Dart expands network west
May 8th, 2007 |
Major Transport, Inc., a Minnesota based dry van carrier, sold some of its assets to a newly formed company called Major Transport of Indiana. The Agreement was signed May 2. The new company was established by the Oren family, which also owns Dart Transit Company. The transaction makes Major's freight and customer base available to Dart.
The new company, Major Transport of Indiana, is based in Sellersburg, Indiana as a driver fleet, and contracts its truck and driver capacity to Dart. The two companies will operate as separate but cooperating companies.
The old Major operated primarily in the eleven Mountain States with 250 company drivers. Dart operates with 2,500 owner operators, primarily east of the Rockies. "The Dart and Major operating areas are very different, so the two companies complement each other very nicely," say Dave Oren, President of Dart. "Major's customer base gives Dart access to new freight and great potential in a vibrant market."
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
"Gaining access to Major's freight in the West is a great opportunity for Dart," says Darin Heinemeyer, recruiting director at Dart's Minnesota operating center. "While Major drivers will continue to haul that freight, this opens up the West to Dart marketing efforts and we expect that in the long run it will provide growth opportunities for Dart's owner operators. We're very excited about what this will mean for us in the future."
In 2006 Transport Topics listed Dart as the 52nd largest trucking company. Together Dart and Major have a combined capacity of 2,750 trucks and 7,600 trailers. |
Notice to our Customers Regarding Pandemic or Avian Flu Threat:
February 2nd, 2007 |
Dart Transit has taken steps to ensure our customers will continue to receive top-notch service in the unlikely event of a pandemic or Avian Flu outbreak. Some of these measures include:
- Establishing a task force with a pandemic coordinator that meets regularly to review the latest updates and also follows a plan for putting processes in place to minimize disruption to service.
- Identifying essential positions and other critical inputs required to maintain business operations by location and function during a pandemic.
- Providing updates and recommendations to our contractors who pick-up and deliver your freight.
- Providing tips for preventing influenza spread at the worksite (e.g. promoting respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette)
- Supplying sufficient and accessible infection control supplies (e.g. hand-hygiene products, tissues, disposal receptacles for the tissues)
- Increasing the technical ability of our staff to work from home
- Monitoring key information sites, such as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), to stay abreast of the latest information.
By taking these and other measures, we are confident that we will be able to meet any challenge presented by a pandemic or influenza outbreak without sacrificing service to our customers.
We also welcome input from other sources telling us what measures they are taking. If you would like to share your actions, please feel free to send those to
.
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Dart awarded for safety and operational excellence
August 7th, 2006
Steve Gundale,
Editor |
Great West Casualty has awarded Dart Transit Company with its "Platinum Award" for safety and operational excellence.
Pete Merrion, Vice President and Underwriting Manager for Great West Casualty presented the award at Dart's corporate office in Eagan on July 17. Dave Oren, Dart President; Dan Oren, Vice President of Advantage Management Administration; Gary Volkman, Dart Vice President Safety Compliance; Cliff Yentes, Dart Accounting Analyst; Jim Tammes, Dart Safety Director; and Tom Travis, Director of Claims accepted the award on behalf of Dart.
"Dart's safety program focuses on techniques professional drivers can use to prevent crashes," Tammes said. "This award is a direct result of safe driving by Dart contractors."
Dart Transit Company is the nation's 14th largest truckload dry-van carrier, and offers 48-state, dedicated, and regional service with 2,500 independent owner operators. It offers asset-based rail service through Dart Intermodal Inc., logistics and brokerage services through Advantage Transportation Inc., and storage services through Dart Advantage Warehousing Inc. and Dart Portable Storage Inc.
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Dart Transit receives Great West Casualty's
"Platinum Award"
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Art Reid wins TCA award, says farewell
April 6th, 2006
Steve Gundale,
Editor |
 |
| Art Reid |
Art Reid, a 13-year contractor with Dart Transit Company, capped a distinguished 38-year professional driving career by placing 3rd in the Truckload Carriers Association’s 2005 Independent Contractor of the Year contest.
He received the award at the TCA’s annual convention at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Florida. Soon after the convention Reid announced that he is retiring as a professional truck driver, saying that the trucking industry has been good to him and that after years of preparation he is financially ready for the move.
Reid has driven over 4.5 million accident-free miles during his career and has received many awards. He was an Overdrive Magazine Trucker of the Month in 2001, a Dart Contractor of the Year in 2000, and the second place winner in the TCA’s 2002 Independent Contractor of the Year contest.
Art’s 2005 prizes include $6,000 in bonds, certificates, and merchandise donated by Flying J, Pilot, Loves, Travel Centers of America, ArvinMeritor, Mack Trucks, Specialty Risk, and Velvac.
“Art is an outstanding success in our industry, and he does us all proud,” said Joyce Jordan, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Dart’s Dallas Operating Center. “I don’t know of a more deserving independent contractor. Art Reid demonstrates that Dart is indeed a place where owner operators succeed.”
“As an independent contractor I have had the continual love and support of my family, and also from Dart, which has helped me through thick and thin with financial backing, safety training, encouragement, and understanding,” Reid said. “I found the keys to success, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity the trucking industry has given to my family and me.” |
Dart sponsors
JD Myers in
All-American SuperStar Competition
April 6th, 2006
Steve Gundale,
Editor |
 |
| JD Myers |
Dart Transit Company is proudly sponsoring JD Myers in the 2006 season of “All-American SuperStar”.
Being sponsored by a trucking company is a natural for Myers because he grew up in a trucking family. His father drove for Pepsi-Cola when JD was younger, and his uncle, who taught him how to play the guitar, also was a truck driver.
Myers says his goal is to make a living doing what he loves best. “Music has been in my heart since I was a child,” he said. “And my goal is to sing for the people who appreciate it.”
JD describes his music as “Twangabilly.” He grew up listening to legends such as Elvis Presley, Waylon Jennings, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and Buddy Holly. Myers tries to carry on what they started, while keeping his music fresh. In his latest album, “Hard Times”, Myers sings about the tough times he has encountered in his life.
“I’m really excited about having Dart as my sponsor for the All-American Superstar competition,” Myers said. “They are a very successful company that has been around for a long time. What I really admire is that they are a family-owned business with a family-type atmosphere.”
Dart ranks 53rd on Transports Topics 2004 list of Top 100 Carriers, and specializes in truckload dry van freight. It offers 48-state, dedicated, and regional service with independent owner operators. |
Dart Names Contractors of the Year
March 27th, 2006
Steve Gundale,
Editor
|
 |
Dart President,
Dave Oren,
congradulates Walt Newcomb (right) |
Walt Newcomb, Minnesota Operating Center
Eagan, Minnesota – “Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine where I would be today,” said Walt Newcomb. Newcomb is Dart’s 2005
Contractor of the Year for Dart’s Eagan, Minnesota Operating Center.
Standing at the podium to accept his award from Dart President Dave Oren, Walt recalled the day in 1990 when he stepped off the plane in Minneapolis, on his way to pick up his
first truck. It was a used Kenworth cabover that he bought with a zero-down lease from one of Dart’s truck and financing vendors. As he tells the story, all he had that day
were empty pockets and big dreams of being his own boss and owning a truck.
Sixteen years later Newcomb’s achievements far surpass his early dreams. He is a highly profitable business owner, he has upgraded his tractor several times, and he is
recognized as one of the trucking industry’s most capable independent owner operators. By 2005 he had earned the National Safety Council’s Three-Million Mile Club
Safety Award. In addition to the Dart award, Overdrive Magazine honored him as “Trucker of the Month” for March 2006.
“I always wanted to run a business,” he says, “and Dart gave me the opportunity to run my own.” And he has done it successfully. His current tractor is the
third that he has purchased during his years with Dart. “Everyone at Dart knows me, and everyone in management, my dispatchers, and my customers depend on me. They know I get
the job done.”
As Contractor of the Year, Walt received a marble trophy, a $1,000 bonus, a personalized leather jacket, and a reception in his honor at Dart’s home office in Minnesota.
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Executive VP, Joyce Jordan, with Woodrow
Walker (center) & wife Gladys (right) |
Woodrow Walker – Dallas Texas Operating Center
Dallas, Texas – Dart Transit Company’s Dallas Operating Center has honored Woodrow Walker
as its 2005 Contractor of the Year. Walker is an 18-year contractor with Dart, operating in Dart’s “Super South Region” between Texas and Georgia.
When he was young, Walker dreamt of working in the trucking industry. He remembers seeing trucks rolling up and down the road, hoping that one day he would be the one doing the
driving. That dream came true, and he says that owning his own truck gives him the freedom to be his own boss. “My truck gives me independence, freedom, and security,”
he says. “To be successful as an owner operator, you need to manage two things -- your money and yourself.” For Woodrow, success comes from
knowing how much he can and cannot spend, and being available to haul freight.
Apparently he is very available because he is one of Dart’s highest mile producers, achieving 100% on-time delivery performance along the way.
Joyce Jordan, Executive Vice President at Dart’s Dallas (Texas) Operating Center, presented Woodrow with a marble trophy, a $1,000 bonus check, and a personalized leather
jacket at a reception held in his honor.
Walker credits his wife, Gladys, for much of his success. “Gladys motivates me,” he says. “She helps me to see the things I don’t see, and she’s
more than my wife … she’s my best friend.”
See our complete Contractor "Haul of Fame" here. |
Hurricane Relief Task Force News
February 8th, 2006 |
Minnesota To Mississippi: A Katrina Valentine
On Friday afternoon, February 10 at 1:45 p.m., a brief, but highly visual press conference and public send-off will be held for a caravan of hope leaving to provide relief to one Gulf Coast town stricken by hurricane Katrina.
Called “From Minnesota to Mississippi: A Katrina Valentine,” two truckloads of equipment and supplies for the public schools of Pass Christian, Mississippi will set off from Eagan High School accompanied by an RV full of volunteers for the 1,240 mile trip.
What makes this event different from other Katrina Relief efforts? First, this is the culmination of a five-month community-wide effort in Eagan to respond to specific needs identified by a principal in a community where 3 of 4 schools were completely destroyed, and they now operate out of temporary modular
units.
Second, whether as a voice over with sound, a weather bump, or a full package, this story will have great visuals as the community places Valentine’s greetings on banners on the side of the truck to be given to the students in “The
Pass.” Third, a police escort, cheerleaders, music and more will send-off the truck caravan as horns sound for all to hear.
The journey of hope will reach the Gulf and be formally presented on
Valentine’s Day, with a daily podcast reporting conditions on the ground. A full press kit with DVD-b-roll of Pass Christian earlier this year will be provided at the 1:45 press event which will conclude in just fifteen minutes.
For more information, call 651-675-5008 or 651-675-5004. The headlines from the South may be gone, but the needs created by Hurricane Katrina continue. The Eagan Hurricane Katrina Task Force can by your opportunity to update viewers on this important story. |
Dart named
Carrier of the Year
October 26th, 2005 |
Bentonville, AR – Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. recently recognized Dart Transit Company as the recipient of the company’s annual “Rising Star Carrier of the Year” award.
“Dart Transit Company provided outstanding service for Wal-Mart in 2004”, said Tracy Rosser, Vice President of Wal-Mart Corporate Traffic. “It is our pleasure to recognize their associates for commitment to quality and customer service. Their great support throughout 2004 has ultimately allowed us to better serve our customers.”
This year, Wal-Mart recognized twelve carriers for their outstanding service in their respective categories. Some of those categories included Small Package Carrier of the Year, Grocery Carrier of the Year, Jones Act Carrier of the Year and Innovative Carrier of the Year.
“Dart’s broad service offerings are an excellent match for Wal-Mart’s transportation needs, and our goal is to meet and exceed their expectations,” said Dart President David Oren. “Wal-Mart is one of America’s premier companies, so we are very pleased to see us receive this honor.”
Selection criteria for the award included revenue/growth, ease of doing business, communication, flexibility, customer service and follow-up/correction of errors.
Dart Transit Company is the nation’s 14th largest truckload dry-van carrier, and offers 48-state, dedicated, and regional service with 2,500 independent owner operators. It offers asset-based rail service through Dart Intermodal Inc., logistics and brokerage services through Advantage Transportation Inc., and storage services through Dart Advantage Warehousing Inc. and Dart Portable Storage Inc.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and SAM'S CLUB locations in the United States. The company operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, South Korea and the United Kingdom. The company's securities are listed on the New York and Pacific stock exchanges under the symbol WMT. Online merchandise sales are available at www.walmart.com. Press releases and other Wal-Mart facts are available at www.walmartfacts.com.
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Dart Wear
Apparel & Items
October 11th, 2005 |
Now you can get Dart labeled apparel and gifts!
Check the Dart Wear shop here. |
Fuel Surcharge Alert
October 1st, 2005
Statement by
Joyce Jordan,
Executive VP
|
Capacity is tight and we need your help!
Good service and adequate capacity is what you deserve. For the last year Dart has paid out more surcharge to our contractors than we have collected in fuel surcharge. Still, our contractors have not been made whole. There is a tremendous driver shortage. We do not see any end to this shortage. The average driver continues to move towards retirement age. Contractors will change industries if surcharges do not fairly reimburse them for their fuel costs.
We need your fuel surcharges to be no worse than 1 cent per mile increase for every 5 cents change in fuel cost.
For example one cent per mile fuel surcharge for every 6 cents increase in fuel cost is not adequate.
In the coming days we will be asking for your support if you have a surcharge that is worse than the 1 cent fuel surcharge for every 5 cents additional cost for fuel. This rate only keeps us whole and passes along the cost for fuel.
Some may be asking:
• Why are you asking to be kept whole and expecting the shippers to take the hit?” The simple answer is “we have no choice”. Fuel cost has always been a big part of our costs and subsequently were well managed before fuel costs spiked. The newest trucks now have better emissions but have worse miles per gallon.
The increased costs are far too great to be absorbed.
• “I thought trucks could return 6 miles per gallon or better so 1 cent per mile for every 6 cents in fuel price should be sufficient.”
Factors that impact the surcharge include:
- Necessary out of route milesNormal deadheadPaid miles that are shorter than practical
- New trucks with less miles per gallon and higher maintenance
All of the above issues require 1 cent per mile for 5 cents change in fuel cost.
Most of you have made the commitment and have reflected this need in your fuel surcharge program. Thank you. We truly appreciate your support and foresight.
Others have tried to make up for inadequate surcharges by adding to the freight rates. This is not very practical, requiring a new negotiation every time fuel prices swing up or down. Fuel neutral rates are the most efficient for both the carrier and the shipper. A Fuel neutral contract is the best business practice.
In the coming days, if you have a surcharge that is worse than 1 cent per mile for a 5 cent change in fuel price, we will be asking for your help. This assistance will allow us to retain our loyal, experienced fleet of contractors and also continue to grow our contractor base. It will allow us to provide the service you deserve.
Our mutual goal is to protect capacity for you while delivering freight safely and on-time.
Thank you for your business and support in this time of volatile energy costs.
Sincerely,
Joyce A. Jordan
Executive Vice President - Sales & Marketing
Chief Operating Officer - Dallas Operating Center
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| New 2005 Hours of Service Guide and FAQ |
|
New President
for Dart |
 |
Two generations of Dart Presidents:
Dave Oren and Don Oren |
For just the second time in its 71-year history, Dart Transit Company has a new president.
A long planned transition in leadership took place October 1st when David D. Oren was promoted from Executive Vice President to company President. His father, Donald G. Oren has been president for 28 years and becomes Chairman of the Board.
The move brings the third generation of the Oren family into Dart’s presidential office. Dart was founded in 1934 by Earl Oren, Don’s father and Dave’s grandfather. Dart grew rapidly in the 1980’s after Don became president and focused the company on developing high-cube trailer service.
Dave started with Dart as a youth in 1975, working part-time as a general laborer in the company’s trailer repair shop. Learning the trucking business from the ground up, he has risen through the ranks to become Executive Vice President and now President. He was instrumental in developing thin-wall trailer designs, spearheaded development of Dart’s D-4000 computer system, and has overseen the company’s sales planning, operations, marketing, and contractor recruiting efforts for the past several years.
“Seeing the company’s leadership transition into the next generation is a dream-come-true for me,” says the senior Oren. “Now is the right time to do it. David is well prepared and the transition will be easy.”
“My job is to build on our success by pursuing improvements with the help of our customers, employees, and contractors,” Dave states.
Don is in robust health and plans to work from Dart’s corporate office in Minnesota. As Chairman of the Board he will work on the broader issues that face the company and the trucking industry.
Dart ranks 53rd on Transport Topics 2004 list of Top 100 Carriers, and specializes in truckload dry van freight. It offers 48-state, dedicated, and regional service with independent owner operators. |
Hurricane Katrina
Statement by
Joyce Jordan,
Executive VP |
Dart Transit Company, our employees and
contractors, express our sadness over the devastation that our neighbors
are experiencing as a result of Hurricane Katrina.
We are responding to requests from our customers and their vendors
as shipments of emergency relief and supplies begin. All emergency
shipments are coordinated through FEMA
(www.fema.gov).
Before dispatch, we are ensuring our contractors have access to fuel
for their tractor, that the routes needed are open, that our contractors
will be safe and efficiently unloaded. We want to avoid creating equipment
bottlenecks in these devastated areas. Our goal is to mitigate any
challenges that already exist. If you have a shipment going to any
of these areas, please contact your Marketing Engineer for a price
quote or
.
Thank you for your support and prayers for our neighboring cities
and states.
Joyce |
| Dart
announces Contractors of the Year |
Eagan, Minnesota
- Dart Transit Company announces two Contractors of the Year for 2004,
recognizing them for professionalism, outstanding safety records,
business success, and contributions to the trucking industry. The
contractors received trophies, $1,000 bonuses, monogrammed leather
jackets, and receptions in their honor.
 Richard
Magers, Sr.
Trucking is a family affair for Richard Magers Sr., Dart’s 2004
Contractor of the Year at its Eagan, Minnesota Operating Center. Magers
has contracted with Dart for 24 years, and has trained two sons, Richard
Jr. and Chris, as professional truck drivers. Both sons purchased
their own trucks and contract them with Dart. Together, the three
have accumulated 42 successful years as independent contractors with
Dart.
“One of the things I’ve taught my boys is that it’s
worth sticking with a good carrier like Dart,” Magers said. That
loyalty has paid off for Mr. Magers. He buys his trucks new, and he
says that everything at home is paid for. Dart sponsored Magers for
a Two Million Mile Club safety award from the National Safety Council,
and he was a Dart Contractor of the Month in 1984. He is a lifetime
member of OOIDA.
 Randall
Johnson
If anyone knows the value of a dollar it’s Randall Johnson, 2004
Contractor of the Year at Dart’s Dallas, Texas Operating Center.
Mr. Johnson started in trucking as a driver for Bill’s Dollar
Store (now out of business). He switched to Dart in 1996 to become
an independent owner operator. He has successfully purchased four
trucks through Highway Sales, a truck and financing vendor to Dart.
“They’ve been mighty good to me,” he says. “When
I’ve needed to take time off the road for personal needs, they’ve
always worked with me.”
Last year Johnson made the final payment on his 1998 FLD Freightliner
and sold it for $15,000 cash, using the money to pay off all his bills.
He then used Highway Sales’ zero-down financing option to purchase
a new 2004 Columbia Freightliner.
His Columbia is very fuel efficient, and Randall reports that he makes
great money with it because Dart’s fuel adjustment program covers
more than half of his fuel cost.
Dart sponsored Johnson to the National Safety Council’s Million
Mile Club safety award, and he was a Dart Contractor of the Month
at Dart’s Dallas Operating Center in 2002 and 2004. He is a member
of OOIDA. |
MTA
Names
Larry Severson
"Driver of the Year"
 |
 Forty-three
years of accident-free truck driving was rewarded January 31st when
the Minnesota Trucking Association named Larry Severson as its 2004
“Driver of the Year”. Mr. Severson is an independent owner-operator
who has contracted his truck with Dart Transit Company for 30 years.
He has specialized in the Minneapolis/St Paul metro area deliveries
for the last 20 years.
Mr. Severson made the jump from company driver to owner operator in
1975 when he sold his car and motorcycle to pay for his first truck.
He put it to work at Dart Transit Company and drove over-the-road
for 10 years. He then switched to Twin City metro deliveries so that
he could spend more time with his family. He has accumulated the equivalent
of 4.2 million accident-free miles.
“With so many years of city driving, Larry’s safety record
is quite an achievement,” said Dart Safety Director Jim Tammes.
“Traffic congestion and tight dock deliveries make driving across
town more hazardous than driving across country. Larry makes up to
10 metro deliveries a day. In my opinion, his perfect safety record
is a pretty spectacular achievement,” Tammes said.
Severson was announced as the MTA Driver of the Year at the association’s
annual awards banquet in St. Paul. “Character is what you do
when no one is looking,” observed MTA president John Hausladen.
“Truck drivers do their jobs alone, without supervision. You
can’t perform at this level unless you consistently do the little
things right.” Severson has done them right for a long time.
As Driver of the Year, Larry received an impressive trophy, a $500
prize, and a monogrammed letterman’s jacket. His wife, Linda,
accompanied him to the podium where she received a dozen long-stemmed
roses.
Beside 48-state, regional, and dedicated truckload operations, Dart
provides local deliveries in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota;
Chicago, Illinois; Dallas and Houston, Texas; and Atlanta, Georgia. |
| Dart
Increases Contractor Rates in 2005 |
Independent contractors at Dart Transit
Company will realize pay increases worth $2,400-$4,200 a year in 2005.
The increases will become effective in the first quarter of 2005 for
most of Dart’s operating options, and will be comprised of higher
mileage rates and a fully paid base-plate package.
“These increases are coming on the heels of large rate increases
in 2004 that were worth $3,200 to $5,000 a year to most of our contractors,”
says David Oren, Executive Vice President with Dart. “Adding
the two increases together, Dart has raised contractor pay about $7,500
a year.” Mr. Oren said the company would continue to work toward
future contractor mileage rate increases.
Dart has operated with independent contractors for 70 years. “Dart
has a long history as an owner operator company, and this increase
demonstrates our commitment to their long-term success,” Oren
said.
Dart also has one of the strongest fuel discount and cost adjustment
programs in the industry, allowing many of the company’s contractors
to buy fuel at a net cost below $1.00 per gallon.
Dart operates with 2,200 independent owner operators, and offers a
variety of contracts including 48-state, regional, local, and over
20 dedicated opportunities. |
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