank you for all your hard work and service throughout the years. You will surely be missed!"
The Great West Truck Show
Sandy Alcala-Villagran, Fleet Services Administrative Assistant, Dallas
The Safety AdVANtage Truck Driving Simulator had the opportunity to attend the 2008 Great West Truck Show (GWTS) in Las Vegas. The show was held at the Las Vegas Convention Center June 26-28.
Some of the exciting events held during the 2008 GWTS included the Pride & Polish Competition, 32 educational seminars, special appearances by the Chrome Shop Mafia, and exhibits from leaders in the heavy-duty trucking industry.
The GWTS is the only major trucking event held annually in the western U.S. dedicated to serving those individuals who operate heavy- and medium-duty trucks in their business.
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The GWTS had it all – major truck, trailer, engine, components and parts manufactures; show trucks; service providers; and last but not least, trucking recruiting. It is destined to become the greatest truck show Las Vegas will ever know.
The 2008 GWTS marks the beginning of something bigger and better to come. The show plans to take it to the next level with the 400 exhibiting companies, and there was definitely potential business to explore.
In the end we had a great show. We worked all three days and 224 people experienced the Safety Challenge in the simulator. We made good contacts and it was known that Dart Transit Company had a presence at the show. The GWTS by far is expanding and growing every year and we look forward to the event next year.
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Steve Kaufmann, Safety Manager (L), and Greg Hall,
Safety Advisor (R), present Jerry Miller with the
NSC's Four Million Mile Safety Award. |
Four million miles . . . accident-free
The National Safety Council (NSC) awarded its very prestigious Four Million Mile Safety Award to Dart contractor Jerry Miller.
"I cannot think of a more reliable contractor," said Troy Peterson, Jerry's Fleet Manager. "His on-time service record is impeccable, and he represents Dart very well."
Jerry has contracted with Dart for 20 years. In 1995, he was named Dart Contractor of the Month and in 2006 he was honored as Dart Contractor of the Year.
Give us a call or stop by!
Take advantage of the great deals at Pro Stop
Mike Busch, Pro Stop National Sales Manager
Stop by the nearest Pro Stop to take advantage of the monthly special for Dart contractors. This month, you get a FREE King Pin inspection.
Pro Stop offers complete truck and trailer repair services at seven locations nationwide. Give us a call for more information or to schedule your maintenance in advance!
Would you like your truck featured in the calendar?
2009 Calendar Contest
Hurry! Grab your camera and enter the 2009 Dart Calendar Contest.
It's easy. 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 2009 Dart calendar.
Most winning photos include both truck and trailer, but any photo with a Dart theme is eligible. If you would like tips on how to take good calendar photos, please refer to the July issue of the AdVANtage® Newsletter (on-line at www.dart.net).
Enter as many photos as you like. The contest ends Friday, October 3, 2008.
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. Dart is not responsible for damages to photos.
Send entries to:
Steve Gundale, Editor
AdVANtage Newsletter
PO Box 64110
St. Paul, MN 55164-0110
or sgundale@dart.net
