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CHARTERING
A COACH WITH CONFIDENCE
Your
Questions Answered...
Selecting
a motor coach to provide your transportation needs should not be difficult. In
fact, the decision you make should be based on what common sense dictates -
safety, service quality, equipment, and price. While price is important, the
cost of service should include the confidence that safety, driver competence,
vehicle integrity, cleanliness, and customer service expectations can and will
be met.
There may be a
“cheaper” rate out there, but what are the consequences to the overall
success of your trip?
Shafer’s
Tour & Charter is confident that we satisfy
all your important questions.
We hope you find all the information you are looking for; if not, please contact
us.
THE
COMPANY
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HOW
LONG HAS IT BEEN IN BUSINESS?
An
established company has a reputation. A fledgling company is untested. Ask for
proof of federal, state and or provincial operating authority.
Shafer’s
has
been serving the residents of the Southern Tier of NY since 1947. Click Here
to read a detail of our history.
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| HOW
BIG IS IT?
Big is not
necessarily beautiful, but those desiring to charter motor coaches should be
aware that small businesses may not have the full range of technical and
management support necessary to provide "world class" service.
Shafer’s fleet
includes 12 full-sized modern motor coaches
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THE
VEHICLE
| HOW
OLD IS THE COACH?
The vehicle's age may be important to you. Remember, however, that modern
coaches have a long life and general presentation, cleanliness, and mechanical
condition may be more important than actual age.
Shafer’s fleet’s average age is 6.5 years, with 2-2006 Prevost
“H” model coaches
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Click
Here for photos of our coaches.
| WHAT
TYPE OF VEHICLE IS BEST?
The length
and purpose of the journey and any special passenger needs dictates the type of
vehicle. Rate the importance to your passengers of things like bathrooms, TV,
video, reclining seats, air conditioning, wheelchair lifts, etc. Ensure that
your requirements are included in the charter price.
All of Shafer’s 47, 55 and 56 passenger coaches feature
air-conditioning, VCR/DVD players, PA system, plush reclining seats, panoramic
windows, individual reading lights, and restrooms with hand sanitizer dispensers. |
| WHAT
ABOUT SAFETY?
Ask about safety features - anti lock braking systems (ABS). Does the company
comply with coach drivers' hours regulations, compiled to avoid risks caused by
fatigue. A lax attitude could prejudice the safety of your passengers. Ask to
see Department of Transportation (DOT) inspection ratings. NEVER contract with a
carrier having an unsatisfactory rating.
Check out our safety rating (listed as Southern
Tier Stages, our corporate name) and those of our competitors at http://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/Passenger/search_results.asp?Zipcode=13901&VehicleType=ALL&keyword=&Submit=Find+Carriers
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| ANY
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS?
What if I
need to change route or times? Check that the company is able to meet any
unforeseen eventualities, with in the constraints of safety limits. How does
this affect price?
Contact our helpful office staff at anytime prior to
your departure to change or verify pick-up times or stops.
Any affect on pricing will be explained at that time.
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| ANY
SPECIAL NEEDS?
If your
group includes the very young, elderly, or people with disabilities, can the
company provide appropriate vehicles and arrange stops at places where their
needs can be met?
Shafer’s can provide a wheel chair accessible
coach if requested.
THE
STAFF
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| WHAT
ARE THE STANDARDS OF STAFF TRAINING?
Drivers
should be competent in vehicle handling and people handling and licensed. Ask to
see verification. Further, ask about company policy in training drivers in
essential customer care. Uniformed drivers speak volumes about company attitudes
and standards.
All of Shafer’s
drivers
have completed the IMG Driver Training Program, the most comprehensive program
in the industry.
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| WHAT
ABOUT UNSEEN STAFF?
The competence of maintenance staff and their working facilities directly
affects the reliability and safety of vehicles. Ask searching questions.
Shafer’s
Maintenance
personnel hold certifications for the inspection and repair of various systems;
braking, air conditioning, etc. and regularly attend IMG Maintenance and Safety
forums to keep current with industry standards and manufacturers’ equipment
upgrades.
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DOES
THE COMPANY HAVE A DRUG / ALCOHOL TESTING PROGRAM?
DO NOT
contract with any operator unable to provide evidence that they possess and
enforce drug and alcohol testing programs.
All of the personnel,
office staff, drivers, and mechanics, at Shafer’s are part of a regularly scheduled,
random drug and alcohol testing program.
THE BACK-UP
Even the best maintained vehicles develop faults. Vehicles can be damaged. Can
they deal with emergencies?
| WHAT
SYSTEMS ARE IN PLACE TO AVOID UNACCEPTABLE DELAYS?
Shafer’s is a member of the International Motor Coach Group (http://www.imgcoach.com/)
a confederation of the most experienced operators, committed to providing mutual
aid to fellow members (including vehicle repair/replacement and operator
assistance) in order to minimize any disruption and inconvenience to our
customers.
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| CHECK IT OUT
WHAT
ABOUT REFERENCES? Shafer’s
provides
transportation for The Binghamton Mets, the Binghamton Senators, Tom and Jerry Sports tours, as well as
the Department of Defense and local schools, church groups and industries.
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| OFFICIAL
TRANSPORTATION PROVIDER FOR: |
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| IS
INSURANCE COVERAGE IN PLACE AND VALID LICENSES HELD?
Ask for
evidence of adequate coverage (including liability coverage); that the company
is inspected by the federal, state and/or provincial Department of
Transportation; has documented operating authority; that checks are made to
ensure that drivers continue to be licensed to drive this class of vehicle.
Insurance information is available by following the link below:
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http://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/Passenger/search_results.asp?Zipcode=13901&VehicleType=ALL&keyword=&Submit=Find+Carriers
MAKING
AN INQUIRY
When
contacting
Shafer’s for a quote or to make a booking, please be prepared to give the following
information:
FOR DAY CHARTERS
| Coach
type required (47, 55 or 56 passenger)
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| Date
of the journey and the starting time and place
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| The
destination
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| Time
of leaving destination and probable completion time
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| Any
special requirements at destination (i.e.: local transfer movements)
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| Any
special requirement on route, or about the route
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FOR MULTI-DAY CHARTERS/TOURS
When
your group is ready to hit the road, leave the driving to the professionals at Shafer’s
Call us
at 607-797-2006 or 800-287-8986 or E-mail
us …for a quote today!!!
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