Essential Charter Bus Tips for Safe and Comfortable Group Travel
Making the right charter bus choices for your group is essential! It is especially easy when you use this convenient guide, created by the United Motorcoach Association, to help you through the selection process. The guide is split into three sections:
- Company Background - essential information on the company that can be used as your initial screening guide.
- Meeting Your Needs - focuses on the specific needs of your group.
- Safety Issues - problem areas usually left untouched... until a problem occurs.
By using the guide, you will have taken steps you assure your group of a safe, comfortable, and satisfying travel experience.
Company Background
TIP 1
Ask how long the company has been in business.
We have been in business since 1978.
TIP 2
Request the company's DOT number.
Our DOT number is 252234.
TIP 3
Ask about their DOT Safety Rating.
We have maintained the highest rating from the beginning. (Click Here for More Info)
TIP 4
Request a Certificate of Insurance.
We will be happy to provide you a copy. Contact us today.
TIP 5
Ask for References.
We will be happy to provide you references.
TIP 6
Inquire about the size of their fleet.
We operate more than 50 Prevost H3-45, as well has several Temsa TS-35 and TS-30 motorcoaches. (Click Here to View our Fleet)
TIP 7
Ask if the Company is available for Inspection.
We welcome current and potential clients to visit our facilities.
TIP 8
Inquire about the Maintenance Program for the buses.
We maintain one of the best Preventative Maintenance programs in the industry.
TIP 9
Determine if the carrier is a full service company.
We can provide you just the bus and driver, the full package, or mix-and-match to meet your needs.
Meeting Your Needs
TIP 10
Clearly spell out your schedule and what is involved in detail.
The more information you provide, the better we can assist you.
TIP 11
Ask if video equipped coaches are available.
All of our equipment is video equipped.
TIP 12
Be a careful shopper. Consider all the facts.
Drivers, Equipment, Service.
TIP 13
Ask who pays for the driver's room.
We are happy to quote the trip either way.
TIP 14
Determine company policy for extra mileage costs above the contracted amount.
We only charge you for what is contracted and extreme overages.
TIP 15
Ask if the coaches have coach-to-coach communication.
All our coaches have two-way radios.
Safety Issues
TIP 16
Ask if the company adheres to Department of Transportation Regulations.
Drivers can only drive 10 hours per day, and can only be on-duty for 15 hours per day. We strictly abide by DOT Regulations.
TIP 17
Inquire about the company's procedures for on-the-road emergencies.
We have 24-hour On-Call Emergency Staff, as well as the entire management team just a phone call away.
TIP 18
Ask if the Company has a formal Drug & Alcohol Program.
We have a formal program and random drivers are tested throughout each month for your safety.
TIP 19
Request a list of qualified Drivers.
We will be happy to provide you a copy. Contact us today.
Would you like more information on the Tips above?
Ask your sales representative to send you one of our Group Travel Packets.
Holiday Tours Can Provide the Service and Equipment to Serve You
Operating a dependable service business requires organization, competent management and a substantial capital investment.
When reviewing the cost of our service, please remember...
- The driver's knowledge and skill. We hire only professional drivers, plus they are involved in continual driving and safety training.
- The necessary people who train, schedule, and route the coaches and drivers - dispatchers, safety director, on-call personnel and a professional office staff to handle every detail of each trip.
- Sizable investment in a state-of-the-art computerized office, a full-service maintenance facility and top-of-the-line motorcoaches, which represent more than a half million dollar investment per coach for your comfort and safety.
- Quality Control. Our trips are randomly surveyed to ensure the quality of our service, our drivers and our equipment.
- State and National Affiliations, to help assure our customers that they are dealing with a reputable, dependable company. We are active members of: North Carolina Motorcoach Association (NCMA); International Motorcoach Group (IMG); and United Motorcoach Association (UMA).
- Government regulation of new equipment. The Federal Government has imposed many regulations to make the equipment more environmentally friendly. These regulations have caused equipment manufacturers to add numerous sensors and filters that have increased the cost of maintenance. Because we maintain a modern fleet of equipment, costs have risen over the past several years.
