Understanding A Quote
A charter bus quote may have several components and you should be aware of them in order to make an accurate and intelligence decision on who to hire for your special event or function. The components for local use charters include:
Hours of use – When traveling locally, the typical rates are based hourly. In the past few years, the average rate per hour was $80 to 100 US or Canadian (it has steadily climbed in recent years to accommodate inflation and fuel rate increases). Most companies have a minimum hourly charge, the average being 5 hours.
The components of over-the-road (out-of-state, long-distance) charters include:
Mileage – The average charge per mile the past few years is about $3.00 US (with rates increasing due to inflation and fuel rate increases).
Gratuity – The average bus operator earns about $12-$14US per hour. A 10-15%% gratuity is standard and offers an incentive to provide quality service.
Fuel surcharge – When fuel prices change rapidly, charter bus companies charge a fuel surcharge, that is updated daily, in order to maintain their primary rates. Many companies link their fuel surcharges with the Department of Energy’s website: http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/oog/info/wohdp/diesel.asp.
Driver change – The law requires that for every 10 hours of driving, or 15 hours of standby time, an operator must receive 10 hours of rest. If your trip requires more than 10 hours of consecutive driving, a change in drivers must be made. Operator changes range from $200-$900 depending on how far from your departure city the change has to be made.
Day rate – The average day rate (if higher than the per mile rate) the last few years was $800 to $ 1200/day (with rates increasing due to inflation and fuel rate increases).
Local travel – The number of miles permitted per day when the bus has reached the destination.
Driver hotel – The customer booking the charter is responsible for booking and paying for the operator’s hotel room. If you are booking many rooms, hotels often comp the operator’s room as a courtesy. It’s up to you to confirm this with the hotel.
Sales Tax - In 48 states there is no sales tax for chartering buses. California charges 1% and Ohio charges 7.75%.
Other expenses – Tolls, parking fees, and airport taxes are common fees encountered during trips. Most companies include these in the initial quote while some require that you pay them as the are incurred.
