Dart Transit Co. has named professional truck driver John Gill as its 2003 Contractor of the Year for its Minnesota Operating Center.

The Contractor of the Year award recognizes his outstanding safety, customer service and business management performance during his years with Dart. Gill has contracted with Dart for 22 years and has driven 2.9 million miles without an accident.
"John is very professional and concerned about customer service," says his fleet manager, Dave Stedman. "John recognizes that we’ve got a job to do together, and his attitude is one of the reasons why he is so successful."
Executive Vice President David Oren presented Gill with a $1,000 check and a marble trophy. "John’s loyalty, professionalism, and outstanding safety on the road are very important to Dart," Oren said. "This recognition is also an expression of our appreciation for all the other professional independent contractors who represent Dart to the public."
Gill has won a number of other awards, including a Two Million Mile Club safety award from the National Safety Council, Dart’s Contractor of the Month award in 1985, Dart’s Hall of Fame Safety Award in 1989 and Dart’s President’s Safety Award in 1992.
Dart Transit is a truckload carrier that operates in all 48 states, and ranks among the nation’s 25 largest truckload companies. Dart operates with 2,200 independent contractors who drive their own trucks. 2004 is Dart’s 70th year in business.