A horrible tragedy happened earlier this month when a stretch limousine crashed in upstate New York, killing 20 people.
Reports indicate that problems with the limousine company loomed long before the limo even got on the road. The vehicle was a 2001 Ford Excursion that had been improperly converted to a stretch limousine, compromising the structural integrity of the vehicle. The limo also failed recent vehicle inspections and should have never been allowed on the road.
BEST Transportation takes the safety of our passengers and chauffeurs very seriously. We pride ourselves in leading the industry in technology and keeping our fleet of vehicles in the very best condition.
Unfortunately, not all limousine companies are alike. Here, we’re sharing our best chauffeur hiring tips so that you can be sure you’re riding with a reputable company for your next special event.
DOT Certification
Any professional transportation company will maintain current inspection and vehicle safety records with the Department of Transportation. This information will be printed on the vehicle itself. Anytime you hire a limo or party bus, ask to see a proof of this certification in person or with a photo of the vehicle, with the registered DOT information.
At BEST Transportation, every vehicle in our fleet is DOT certified, and anyone is welcome to visit our St. Louis office to physically see our entire fleet of well-maintained vehicles. We are also proud to have taken on the additional safety requirements to be certified by the Department of Defense (DOD).
Verify Online
Taking a moment to verify the reputation of a company online can go a long way in finding a trustworthy company. Make sure the company has a person you can contact with questions or concerns. Also verify that the company has an office. While not always the case, most limo companies without a physical address don’t meet MODOT requirements for vehicle safety. BEST Transportation is proud of our excellent ratings online and with other industry vendors, too!
Safety Staff
Always be sure to find out who is in charge of safety and maintenance of vehicles. We take safety seriously at BEST, and are proud to be one of the only transportation companies in St. Louis with a full-time Manager of Compliance and Quality, Vicki Sanders. “Our chauffeurs undergo an extensive training program that covers not only our standards of customer service but all safety requirements including the highly regarded Smith Systems Defensive Driving course,” says Vicki.
BEST is committed to following all guidelines for City, State and Federal compliance and maintain a satisfactory rating.
Pricing Problem
Oftentimes if a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Party buses and limos operating “off the books” cut corners in all areas, including vehicle maintenance and safety. Deeply discounted pricing can be a red flag for an untrustworthy businesses. Before you hire a chauffeur, call a few other local companies to get comparable pricing.
Fleet Fails
Unregistered companies may be operating with just a few older limos or school buses that have been transformed into makeshift party buses. If the bus you’ve rented breaks down or gets a flat tire, you and your party will be left stranded. Unfortunately, we hear stories about ruined weddings and parties, because the party bus broke down and they were stranded on the side of the road or parking lot for hours. When you book a ride with BEST, you’re backed by our expansive fleet of well maintained vehicles and professional team, on every ride.
“Extra Mile” Security
Our family of companies is committed to going to “extra mile” for our customers, team and community. That means making sure you will receive the award-winning service you expect for your chauffeured special occasions.