September 2006 Edition
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Why are Dart contractors Al Beck (L) and Bob Towey smiling? They just helped deliver 1,000 bikes for the MS TRAM Bike Tour which raises money for medical research and programs offered for people living with multiple sclerosis.

2 Dart contractors
And 1,000 bikes closer to a cure

Kristin Ries, Staff Reporter
In late July, Dart contractors Al Beck and Bob Towey weren't just helping transport 1,000 bicycles for the participants in a bike-a-thon; they were also delivering hope to more than 7,500 people living with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Each year, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society coordinates three bike tours to raise money for people living with MS in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. The final of the three events, the MS TRAM Bike Tour, is a five-day bike-a-thon that takes participants on a scenic route from La Crescent to Rosemount, Minnesota.

Since the route is long, the participants meet at the finish line and trucks with trailers transport their bikes to the starting point.

That's where Al and Bob come in. For the past four years, they have helped by transporting the bicycles. This year, the event was held during the week of July 23-28.

Before the bike-a-thon began, Al and Bob worked with other volunteers to help load the 1,000 bikes into trailers and delivered them to the starting line, where the cyclists arrived via buses.

Once they arrived at the starting point, Al and Bob helped unload the bikes, and received free T-shirts, lunch and many thank-yous. But these two contractors weren't looking for something in return for their work.

"I lived overseas when I was in the military,” Al said. "And there are crippled kids there who can't walk, but they're satisfied with their lives. Then you come back here (to the United States) and no one is ever satisfied, and everyone takes so much for granted. Here, people ask ‘What's in it for me', when they should be asking ‘what can I do for someone else.' I like to give a little back and do a lot for the community. After you help, it's nice to come back and know someone appreciates you.”

Bob's friend Lori found out she had MS about a year ago. But he said that's not why he helps with the bike-a-thon. "I'd do it anyway. I like to help because it's something different,” Bob said. "You get to meet a diverse group of people and they're always excited to see you come.” Both plan on helping again next summer.

Brian Dureault

Contractors of the Month

Brian Dureault - Dallas Operating Center

Cathy Aydelott, Staff Writer
Brian Dureault contracted with Dart in September 2004, and has been in the trucking industry for twelve years.

He was a company driver prior to becoming an independent owner operator and contracting with Dart. He got his truck through Highway Sales, Inc.

I asked why he chose to contract with Dart and he responded, "I talked to at least 40 Dart contractors and did a lot of research before making the decision. It just seemed like the right place to be.”

When asked what his dream vacation would be, he said, "I would like to get my mom to the United States from Manitoba and go to Spain.”

Brian and his wife, Suzanne, have been married for six years. They have three children: Troy (six years), Nicole (four years) and Aimee (two years). Brian lives in Rockwall, Texas, and enjoys spending time with his family, fishing and camping.

John Johnson

John Johnson - Eagan Operating Center

Kristin Ries, Staff Writer
John Johnson loves what he does! And he is successful because he knows how to run his business, and because he believes in giving people a chance.

John contracted with Dart in 1986 and said, "For 20 years I haven't been disappointed. I get excellent miles.”

John says improving his fuel economy is a big part of running a successful business, and advises others to watch their speed. He sets his cruise at 60 mph, and suggests that others get rid of a "heavy foot,” if they have one.

John is a proud husband, father of four, grandfather of six, and great-grandfather of four. So when he contracted with Dart 20 years ago, he was looking for a great place to grow his business on his own terms.

"Dart gives you an opportunity,” John said. "You just have to get to know Dart and give others and yourself a chance. I enjoy what I do. So until it becomes a job, I'll be here with Dart.”
 

It's all about family at Dart

From L to R: Carol Ann Schlussler, Greg Puhrmann, Kelly Lucken, Chris Goetsch, Pat, Herb, and Chad Rauschnot.

Kristin Ries, Staff Reporter
If you were to take a look in one of the Rauschnot family photo albums, you would find four generations that have contracted with Dart. And it all started with one man.

When Herb Rauschnot came to Dart nearly half a century ago, little did he know what (and who) would follow.

"When I found out about Dart I was on my own traveling around the country, trip leasing to anybody,” Herb recalled. "I was sitting down in St. Louis on a Saturday and couldn't get a load. And a guy said, ‘Why don't you call Earl Oren, up in St. Paul. He hauls glass out of Illinois.'” That was in the late 1950's.

Well, Herb's enthusiasm for Dart must have been contagious because after that first load, a long line of family followed Herb to Dart including his father, three brothers, a son, two nephews, his wife Pat, Pat's sister Carol Ann, Pat's son, Pat's daughter Kelly and her boyfriend Greg, and one of Greg's uncles. Pat and Carol Ann's nephew, Chris, is a mechanic for Safety Lane, Inc., which repairs trailers for Dart. One of Carol Ann's sons also used to work there.

Herb's long business relationship with Dart has been filled with success. He has racked up more than four million miles with Dart, was Dart's 1989 Contractor of the Year and Overdrive Trucker of the Year in 1992. He was also the Truckload Carriers Association's (TCA) Independent Contractor of the Year in 1997 for which he received a brand-new 2000 International. He passed the keys along to his wife Pat Rauschnot, who now drives the prize.

Pat has contracted with Dart since 1984 and has accumulated nearly three million miles with Dart.

Pat and Herb enjoy each other's company on the road. But Pat has more than Herb on the road with her. Her sister Carol Ann Schlussler contracted with Dart nearly 20 years ago.

The two sisters started out when there weren't many women driving. But both have become very successful with Dart. Carol Ann was named TCA's 2002 Independent Contractor of the Year, and Pat placed second in the contest in 2001.

"When I first started with Dart, my husband was very sick,” Carol Ann said. After his death, Carol Ann received support from her family and Dart. Despite her tough times, Carol Ann now has 44 reasons to smile. She succeeded in raising five children who have produced 11 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren whom she loves and takes pride in more than anything.

Both Pat and Carol Ann are more than mothers; they are also role models. Pat's daughter Kelly Lucken feels lucky to have two inspiring women in trucking to look up to. Kelly and her boyfriend Greg Puhrmann both contracted with Dart about a year ago.

Herb's nephew Chad Rauschnot also contracted with Dart about a year ago. Growing up, Chad had a grandfather, two uncles and a father to learn from. He remembers sitting in his dad's truck when he was only five years old.

Although Pat and Carol Ann's nephew, Chris Goetsch, is the only family member in the trailer shop, he has enough family members who operate trucks to make up for it. Chris has been a mechanic at Safety Lane, Inc. for more than a decade.

"Dart is like family to us,” Pat said. "Coming in to Dart's office and attending Contractor Appreciation Day picnics are like family reunions.”

So what does Herb have to say about all this? "If I knew what it would lead to I would've kept my mouth shut,” Herb chuckled. But after almost 5 decades, Herb and his family are still finding happiness and success with Dart.