Transportation by motorcoach is America's safest, most convenient and hassle-free mode of ground transportation. A group trip or tour is made easy by using one of the professional motorcoach company members of the United Motorcoach Association (UMA).

While it's a simple matter to arrange for your group's transportation by motorcoach, most consumers feel "under-educated" when they first step into the process. This quick checklist is designed to help you find the right transportation company and ask the right questions. It's intended to serve only as a guide. The list is divided into safety considerations, a shopping checklist and a travel group transportation needs survey.

Use this guide when you plan your trip and make photocopies for your future travel use. Once you've reviewed the list, we invite you to browse through our directory of more than 800 member companies to locate the UMA professional operators in your area. If you have any other questions, we also invite you to drop us a note at info@uma.org.

THE CARDINAL RULE: DON'T BUY ON PRICE ALONE.

All motorcoach companies are not alike. When you're deciding on which company to use, remember that safety can be affected by many mechanical components which you can't see. If the price you receive from one operator is significantly or surprisingly lower than others in your community, it may be because that company is saving money by poor or inadequate preventative maintenance procedures. Don't risk heartache to save a couple of bucks! Follow these guidelines and remember that safety is a reputable company's first priority.

As a final safety note, you may wish to check with your local law enforcement agency or the closest state police installation to ask about their experiences with the company you'd like to hire.

Part I: Safety & Operational Checklist
Part II: Motorcoach Shopper's Checklist
Part III: Determine Your Travel Group Needs
Part IV: A Final Note