thebusdirectory

Congratulations Travel Planner !

You are about to have so much fun and great time with friends, family or co-workers.

Whatever you are doing, buses help create great memories.

Here are you basic lessons you should know

Never base your decision solely on price !

The average motorcoach cost today between $100-165 per hour depending on your area market.

Choose a company based on value, safety and not cost.

1. Ask how long the company has been in business. A long and good track record is always

desirable.

2. Request the Company’s DOT number. A Department of Transportation number is assigned by the

US Government and is required to operate legally.

3. Ask about the DOT Safety Rating. Never charter from a company with an unsatisfactory rating.

Refer to www.Safersys.org to verify a company’s safety rating.

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. A minimum of $5 million

combined, single-limit liability coverage is required by law. _

5. Is the company adhering to Department of Transportation driver regulations? The DOT limits

drivers to 15 hours of continuous service, however they may only drive 10 hours during that duration.

If your itinerary requires more than the limit, ask how the charter company is going to handle it. _

6. Ask the company’s procedures for on-the-road emergencies.The operator should have access

to nationwide reciprocal maintenance agreement which will assure you of prompt servicing of

equipment in all regions of the USA.

7. Is the company available for inspection? You should inspect the motorcoach equipment, general

offices and garage facilities to properly maintain coaches before signing any contracts or agreements.

You can tell a lot about a company just by looking

8. Are video-equipped motorcoaches available?   DVD/ Monitors are standard in motorcoaches today. 

9. Who pays the driver’s hotel?  Most companies the customer is responsible for securing & paying

for the driver’s room. Be sure the company knows what hours the driver must be available to the group.

10. Who is responsible for extra mileage, tolls and hourly costs above the contracted amount? 

The customer is responsible for any extra milage or changes to the contract.

bills for any over mileage and hours incurred. Please provide a complete itinerary when requesting a

price quote so that the contract can be as accurate as possible.

11. Who pays for tolls and parking fees? The customer is usally responsible for all

unplanned tolls or parking not already included in the bill.

12. What is standard gratuity ? Standard Gratuity for the bus driver is 10-15% or

$3pp per day. If lugguge 4.00 pp. The gratuity makes upward of 50% of the drivers pay.

13. What are fuel/service  surcharges- These charges are in addition to charter price

of the coach to offest the cost of the fuel/staff for the motorcoach.

Some companies have them, some don't. Ask you service provider.