Why we follow federal regulations for charter bus trips

07/31/2024

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Rules of the road are there for your safety

A bus driver has precious cargo

Commercial charter bus drivers carry a lot of responsibility, and fatigue affects them just as it can affect anyone.

That’s why FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association) rules have 3 maximum duty limits:

• The 15 hour on-duty limit. After 8 straight hours off-duty time, drivers cannot drive a commercial vehicle after 15 hours on duty, which may involve driving or other tasks.
• The 10 hour driving limit. After 8 consecutive hours off duty, a driver cannot drive for than 10 hours.
• The 60/70 hour duty limit. This is based on a 7-day or 8-day timeframe.

Off-duty time

While regulations don’t define “off-duty time,” it can be considered any time that is not spent driving, on-duty with the clients or vehicle, or sleeping. Meals and routine stops where the driver can do what he or she wants are commonly considered off duty time as long as the driver is relieved of responsibility of the vehicles – that is the key variable.

The Adverse Driving Conditions exception

When unanticipated conditions slow down a charter bus trip, drivers can drive up to 2 additional hours. This may include snow, fog, and traffic due to accidents. It doesn’t include rush hour or other everyday conditions.

How charter bus drivers track time

When unanticipated conditions slow down a charter bus trip, drivers can drive up to 2 additional hours. This may include snow, fog, and traffic due to accidents. It doesn’t include rush hour or other everyday conditions.

Drivers are human

It’s easy to think of your charter bus driver as a navigator and facilitator, but he or she has responsibilities that go beyond observing the speed limit. The easiest way you can help Is to ensure that your driver has adequate rest time after parking and completing a post-trip inspection on the vehicle – this often takes another 30 to 45 minutes after the group is off the bust. Therefore, we recommend building 9 to 9.5 hours of rest time each night as this will give the driver ample time.

At Lorenz, we’re proud that our drivers always stay consistent with the rules of the road, and keep passengers on track for a safe trip.

If you’re planning a trip or just doing research, please feel free to contact us at Lorenz Bus Service for a no-obligation, no-pressure conversation with one of our planning professionals.

When should I actually book a charter bus trip?

07/18/2024

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Lead times vary. Here’s what to consider.

According to the American Bus Association, there are approximately 1,566 charter bus operators in the United States, and almost 89% of these bus companies have 24 vehicles or less in their fleet.

While there are a few national brands like First Student and Greyhound, most charter buses are operated by small family businesses which are regionally distributed across the country. Bus companies tend to be located next to major cities, tourist attractions, military bases, casinos, and universities.

Due to the size and scope of a given market, some metropolitan areas only have a handful of buses nearby — so the availability of buses largely depends on the capacity of the local bus company and the demand patterns of the clients. Each market is different, and some require bookings several years in advance for the peak dates.

Luckily, our product has wheels and can move to wherever it is needed! That said, the further we deadhead, or travel empty, the more costly the trip will be due to the extra fuel and mileage.

Planning factors

Here’s an overview of the facts that should determine how far out you plan

• What season are you traveling?   The busiest months for charter bus companies in Minnesota are March-June & September-November.  During these times, collegiate sports teams, school activities, conventions, & weddings require a lot of buses.  We recommend that you plan 3-6 months out for all charter bus trips. Some New York charter bus companies recommend 9 months.
• What day of the week are you traveling on?  Fridays and Saturdays sell out for almost all motor coach companies throughout the United States, especially in the upper Midwest.  Most events & activities are planned for these days, which causes them to sellout in advance.  
• What is your head count and departure date? These 2 critical pieces of information will help your charter bus company determine quickly what type of vehicle you need, and when. Without this information, you can’t really start planning.
• Planning is related to pricing. Remember, bus availability will decrease the closer you get to your travel dates, and prices tend to be higher when demand exceeds supply. To get the best rates, plan farther ahead.

If you’re planning a trip or just doing research, please feel free to contact us at Lorenz Bus Service for a no-obligation, no-pressure conversation with one of our planning professionals.