FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO LEASE A COACH?
A: The cost of renting a coach depends on several factors. The major expenses are:
a) Cost of the Coach
b) Cost of the Driver
c) Cost of the Fuel
Other costs to consider include:
a) Weekly Generator services
b) Main engine service
c) Weekly Bus wash/trailer wash
d) Weekly Interior Cleaning & Linen Change
e) Trailer Rental (if applicable)
f) Driver pay (if pulling trailer, extra charge)
g) Driver per diem
h) Hotel Accommodation for Drivers (each day, min 3 star, including deadhead days)
i) Tolls/Permits/IFTA/DOT fees
j) Overdrives (if applicable)
k) Driver Lyft/Uber to/from hotel
l) End of Tour Cleaning
Q: HOW DO I CALCULATE FUEL COSTS?
A: In order to calculate fuel cost you will need to know:
a. How many miles you will be traveling
b. The expected MPG for the coach (6MPG without a trailer and 5MGP pulling a trailer)
c. Cost of a gallon of diesel
For example, a 50 day tour that travels a total of 15,203 miles, with no trailer being pulled and with diesel priced at $5.75 per gallon:
15,203 miles / 6MPG X 5.75/gallon = $14,569.54 estimated fuel cost
It is our suggestion to pad your mileage to ensure there are no surprises. Better to come in under budget than to have surprises!
Q: DO YOU HAVE RENTAL TRAILERS?
A: While we do not currently carry rental trailers, we can connect you with a reputable trailer rental company. Please keep in mind that when considering weight limits, the GVWT (Gross Vehicle Weight) of trailers does not mean you can put that much weight in equipment. For example, with a GVWT of 10,000, this means you can put abut 5,500 pounds of equipment/merchandise in the trailer. Be sure to clarify with your Trailer Company representative about weight.
Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF WE BREAK DOWN?
A: Anything with moving parts is subject to breakdown. However, we at A List Coaches strive to be proactive regarding any and all repairs and maintenance of our coaches. We focus on preventative maintenance and don’t cut corners.
We are available to our Drivers 24/7/365. Additionally, we have a nationwide network of repair facilities.
Safety
Each A List Coach Driver is required to use ELD’s (Electronic Logs). These systems are installed in each coach and record and monitor the Driver’s time on duty to ensure DOT compliance. A List Coaches and it’s Drivers comply strictly with the Department of Transportation’s rules and regulations. Drivers are allowed 10 hours of “on-duty” driving per day.
Should the tour incur daily drives that exceed the Driver’s legal limit, be prepared to incur the additional cost of flying a Co-Driver out to help and the additional driver pay incurred.
Bottom line…..WE STAY SAFE AND LEGAL.
Q: HOW DO I GET A QUOTE?
A: Click on the REQUEST A QUOTE button on any page. Be prepared with the following information:
Band Name
Contact Name, Contact Number, Email Address
Pick Up Date and Location
Drop Off Date and Location
Number and Types of coach/es needed
Number of bunks needed per coach
Is a rental trailer needed
Itinerary (Dates and location)
Budget (We will hard to meet your budget needs)
Q: ARE YOUR PRICES COMPETITIVE WITH OTHER COACH COMPANIES?
A: We are proud to say our prices are very competitive. If our quote seems high compared to others, check to see if their quote is as inclusive as ours. Some companies will quote only the basics to win the business, but then the client gets hit with unexpected and substantial charges. You will incur these costs either way. Best to know them all up front.
Q: WHAT IS DEADHEAD?
A: The term “Deadhead” refers to the travel needed to get from our base (Nashville, TN) to the pick up location. It also refers to the travel needed to get back to base after drop off.
Q: WHAT IS AN OVERDRIVE?
A: This is the financial compensation (pay) to a Driver for driving higher miles in a given day while still remaining within the guidelines of the Department of Transportation (10 hour on-duty driving.) It is equal to a Driver’s daily rate and is very common in the Coach Transportation field.
The industry standard charges an overdrive at 451 miles. A List Coach Drivers do not charge for overdrives until 501 miles, saving our clients thousands, further ensuring clients know we care about their success!
Q: CAN WE USE OUR OWN DRIVER?
A: No…These are commercial vehicles and are heavily regulated by the Department of Transportation. We must maintain in depth Driver files for each of our Drivers.
Have questions that weren’t addressed here? Feel free to give us a call!