June 2008 Edition
Click here for Back Issues
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Mark received a marble trophy for being named
Dart's Dallas Contractor of the Year. |
Dart announces
Contractors of the Year
Dart Transit Company's 2007 Contractors of the Year are Mark Daquilla at the Dallas Operating Center and Bob McAndrew at the Eagan Operating Center.
Dart's Contractors of the Year are selected out of its Contractors of the Month. Each Contractor of the Year receives a marble trophy, a $1,000 check and personalized leather jacket.
Mark Daquilla
In 1982 Mark got behind the wheel of a big rig for the first time. The best part of trucking, he says, is the "freedom of the open road. I cannot imagine doing anything else."
In 2006 Mark contracted with Dart. He lives in Texas and operates in Dart's Super South region so he takes loads through the house regularly. "I love the Super South," Mark says. "It's the best thing Dart offers."
Mark owns and operates a 2005 Columbia Freightliner and averages 6.5 mpg. "I don't idle," he says. "In the South you don't have to idle in the winter. And I try to use IdleAire as much as I can." He also controls his road speed and checks his tire pressure.
Mark averages about 3,000 miles a week and says he rarely turns down loads. Ron Salmon, Mark's Fleet Manager, agrees: "Mark is always ready, never turns down loads and is on-time all the time. Whatever his ready time is, he is within one minute."
Ron isn't the only one who sees Mark's strong work ethic. Mark's wife Stacey says he is a great guy, hardworking, and takes his job seriously. "He is always on-time," she says. When Stacey rides with him she will say, "We don't need to get there so early."
But, "Mark always arrives early and believes in not taking any chances," Stacey explains. "He always plans ahead because he says, ‘you never know if you will have a tire blow out or something else might happen.'"
Stacey and Mark have been married 18 years and have a son Kyle who expects to graduate from high school this year and join the Marines. When they are all home, the family likes to spend time in the back yard, grilling and playing with their two dogs – Rocco and Fred.
Mark says he has found a home with Dart. "I like Dart because everyone is considerate of contractors," he says. "The offices are not locked off to the driver. I can walk into the building and everyone is friendly. I plan on staying with Dart until I end my driving career."
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Bob McAndrew received the National Safety Council's
5 Million Mile Safety Award last year. |
Bob McAndrew
When he was younger, Bob talked to truck drivers as they passed through the building supply mill where he worked. His dream was to be a dentist, until, "I saw my first shiny wheels and chrome stacks," he says with a smile.
Bob contracted with Dart 18 years ago and operates with a National contract. He owns a 2001 Freightliner and averages 6.2-6.5 mpg. One of Bob's secrets to a great business is keeping his truck well maintained. "I'm a big believer in preventative maintenance," he says. "It keeps you ahead of the game."
When he's not in the truck, Bob enjoys extra time with his family. He lives in Tennessee and has two sons, Gary (who also contracts with Dart) and Bobby Jr.; four daughters, Kathy, Kris, Kim, and Karol; and nine grandchildren.
One of Bob's goals is to be the best parent he can. "I try to be a role model," he says.
Good relationships, he says, are important to his career too. "I get to know everybody. My customers are like family. It's great."
Bob says he gets respect from others by being professional. "I try to be courteous and polite," he says. Presenting a good image and being friendly and courteous on the road is something he says affects his safety record.
Earlier this year, Bob received the National Safety Council's Joseph M. Kaplan Safe Driver of the Year Award and last year received its Five Million Mile Safety Award for driving over five million accident-free miles.
Bob's long list of awards include being named Overdrive's Driver of the Month, the National Safety Council's Minnesota Driver of the Year, receiving Dart's Hall of Fame and President's Safety Awards, and being named Dart Contractor of the Month.
Though impressive, Bob says those honors don't have as much weight as his family does on his success. "I think success is being comfortable with your assets, having a great truck and a great family," he explains. "My family has been terrific. They've always stood behind me."
Note: Due to health reasons, Bob has been out of his truck since February. Dart plans on holding a ceremony to honor him when his health improves.
Contractors of the Month
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| David Spiers |
David Spiers
Fleet Manager: Les Brandon
Dallas Operating Center
Kristin Ries, Staff Writer
After graduating from high school, David Spiers worked as a truck mechanic in the U.S. military, and then began a career in law enforcement. "It didn't pay a whole lot," he said. And soon he realized he was working more jobs than he wanted. "I was a police officer, had three security jobs, and was in the National Guard."
So he considered a new career. "I was always interested in trucking and was familiar with transportation," he said. "And I knew what it paid." So he went to truck-driving school and started driving trucks in the late 1980's.
But David wasn't happy with the company he drove for. "They were disrespectful and promised a lot of money but didn't have the miles," he said. So he decided to become an owner operator.
David has contracted with Dart for more than 10 years and said he's stayed because he is respected. "I'm really impressed with Dart," he said. "The people working in the office know trucking. They have been working in this industry a while and some have even driven trucks themselves. They don't look down on anybody."
Another reason why David has stayed with Dart is that he enjoys being an independent contractor rather than an employee. It means he can choose when and where he wants to operate. "I have the privilege to accept or turn down loads," he said. But he rarely chooses to turn down freight. "I'm in this for profit. So I don't mind going to New York City or California."
David has a 2005 Freightliner – his third truck through Highway Sales, Inc., a truck and finance vendor to Dart contractors. He paid an $8,000 buyout for his second truck in cash. "I have a low maintenance cost per mile," he said. "That helped me save the money I needed for the buyout."
David does all his own truck repairs and keeps his truck well maintained. "I save fuel and save wear on the truck." He also monitors and looks for ways to improve his fuel economy (see page 7 for tips from David on how to improve your fuel economy).
David rarely chooses to go home. It works for him because his wife Ergine and their two poodles ride with him.
This is the second time David has been Contractor of the Month. "It was a privilege being Contractor of the Month the first time," he said. "The second time was like winning the lottery!"
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| Roger Lucas |
Roger Lucas
Fleet Manager: Nick Gisslen
Eagan Operating Center
Kristin Ries, Staff Writer
Roger Lucas says he's been driving trucks "since I can remember." His father owned a sawmill and Roger drove straight truck for his business. He drove locally for about five years but decided he wanted to do more. So he attended truck-driving school and started driving tractor/trailer in 1974.
Roger drove with a company for nearly 20 years, but when its freight division went bankrupt in 1993 Roger looked for a better opportunity. He didn't find it right away. But five years later, he contracted with Dart. "I couldn't get a new truck with the company I was with," he said. "So I came to Dart."
Roger contracted with Dart in 1998 and leased a 1994 Freightliner through Highway Sales. "It was an FLD flat top," he smiled. "I saw everybody else driving trucks with condos so I talked to Phil (Phil Marston, Highway Sales) and I got a 2000 FLD with a condo."
Now Roger drives a 2005 Freightliner – his third truck through Highway Sales. He operates with a National contract, driving "everywhere," but really enjoys driving between Minnesota and Texas.
Roger lives with his wife Sharon on a 97.3-acre farm nestled in a valley in West Virginia. Before contracting with Dart they raised cattle and hogs. "Sharon sold my hogs within a week after I started with Dart," he laughed. "And a couple of years ago we sold the last of the cattle."
When he's at home, Roger likes to "play in the dirt" with his farm tractor and bulldozer. "We love it," he said. "There is nobody in the valley but us. We can't see any other houses from ours."
Roger chooses to go home once a month, but sometimes works six to eight weeks before going home. "Last time I was home Sharon said she wanted a roof over the back deck. So I told Nick (Nick Gisslen, Roger's Fleet Manager) to call and ask me to come back early," Roger joked. "But I was home Wednesday and came back Monday. It was enough time to build the roof."
When he needs advice, Roger looks to his wife. "Her opinion is pretty important," he said. And if he has questions, he asks Nick. "I've had two good dispatchers," Roger said. It's one of the reasons why he still contracts with Dart.
Roger knows driving a truck is not always easy. "You have to enjoy your own company," he said. "Most of the time you are by yourself so you have to be at peace with yourself."
But he says there's a lot to like about being an owner operator. "Driving, being independent, setting your own hours, setting your own salary. I always try to do a good job and give 100%. Dart's a good outfit."
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Great food is part of Dart's Contractor
Appreciation Day celebrations. |
Mark your calendar!
Saturday, June 21
Dart contractors and Dartco fleet drivers: you and your family are invited to Dart Transit Company's annual Contractor/ Driver Appreciation Day.
Come celebrate Saturday, June 21, at Dart's Eagan Operating Center. Here's what you can expect:
7 a.m. . . . . . . Park your truck in the annual "Buff'n'Shine contest.*
7 a.m. . . . . . . Tee up for the annual "Advantage Open" golf tournament!**
8 a.m. . . . . . . Find out how well you do in the "Pre-trip Puzzler" contest.
All day . . . . . Kids can enjoy games, gift bags, a truck-drawing contest, and a jumbo inflatable jungle gym. Drivers and non-drivers: test your skills in Dart's Safety AdVANtage Truck Driving Simulator.
As always there will be great food, music, prizes, awards, and the annual Tug'O'War competition. If you have questions call Fleet Services at 800-366-3278.
There are festivities for everyone so bring the whole family! We hope you can make it!
* For more information or to sign up for the Buff'n'Shine contest, call Phil Marston at x1812. Trucks must be in the parking lot and ready by 7 a.m. Judging is at 10 a.m.
** If you would like to play a round of golf, contact Mike Dickens at x1465.
Save the dates!
Don't miss out on the fun this year. Join us for Contractor/ Driver Appreciation.
| Sellersburg |
July 7-11* |
| Dallas |
July 19 |
| Buford |
October 11 |
Bring your family and friends. It's fun for everyone!
*Prize drawings and lunch served daily in Sellersburg between noon and 1.
Knowledge is power
Attend "Keys to Profitability and Success" to learn something new!
Matt Doth, Senior Retention Analyst
Do you know the more efficiently you manage your time, when and where you purchase fuel, and especially your fuel economy, the more successful you can be?
Knowledge is power. That's why Dart offers "Keys to Profitability and Success," an information session to help owner operators, like yourself, improve their business.
Do you know your out-of-pocket cost for a gallon of diesel fuel? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, contractors with fuel economy of 6 mpg are paying the same amount out-of-pocket that diesel prices averaged in 1996! Want to know how and why? Come and learn for yourself!
Keys to Profitability and Success is a great way to learn something new or stay on track with industry trends. The session is open to anyone who wants to attend.
Sessions will be held every Friday at 11:30 a.m. (after the Ethics and Techniques for the Professional driver session). Matt Doth, Senior Retention Analyst, will conduct the session at Dart's Eagan Operating Center in the Safety Class Room outside the Safety Department. Chaun Burch, Contractor Services Manager, will hold the session a Dart's Dallas Operating Center in the Contractor Information Session Room. And Bob Tinklepaugh, Safety Advisor, will lead the session at our Sellersburg location.
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| Matt Doth |
Chaun Burch |
Bob Tinklepaugh |
For more information please contact your Fleet Manager.
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On April 10 the simulator made a special visit to
the Minnesota State Capitol. |
MTA Safety Summit at the Capitol
Stephen Kaufmann, Safety Manager, Eagan
April 10, 2008 -- The Minnesota Trucking Association (MTA) in conjunction with Dart Transit Company held a Safety Summit at the Minnesota State Capitol to promote awareness of commercial trucking issues and the technology that is available today.
Dart provided its Safety AdVANtage Truck Driving Simulator for the legislators to visit and try their hand at. Randy Peterson, who runs the simulator, put Minnesota's politicians through adventurous simulation after simulation.
While many legislators had fun trying to keep the simulated tractor/trailer on the road, there was also time for some serious discussion about trucking and the many issues companies face today, including fuel costs and regulatory changes.
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From L to R: Randy Peterson, Senator Steve Murphy,
Stephen Kaufmann, Representative Terry Morrow. |
There was a star-studded group from the Capitol that showed up including Sen. Larry Pogemiller (Sen. Majority Leader), Sen. Steve Murphy (Sen. Transportation Finance Chair), Representative Marty Seifert (House Minority Leader), and Representative Margaret Kelliher (Speaker of the House). There was also about a dozen other senators and representatives as well as their aids who came by to visit the simulator and talk trucking.
Representing the MTA were MTA President John Hausladen, Jeremy Estenson and Lori Coutts Frause. Representing Dart were Randy Peterson, who runs the simulator, and myself.
The day went well with John greeting and talking with many of the legislators as they stopped by in between meetings. Randy would then give them a chance to operate the simulator and hopefully stay on course. Randy was very informative in working with the visitors. They all left having had a little fun and also a greater knowledge of the technology that is now being used in the trucking industry.
Keeping trucking industry issues on the legislators' minds was the goal and the Safety Summit was a useful tool in accomplishing that goal.
"A Contractor's Perspective"
And a wife's point of view
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| Billy Smith |
Sandy Alcala-Villagran, Fleet Services Administrative Assistant, Dallas
Normally I write about Dart's Safety AdVANtage Truck Driving Simulator and where its traveled and appeared, but this month's article is different. It's about what we really take to heart here at Dart Transit Company – the contractor and their family.
Recently the Human Resources Department at Dart's Dallas Operating Center held an employee training session, called "A Contractor's Perspective," hosted by Dart contractor Billy Smith.
If you remember, Billy was the Truckload Carriers Association's 2nd Place winner in its 2007 Contractor of the Year contest. Billy was generous enough to come to the Dallas office to spend time with Dart employees. During the session, he covered everything from managing expenses, to his relationship with his fleet manager, and balancing life at home.
As fuel prices rise, Billy finds himself having to restructure his spending. He doesn't eat out – mostly buying groceries and eating in his truck. This helps Billy save money. He also improves his fuel economy. Billy noticed adjusting his speed while driving helps his fuel mileage. Billy tries not to go out-of-route when delivering a load, saving on fuel costs as well.
He feels his Fleet Manager Roger Smith is always looking out for him. One of the things Roger does is give Billy a list of the best places to buy fuel on his route.
When it comes to balancing home time, Billy knows how long he can stay out before he needs to get home to help his wife with things around the house. During the session Billy had Rosie Simpson, Dart Safety Compliance Technician, make a couple of comments that made everyone stop and think.
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| Rosie Simpson |
Rosie mentioned her husband, Lonnie, is a professional truck driver. When she started working at Dart, Lonnie was excited, because he knew she would see things from a different perspective and see the challenges he faces every day on the road. Lonnie knew working with contractors would give her insight into different situations he experiences.
Lonnie drives locally and is home every night. He's been driving for 30 years. He started driving on a city fleet, then drove 10 years over the road, and is back to local. Rosie knew with her husband out on the road it would be difficult. With four children, Rosie has to balance time and be very organized with everything.
She has to do her part, which means everything from household repairs and managing the budget to raising four children. She juggles bringing the kids to school activities and taking care of them when they are sick. Her mom is a big help and pitches in when needed, but Rosie also had to balance night school – managing to go to classes three nights a week – plus hold a full time job.
Yet she knew it was tougher for Lonnie – missing the family, special occasions and everyday home life. And she knew when he was home he needed his rest too. "When he's well-rested I know he will drive safely," she said.
She and Lonnie have been married 30 years and have a strong partnership. Three of their children are still in school, so Rosie drops them off in the morning and Lonnie goes into work early and picks them up in the evening.
Being goal-oriented is the key to the Simpsons' success. They constantly encourage the children to have a plan – whether it is for an activity or their school grades.
A family's support is one of the things that make us successful. Therefore, not only is the contractor perspective important but a wife's point of view is too!
Fuel-saving tips
David Spiers, Dart contractor
1. Idle at the lowest possible RPM. Higher RPM uses more fuel. Also, when you are legally parked at night turn off your lights. The drag caused by your alternator to power lights increases the fuel used.
2. Don't add extra lights to your truck. More lights draw more amps, so your alternator works harder. That means you're using fuel and horsepower to generate electricity instead of moving down the road.
3. Unnecessary braking increases fuel consumption. As you approach your next exit, let your truck coast down so that less braking is needed on the exit ramp.
4. Find a gear that will climb a hill at 1,200. Torque is highest at lower RPM, so take advantage of that by climbing the hill at about 1,200 RPM and set the cruise control. The engine fan will be used less, meaning less parasitic drag on the engine.
5. As you top a hill, don't increase your speed if you are going downhill next. Level out without accelerating. Leave the cruise control alone and keep both feet on the floor. As soon as your RPM start to increase, shift up. Use the engine brake on steep grades – most engine brakes shut off fuel to the engine in engine brake mode.
6. Keep grounding straps clean and tight to keep your electrical system functioning properly. A faulty ground can make your alternator work harder, wasting fuel. Air-ride cabs are prone to bad grounds.
7. Work your engine at low RPM. All brands of engines with electronic controls cut back the power to keep the engine from being damaged. Climbing hills at 1,100 – 1,200 RPM does not damage these engines.
8. When you're bobtailing, try this technique to save fuel: start in 2nd gear, skip gears, and keep your RPM at 1,400 or lower.
9. Use cruise control whenever possible. When not in cruise, hold the throttle smooth and steady. Don't pump it up and down.
10. Lubricate the 5th wheel. Keep a cardboard tube of grease to squeeze out onto the 5th wheel before hooking up. If the trailer is low, and the grease will be scraped off the 5th wheel when you back under the trailer, spread the grease on the trailer plate instead. You only need to squeeze it out like toothpaste in two thin lines on each side of the Kingpin or 5th wheel.
What's your secret to saving money on fuel?
Share it with your fellow Dart contractors. Call Kristin Ries at x1869 or e-mail your tip to kries@dart.net.
Dart contractor balances school and trucking
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| Melodie Goodwin |
Kristin Ries, Staff Writer
It might be difficult for busy parents and working professionals to find time to go to classes and earn a college degree. Dart contractor Melodie Goodwin fits that profile. She found a way to balance her career as an over-the-road owner operator with earning a degree in Psychology by taking on-line classes.
When she was 14 years old, Melodie decided she wanted to be a Psychiatrist when she grew up. Since then she has worked toward that dream. She graduated from high school with honors and soon started taking college classes.
When she turned 21, she decided to get her CDL. "I dated a guy who was a local truck driver and we talked about me driving," Melodie said. "Two days before truck-driving school we broke up. I went anyway!"
She got her license and started working as a company driver. It wasn't long before Melodie decided to buy her own truck and she contracted with Dart.
Being an owner operator makes it easier for Melodie to earn her degree. Since she owns her business she has the flexibility to work when she wants and take time off when she wants to study.
"I'm able to work and take classes," she said. "And I can work at my own pace. It works out pretty well."
She has a laptop in her truck with a data card and unlimited wireless Internet that works anywhere her cell phone does. "I do my class work at the dock some times, or at night, or on the weekends. I can do it my pj's!" She laughed.
Melodie is 17 courses away from graduation. She expects to complete her degree in December 2009. Then she said she will work towards a Master in Psychology. "I plan to keep my truck and switch to a local operation," she explained. "That way I can concentrate on school and still work.
Dart "dresses down"
Raises money for Leukemia and Lymphoma
On April 30, employees at Dart's Eagan Operating Center "Dressed Down for Leukemia and Lymphoma."
For $5, participants could "dress down" or wear casual attire to work. Each participant received a complimentary coupon from local Subway restaurants.
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society entered those who donated $10 or more into a drawing for prizes from local businesses.
Dart raised $560 for the cause.
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Dart employees get a fresh perspective
Has anyone ever told you to look at an issue from another point of view? Well, fleet managers and other Dart employees are being encouraged to do just that.
In a series of seminars, Dart employees learned about industry issues and how to react to them. Topics included fuel economy, fuel-purchasing strategies, the importance of truck maintenance, industry trends, and freight patterns. Employees were also encouraged to use Dart resources such as the "Fuel Discounts" feature on Dart's web site.
"The goal is to provide employees with the information they need to improve their relationships with Dart contractors and help contractors make better business decisions," said Kent Levine, Corporate Trainer. "These seminars are a great way for fleet managers to learn about the industry, and remind them of the resources Dart has available."
Retention Manager leaves Dart to pursue new career
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Mike Griffin (L) says he will miss the people at
Dart the most. |
Kristin Ries, Staff Writer
"People become committed to people." That was a lesson Mike Griffin, Dart Retention Manager, emphasized when he taught others the importance of establishing good working relationships with each other.
Mike started working at Dart's Eagan Operating Center five and a half years ago as a Safety Advisor. Before that, he worked for a less-than-truckload carrier and a bus company for six years.
"I saw the opportunity to work for a large truckload carrier that shipped nationwide," Mike recalls. "Dart, of course, has a very good reputation in the industry so when I saw the ad for a Safety Advisor in the paper, I knew that's where I wanted to work."
Two years after he was hired as a Safety Advisor, Mike was promoted to Retention Analyst and then promoted to Retention Manager in 2007. "In each of my positions I enjoyed learning and working through new things every day. There was never a dull moment – that's for sure!"
Mike says the number-one thing he likes about Dart is the people. "Those on both sides of the fence – in the trucks and in the office. The Retention positions especially exposed me to almost every aspect of Dart's business and I worked closely with people on every level of the corporate structure. The Orens have a very special company based around its people." According to Mike, that explains why so many contractors and employees have been with the company a long time.
In April, Mike announced he would be leaving Dart to start his own business in another industry. "I made so many good friends during my time at Dart," he says. "I will miss everybody very much."
But Mike says he loves Dart and its people too much to leave for good. "It's not going to be that easy to get rid of me," he says. "I will keep in touch with many people after I leave. The only thing that could take me away from Dart is the opportunity I now have to start my own company. If I don't try I'll never know what could have been."
Get your money faster!
Scan settlement paperwork from inside your truck
Dart contractors: don't you wish you could scan settlement paperwork whenever and wherever you want? Now you can!
Forget waiting until you get to the next truck stop. If you have a laptop computer with wireless Internet connection and a scanner you can scan your paperwork and send it directly to Dart from your truck, the customer, your house, or wherever you are (as long as you get an Internet connection)!
All you have to do is download Flying J's program from Dart's web site. It's easy! Go to www.dart.net, click on the "Driving" menu at the top of the page. Select "E-Driver On-line Services" from the drop-down menu and before logging in to E-Driver there are three options on the screen. Click on "Flying J Scanning Program." Then scan your documents and send them to Dart from anywhere you have an Internet connection.
You can scan documents 24 hours, seven days a week, but settlements are only available 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.
What are you waiting for? Get your money even faster with in-cab scanning!
* In-cab scanning is just one of Dart's settlement options. You can also use SCAN & GOSM at Flying J Service Centers and TripPakSM next day settlement. Dart has SCAN & GOSM at its Eagan and Houston locations. And remember: you can stop by the Settlements Departments in Eagan, Dallas, Sellersburg and McCook to settle in person.
Pro Stop monthly special
Stop by the nearest Pro Stop Truck Service, Inc. to take advantage of the monthly special for Dart contractors. This month, Pro Stop offers $5 off each new battery purchased.
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!
Atlanta, Georgia
770-904-4717
Dallas, Texas
972-274-8709
Denver, Colorado
1-800-366-9000 x1963
720-979-8180
Houston, Texas
713-671-9785
Kansas City, Missouri
816-241-4693
Mpls./St. Paul, Minnesota
651-452-8137
Sellersburg, Indiana
812-246-3742
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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