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20 Consumer Protection Tips For Chartering a Motorcoach Making the right choice for your group is a snap! It is especially easy when you use this convenient guide to help you through the selection process. The guide is split into three sections. "The Basics... " - are right up front and is 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 to assure your group of a safe, comfortable, and satisfying travel experience. The Basics . . . 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. Never charter from a company with an unsatisfactory rating. It's easy to find a carrier's rating on the Internet. Go to http://www.safersys.org Seach by company name, USDOT number or MC number. 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. Accepted 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 carriers success. Tip #7) Ask if the Company is available for Inspection. You should 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 average age of the equipment operated. Vehicles that are more than 10 years old, unless properly maintained on a preventive maintenance basis, can have a greatly diminished reliability factor. Generally speaking, the newer the coach, the fewer the breakdowns. Tip #9) Determine if the carrier is a full service company. Do they have their own maintenance facilities? Can they provide a variety of vehicles to meet your special needs? Ask if they help arrange tours and special services you require. Meeting Your Needs . . .

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