Group Transport

School trip charter bus: what a trip leader checks

The permission slips are the easy part. The school trip charter bus is where the board will ask questions. Have the answers ready.

Look the carrier up before you sign

Every interstate carrier has a USDOT number. Look it up in FMCSA Bus Safety Search or SAFER. "Satisfactory" is FMCSA's highest rating. "Not Rated" carriers may still operate. An unsatisfactory-rated or out-of-service carrier should not be running your trip. Ask for the number with the quote and check it yourself.

The driver of any vehicle designed for 16 or more people, driver included, needs a CDL with a passenger endorsement. Note: the federal CDL "school bus" definition excludes for-hire charter operations, so the charter is not a school bus in that legal sense.

Passenger van interior
Passenger van interior

What the rules require

  • Unsatisfactory-rated or out-of-service carriers should not run interstate trips.
  • Max 10 hours driving after 8 hours off; none after 15 hours on duty.

Seat belts and the age of the coach

Buses over 26,000 lb built since November 28, 2016 must have passenger seat belts. If belts matter to your district, say so on the request and we will ask for a vehicle that has them.

Driver hours shape the itinerary

Maximum 10 hours of driving after 8 hours off, and no driving after 15 hours on duty. A Washington, DC day trip from New York is about 225 miles each way. A day that long may need an overnight or a second driver. Plan the itinerary around the rule, not the other way round.

City drops that catch groups out

On the National Mall, coaches load only in signed zones. In Philadelphia, the drop for Independence Hall is the Independence Transportation Center on Race St, with a 10 to 15 minute limit. Boston's downtown tour bus stops allow 15 minutes. Count heads before the coach arrives.

Questions

What rating should the carrier have?

"Satisfactory" is the highest FMCSA rating. "Not Rated" carriers may operate. Avoid unsatisfactory or out-of-service carriers.

Will the coach have seat belts?

Buses over 26,000 lb built since November 28, 2016 must. Ask on the request if you need them.

Can a wheelchair user travel on the same coach?

Yes. Give at least 48 hours notice so the operator can provide an accessible coach.

Can we check the driver is properly licensed?

For a vehicle designed for 16 or more, the driver needs a CDL with a passenger endorsement. Ask the operator to confirm it for the assigned driver.

Cities

Vehicles

Get a school trip quote

Dates, headcount, chaperones and itinerary. One quote for the coach and driver, with the carrier details you need to check. Nothing is charged until you accept.

Request a quote or call 15722344442