A Project by the American Bus Association
What to Look For Before You Book
Use this interactive checklist to evaluate any bus company before signing a contract or paying a deposit.
01
Know Who Is Operating Your Trip
02
Understand Your Booking Method
03
Safety Record
04
Proper Licensing & Insurance
05
Qualified, Professional Drivers
06
Well Maintained Vehicles
07
Experience & References
08
Clear, Transparent Pricing
09
Responsive Customer Service
10
Industry Standards, Safety Training & Code of Ethics
Completed your review? If any answers raise concerns, ask more questions before booking.
Verify on FMCSALook Before You Book
Buyer Safety Checklist
A Project by the American Bus Association
01Know Who Is Operating Your Trip
- Which company will actually operate the bus, not the broker, TMC, or sales agent?
- What is the operating carrier's legal name and USDOT number?
- Can you get this in writing before signing a contract or paying a deposit?
02Understand Your Booking Method
- Are you booking directly with the carrier, through a transportation management company (TMC), or through a broker?
- If using a broker or TMC, will they disclose the name and USDOT number of the actual operating carrier before you sign or pay?
- Is your contract with the carrier or with the broker or TMC, and who is legally responsible for the trip?
- If a problem arises on the road, who is your point of contact and who is accountable for fixing it?
- If the broker or TMC refuses to identify the carrier until after payment, treat it as a red flag.
03Safety Record
- What is the company's USDOT number?
- Can you verify the company in FMCSA's Safety Measurement System?
- If using a broker or TMC, have you independently verified the carrier on FMCSA rather than relying only on their review?
- Does the company have a history of serious safety issues?
04Proper Licensing & Insurance
- Is the company authorized to operate?
- Does it carry required insurance?
- Is the company operating under its own authority?
- If using a broker or TMC, can you get a certificate of insurance directly from the operating carrier, naming you as certificate holder?
05Qualified, Professional Drivers
- Are drivers properly licensed?
- Are they trained for passenger transportation?
- Does the company follow federal hours of service rules?
06Well Maintained Vehicles
- How does the company inspect and maintain vehicles?
- Are buses inspected before trips?
- Does the company have a maintenance program?
07Experience & References
- Has the company handled similar trips?
- Can it provide references?
- If using a broker or TMC, how do they select carriers, and is safety a factor in that selection?
- Does the carrier understand schools, teams, events, tours, or specialized group travel?
08Clear, Transparent Pricing
- Is the quote complete?
- Are all fees explained?
- Is the company clear about deposits, cancellation, wait time, mileage, driver lodging, and additional charges?
- If using a broker or TMC, is it clear who you are paying, whether the carrier is paid directly, and what markup or fee the broker adds?
09Responsive Customer Service
- Can you reach a real person?
- Is the company responsive before payment?
- Do they provide clear trip documents and emergency contacts?
- If booking through a broker or TMC, is there a clear plan for who handles issues during the trip?
10Industry Standards, Safety Training & Code of Ethics
- Is the company a member of the American Bus Association or another recognized industry association?
- Does the company participate in the Bus Industry Safety Council or similar safety education programming?
- Do company leaders or safety staff attend industry safety meetings, training sessions, webinars, or compliance programs?
- Has the company signed or adopted a formal code of ethics?
- Does the company commit to operating safely, dealing honestly with customers, following federal and state rules, and protecting the reputation of the passenger transportation industry?
Verify any carrier at ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/SMSA Project by the American Bus Association
