A recent article in Heavy Duty Trucking states that a truck traveling at 75 mph costs 10% more to operate than a truck traveling 65 mph. When we speed, trucks use more fuel, brakes burn up sooner, tires wear down faster, and suspensions need work more often. We should also consider other costs, such as speeding citations. Three state legislatures are considering bills that increase the fines to Commercial Drivers for speeding. Missouri is proposing a $1,000 fine for truckers caught driving 76 mph or faster. South Carolina has a bill that would increase fines by $500 to $1,000 for truckers who drive over the 70 mph maximum speed limit.

Those are direct costs for speeding. How about the cost to society? Consider that most states that raised speed limits in 1996 have seen an increase in fatal crashes.

Some drivers speed because they think they gain hours. In reality, they penalize themselves. Speed increases operation expenses. Speed costs lives. No one in the trucking industry can afford to speed!

Obey the speed limit. It's the professional -- and profitable -- thing to do.

Fast thinking heroism has resulted in recognition from a major tire company for one of Dart's independent contractors. Continental General Tire awarded Richard Klaes its "1998 Driver Safety and Service Award" with a $250 U.S. Savings Bond and a plaque for his role in saving the life of Dart contractor Francis Vaughn.

Cliff Armstrong, manager of the marketing and sales operations in Continental's Commercial Division said in a letter, "Please accept this plaque and savings bond as a token of our gratitude for your accomplishments. The trucking industry needs more individuals like you. Please hang this plaque with pride."

Mrs. Vaughn and her husband, Bob, arrived at the Eagan terminal on the morning of September 19, 1998 and proceeded to the dispatch desk for an outbound load. She collapsed without warning while talking to dispatcher Kerry Olson.

Klaes and John Zetty, another Dart contractor, were in the lounge and responded with immediate CPR. Klaes performed heart massage while Zetty performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Olson called 911 for emergency assistance while the two continued CPR. Mrs. Vaughn revived and later received bypass surgery at a St. Paul hospital. She is now doing fine.

Think of Highway Sales when you think of a successful lease-purchase program. Highway Sales has a program that moves drivers without financial resources into truck ownership. On March 23, Dart contractor, Gary Wilson,obtained a free and clear title to his 1993 International. The title transfer was a landmark transaction as the 1,000th tractor purchased through a Highway Sales lease-purchase agreement.

The purchase was the fourth for Wilson through Highway Sales. He leased his first truck in 1984, and went on to lease and purchase three more for himself and his son Richard Clemens. Highway Sales' lease-to-buy program is designed with financing and upgrade options, while allowing drivers to get into their own truck with little or no money down. The standard lease is for three years. The buyer then has the option to buy the truck with guaranteed financing or upgrade by leasing a new truck. Wilson used his buyout finance option to own his tractor free and clear after five years. Since its beginning in 1984, a growing number of aspiring owner operators have turned to Highway Sales as the avenue to truck ownership. Highway Sales' offerings include new and used trucks. Some are late model used trucks from other carriers. Most come with zero-down leases and purchase options. The trucks, in turn, are contracted with Dart and Fleetline.

At the end of the typical three year lease, the driver can opt for another "zero-down" lease on a new truck, or exercise a buyout option with guaranteed financing. The buyout prices are attractive, enabling many to buyout their trucks and immediately use their equity to trade for a new truck at a dealership. Others, like Wilson, simply finance the truck for a one year term and own the truck free and clear after four years. Gary Wilson's 1993 International was the 1,000 truck to graduate from the program through the buyout option.

In 1995, Highway Sales also began offering trucks for sale without a lease option with conventional financing terms. By working with participating dealerships and financing companies, Highway Sales has sold more than 600 trucks with conventional financing, in addition to the 1,000 trucks sold through lease-purchase options. The sales volumnes are impressive, rivaling or exceeding most dealerships in the country.

Our objective at Highway Sales is to open the door of opportunity for truck drivers who want to become independent contractors. The idea for Highway Sales came from Don Oren, President of Dart and Fleetline, who admires the independent attitudes and entrepreneurial spirit of independent contractors. As president of companies that operate completely with independent contractors and independent fleets, he wanted to offer company drivers the opportunity of self-employment. That's why our lease-purchase program requires no money down. Many hard working, well-qualified individuals couldn't come up with the cash down payment to buy equipment. Back in 1985, Leon Witconis, the editor of Owner Operator Magazine , called our program a lease-purchase program like no other. That was true then, and it's still true now.

Highway Sales' programs are sweat equity programs. If your are willing to work hard but don't have any money and can't qualify for credit, we'll give you a chance. I think it's important to note that we've now reached the 1,000 truck marker. Remember, though, that we're not really talking about 1,000 trucks. We are talking about people who grabbed an opportunity, worked hard, and succeeded. I was very pleased when the 1,000th truck was Gary Wilson's because he is a good example of our program, and he is an exceptional contractor. Gary has used the lease and purchase process to buy four trucks for himself and his son. He was in our very first group. Fifteen years later, he's still a customer. That loyalty means a lot to me, and Gary will tell you that the support he gets from the folks at Highway Sales and Dart has helped him succeed. Contractors at Fleetline will tell you the same thing.

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) recently recognized Fleetline contractor Jerry Mitchell as a Highway Angel for heroic and quick actions that saved lives and property at the scene of a serious accident.

As Mitchell passed an RV in Van, Texas, he saw one of the vehicle's propane tanks explode, igniting the vehicle. Mitchell stopped his truck, grabbed his fire extinguisher, and helped get the three occupants -- a husband, wife, and daughter -- out of the vehicle. The man and his daughter were engulfed in flames, and Mitchell extinguished the flames and administered first aid before paramedics arrived. He then noticed that the burning vehicle had started a brush fire in an adjacent field. Mitchell and another truck driver held the fire at bay until the fire department arrived.

Asked why he risked his life for others, Mitchell replied, "I got help myself... when I was in the military, and I want to pass it on." Mitchell served in the U.S. Army for seven years, where he received first aid training. He said he has stopped on many occasions to help other motorists.

Joyce Jordan, Chief Operating Officer at Fleetline said, "We at Fleetline are very proud of all the business people who haul our freight, but Mr. Mitchell's selfless actions deserve special recognition."

Have you ever witnessed Road Rage? How often does it really happen? Should you worry about becoming a victim of someone else's Road Rage? A recent survey revealed that Road Rage is a leading concern of professional truck drivers. Their concern stands to reason, because truck drivers, with their large, slower moving vehicles, are inviting targets for angry, time stressed motorists.

The Minnesota Trucking Association joined forces with AAA of Iowa to host a one day seminar on the subject on April 29. Entitled the "Road Rage Summit", the seminar attracted a wide variety of participants, including a psychologist from the University of Wisconsin, a judge from Hennepin County (Minnesota), the Hennepin County Attorney, an official from the Utah Highway Patrol, and the Metro District Commander of the Minnesota State Patrol. Road Rage grabs headlines when an irate driver pulls out a .44 and blows away another motorist, or a driver grabs a tire iron to administer a lesson on driving etiquette. Road Rage is a criminal offense -- an assault with a vehicle or a physical confrontation that results from driving behavior.

Despite its high profile, Road Rage is actually fairly rare. Aggressive driving is much more common -- inconsiderate and in-your-face driving that can easily lead to Road Rage. As a professional driver, you see this kind of behavior all the time: tailgating, frequent and unnecessary lane changes, running red lights, excessive speeding. Other driving behaviors that can provoke Road Rage include inattentive driving -- eating, reading, drinking, primping, driving too slowly, or blocking a lane. These irritating actions can provoke another driver into assaultive behavior.

What Can You Do About Road Rage?

• First and most important -- don't fall victim to rage within yourself. When another driver irritates YOU, calm down, and lay back. Don't become a Road "Rager." Remember: Your number one job is protecting the motoring public with your driving skill and cool head.
• Drive considerately. This is quickly becoming an out of fashion driving technique, but it is the best and most professional driving technique you can use to avoid becoming the object of Road Rage.
• Don't drive aggressively. Weaving a truck through traffic, tailgating, and driving too fast is very intimidating to other motorists because of a truck's sheer size.
• If you end up on the receiving end of an aggressive or assaultive driver, back out of the situation. Give the guy room.
• Don't be afraid to use the CB to ask the police for help.

Add Road Rage to the list of road hazards you face. As a professional driver, you must be prepared to act responsibly to protect yourself and the motoring public.

One and a half years after being named 1997 Independent Contractor of the Year by the Truckload Carriers Association, Herb Rauschnot accepted the keys to his $100,000 prize --  9900 series International tractor. On July 8, officials from Navistar and its North Star International dealership in Minneapolis presented Mr. Rauschnot with a 2000 model year plum colored Eagle. The custom built tractor came equipped with a spacious Pro Sleeper, 550 horse power Cummins engine, Fuller 13 speed transmission, a generator set, Goodyear tires, and nearly every available optional feature.

Also on hand for the ceremony were Dart President, Donald G. Oren, and Herb's wife, Pat Rauschnot. Herb and Pat are both independent contractors with Dart Transit Company. Herb has over 40 years of service with Dart, operating mostly between Chicago and the Twin Cities. The regular run allows him to make frequent stops at his Wisconsin farm, where he raises livestock. Pat, on the other hand, has 15 years with Dart and operates in all 48 states.

After photographs were taken at the tractor presentation, Herb smiled and passed his new truck keys to Pat. He said that she needs the reliability, comfort, and power of the new truck because of her longer length of haul.

The 1998 winner of the Independent Contractor of the Year contest is Jimmy Davidson, a contractor with Fleetline -- Dart's affiliated Texas based carrier. He also will receive a custom built International tractor, with delivery expected about the same time next year in Dallas, Texas.