Trinity Announces New Wage Rates for All Drivers and Aides

Whether you are considering traveling today or tomorrow, the below will provide you with some rules to follow that will help assure a safe reliable transportation provider.

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. Never charter from a company with an unsatisfactory rating. It's easy to find a carrier's rating on the Internet. Go to http://www.safersys.org Seach by company name, USDOT number or MC number.

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  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.

This brochure is produced as a public service by the National Motorcoach Network. Permission to reproduce this document is granted with proper atttribution to National Motorcoach Network, Inc.

Although there are many miles still left to be driven on this full size van, as a preventative maintenance standard Trinity Transportation replaces vehicles in our fleet after a set amount of miles per each type of vehicle. With many miles still left to be driven and the great condition of the vehicle, we have donated the vehicle to Orange Street Church of God of Prophecy  to help them in their goals to provide support to many community members in the Metro Detroit and surrounding areas. The key hand off took place this morning when Pastor Bob Rose accepted the keys from Sales Director Austin Arksey.

Trinity Transportation will be retiring 6 Crown Victorias, and
WE WANT TO GIVE THEM TO YOU!

Six lucky employees will win a car for achieving perfect
attendance!

Achieve perfect attendance in March, April or May, and you
will get to pick a key and try to start one of the cars.

2 cars will be given away each month. That’s three opportunities to win one of 6 cars!

START THE CAR AND IT’S YOURS!

Contest Rules:

• Employees hired prior to February 21, 2013 are eligible
• Employees are eligible only if they have perfect attendance. Perfect attendance is defined as:

On time to every scheduled shift, working the entire scheduled shift, no call offs or approved
absences.

Arriving late for your scheduled shift will disqualify participation in the perfect attendance
drawing.

One car limit per employee.

As the winter months are upon us we have decided to provide our followers with a list of safe techniques while driving in snow and icy conditions.

Photo by Chris Peeters from Pexels

Driving safely on icy roads

1.Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
2.Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
3.Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
4.Keep your lights and windshield clean.
5.Don’t assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

If your rear wheels skid…

1.Take your foot off the accelerator.
2.Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they’re sliding right, steer right.
3.If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
4.If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
5.If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.

If your front wheels skid…

1.Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don’t try to steer immediately.
2.As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in “drive” or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

If you get stuck…

1.Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.
2.Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
3.Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.
4.Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.
5.Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.
6.Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner’s manual first — it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you’re in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.

Sources: National Safety Council, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Washington State Government Information & Services