How to start a limo business

I would appreciate information for a friend of mine who is interested in running a Limo service for a profit.
My friend purchased a 1997 Lincoln Continental 10 passenger Limo and now is looking for reputable drivers.
My first question is:
How would my friend go about finding a reputable driver?
How can a person's driving record be checked out?
Is there any necessary licenses that my friend would need in order for the driver to perform services?
I would appreciate any information on this e-mailed to me.
Thanking you,
iclark6@worldnet.att.net

As soon as you find out that information, I would like to know too! I am interested in knowing insurance rates and how much it takes to get started!

That is a great question. Chauffeurs. Where are good ones located? However there use to be a lot of schools 20 years ago but now I see that there are seldom drivers with the experience needed. I would suggest looking at Truck drivers with good driving records. Preferably ones with a "A" endorcement. Placing a ad for these creditials: That they have a clean driving record. They know the area good. Know how to read a map. Know CPR and 1St Aid a Must! And be available for when you need them. Sure drivers are a dime a dozen. But true Chauffeurs are hard to find. And you need to make sure they know what they are doing before you put them out on the road. They are the ones who are going to make or break your company. Make sure they know what they are doing! I suggest police officers and firemen too. They make great Chauffeurs and can handle the heat in the more appropiate way since they have training with dealing with the public. Good luck!

You will have nothing but problems finding quality drivers and chauffeurs if you have the attitude that they are a dime a dozen.

Yes, you should set a minimum criteria such as a satisfactory MVR. You may want to ask for "X" amount/years of experience. But beyond that, you want quality people with good people skills. A million mile trucker may have the greatest driving skills there are. He may have that skill because he didn't have to interact with passengers. His cargo didn't stiff him on tips, talk back, or make special requests of him. In this industry, all that and more happens.

Get a good solid people-skills person and you can teach them to drive if you have to.

Case in point: everybody that works for me in the office are capable of suiting up and getting in a car to do a run. They weren't hired as, nor is it likely that they would ever be used as drivers unless a bona fide emergency pops up. But they all had to go out to the airport to observe or do rep work and learn the layout of the airport. They have be driven to the most frequently used hotels and offices of major accounts, etc. They know how the cars are washed and prep'd. So when they handle the calls, they know better what they are talking about and what the customer is talking about. They also have a much better appreciation of what the driver has to go through. So I know a good capable person can be made into a top-quality driver.

As for off-duty police and fire folks, I have a biased opinion since my dad was a retired captain with city of L.A.F.D., and when he was off, you couldn't get him to do anything! But yes, that's a possibilty. The only added benefit is the first aid/CPR training. But most firefighters I know eschew the business and occassional formal attire required of chauffeurs. And there is nothing that elevates public safety employees over any other potential candidates especially if they've never driven passengers commercially before.

I drive for a small company in Dulles, Va. and I'll tell you now, that the most important quality to look for is a person with people skills. You have got to be able to interact with the CEO, the Executive Assistant, the Bride and the drunk party goers. Everything else you can train and teach to accomplish. I am a retired police officer and it is a good idea to use people who have a very good sense of direction and know the immediate area that they drive in. There is nothing worse than not knowing where you're going and the executive in the back is in a hurry. Also, remember that your drivers are a walking billboard for your company. Even if you don't have a set uniform, make sure that all of them are well groomed and present themselves in a manner that reflects your company's image.

Good Luck.

I couldn't agree more. Many people in this industry don't realize one very important thing. WE ARE IN THE SERVICE INDUSTRY. People skills are an absolute must. Clients want a skilled driver who has a smile on his or her face. I have met a lot of operators who have a personality to that of a wall.

With regard to licence checks you can go to your local Highway Patrol or State Police Office and for a fee, here its $7.00 get a licence check right away. While you are there ask about the requirements for a CDL Commercial Drivers Licence. They will give you all that info.
Sincerely Dick Hall

I'm an insurance agent loacted in MD and a lot of drivers work for more then one company.You may want to check with other limo companies they may be willing to share! If your interested in a quote for insurance I can help you there too!kswinburne@mjia.com

800-310-4304
Kelly

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by kswinburne@mjia.com:
I'm an insurance agent loacted in MD and a lot of drivers work for more then one company.You may want to check with other limo companies they may be willing to share! If your interested in a quote for insurance I can help you there too!kswinburne@mjia.com

800-310-4304
Kelly <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

What's the best way to initiate contact with a company that deals with drivers who work for more than one company? This is the approach I want to take as a driver now that I am licensed.