When you don't have the luxury of knowing someone in the bus industry who can recommend a bus company, choosing a bus company can be a confusing task. Because you can't always learn the important things based on a company's sales pitch, we offer this helpful resource to help you "cut to the chase". Researching bus companies does not need to be a time-consuming process. These tips will show you how an industry professional quickly assesses a bus company as a candidate for group charter work.
3 Quick Steps to Choosing a Charter Bus Company.
- Review company ratings and records in the DOT's FMCSA database. Verify bus ownership, compliance track records, safety ratings and minimum insurance requirements of $5 million. Some company's will have much better compliancy records than others. You'll find this is one of the most helpful resources available: http://www.safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/CompanySnapshot.aspx.
- Use this site to identify the most involved companies in industry. About one-third of the approximately 5,000 bus companies across the US and Canada are members of at least one bus association. Bus associations typically require a substantial fee to join and provide the bus company with helpful guidance to providing better service. You can run a search in this directory for a list of companies in your area and the associations they are members of.
- Contact the bus company to get a feel for their niche and if they're suited for your group; evaluate their selling points; view pictures of their buses and facility; and ask any crucial questions.
Note: Use this site to identify the bus association members, but for a complete list of bus-owning companies across the US and Canada, visit www.busrates.com. BusRates.com offers helpful booking advice on their tips and info page.
When to Use Special Services
Charter bus rental providers are comprised of different types of charter service providers. Some services are best suited for certain circumstances.
Booking Directly with the Local Operator
- Ideal if you want to get the best value for your money
- Ideal when you have time to research companies and shop around
Using Certain Local Brokers/Tour Operators
- Ideal when availibility is low and it is difficult to find providers.
- Ideal for large, highly coordinated events.
- Ideal when quality and price is not as important as quick, easy booking
- Does not necessarily cost more to use if they adhere to the industry's 10% net rate commission system.
- Their selection for you is biased (They have an incentive to choose the company that benefits them financially the most).
Using National Internet Brokers/Networks
- Ideal when market appears to have no availability
- Ideal when price is not an issue and time is scarce. (You don't mind paying 38% commissions for ease of use)
- Their selection for you is biased (They have an incentive to choose the company that benefits them financially the most).
