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The Basics…
- How long has the company been in business? The longer it has
offered transportation service the better.
- Request the company's DOT number that's required
for legal operation. Use the number to check the company's current
safety rating.
- What is the company's USDOT Safety Rating?
The highest possible rating is Satisfactory. It's easy to find a company's
rating on the Internet:
http://www.safersys.org/snpquery.asp.
Search by company name, USDOT number, or MC number. Never charter from a
company with an unsatisfactory rating.
- Ask the company to supply a Certificate of
Insurance, showing its levels of insurance and effective policy dates.
Accepted levels call for $5 million combined, single-limit liability
coverage.
- Ask for references. Never charter from a
company not willing to provide references.
- What is the size of the company's fleet?
Fleet size provides a gauge to the operator's ability to supply alternate
vehicles if needed and insight into the company's success.
- Personally inspect the company's office, garage
facilities and transportation equipment. You can tell a lot about a
company just by looking!
- How old is the equipment? The newer the
equipment (not more than 10 years old), generally means fewer problems.
- Is the company a full service company? Does
it have its own maintenance facilities? Can they arrange tours or other
special travel services?
Your
Needs...
- For an accurate quote on your trip, provide the
company with a detailed itinerary.
- Does your group have special needs, i.e., a
video system, beverage galley, disabled access or other equipment?
- Ask if video-equipped equipment is available.
You can view educational video, movies, or
sports videos while traveling.
- Is the company legally licensed to show motion
pictures en route? Only companies licensed by the Motion Picture
Association of America may legally show copyrighted movies. Films
rented from a video store are not licensed for public viewing.
- Be a smart shopper! Make sure careful
consideration of these consumer tips is balanced against cost. A decision
based solely on price may not be the best value.
- Ask who pays for the driver's overnight
accommodations. Is it included in the charter cost? Also specify if the
driver must stay in the same hotel as your group.
- Determine the company's policy for extra mileage
costs above the contracted amount. Find out the company's policy
concerning "overage miles" before you select a company – not when you get an
inflated bill after you return!
Safety Issues...
- Ask if the company adheres to DOT driver
regulations, which limit 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, how will the company handle your group's needs?
- What procedures are followed for on-the-road
emergencies? The company should have access to a nationwide reciprocal
maintenance agreement, assuring you of prompt servicing of equipment in all
regions of the USA.
- Ask if the company has a formal Drug and Alcohol
Program. Specify that the company must supply a copy of their written
drug and alcohol policy statement. Never charter transportation from a
company that does not strongly enforce a drug and alcohol-free workplace.
- Request a list of current, qualified drivers who
have a commercial driver's license, a DOT driver's file, a current DOT
physical examination and an approved Medical Examiner's Card.
Permission to reproduce 20 Tips is
hereby granted in the public interest, provided contribution is given to
Trailways® Transportation System.
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