Operating Authority

• Operator should provide proof of current operating authority from the *Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) if your trip will cross state lines. Some states also require their own operating authority if your travel does not cross any state or international boundaries.

  * Note: The Interstate Commerce Commission was eliminated by Congress at the start of 1996. It's safety and carrier certification responsibilities have now been transferred to the FHWA within the U.S. Department of Transportation .

Insurance

• Operators should be willing to provide proof of valid, current insurance coverage for any vehicle which might be used. The insurance must provide $5 million per incident minimum liability if the carrier is authorized for interstate service by the ICC (now the USDOT).

Vehicle Inspection

• Look for proof that the vehicle you will be using has passed a complete mechanical inspection within the previous 12 months. Most states will issue decals or reports to be placed on the coach indicating the date of a successful inspection. If the carrier's state does not require a periodic inspection, look for a decal issued by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) or, at a minimum, a copy of the operator's own annual inspection form for that vehicle.

Company Inspection

• Operator should NOT have an UNsatisfactory USDOT Safety Rating. Some operators, however, may have not been yet been rated by the USDOT. You may call the USDOT to ask about a carrier's current safety rating. You may also check the carrier's record online using the USDOT's new "SAFER" (Safety Fitness & Electronic Records System) database for the carrier's safety profile. We caution, however, that the SAFER system is acknowledged by USDOT to contain some errors.

Driver Licensing

• All drivers must possess valid, current "commercial driver's licenses" or "CDLs" at the time of your trip. CDL's are issued only after drivers have demonstrated their ability -- through skills and written tests -- to control the type of heavy vehicle they will be using on the job.

Emergency & Breakdown policies

• Ask about any affiliations with state or national professional associations or emergency aid organizations which might be expected to assist in the case of a mechanical breakdown or other complication during your trip.

Subcontracting Agreements

• If the motorcoach company will not be providing all of the vehicles needed for your journey, ask your prime operator about other companies which might be used to augment his vehicles. Ensure that the subcontracted company also provides satisfactory answers to each of your checklist questions.

Read Part II: Motorcoach Shopper's Checklist