February 2007 Edition
Click here for Back Issues
 |
| Roger Meyer (left) & Tom Tyler |
Tom Tyler drives 4 million miles without accident
The National Safety Council awarded its Four Million Mile Safety Award to Tom Tyler from Dallas, Iowa. The award is given to professional drivers with at least four million miles of accident-free driving.
Tom has driven professionally for 37 years, and has operated his own truck under contract with Dart since 1988. "I've learned an awful lot about safety at Dart," Tom said. "I've been with Roger Meyer, my dispatcher, for years, and he's the best."
"Tom is a very successful independent contractor," said Meyer, Dart Senior Fleet Manager. "He is the ultimate professional. I can always count on him to deliver loads safely and on-time."
"Dart has been really good to me over the years," Tom added. "I've had sicknesses that have taken me off the road for a couple months at a time, and Dart has always worked with me to make it easy to come back. Other companies aren't like that."
 |
| Anita Robertson |
Real women drive trucks
Some women find a career in the trucking industry because of their dad, brother, husband, or boyfriend. Anita Robertson became a truck driver because of her mother.
Kristin Ries, Staff Reporter
Why did you start in the trucking industry?
Anita: My mother is a truck driver. She's been driving as a team with my step-dad for more than ten years. I first started driving seven years ago. My first truck was a bright red 1997 FLD Freightliner that I drove for my mom and step-dad.
Why did you contract with Dart?
We talked with Mike (one of Dart's recruiters) at a truck show. I wanted to become an owner operator and have the freedom to do what I want to do.
Now that you're an owner operator, what do you enjoy the most?
I love it! I can't see myself going back to being a company driver. There are times when I think about having a nine to five job, but I love the freedom of being an owner operator. I don't have anybody looking over my shoulder. No one's telling me what to do.
What qualities do you think someone needs in order to succeed as an owner operator?
You have to be dependable and honest. You have to be dedicated, because it's not something you can come into and just quit tomorrow. And you have to be respectful to the people you deliver to, pick-up loads from, and your fleet managers.
Would you like to see the number of women owner operators increase?
I would. But it's not for everybody. It's hard being out on the road and not with your family.
What was it like when you first started driving, being a mother?
I missed seeing my family at first, but my boys told me, "Mom, do whatever makes you happy." I've taken both my sons, Dale and Dustin, out with me in the truck. And I took my niece. We stayed out for a week. She was really excited to go to New York, and all she pictured was yellow taxicabs. Of course they were all white. When we got back she wrote a report on it for school.
Has it been difficult being a woman in the industry?
Other than being scared one time, I've gotten nothing but respect. It's all in how you carry yourself. And it helps when people are nice and courteous. Women look at personality more.
How has Dart helped?
When I walk into Dart, people treat me like family. It's comfortable – not threatening.
Did you ever picture yourself where you are today?
When I was little, me, my boyfriend and some of our friends said we were going to run away from home, hide in a trailer, and learn how to drive a truck. Other than that, I always thought I would be a mother, and be married the rest of my life. But I don't regret any of it. I love what I do.
Do you think you are successful?
I think success is being happy. And I am happy. I'm doing what I want to do.
Is there anyone who has made a difference or helped you get to where you are today?
My mom. She always told me, "Whatever decision you make, I'll stand behind you.
Contractors of the Month
 |
| Dana Ellefson |
Dana Ellefson - Eagan Operating Center
Kristin Ries, Staff Writer
Home. It's one of the most important things to Dana Ellefson.
Dana has had a dedicated contract for 10 years now, and enjoys getting home almost every night. He lives in Zumbrota, Minnesota with his wife Karen and three children Joel, Jamie, and Whitney. During the summer he takes his family golfing and looks forward to just spending time with them.
Dana has been in the trucking industry for more than 20 years, and has contracted with Dart for 12 years. Dana transitioned from being a company driver to an owner operator when he came to Dart and bought his first truck, a 1986 Peterbilt.
Now, Dana owns a 1999 Kenworth and loves the freedom of being an owner operator. "I really like being able to do what I want," Dana says. "Compared to punching a time card."
But he said there is more to being an owner operator: "You have to have dedication, and your truck has to be priority."
 |
| Gene Knudson |
Gene Knudson - Eagan Operating Center
Kristin Ries, Staff Writer
As a child, Gene Knudson pictured himself working on his family's farm the rest of his life. But his friend was in trucking, so he decided to give it a try.
Gene was hauling grain in Duluth, Minnesota, when he heard others talking about Dart. So he contracted with Dart in 1990 and leased a 1989 Freightliner through Highway Sales, Inc. He traded it for a 2000 Freightliner, which he now owns and operates for Dart's Georgia Pacific dedicated division.
Since Gene lives in Texas, he gets home every weekend. "Being an owner operator is hard work, but Dart makes it easy," Gene says. "I got a great deal through Highway Sales, and Dart is a wonderful company to work with. They make it easy for me to be successful. I think it's quite an honor to be Contractor of the Month."
 |
| Alan Rollins |
The door is always open
"You just have to step through," says Dart contractor Alan Rollins
Allan Rollins, Dart Contractor
"Hi!" "How are you?" "Can I help you?" That's what I heard when I opened the door at Dart Transit Company. I thought, "Wow, they are really friendly."
I'm Alan Rollins and I signed on with Dart in November 2004. During my first information session I was told that Dart had an open door policy. Well, being somewhat of a renegade and explorer, I decided to put it to the test.
During a break, I stepped through the "door" and got a pleasant surprise. I was greeted by warm, friendly people who were genuinely glad to have me on board. I walked around and introduced myself to many people and got nothing but smiles and warm greetings.
Not one to stop there, I went further, going into the offices of department supervisors. Once again, I got the same warm greetings. No one told me I wasn't allowed to come in.
I thought, "This is cool. But how far can I go?" So I was off to find the "top dog." I found her in short order. Her name is Joyce Jordan. She is a very nice lady and I got that same warm greeting and smile. She took the time to talk to me, tell me a little about the company and welcomed me to Dart.
Well, after all that I thought, "Maybe I've found a home." And you know what? I did.
That was over two years ago, and I don't think I'll be leaving any time soon. Dart has been good to me.
Whenever I go to Dallas, I always stop and see everyone, including Joyce. And I still get that warm friendly greeting. They're the same way in Eagan. And, yes, you can see Dart's President, Dave Oren.
The people at Dart answer all my questions and I get all the help with anything I need.
So my message to you is: If you have anything you want or need, step through the "door" at Dart and you might just find what I did . . . a family.
