How much should I tip?
Driver gratuity can range anywhere from $1-2 per person, per day to 10-20% of the charter cost. While drivers greatly appreciate any gratuity it is optional & not mandatory.
Do we have to provide hotel and meals for driver during overnight stays?
You are required to provide the driver hotel room but not meals. Tip: Most group friendly restaurants will offer the driver & group leader a complimentary meal. Make sure to ask when you make your meal reservations. Your driver will greatly appreciate you including him/her but is not required.
Can drivers share a hotel room?
No, each driver must be in his own room to ensure that our operators can get the rest they need to be safe and alert.
We are staying at a camp or lodge with group sleeping accommodations. Can the driver just stay with us?
Each driver must have their own private room/bath. Please consult with your Charter Sales Representative to see if your camp/lodge meets the sleeping room requirements for driver.
Can I request a driver?
Requests are welcomed & while we make every attempt to honor the request we cannot guarantee a specific driver.
Do you drug test or do background checks on your drivers?
Yes, we have drug and alcohol testing in accordance with the FMCSA laws and run background checks on each driver at pre-employment and annually.
How long can a driver drive in one day?
We strictly adhere to the laws out forth by the Dept of Transportation, Part 395 as follows:
- Drivers can only be on duty a total of 15 hours any day with a maximum of 10 hours driving.
- After a driver has met the hours limit, he/she must have a minimum of 8 consecutive hours off duty.
- It is only when the driver has had a minimum of 8 consecutive hours off duty when our operator can resume back to 15 hours of service.
Your itinerary can go over the hours of service however; a relief driver (at an additional cost) will be added to the cost of the trip.
Our trained, experienced Charter Sales Representatives will be happy to assist you with your itinerary to ensure you don’t go over the limit of driver hours or cost in a relief driver for you.
What is a relief driver
To reach certain destinations without stopping or to be able to provide service on long days (greater than 15 hours), it is necessary to provide a relief driver. There are several different ways a relief driver may be used:
- A relief driver could be used at the start your trip by driving the bus to a preplanned point along the route where the bus will meet the 2nd driver. The 2nd driver has previously gone ahead of the group and gotten the necessary time off to restart his 15 hour day. When the 2nd driver take over, he can complete his portion of the trip to the final destination within the hours of service laws.
- A relief driver could be used at the end your trip by meeting the bus to a preplanned point along the route where the relief driver will take over as the main driver. The 2nd driver has previously gone ahead of the group and gotten the necessary time off to restart his 15 hour day. When the 2nd driver take over, he can safely return you to your group home within the hours of service.
- A relief driver could be used if your group will be at a theme park or meeting and the driver can’t leave to get 8 hours off before your return home. A driver exchange will take place during the event, where you may have one driver take you to the destination and a different driver return your group home.
Can you put two drivers on a bus?
Yes, however it is generally not the “cheapest” or most efficient way as both drivers still can not be on duty more than 15 hours in a day, even if they other driver is not driving. The majority of the time, we choose to send the 2nd driver (the driver with you on the duration of the trip) ahead of the group and let the driver take over as driver on your trip where he can complete his portion within the hours of service laws.