Choosing the right motor coach company can make or break a trip. Unfortunately, most people make a decision to rent a motor coach based upon price alone and without ever going to look at the vehicle they are renting. Below are some tips that may help you when selecting a motor coach company.

1. How long has the company been in business?
2. Do they have an active drug and alcohol testing policy?
3. Do they have an active maintenance program?
4. Do they carrier a minimum of 5 million of liability insurance?
5. What is there breakdown policy?
6. Do they have references to provide you?
7. Does the company have a satisfactory rating from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration?
8. Take a look at the companies overall safety record at http://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/safestat/SafeStatMain.asp?PageN=results
9. What is the average age of their fleet ?
10. Go visit the company you are thinking of going with. A visit can tell you a lot about the business and may save you time and money in the end.
11. Professional companies will not talk bad about other motor coach companies. Those that do, often are trying to compensate for short comings in their own operation. This just isn’t professional.
12. Ask the carrier for a list of their moving violations for the past 3 years.
13. Be sure to ask if the motor coach is equipped with a restroom, DVD, VCR & DVD. Having a clear understanding of what features are in the coach can eliminate any miss under standings during the trip.

Please keep in mind that the legal driving limit for motor coach operator per one 24 hour period is 10 straight hours. The motor coach operator can be on duty for a total of 15 hrs per 24 hour period.

What is the difference between driving hours and on duty hours? The driver can be on duty for a total of 15 hours per day. The driver has other duties other than driving, which make up the on duty hours. They include inspecting the coach before the driver leaves, waiting for the group to load or unload, fueling, cleaning the coach and inspecting the coach after the days use. This would be considered “ON DUTY” hours.