BusRates.com

The "Ins and Outs" of the Group Travel and Charter Industry

If you have any questions or concerns about the charter and group travel industry, including the process of finding an operator and securing a booking; you've come to the right place.

BusRates.com has amassed some wonderful tips and info that we love to pass on to our visitors. We hope the resources below help you in the process of contacting and booking directly with the travel & tourism providers that fit your group the best.

--How to Use Bus Rates

--What Bus Type is Right for My Group?

--Top 10 Things You Should Know Before Chartering a Bus

--Top 10 Questions You Should Ask Before Chartering a Bus

--Top 15 Complaints You Can Avoid

--Why Travel by Bus?

--FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

--Components of a Quote

--Bus Charter Safety Regulations

--Bus Industry Slang

--How To Get the Most Out of this Site

We've also compiled great tips and reminders from our friends at NTA (National Tourism Association) including a packing check-list, tips for student travel, as well as tips on avoiding any travel scams.

--Packing Tips

--Tips for Student Travel

--Tips for Avoiding Travel Scams

What Bus Type Should I Search For?

If you're trying to determine what would be the best bus type for your group travel, please review our Bus Types Reference Guide. It's a quick and helpful summary of the types of buses that BusRates.com indexes. It describes the common seating, amenities, and average price per day to give you a general overview of the options available to search for in your area.

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Top 10 Things You Should Know Before Chartering a Bus

1. Most websites first found on the internet are national brokers or "networks" adding on average, a 25% commission to the cost of your trip.
2. You can verify that a company owns buses, check safety rating, inspections and insurance status at the Federal Motor Coach Safety Administration's SAFER Company Snapshot.
3. The bus industry is made up of about 3,200 local and regional bus companies across the US and Canada. There are no national services that own buses (Greyhound charters in 15 markets).
4. About 450 US bus companies have gone through the rigorous process of becoming Department of Defense Certified. Companies with this certification are marked "DOD" in the BusRates.com search results.
5. Unlike the airline industry, no site providing multiple instant quotes and availability exists in the bus industry (The best way to get the lowest quotes is to contact each company individually).
6. Prices do not typically rise as the travel date draws near or in times of low availability.
7. The average deposit to book a bus is 22%, however the current trend in the industry is to require 100% payment up front.
8. Operators cannot drive more than 10 hours following 8 consecutive hours off-duty.
9. Charters are typically priced by the hour for local use, or by the mile for out-of-state trips averaging more than 275 to 300 miles per day.
10. The Better Business Bureau provides customer service ratings on most bus companies.

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Top 10 Questions You Should Ask Before Chartering a Bus

1. For trips over the road: How many local miles are allowed per day after reaching your destination? What is the charge for exceeding them?
2. Does the quote include parking and tolls?
3. What is your cancellation policy?
4. Who pays for the driver's hotel room and board? Is 10% the standard driver gratuity with your company?
5. What is your procedure in the event of a breakdown?
6. Can you provide proof of insurance? (The state requires a $5 million policy for interstate transportation)
7. Does your company own the bus, or will it be brokered out?
8. Is the bus available for inspection before chartering?
9. Are you members of any associations? (UMA, NTA, ABA, MCC)
10. Does your company have its own maintenance facility?

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Top 15 Complaints You Can Avoid

Data is based on 947 reviews submitted on roughly 800 bus companies listed on BusRates.com from April 24, 2008 to March 31, 2009. On average, 16.9% of reviews came in negative (You have an 83% chance of having a good experience if you choose a bus company without doing research).

1. Poor equipment/old or dirty buses (5.1% chance)
2. Bus arrived late (3.3% chance)
3. Amenities did not work: TV/DVD, AC, Heat or Bathroom (2.5% chance)
4. Bad/rude driver (2.3% chance)
5. Company is hard to reach/Won't return calls (2.2% chance)
6. Bus broke down (1.9% chance)
7. Charged extra after the trip (1.8% chance)
8. Bus never showed up (1.6% chance)
9. Refused to give a refund (1.6% chance)
10. Driver got lost (1.5% chance)
11. Misrepresented fleet (1.2% chance)
12. Company did not follow through with contract (1% chance)
13. Inadequate space on the bus (.8% chance)
14. Failed to change drivers after 10 hours of driving (.7% chance)
15. Company didn't follow the itinerary (.7% chance)

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Why Travel by Bus?

Buses are safe. The bureau of transportation reports that buses are twice as safe as flying and 46 times safer than driving an automobile.

Buses reach more destinations. Buses take you right to the doorstep of your destination. Planes and Trains only take you to the nearest stop.

Buses allow mobility. Buses are available to taxi your group around for your entire stay.

Buses are the most fuel efficient. Buses only use 797 BTU's per passenger mile compared to planes using 4847, trains using 2450, and autos using 3639 according to the US Department of transportation energy book data, 1999 (Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Center for Transportation Analysis).

Buses are better for the environment. Because of their fuel efficiency, buses are better for the environment than most other alternatives.

Buses are inexpensive. Chartering a bus is typically half the cost of flying, not including benefit that buses provide local travel.

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

How much of a deposit is required? 87% of coach companies require a deposit when booking. The average deposit is 22%.

When is the final payment due? Typically, final payment is due 10 to 30 days before departure.

What is the cancellation policy? Most companies allow you to cancel without penalty 14 to 30 days before travel.

How soon do I need to book? Ideally, you want to book at least 3 weeks in advance to ensure availability. The earlier you book, the more options you will have.

Do I need to tip the bus operator? The most common driver gratuity across North America is 10%, however in some metro areas, especially in the Northeast, companies charge 15% to 20%. Limobus and executive coach services with additional personnel on board usually ask for 15% to 20%.

Do I pay for parking, tolls and other fees? A majority of bus companies include these fees in their initial quote, but some companies separate them and have you pay as the fees are incurred. Just be sure to ask if these fees are included or are separate before booking.

Do I need to book the hotel room for the bus operator? Yes, for overnight trips, it is customary to book the operator's hotel room, but most hotels will comp the bus operator's room (provide the room for free) when you book rooms for large groups. Ask for someone in group sales at the hotel to ensure the operator's room gets comped.

Is alcohol or smoking allowed? About 80% of bus companies allow alcohol with a refundable deposit of typically $150 to $250 in the US. Alcohol is not allowed on buses in Canada. Only a small percentage of bus companies allow smoking.

Can I purchase just one or two seats for a trip? No, BusRates.com only lists bus companies in its directory that charter the entire bus. Greyhound provides single passenger tickets.

I have a CDL License; can I charter a bus without an operator? No, the bus owner's insurance policy doesn't allow it.

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Charter Bus Amenities

Each company's fleet is indexed on BusRates.com with the following notations and common amenities.

• Qty. Quantity of this type of bus the company owns.
• Seats. The number of seats available for your group.
• BusType. We index 11 general types of buses. Visit the Bus Types Reference Guide for descriptions and approximate national rates.
• Year. The year of the bus model, frequently displayed as a range from oldest to newest.
• OTR. Is the company willing to take this bus "Over The Road" which is usually defined by traveling long distances out of state and overnight.
• Rstrm. Restroom on board.
• DVD. There are usually 5 to 6 TV monitors on board full-sized deluxe motor coaches with a DVD player. Most buses do not receive any channels unless equipped with satellite, which is uncommon.
• CD. CD player on board.
• PA. Public address system on board to help make announcements to the group.
• ADA. Wheelchair elevator on board.
• Alch. Alcohol is allowed on board.
• Trnsfr. Any pick-up and drop-off typically from a hotel to an airport around 15 miles of travel (excluding 10% gratuity).
• 5 hrs. 5 hour rates posted on BusRates.com are based on 5 hours of local use, low miles (excluding 10% gratuity). Bus companies most commonly have a 5 hour minimum of use with the exception of transfers.
• Day. Day rates posted on BusRates.com are based on 10 hours of local use, low miles (excluding 10% gratuity).
• Mile. The rate per mile of travel. Quotes are calculated per mile or per day whichever is greater. Trips averaging over 300 miles per day are usually priced per mile and not per day.

Other amenities found on buses are tables, booth-like seating, convertible bunks, shades, carpeting, satellite and catered food. Minibuses have luggage racks and reclining seats.

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Components of a Quote

Local Use Charters

• Hours of use: Local travel is most commonly based on hours of use. The national average rate per hour for a full size deluxe motor coach in March of 2007 was $90 (2004 was $83; 2003 was $68). Almost all companies have a 3, 4, 5, or 6-hour minimum charge; 5-hours being the most common across the U.S.
• Gratuity: The standard bus operator gratuity for chartering a bus is 10%. About a third of operator's pay comes from the gratuity as an incentive to provide good service. The average wage earned by bus operators is about $12 per hour.
• Sales Tax: There is no sales tax when chartering a bus in most states (CA has a 1% tax, and OH appx. 7.75%).

Over the Road Charters

• Mileage: Buses traveling out of the local area and overnight are quoted based on miles. The average charge per mile across the nation in March of 2007 was $2.94 (2004 was $2.66) with the company's day rate as a minimum charge per day.
• Day Rate: The minimum charge per day if the per-mile charge is not more than the combined day rates. The average day rate in March of 2007 was $821 (2004 was $769; 2003 was $703).
• Fuel Surcharge: During periods of fuel price volatility, bus companies often charge a fuel surcharge to prevent having to change their primary rates (filed and posted) on a daily basis. Bus companies commonly link their fuel surcharge rate with the Department of Energy's website.
• Driver Change: For every 10 hours of driving, or 15 hours of stand-by time, law requires 10 consecutive hours of rest. If you plan on driving over 10 hours, an operator change has to be made. Bus Operator changes range from $200 to $900 depending on how far from the departure city the change has to be made.
• Local Travel: The amount of local mileage allowed per day once the bus reaches the destination city.
• Driver Hotel: Usually the customer books and pays for the operator's hotel room, but most hotels will comp the operator's room at no charge when you book several rooms for your group. Ask for someone in group sales at the hotel to ensure the operator's room is complimentary.
• Gratuity: The standard gratuity for trips over the road is 10%.
• Sales Tax: There is no sales tax when chartering a bus in most states (CA has a 1% tax, and OH appx. 7.75%).
• Other expenses: Depending on your destination, you may encounter other fees such as bridge tolls or airport taxes, most companies include these in your initial quote, and some have you pay for them as they are incurred.

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Bus Charter Safety Regulations

The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) regulates the United States charter bus industry. Bus operators are required to carry a current DOT Physical Exam Card, be drug tested under DOT rules and regulations, and maintain a log for miles and hours of service. Coaches are not required by state or federal law to have seatbelts. Some states require that operators be certified for all school sponsored trips, grades 12 and under.

The DOT regulation 395.10 restricts the bus operator's driving time. There are three parts:

• 10 Hour Rule. The bus operator cannot drive more than 10 hours following 8 consecutive hours off duty (except in emergencies)
• 15 Hour Rule. After 15 hours on-duty (driving and non-driving tasks), an operator cannot continue driving until 8 consecutive hours of off-duty time is taken.
• 70 Hour Rule. On duty time cannot exceed 70 hours for any period of 8 consecutive days.

Transport Canada regulates the Canadian charter bus industry. Bus operators are required to maintain a log for miles and hours of service. Unlike the US, alcohol is not allowed on buses in Canada.

The Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations (SOR/2005-313) Act restricts the bus operator's driving time.

• The bus operator cannot drive more than 13 hours in a day.
• After driving 13 hours in a day, at least 8 consecutive hours of off-duty time is required before driving again.
• The bus operator must have at least 10 hours of off-duty time per day. Daily off-duty time must include 2 hours that do not form part of an 8 consecutive hour off-duty period.
• The total driving time in 2 days cannot exceed 26 hours.

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Bus Industry Slang

Deadhead. Miles traveled without passengers before the pickup or after a drop off.

Live Miles. Miles traveled with passengers on board.

Over the road. Refers to longer trips out of the local area and typically overnight.

Pax. A written abbreviation for "passengers."

Pick and Drop. Bus returns home after dropping passengers off at their destination. The bus does not provide local travel.

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How to Use Bus Rates

In a nutshell, BusRates.com lists all the companies that own the buses they charter so you can contact them directly. Most charter bus sites on the internet are brokers adding a minimum 25% markup to the lowest bidder.

• Use BusRates.com much like the yellow pages to identify and contact bus-owning companies directly.
• Once you run a search in the database, you can view phone numbers or use the Quote Tool to email several companies at once.
• Emails are simply sent directly to the bus companies. Companies will reply or call you directly with a quote.
• Use the site's guide to familiarize yourself with the industry and gain helpful tips.

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To Get the Most Out of this Site

For most visitors, running a search in the database to browse bus company rates and fleet information is all they need. But if this is your first time chartering a bus, you may want to utilize some of the free extras this site has to offer.

1. Increase your awareness. Read over important information in the Tips & Info sections above to help guide you through the charter bus rental process.
2. Choose a bus type. Browse through the Bus Types Reference Guide and determine which type of bus will be best for you.
3. Choose the amenities you want. Familiarize yourself with the Bus Amenities section above and determine what you want your bus to include.
4. Search. Run a search in the area from which you will be departing (For trips over long distance and overnight, you can search other cities up to 3 hours away if you want to choose from more buses).
5. Choose bus companies. Submit a quote request to several companies at once from the site, or contact companies direct. Ask each company the "Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Chartering a Bus" (found at the top of this page).
6. Book Your Trip! Make reservations with the option best suited to your group.

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Packing Tips

Here are some packing tips from travel professionals to help you prepare for any type of travel.

• Pack heaviest items first.
• Pack shoes, travel alarm, etc at the bottom of the suitcase.
• Use luggage space wisely.
• Stuff hosiery into the toes of your shoes. To protect your shoes, wrap them in T-shirts if you don't have shoe bags. Roll sweatshirts and undergarments to fill space. A full bag helps keep the contents from sliding and wrinkling.
• Coordinate your wardrobe around one or two basic colors.
• This will automatically eliminate many items of clothing. Separates are best because they can be mixed and matched.
• Don't pack too much.
• An old traveler's trick is to lay out everything you'll need, then take half and return the rest to your closet.
• Use lightweight bags if possible.
• Canvas or nylon bags are more economical than leather. Remember that most airlines have a weight limit.
• Minimize wrinkling by packing shirts buttoned.
• If possible, only fold clothes at the waist and seams.
• Place plastic dry cleaner's bags around clothes to minimize wrinkling. Keep each layer as flat and even as possible.
• For silk shirts, use large zip-lock plastic food bags. This keeps the shirts wrinkle-free. Bring extras to use for packing a wet bathing suit.
• As you pack, make a list of the contents of your suitcase.
• Bring this with you in case your luggage is lost or stolen and you need to make a claim.
• Carry fragile, valuable perishable items with you.
• Money, jewelry and prescription drugs should be carried with you. Make sure you have at least a toothbrush in your carry-on bag.
• Pack sample sizes of toiletry articles.
• Liquids travel best in plastic containers. Squeeze the air out of the bottles before you fill them up and don't fill them to the top. Place the containers in plastic bags before you put them in your suitcase.
• Be sure your baggage is clearly labeled.
• Remove old airline tags. Make sure your name and address is in a prominent place on the outside and inside of each luggage piece.

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Tips for Student Travel

The following is a list of tips for students and parents when traveling abroad. These tips are not listed in order of importance.

• Verify that the travel agent or tour company is a member of a professional association such as the National Tour Association, the United States Tour Operators Association or the Student & Youth Travel Association.
• Ask questions before you go.
• Parents should ask the company for references, find out the adult chaperone to student ratio and how long the company has been operating in the destinations it features.
• Verify that the tour company has coverage.
• Make sure the company has errors and omissions, professional liability insurance coverage. Professional tour companies should have this coverage.
• Make sure your student has insurance that will cover emergency medical needs.
• Check for travel warnings and public announcements before you go. Visit http://travel.state.gov/ for information.
• Remember to fill in the emergency information page of your passport and make copies of your passport data page and any visas. Keep a copy separate from the originals while traveling, and leave one at home with your family.
• Leave an itinerary with someone at home, and make sure that someone knows where you are at all times.
• Carry your hotel information, including name and address, with you. You also should include a phone number to reach your tour company in case of emergencies.
• Avoid looking like a tourist. Try to blend in with your surroundings and never go off on your own.
• If possible, try to carry a cellular phone with you at all times.

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Tips for Avoiding Travel Scams

NTA urges travelers to use this top 10 list when making spring break or vacation plans:

1. Verify that the travel agent or tour company is a member of a professional association such as the National Tour Association, the United States Tour Operators Association or the American Society of Travel Agents.
2. Verify that the tour company has errors and omissions, professional liability insurance coverage. Professional tour companies should have this coverage.
3. Don't be taken in by an attractive Web site. An eye-catching Web site does not ensure the reliability or integrity of the company.
4. Carefully read the company's cancellation and refund policies.
5. Use a credit card to purchase tickets whenever possible, and if cash must be used, always get a receipt so you have a paper trail. Beware of companies sending a courier for a check, requesting direct bank deposits or a certified check. Prior to payment, you should ask for all the details on any trip in writing and review them carefully.
6. Ask the company for client references. Attempt to get a reference on a client or group with whom you are familiar.
7. Avoid high-pressure sales with a limited time to evaluate the offer.
8. Decline offers requiring a property sales presentation.
9. Request specific hotel and airline names, addresses and phone numbers - broad terms such as "all major hotels" and "all major airlines" are warning flags. Insist on a local phone number if given an 800 number - this will establish that the tour company or travel agency has a central office from which it operates.
10. If you receive a vacation certificate in the mail, take it to a local NTA tour operator who can evaluate it.

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