Making the right choice for your group is essential! It
is especially easy when you use this convenient guide 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..." - probes 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. Find out when the
company was established, and how long it has been offering charter coach
service. A long track record is generally desirable.
Tip #2)
Request the company's DOT number. A DOT (Department of Transportation)
number is assigned by the US Government and is required to operate legally. The
DOT number can be used to check the carrier's safety rating (See Tip #3).
Tip #3) Ask about their DOT Safety Rating. The US Department of
Transportation (DOT) issues safety ratings based on the company's accident
record and adherence to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. The highest
possible rating is Satisfactory. Other ratings include Conditional, Not Rated,
or Unsatisfactory. You can verify safety ratings by calling the DOT Safety
Hotline at (704) 280-4001. Never charter from a company with an unsatisfactory
rating.
Tip #4) Request a Certificate of Insurance. Your
carrier should supply a Certificate of Insurance. This certificate shows the
carrier's levels of insurance and effective policy dates. Minimum levels of
insurance call for $5 million combined, single-limit liability coverage.
Tip #5) Ask for references. Request and contact references from
similar type groups traveling on similar type programs. Never charter from a
company unwilling to provide references.
Tip #6) Inquire about the
size of their fleet. Overall charter fleet size is important. It provides a
gauge to the operator's ability to supply alternate vehicles in the event of a
mechanical problem, for multi-bus movements, on weekends or during peak
seasons. It also provides some insight into the carrier's success.
Tip #7) Ask if the Company is available for inspection. Always inspect a
carrier personally whenever possible. Inspect the motorcoach equipment, general
offices and garage facilities. You can tell a lot about a company just by
looking.
Tip #8) Inquire about the Maintenance Program for the
motorcoaches. A properly maintained coach will greatly reduce the
possibility of an on-the-road breakdown. All companies should have a Preventive
Maintenance Program for their coaches. A coach that is not properly maintained,
including preventive maintenance program, will greatly diminish the reliability
of the vehicle. This is true regardless of the age of the coach, whether it is
1 year old or 15 years old. A company with more than a couple of coaches should
have full-time mechanic and garage facilities. Without these there is no
preventive maintenance and on on-the-road breakdown is inevitable.
Tip #9) Determine if the carrier is a full service company. Do they have
their own maintenance facilities? Do they provide a brochure for package tours,
plus name tags, luggage tags, soft drinks, a bingo set and prizes for use while
on the trip? Ask if they help arrange tours and special services you require?
Meeting Your Needs...
Tip #10) Clearly spell out your
schedule and what is involved in detail. Be prepared to provide the company
a detailed itinerary for your trip. This information allows the company to
quote on your trip accurately. For your safety, drivers hours limited by
Federal regulations. In addition, specify if your driver must stay in the same
hotel as the group.
Tip #11) Ask if video coaches are
available. Video equipped coaches can be a genuine asset. You can view
educational videos or movies to help pass the hours. Sports teams can even view
game tapes. A great way to see your opponent, or review your own performance.
(All Holiday Tours' motorcoaches are video equipped.)
Tip #12) Be a
careful shopper. Consider all factors. If your organization requires
multiple quotations, make sure careful consideration of the overall company are
balanced against cost. A decision based solely on price may not be the best
value.
Tip #13) Ask who pays for the driver's room. Is the
driver's room included in the charter cost? If not, ask if you are responsible
for the driver's room.
Tip #14) Determine company policy for extra
mileage costs above the contracted amount. Find out the carriers policy
concerning "overage miles" before you select a carrier -- not when you get an
inflated bill after you return!
Tip #15) Ask if the coaches are
equipped with a Cellular Phone. In the event of an on-the-road emergency,
the driver should have a way to contact the appropriate people to help with the
situation. (All Holiday Tours' Coaches are equipped with the cellular phones
and our drivers have 24-hour access to management personnel).
Tip
#16) Ask if the coaches have coach-to-coach communication. This is
especially useful on multi-coach trips, where coach-to-coach communication is
necessary for the group leaders to communicate with each other on rest and meal
stops, tour times and other important decisions. (All Holiday Tours' Coaches
are equipped with commercial 2-way radios).
Safety Issues...
Tip #17) Ask if the
company adheres to Department of Transportation driver regulations. The DOT
limits the number of hours a driver can work. A driver is limited to 10 hours
of actual driving time. If your itinerary exceeds this limit, ask the company
how they plan to handle your groups needs.
Tip #18) Inquire about
the company's procedures for on-the-road emergencies. The company should
have access to a nationwide list of companies/garages which will assure you of
prompt servicing of equipment in all regions of the USA.
Tip #19)
Ask if the Company has a formal Drug and Alcohol Program. Specify that your
carrier supply a copy of their written drug and alcohol policy statement. Never
charter from a carrier that does not strongly enforce a drug and alcohol-free
workplace.
Tip #20) Request a list of qualified CDL drivers.
Ask the carrier to submit a list of current qualified drivers. These drivers
must have a CDL (commercial drivers license), a DOT driver's file, a current
DOT physical examination and approved Medical Examiner's Card, as well as other
driver qualification documentation.
