6. Review hours-of-service rules.
Much like airline pilots, motorcoach drivers are licensed by the federal government, and there are numerous regulations that govern how they work. Chief among concerns these days are hours-of-service regulations, which stipulate minimum rest periods for drivers at regular intervals. These rules have become more stringent in recent years, so you may have to modify your ideal itinerary to make sure your driver has enough hours to complete your run.
7. Check in with the FMCSA.
Safety should always be your top priority when arranging travel for your group. All interstate motorcoach companies are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division of the Department of Transportation. The FMCSA maintains a database of these companies with relevant information on their safety records and consumer complaints. If you’re considering chartering with a company, you should take a moment to check its record on the administration’s website at www.fmcsa.dot.gov.
8. Ask about mechanical inspections.
In addition to reviewing a company’s safety ratings, you want to feel secure in knowing that its equipment is well maintained. So during your negotiations with coach companies, you should check to make sure the vehicle you’ll be renting has passed a mechanical inspection in the last 12 months. Don’t be afraid to ask for a copy of the inspection report. Professional and conscientious companies should be happy to provide this.
9. Check the driver’s credentials.
When you book a motorcoach for your group, you put everyone’s lives in the hands of the person driving. To make sure your driver will be safe and professional, ask the coach company to provide proof that your driver has a current Commercial Driver’s License with a “passenger endorsement”; has a recent, valid medical exam certificate; and has passed drug and alcohol screenings.
10. Review emergency procedures.
There’s nothing worse on a group trip than being stuck on the side of the road with a broken-down motorcoach. Occasional roadside emergencies are an unavoidable part of travel, so you should make sure your coach company has procedures in place to take care of you and your travelers in case of an equipment failure or a problem with the driver. If an emergency does occur, a well-conceived backup plan can help keep trip interruption to a minimum.
