SAFETY

Safety is the highest priority for Young Transportation and all IMG Members. All coaches are routinely inspected and maintained by a team of skilled technicians. Our fleet is in top operating condition by stringent preventative maintenance programs throughout our network.

All vehicles meet standards for the prevention of air pollution. They have the most environmentally up-to-date emission systems in the world in order to help protect our earth.

Who is IMG?

International Motor Coach Group, Inc., an organization of elite motor coach companies, is internationally recognized for providing the highest quality passenger transportation services throughout North America.

Our superior knowledge of the transportation business allows us to focus on safety, quality service, superior equipment, and of course price. These are our strong points. Although price is important, the confidence that the safety standards, driver competence, vehicle integrity, cleanliness, and customer service that IMG offers is fundamental. IMG is committed to exceeding our customers' highest expectations for their transportation experience.

The Company. . . . What about experience and company history?

The reputation of a company depends on its stability and efficiency. A fledgling company is untested. If you have any doubts about a company, ask for proof of national operating authority.

Bigger is not necessarily better, but those wishing to charger a motor coach should be aware that an inexperienced company may not have the full range of technical and managerial support necessary to provide world-class service.

Young Transportation will soon be celebrating our 70th year in the motor coach industry and was recognized as the IMG Operator of the year in 2007.

What About Driver Training?

Drivers are licensed professionals who are skilled in motor coach handling. They also possess interpersonal communication skills. Do not hesitate to ask about verification, company policy for training drivers and customer care. Remember that uniformed drivers and counter-staff make a statement about company attitudes and standards.

Think also about unseen staff. The competence of maintenance staff and the efficiency of their work facilities directly affect the reliability and safety of vehicles. We encourage you to ask for a tour of an operator's facilities. At Young Transportation we always welcome our customers for a personal tour and meeting of our professional staff. We feel that it is important enough that we offer our new customers a credit towards their first charter experience.

Young Transportation strongly enforces a drug/alcohol free work place.

The Basics of Choosing a Motor Coach Company

Tip #1
Ask how long the company has been in business. Find out when the company was established, and how long it has been offering charter coach service. A long track record is generally desirable.

Tip #2
Request the company's DOT number. A DOT (Department of Transportation) number is assigned by the US Government and is required to operate legally. The DOT number can be used to check the carrier's safety rating (See Tip #3).

Tip #3
Ask about their DOT Safety Rating. The US Department of Transportation (DOT) issues safety ratings based on the company's accident record and adherence to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. The highest possible rating is Satisfactory. Other ratings include Conditional, Not Rated, or Unsatisfactory. You can verify safety ratings by calling the DOT Safety Hotline at (703) 534-8639. Never charter from a company with an unsatisfactory rating.

Tip #4
Request a Certificate of Insurance. Your carrier should supply a Certificate of Insurance. This certificate shows the carrier's levels of insurance and effective policy dates. Accepted levels of insurance call for $5 million combined, single-limit liability coverage.

Tip #5
Ask for references. Request and contact references from similar type groups traveling on similar type programs. Never charter from a company unwilling to provide references.

Tip #6
Inquire about the size of their fleet. Overall charter fleet size is important. It provides a gauge to the operator's ability to supply alternate vehicles in the event of a mechanical problem, for multi-bus movements, on weekends or during peak seasons. It also provides some insight into the carriers success.

Tip #7
Ask if the Company is available for Inspection. You should inspect a carrier personally whenever possible. Inspect the motorcoach equipment, general offices and garage facilities. You can tell a lot about a company just by looking.

Tip #8
Inquire about the average age of the equipment operated. Vehicles that are more than 10 years old, unless properly maintained on a preventive maintenance basis, can have a greatly diminished reliability factor. Generally speaking, the newer the coach, the fewer the breakdowns.

Tip #9

Determine if the carrier is a full service company. Do they have their own maintenance facilities? Can they provide a variety of vehicles to meet your special needs? Ask if they help arrange tours and special services you require.

Meeting Your Needs

Tip #10
Clearly spell out your schedule and what is involved in detail. Be prepared to provide the company a detailed itinerary for your trip. This information allows the company to quote on your trip accurately. For your safety, drivers hours are limited by Federal regulations. In addition, specify if your driver must stay in the same hotel as your group.

Tip #11
Consider your groups special needs. Things like the need for a video system, beverage galley, handicapped access or other equipment.

Tip #12
Ask if video coaches are available. Video equipped coaches can be a genuine asset. You can view educational videos or movies to help pass the hours. Sports teams can even view game tapes. A great way to see your opponent, or review your own performance.

Tip #13
Ask if the carrier is legally licensed to show motion pictures en route. Only carriers licensed by the Motion Picture Association of American may show copyrighted movies. Ask to see a copy of the carrier's MPAA license. (Films rented from a video store are not licensed for public viewing.)

Tip #14
Be a careful shopper. If your organization requires multiple quotations, make sure careful consideration of the remaining l 9 Consumer tips are balanced against cost. A decision based solely on price may not be the best value.

Tip #15
Ask who pays for the driver's room. Is the driver's room included in the charter cost? If not, ask if you are responsible for the driver's room.

Tip #16
Determine company policy for extra mileage costs above the contracted amount. Find out the carriers policy concerning "overage miles" before you select a carrier -- not when you get an inflated bill after you return!

Safety Issues

Tip #17
Ask if the company adheres to Department of Transportation driver regulations. The DOT limits the number of hours a driver can work. A driver is limited to 10 hours of actual driving time. If your itinerary exceeds this limit, ask the company how they plan to handle your groups needs.

Tip #18
Inquire about the company's procedures for on-the-road emergencies. The company should have access to a nationwide reciprocal maintenance agreement which will assure you of prompt servicing of equipment in all regions of the USA.

Tip #19
Ask if the Company has a formal Drug and Alcohol Program. Specify that your carrier supply a copy of their written drug and alcohol policy statement. Never charter from a carrier that does not strongly enforce a drug and alcohol-free workplace.

Tip #20
Request a list of qualified CDL drivers. Ask the carrier to submit a list of current qualified drivers. These drivers must have a CDL (commercial drivers license), a DOT driver's file, a current DOT physical examination and approved Medical Examiner's Card, as well as other driver qualification documentation.

If you have any other questions, please contact either:  Ray Shulman or Norris Gentry  our number is #828-258-0084 (local) or #800-622-5444 (toll free) or email directly This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it