First, check your local online listings for charter bus companies or the listings of the area in which you want to charter a bus. It is also a good idea to ask for recommendations from friends or business associates. Someone you know will probably have a contact or some previous experience with a charter bus company. This is an excellent place to start.
Next, once you locate a few companies, call them. Tell them exactly what you are looking for and have all of the information ready. The company will want to know how many people need to be transported, the date(s) that you are going and how long you will need the charter for or when you plan to return. Giving the company this information will allow them to give you a quote and put a plan together to transport your group.
Once you get the plan from the company, this will usually indicate who will be driving your group. Ask the company about the driver's driving record with the company. How many charters has he/she driven? How many accidents has he had? Does the driver have a Commercial Drivers License (CDL)? Has the driver been drug tested and had a background check?
Next, once you have determined that the driver has the proper qualifications, ask to speak to the driver personally. This is not an odd request for someone that you may be spending days with and who can really alter the outcome of your trip. Make sure that you get a good feeling from the person and you think that they will fit in with your group.
Then, ask for pictures of the exact bus that you will be on and for maintenance records of that bus. You can get an idea of how well the company maintains their vehicles by asking for this information.
Next, check with the Better Business Bureau to make certain that there are not any outstanding or unresolved claims with the company. If you do locate anything that seems suspicious, do not be afraid to bring it up with the company and ask for an explanation.
Then, ask for references. Find out who else has charted the company over the past year and request their contact information. Call these people and ask for their honest opinion. Ask what they liked, what they disliked and if they would hire the company again.
Finally, ask the charter company if they are a member of any industry associations. Industry groups or associations usually have an additional set of standards that companies must achieve. You can also use this source as a way to get additional information about the company. Usually companies that belong to industry associations truly care about quality and know that their reputation is always on the line.
