Joyce Jordan, Chief Operating Officer in Dallas and Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing (R), presents Dave Seppala with Dart's Fleet Manager of the Year award at Dart's Dallas Operating Center.	Dave Oren, Dart President (L), presents Rick McCartney with Dart's Fleet Manager of the Year award at Dart's Eagan Operating Center.

Dart Transit Company's 2007 Fleet Managers of the Year are Dave Seppala at the Dallas Operating Center, and Rick McCartney at the Eagan Operating Center.

Dave began working at Dart in 2005 as an intern in the Short Haul Operations Department at Dart's Eagan Operating Center. In April 2007 he moved to the Dallas Operating Center and became a Fleet Manager. Six months later, he accepted a position as a New Contractor Fleet Manager.

"I enjoy being a fleet manager at Dart," Dave said. "Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn more about this complex industry. Not a day goes by that I don't learn something new."

Before working at Dart, Rick worked in the airfreight industry for 20 years. He began working at Dart in 2003 as a Fleet Manager, and was promoted to Senior Fleet Manager in December 2007.

"I find my position in the Operations Department to be challenging and rewarding," Rick said. "Every day brings new opportunities for skill development. And Dart is loaded with valuable, dedicated people, the company's greatest assets. I work with contractors who do a tremendous job providing the quality of service that makes Dart an industry leader."

Fleet Managers of the Year are selected for average mileage per contractor per week, low contractor turnover rate, and active count of contractors.

New name, no change of function

On January 1, two of Dart Transit Company's capacity providers will combine their operations. Major Transport of Indiana, Inc. will combine with Allpoints, Inc., resulting in a single company with a combined capacity of 350 tractors and company drivers.

The capacity will operate under contract with Dart Transit Company, and will also change its name to Dartco, Inc. The transition and new name will simplify the organization and give the company more name recognition.

"We expect day-to-day changes to be minimal," said Gary Volkman, General Manager of Allpoints. "Under Dartco, we will continue to offer equipment and drivers to Dart Transit Company in the same way we do today."

Major's operation between the West Coast and the Midwest will continue as Dartco's Western Division. Allpoints will continue as Dartco's Central Division.

"We will continue operating out of Sellersburg, Indiana; Denver, Colorado; Buford, Georgia; and Eagan, Minnesota," said Tim Watts, Operations Manager of Major Transport. He will be Operations Manager for Dartco's Western Division. Joe Kilgore will be Operations Manager for Dartco's Central Division. "And we do not plan to add trucks to Dartco's fleet in 2008," added Volkman.

"For 74 years, Dart has been a company where owner operators succeed," said David Oren, President of Dart Transit Company. "That won't change. Dartco will remain independent of Dart Transit Company, offering employee drivers a Western and Central operating option."

Dart awards contractors for more than 20 years of safe driving

Dart Transit Company recently awarded Dart contractors Larry Wilson, John Borofka and Juan Rivera with its 20-year safety award – a custom-made scale model of a tractor-trailer cast in pewter.

Dave Oren, Dart President, presented the awards at a ceremony at Dart's Corporate Office in Eagan, Minnesota. "Dart is proud to have Larry, John, and Juan as part of our road team," Mr. Oren said. "During their long professional driving careers they have achieved amazing safety records paralleled by few. They help make our highways safer for everyone."

Dart's award winning professional driver development program includes a yearly driver improvement course, safety advisors, driver performance analysis, and professional recognition.

Bob McAndrew's radiant smile lights up any room, and for good reason. He says a positive attitude contributes to his astonishing safe driving record – and receiving the National Safety Council's most prestigious driver award.

In 2007 Bob received the National Safety Council's Five Million Mile Safety Award for driving more than five million accident-free miles. And in October, the National Safety Council selected him for the council's top award, the "Joseph M. Kaplan Safe Driver of the Year."

So you might be wondering, how does anyone achieve such an amazing safety record? According to Bob, there are several important keys. Bob stays alert to his surroundings at all times, focusing on what is happening well ahead of him on the road. During bad weather he adjusts his driving for conditions, and he keeps his truck well maintained. But his personal secret weapon is being friendly with everyone. Being naturally good natured and cheerful makes it natural for him to be a courteous driver, and keeps him out of many dangerous situations. "You have to be extremely courteous with other vehicles around you," he explains.

He also strongly believes in being prepared. According to McAndrew, having access to Dart's resources makes it much easier to be successful as an owner operator "It makes a big difference to be associated with a company like Dart," he says. "I've been contracted with Dart for 17 years, so I know that I can depend on them, just like they depend on me."

Each year the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) searches for successful independent contractors who best represent the industry and honors them in its Owner Operator of the Year contest.

This year, Dart Transit Company has three finalists in the contest: Billy Smith from Dart's Dallas Operating Center, and John Gill and Melissa Owens from Dart's Eagan Operating Center.

    

Billy contracted with Dart in 1995 and has accumulated four million accident-free miles during his 20-year career in the trucking industry. In 2002, he entered the Dart Hall of Fame for seven years of safe driving.

John has contracted with Dart for 25 years. This year, he received the National Safety Council's Three Million Mile Safety Award for driving more than three million accident-free miles. In 2003 he was Dart Contractor of the Year.

Melissa contracted with Dart in 1996. She was awarded the National Safety Council's Two Million Mile Safety Award this year, and in 2006 she received the Dart President's Safety Award for 10 years of safe driving.

The TCA will select winners based on the operator's ability to run a successful business, operate safely, and enhance the public image of the trucking industry. The top three winners, including the grand prizewinner will fly to The Bahamas in March for the TCA Annual Convention where the winners will be announced and recognized.

Congratulations to the Dart contractors who made it to the final round!

Dart Transit Company recently awarded seven independent contractors with National Safety Council Million Mile Awards. The awards are given to professional drivers who drive one or more million miles without an accident.

Herb Rauschnot was awarded the Four Million Mile Award. Pat Rauschnot received the Three Million Mile Award. Al Beck, Carol Ann Schlussler and Melissa Owens received Two Million Mile Awards. And Ed Mead and Junior Neville received One Million Mile Awards.

Dart President Dave Oren presented the awards at a ceremony at Dart's Corporate Office in Eagan, Minnesota. During the ceremony, he emphasized how difficult it is to achieve so many million miles of safe driving.

"To drive millions of miles takes great expertise and dedication," said Mr. Oren. "These seven individuals demonstrate the highest levels of professionalism every day. Their safety records significantly contribute to the company's reputation as one of America's safest trucking companies."

Dart's award winning professional driver development program includes a yearly driver improvement course, safety advisors, driver performance analysis, and professional recognition.

3PL provider re-brands to gain sharper market identity

On September 14 Advantage Transportation, Inc. will begin doing business as Dart Advantage Logistics. The company is a transportation broker and third party logistics provider based in Eagan, Minnesota.

According to Don Oren, President of Dart Advantage Logistics and chairman of Dart Transit Company, re-branding does not change the company's business focus or practices. "We're the same great group of people and company, providing the same great service. It's just a new name," he said.

Advantage Transportation, Inc. was established in 1996. Since then it has experienced robust growth and operates today with 14 offices nationwide and an extensive network of independent sales agents.

"With new and unproven brokers entering the market, it is important for shippers and carriers to know that we are an established and reputable company," said Rob Gale, General Manager of Dart Advantage Logistics. "With our new name, we are clearly saying that we are part of the Dart network of transportation-related companies."

Dart Advantage Logistics offers a broad range of logistics services including dry van truckload, LTL, expedited, refrigerated, flatbed, tanker, Intermodal, international and freight management. Carriers prefer working with Dart Advantage Logistics because of the company's friendly staff, driver-friendly freight and fair payment practices.

Dart ranks high on Logistics Management's Quest for Quality list

Logistics Management magazine recently awarded Dart its Quest for Quality Award, placing it among the highest ranked companies in the transportation and logistics industry.

Each year, Logistics Management surveys its readers to determine the highest performing companies in the industry. Motor carriers, railroad and intermodal services, ocean carriers, airlines, freight forwarders, and third-party/contract logistics services are ranked according to the survey results.

In the truckload segment, the following criteria were measured (in order of weighted importance): on-time performance, information technology, customer service and equipment and operations.

Dart received an above average score that placed the company sixth on the list of Dry Freight Carriers.

"We are honored to rank among the industry's top carriers," said Dave Oren, Dart President. "This award is a reflection of Dart's commitment to excellence."

United Sugars presented Ted Lundberg, Dart Regional Sales Manager, with its Marketing Executive of the Year award on August 15.

The award was presented at the 7th Annual United Sugars Carrier Partner Meeting in Fargo, North Dakota. "United Sugars would like to honor Ted Lundberg for his outstanding performance and commitment to United Sugars in the area of Sales and Marketing," said Darla Willoughby, United Sugars Business Analyst – Transportation.

Willoughby said Dart has a 99.4 on-time delivery percentage while delivering over 5,000 loads each year. And over the past five years, Dart's volume has grown by over eight percent each year.

"Dart provides capacity when other carriers say none are available, even during hurricane season," Willoughby commented. "Ted and Dart give United Sugars creative solutions, available capacity and exceptional service."

Criteria for the Sales and Marketing Executive of the Year award are:

• 500 or more annual loads
• Customer complaints
• Delivery performance
• Weights
• Invoicing accuracy
• Communication
• Responsiveness of Operations and Sales
• Innovativeness and ingenuity
• And professionalism of staff.

Dart Transit Company announces its 2006 Contractors of the Year: Juan Garcia at the Dallas Operating Center and Jerry Miller at the Eagan Operating Center. Dart Contractors of the Year are selected from its Contractors of the Month and are recognized at receptions held in their honor.






Juan Garcia has been driving over-the-road for 12 years and operates in Dart's Super South Region. "I am happy to be working with Dart," Garcia said at the Contractor of the Year ceremony in Dallas. "I appreciate all that everyone does and how the Dart team offers continuous support for me and other contractors."












Jerry Miller contracted with Dart in 1988. He and his wife Laurie operate a 2002 Kenworth with a Target National Dedicated contract. Together, they have accumulated nearly four million accident-free miles. "At Dart it's more about personal relationships," Miller said. "Everybody seems concerned about you. And it's really family-oriented. Dart's been real good to us. They really have."







As Contractors of the Year, Garcia and Miller each received a marble trophy, a $1,000 bonus check and personalized leather jacket.

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