Executive Transportation Service

When all goes well with executive ground transportation, it's a seamless part of the travel experience. It's only when vehicles run late, Chauffeurs are rude or there's billing issues that sedan service truly stands out in the wrong way. Not all limo companies are the same, and there's a wide variation in quality among the almost 10,000 vendors in North America and hundreds in the Bay Area alone. We've compiled some of the sharpest interview questions to ask your car service to ensure you receive the executive treatment you deserve:

1. Is My Price Quote Inclusive?

In the chauffeured transportation industry, not all price quotes are created equal. The two most common types of price estimates are known to insides as "all-inclusive" or "base rates." If your quote seems surprisingly low, ensure you identify whether your estimate is subject to change. Base rates are often 30-40% lower than the price on your credit card statement. For executive travel on a budget, it's critical to make sure that the price you're quoted is what you ultimately pay.

2. What Year is My Vehicle?

A chauffeured transportation vendor who's vague about the year, make or model of their vehicles might by hiding something. Unless you're specifically trying to reserve vintage car service, it's wise to identify that your vehicle is late-model. Due to the fact that commercial vehicles accrue miles quickly, cars that are older than 8 years old don't always look as professional as you deserve.

3. Does Your Insurance Policy Cover Me?

This question is pretty simple. Vendors you can trust shouldn't be hesitant to share details on their coverage. If you're preparing to form a long-term relationship for corporate travel needs, you may want to ask to see proof of coverage.

4. Will You Be on Time?

Whether you're heading to the airport for a week of business or meeting with a potential investor, being on time is crucial to extending a professional image. Check what measures a potential company takes to be on time, which could include having their dispatch staff route trips and tracking flights. If they do run late, are clients given any discounts or refunds?

5. Do You Comply With Government Regulations?

If a chauffeured transportation company won't invest the time and money to comply with county, state and federal regulations for their business, there's a good chance that's not the only corners they're cutting. Before you sign a contract, make sure that all Chauffeurs are licensed drivers, and all vehicles meet government-dictated safety standards.

6. Are Your Chauffeurs Screened?

Chauffeurs are a critical component of passenger safety. The best limo companies invest in their employees, carefully screening for criminal history or driving infractions before they hire. Ongoing training makes the best employees even better, which can include topics such as customer service, defensive driving and client confidentiality.

7. Does My Quote Include Chauffeur Gratuity?

Chauffeurs are tipped employees. Passengers are certainly not required to pay a gratuity, but it's a matter of manners and appreciation when expectations have been exceeded. While most providers include driver gratuity in their price quote, it's always prudent to ensure the consideration was included.

8. Do You Have a Contingency Plan?

Sometimes, all the wrong things happen to the best Chauffeurs and passengers. Other motorists get into an accident, causing an unexpected traffic jam. Vehicle tires can blow out, even if the car was carefully inspected before the journey. Great companies prepare a contingency plan in case of the worst, whether you require a secondary route to get to San Francisco international airport on time, or a second car entirely.