May 2008 Edition
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CCJ featured Dart on the cover of its April 2008 issue.
From L to R: Dan Oren, Vice President, Dave Oren,
President, and Gary Volkman, Vice President of Safety. |
Dart named "Innovator of the Year"
CCJ recognizes Dart for "breakthrough" HOS proposal
CCJ Magazine has named Dart Transit Company its 2007 "Innovator of the Year."
Throughout the year, editors at the Commercial Carrier Journal (CCJ) recognize innovators for finding innovative ways to overcome trucking challenges. One innovator is then chosen and recognized as Innovator of the Year.
CCJ recognized Dart as an innovator late last year and selected Dart as 2007 Innovator of the Year for applying for an exemption from the current Hours of Service Rules to test a new way to reduce truck driver fatigue. Avery Vise, CCJ Editor, sees the proposal as one of the most important innovations in the trucking industry in many years. No one else, he says has taken the initiative to resolve the current conflict over rules governing truck driver hours of service.
Dart's proposal is a breakthrough, according to Vise, in that it brings science into how to reduce driver fatigue. It provides better documentation, and more control by the driver to rest when needed. The proposal also has the potential to improve driver productivity and reduce highway congestion, although these two benefits are not the purpose of the exemption request.
The Innovator of the Year award was presented at the 3rd Annual CCJ Innovators Summit held January 31 through February 1 at Hawk's Cay Resort in Duck Key Florida. Accepting the award on Dart's behalf were Dan Oren, Vice President of Advantage Management Corporation, and Gary Volkman, Dart's Vice President of Safety.
About Dart's HOS exemption application
In June 2007, Dart applied for an exemption from current Hours of Service Rules. Existing rules allow 11 hours of driving time and 14 hours maximum on-duty time per day, and the clock cannot be stopped once drivers start their workdays.
If approved, the exemption would allow Dart to use a fatigue management process designed by sleep scientists and permit professional truck drivers more flexibility in how and when they obtain their rest.
Under the terms of Dart's proposal, a driver would be exempt from the 14-hour clock and split-rest limits, but all other rules – 10 hours minimum daily rest, maximum 14 hours on-duty per 24 hours, 11 hours driving per day and 70 hours per eight days – would still apply.
That means a driver can stop the clock on their logbook and break up their driving time with rest periods. In exchange for that flexibility, it would require at least six hours of uninterrupted rest during the night (between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m.), with electronic logging (EOBR) and a fatigue-tracking algorithm to replace paper logs for documentation of the driver activity.
According to Volkman, the added flexibility as to when a driver can use his/her daily 11 hours of driving time would benefit public safety in several ways.
- Allows truck drivers more flexibility to rest when they feel the need to rest
- Promotes safety more effectively than current rules
- Would be more effective in combating fatigue than simply cutting back driving time, as proposed by critics of the current system
- Encourages more productive use of driving time
- Assures sleep during the night when the human body is programmed to sleep
- Has the potential to reduce highway congestion during rush hour traffic by allowing drivers the option to rest instead of driving in rush hour traffic
If granted, the two-year exemption would allow up to 200 owner operators in Dart's fleet to volunteer for the study. Fatigue management software designed by CIRCADIANTM would be used to analyze each participating driver's daily fatigue level, and would require a driver to rest when the analysis indicated the need. All of the participants and their fleet managers would receive education on fatigue and sleep management.
The exemption request has passed the public comment period, which ended January 23. Most comments have been heavily supportive. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is now reviewing the request. For a copy of the notice and other documents, go to www.regulations.gov and search FMCSA-2007-0056.
Dart brings home the gold
Frito-Lay awards Dart for excellent service
Frito-Lay awarded Dart Transit Company its Gold Service Award for 2007.
The award was presented on March 5 at Frito-Lay's Carrier Awards Banquet in Frisco, Texas. Present to accept the award were Steve Huckabee, Dart Vice President of National Accounts, and Remica Cox, Dart National Account Specialist, Dallas.
Criteria for the award includes meeting at least a 97.5% on time service, proactive problem solving, open communication, no declined cargo claims, 100% commitment to awarded lanes, and the completion of a customer satisfaction survey.
Congratulations to all Dart contractors and employees who made this award possible!
"Keys to Profitability and Success"
New information session helps owner operators improve business
The trucking industry has changed over the years, especially recently. Independent contractors and service providers in this industry must therefore change too. Here at Dart, we strive to help owner operators succeed and inform them of changes within the industry and at Dart.
That's why Dart now offers "Keys to Profitability and Success," an information session to help owner operators, like yourself, improve their business. Keys to Profitability and Success will give you an inside look into resources such as the Advantage® Fuel Network, industry freight patterns, and how to use them to your benefit.
The session is a great way to learn something new or stay on track with industry trends. Sound like something you're interested in? Keys to Profitability and Success is open to anyone who wants to attend, so feel free to stop by!
Sessions will be held every Friday from 11:30 to 12:30 (after the Ethics and Techniques for the Professional driver session). Matt Doth, Sr. 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 at Dart's Dallas Operating Center in the Contractor Information Session Room. And Bob Tinklepaugh, Safety Advisor, will lead the session at the Pro Stop Service Center in Sellersburg.
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| Matt Doth |
Chaun Burch |
Bob Tinklepaugh |
For more information please contact your Fleet Manager.
Contractors of the Month
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| Karen and Steve Schoonover |
Karen and Steve Schoonover
Fleet Manager: Odyssey Williams
Dallas Operating Center
Kristin Ries, Staff Writer
Steve Schoonover is no stranger to Dart. He has contracted with Dart for 10 years and has accumulated more than a million accident-free Dart miles. He even attended Dart's Contractor Appreciation celebrations before contracting with Dart.
Steve has been in the trucking industry nearly 40 years. He was working in a machine shop when he and his wife, Karen, found out they were going to have a baby. Karen's friend's husband worked at a trucking company in El Paso so Steve started driving part-time for extra income.
In 1995, Steve went to Dart's Dallas Operating Center's Contractor Appreciation celebration with a friend who was contracted with Dart. For two more years after that Steve attended Dart's annual event, making friends with Dart contractors and employees. Finally, "Joyce (Joyce Jordan, Chief Operating Officer at Dallas and Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing) just about twisted my arm," Steve said. And he contracted with Dart.
"Scooby," he said was the nickname Joyce gave him. "That's all she ever called me." Now everyone in Dart's Dallas Operating Center knows Steve by that name.
Steve contracts with Dart for several reasons: "You can do about anything you want with Dart. You can change dispatchers, you can change where you run, and I like how they do the pay. I usually settle once a week, but if I wanted to I could get paid every day. Dart offers you the tools if you want to make money."
Two years after Steve contracted with Dart, Karen came on as his co-driver. The couple alternates driving – Steve during the day and Karen at night. They have a National contract, but for the past three years have been hauling loads exclusively for one shipper.
Their route consists of picking up office supplies in Grand Prairie, Texas, delivering them to a distribution center in Springdale, Arkansas, and then heading back to Grand Prairie to do it again. Since they live in Texas, Karen and Steve are able to go home every day. That means they get to spend more time with their daughter Rhonda and their grandsons.
In February 2002 Karen and Steve were named Dart Contractors of the Month, and that same year were recognized as Dart Contractors of the Year. "We've done real good with Dart," Steve said. "It's a big honor to be Contractors of the Month."
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| James Tuttle |
James Tuttle
Fleet Manager: Jenny Meyer
Eagan Operating Center
Kristin Ries, Staff Writer
When James Tuttle isn't traveling the country in his 2000 Kenworth you might find him fishing 80 miles off the New Jersey coast in a 42-foot boat.
James jokes he has been driving trucks "since he could stand up." His dad taught him 37 years ago. His father also preached: "If you work, you have to enjoy what you're doing."
Trucking seemed the perfect fit for James. "I enjoy traveling. My mom used to tie me to a tree because I was always moving around. She called me the wanderer," he laughed. "I like the freedom and independence out on the road. If I didn't like it I wouldn't have been in it this long."
In 2001 James contracted with Dart. He chose to operate with a Dart National contract. "My father always told me if you're a truck driver you go where the freight goes," he said. "Dart is flexible and makes it easy for me do that."
James said his Fleet Manager Jenny Meyer plays a role in his success. "Jenny keeps me moving," he said. "I'm glad to have her. It takes a team. She's really good."
James also admitted, "It takes a special kind of person to be a truck driver. It's not just about sitting in the seat driving a truck. You are driving 80,000 pounds of equipment. You have to be responsible."
That's why he thinks it is important that professional drivers participate in a good safety program. "Dart's safety program is one of the best in the industry," James said. "It is really phenomenal." This year James will receive Dart's 7 Year Safety Award and enter Dart's Hall of Fame.
James lives in New Jersey with his wife Jacqueline, son James, daughter Jamie Lynn, and two grandsons James Jr. and Randy. He chooses to work for about a month and then stays home for a week. "The kids are grown and out of the house," he said. "You do whatever works for you."
When he's home he looks forward to spending time with his grandsons. "We hang out in back," James said. "I have a swimming pool so they look forward to that in the summer."
Since they live near the ocean, James also has plenty of time to fish. "When I'm on my way home I call my friend Rick to see if he's taking the boat out. I love to fish. I love the sea."
Truck in the shop? Keep moving!
NEW! Temporary truck program at Highway Sales
Bonnie Marshall, Highway Sales, Inc. Sales and Lease Coordinator
Truck down and you want to run?
Highway Sales, Inc. has the solution for you. Highway Sales has a temporary tractor program that is available to Dart contractors.
If your tractor is going to be down for a mechanical reason or for accident repairs, contact Highway Sales for a temporary tractor. The temporaries are located at Pro Stop Truck Service Inc. in Buford, Eagan, Houston, Lancaster, and Sellersburg. There is a nominal fee and a contract to sign to use one.
So next time your tractor is down, call Bonnie Marshall at Highway Sales, at 800-366-9910, to keep on moving.
Dallas enforces new idling restriction
From April 1 through October, truckers in Dallas, Texas, are limited to five minutes of idling. Violations will result in fines up to $500.
Use of idling reduction technology such as APU's, heaters and electrification are permitted.
Foundation scholarship
For member company contractors, employees and dependents
Dart Transit Company is a member of the TMTA. Reprinted with permission from the Texas Motor Transportation Foundation.
Drivers, dockworkers, mechanics, and office personnel – they are among the thousands of people each day who contribute to a strong, efficient motor transportation industry in Texas.
Many of these workers are or have dependents who are pursuing studies toward a higher education. The Texas Motor Transportation Foundation would like to help some of these students in their efforts by providing scholarships to Texas Motor Transportation Association (TMTA) company member employees or their dependents.
Scholarship recipients will be selected on the basis of their academic achievement, community involvement and financial need. The Foundation will provide financial assistance for college and trade school students. Scholarships may be used to meet such expenses as tuition, books, and housing.
The TMTA Foundation is a non-profit educational, public relations, research and community service organization created by the Texas Motor Transportation Association to promote the truck and bus industry to the people of Texas. TMTA represents more than 1,200 truck lines and allied industries operating in Texas.
Eligibility
Applicants must be high school graduates or seniors, and they must be an employee, contractor, or a dependent of someone employed by a company with membership in the Texas Motor Transportation Association.
Application
A student seeking a scholarship should complete an application form and send it to the TMTA Foundation along with a recent black and white photograph, a certified copy of your transcript, one to three letters of recommendation and an accompanying letter of intent. This letter should include information on current and planned studies, career goals, interests, and the reason for applying for the scholarship.
Selection
Scholarship recipients will be chosen by the Board of Trustees of the Texas Motor Transportation Foundation and the scholarship funds will be sent directly to the recipient's school. The Board of Trustees comprise 15 members, at least three of whom are public trustees outside the motor transportation industry.
Deadline for applying
Applications must be received by the close of business on Monday, June 16, 2008 for scholarships to be awarded for the 2008-2009 Academic Year.
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377 people experienced Dart's Safety
AdVANtage Simulator at MATS. |
Mid-America Trucking Show
Full force
Sandy Alcala-Villagran, Fleet Services Administrative Assistant, Dallas
Louisville, KY - March 31, 2008 – The Mid-America Trucking Show is the largest annual heavy-duty trucking industry event in the world. The show attracts more than 1,000 exhibiting companies and approximately 75,000 attendees each year. To be a part of such a huge event is definitely rewarding.
The Dart Transit Company Safety AdVANtage Simulator is well on its way for 2008. This is the simulator's third year in the Mid-America Trucking Show, and its first major public appearance in 2008. At Mid-America the simulator attracts all types of audiences. Whether you're a CDL driver, spouse of a CDL driver, child with a dream of becoming a CDL driver or a curious individual wanting to know what trucking is all about, you can experience it all in the simulator.
When you're part of such a huge event you have many opportunities to network and meet interesting people that are all a part of the same thing. When it comes down to it, it's all so exciting. Ask Darin Heinemeyer, Director of Fleet Services at Dart's Eagan Operating Center, who coordinated Dart's exhibit with Jill Whitaker, Senior Fleet Services Coordinator, Sellersburg.
"The Mid-America Trucking Show is, hands down, the biggest event in transportation," Darin said. "It would be impossible not to get excited about marketing your company at a venue as big as MATS. And when Dart has as large of a presence as we do there – it's like the spotlight is on us. It's game on."
What did Darin think about the overall show? "It's well run, there are a great variety of exhibitors to attract attendees, it is well marketed, there is great foot traffic, it grows every year, it has a great geographic location, and it caters well to both attendees and exhibitors."
"Other shows don't compare in size. However they are similar in other respects (geared toward truck drivers but offer good recruitment opportunities for carriers, sales opportunities for OEMs and offer a wide range of trucking products on display). New technology in trucking is the biggest change I've noticed in these shows over the years."
With the help of our recruiters and management we all had great feedback about the industry. Being a part of that is what it's all about!
Thank you to Jill Whitaker and Darin Heinemeyer for all of their hard work in coordinating the event. As we all know it takes a lot of organized dedication to bring it all together and to make it a success.
In the end we had a great show. We worked all three days and 377 people experienced the Safety Challenge in the simulator. The Mid-America Trucking Show is always a good turn out for the simulator! We're looking forward to MATS 2009.
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One of the best-kept secrets . . .
The Loaner Hood Program
Jim Redmon, RPM Truck and Trailer Repair LLC Owner
Have you ever had tractor hood damage and had to wait while it was repaired? Good news – now you don't have to! Thanks to the Loaner Hood Program.
What is the Loaner Hood Program?
RPM Truck and Trailer Repair LLC has an inventory of truck hoods available for Dart Transit Company contractors and Dartco, Inc. drivers. If your hood is damaged and needs to be repaired bring it to RPM. Instead of waiting and not running while your hood is repaired, RPM will remove your old hood, install a "loaner" hood and let you roll while your hood is being repaired.
How does it work?
If you have hood damage contact your Fleet Manager to let them know of the situation. You can then be routed to RPM for a hood swap if you so desire. RPM will replace your hood with the loaner hood, and you will be back on the road. Meanwhile, your hood will be repaired and you and your Fleet Manager will be informed when the hood is ready. Your Fleet Manager will coordinate with you when to return to RPM to swap the loaner hood with your hood.
What are the advantages?
Less downtime! Downtime is very costly for everyone in the trucking business, particularly independent contractors since their daily costs don't stop when their truck is down. The total downtime of this operation is six to eight hours (three to four hours to remove the hood and replace it with a loaner hood, and three to four hours to remove the loaner hood and replace it with your old hood).
Who benefits?
You! The loaner hood program allows you to continue running during what would normally be a stressful situation. You have more control over your downtime!
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New at the Pro Shop!
Wildlife hats for the outdoor enthusiast
Edie Davidson, Pro Shop Specialist
Just in time for summer – this new series of hats features very detailed wildlife embroidery for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.
The first series available at the Pro Shop is a faded navy blue cap with a large-mouth bass leaping out of the water. Next time you are at the Eagan Operating Center be sure to check them out!
Edie
Become a buddy!
Join Trucker Buddy International
Trucker Buddy International is a nonprofit organization that has helped educate and mentor more than a million schoolchildren by matching them with professional truck driver pen pals.
About Trucker Buddy
Gary King, a former Dart contractor, founded Trucker Buddy in 1992. Gary received permission to write postcards and letters to a class of students in Wisconsin. The students replied to his letters and the teacher decided to integrate the letters into their curriculum.
When other drivers saw King writing postcards and letters, they too wanted their own pen pals. Now you can make learning fun for kids by becoming a Trucker Buddy.
How to apply
If you would like to become a Trucker Buddy, you can log on to www.truckerbuddy.org for more information and to apply on-line. Or you can call 1-800-MY-BUDDY. Any professional driver with a current CDL may apply to become a Trucker Buddy.
Trucker Buddy will then match you with a class of students, and every week you will send a postcard or letter to the class, telling them about your experiences and where you traveled. Each month, the students will write letters back to you.
What are you waiting for? Join Trucker Buddy today!
Rusty trailer sliders?
Dart contractor Dennis Edgington has an easy way to adjust rusty trailer sliders. He buys generic brand cans of cooking spray for about a buck at dollar stores, and sprays the slider before moving them.
He says the cooking spray works like a charm – much better than WD-40 or Liquid Wrench, which evaporate. "It's much cheaper too," he says. A 99¢ can lasts him about 25 uses. Dennis keeps a couple cans in his side box. "Works great on rusted bolts, too," he says.
Don't wait! Schedule maintenance in advance!
Pro Stop Truck Service, Inc. offers monthly specials for Dart contractors. Don't forget to stop in the Pro Stop nearest you to take advantage of these great deals. This month, Pro Stop offers a FREE 5th wheel inspection.
Pro Stop offers complete truck and trailer repair services at seven locations nationwide. There are full-service shops in Lancaster, Texas; Houston, Texas; Eagan, Minnesota; Sellersburg, Indiana; Kansas City, Missouri; Buford, Georgia; and Commerce City, Colorado.
Bring your truck to the Pro Stop nearest you for major mechanical repairs, body and glass repair, air conditioning repair, truck lube, D.O.T. inspections and tires. Pro Stop also offers roadside service through its Vehicle Maintenance department.
Schedule your maintenance in advance with Pro Stop. Log on to www.pro-stop.com for more information.
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Great food is part of Dart's Contractor
Appreciation Day celebrations. |
Contractor Appreciation is just around the corner!
Don't miss out on the fun! Each year, Dart thanks independent contractors for their dedication and commitment by holding Contractor Appreciation events at each location.
Mark your calendars!
Here's the 2008 schedule:
| Eagan |
June 21 |
| Sellersburg |
July 7-11* |
| Dallas |
July 19 |
| Buford |
October 11 |
*Prize drawings and lunch served daily in Sellersburg between noon and 1.
Bring your family and friends. It's fun for everyone!
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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