Starting again NYC Limo which one do you recommned?

[saxon22]

Well, after trying another career for over 13 years I am going back to my roots. I used to drive a yellow NYC taxi during my college yeas and now, almost 20 years later I am thinking of joining the ranks again. Of course, this time I am thinking long term (20 years) and consequently prefer to go the limo TLC route.Besides who can afford a medallion for $600.000? I would like to drive for one of those limo corporation where you buy a radio and join a company. My questions are:
1. What are the best companies in NYC?
2. What kind of money would I need to start it?
3. What kind of $$$ can I expect driving from 6PM to 1 Am and whatever the "busy" hours are on the weekends?
4. what should i look out for?

Guys I need as much info as you can dish. Help out a fomer driver brother. cheers! http://limos.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[saxon22]

Nobody?

[Limoguy70]

My plan is to relocate to NYC or North Jersey in the next month or so, but my suggestion to you is to work for a company. Let them worry about the insurance, finding customers, customer rates, advertising, payroll, taxes, new laws and regulations, and everything that goes with it. You can apply to Big Companies like Empire, Boston Coach, Flyte Tyme, GEM, Royal, etc.

Just a thought and a suggestion.

[saxon22]

Originally posted by Limoguy70:
My plan is to relocate to NYC or North Jersey in the next month or so, but my suggestion to you is to work for a company. Let them worry about the insurance, finding customers, customer rates, advertising, payroll, taxes, new laws and regulations, and everything that goes with it. You can apply to Big Companies like Empire, Boston Coach, Flyte Tyme, GEM, Royal, etc.

Just a thought and a suggestion.


Thank you for your kind reply. I was thinking about Boston Coach and saw their advertisement. What turned me off is that the salary they offer is only 25K/year. Now, I am not thinking that i will book 100K my first year, but 25K is on a slim side in a city like NY. I was thinking more along the lines of getting together with one of the firms where you buy a radio and an almost new LTC or similar and then work your own hours and make as much as possible. However, I want to start in a right company, where they want a professional driver with solid work ethic and a clean well taken car. This is why I am on a search path.

BTW. By the way, god luck with your relocation. NYC is surely .... different.

[Limoguy70]

check out Air Brook. They pay more than 25k a year and they have a car take home policy for drivers. That is one of the 4 I am going to when I get up there. http://airbrook.com/jobs.html

[saxon22]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Limoguy70:
check out Air Brook. They pay more than 25k a year and they have a car take home policy for drivers. That is one of the 4 I am going to when I get up there. [URL=http://airbrook.com/jobs.html]http://airbrook.


Yo are a good man! Thank you for the link. I just called Cobra Limousines. They are closer to my home base and seemed OK on the phone. Somebody told me to try Concorde Limos. I have heard of them but they do not sound like they have a large presence in NYC market. Also, I mentioned Charge and Ride but will try them out once other avenues are exhausted.
Not to be a pest, but any other names that come to your mind, you know the other three?

[Dave M]

I would consider either EmireCLS or Carey. Both are large, well respected operators with established IO programs.

Each has an upscale clientele with high rates. If you put in the hours and gain the trust of the dispatchers, you should make 65K+ during your first year.

Dave

[saxon22]

Originally posted by Dave M:
I would consider either EmireCLS or Carey. Both are large, well respected operators with established IO programs.

Each has an upscale clientele with high rates. If you put in the hours and gain the trust of the dispatchers, you should make 65K+ during your first year.

Dave


Dave! Thank you for the info. I sent my resume to EmpireCLS along with cover letter. Unfortunately, Carey is not hiring new drivers, or so it seems from their web page. Must be a superb corp. since they are not in constant need of new drivers. Thank you for supplying that 65+ number. Sounds lovely. In early 90's when I was driving a yellow cab during my college years, I was driving a 24H double shift and was making around $300. Tough work, so so reward, but I could do it on the weekends and that was a big +. Once again, thanks for the info. I owe you a beer.

[Greenpala]

Big in NY (corporate wise): BLS, Carey, Empire CLS, Boston Coach. Everybody else is midsize.

You will make best money with big companies but its hard to get in. You up earn up to $45/hr + insurance + all other good benefits. But usually you have to know someone there to get hooked up for that salary.

[saxon22]

Originally posted by Greenpala:
Big in NY (corporate wise): BLS, Carey, Empire CLS, Boston Coach. Everybody else is midsize.

You will make best money with big companies but its hard to get in. You up earn up to $45/hr + insurance + all other good benefits. But usually you have to know someone there to get hooked up for that salary.

I have sent all of them my resume and letter of interest, and .... now need to wait. By Friday I will try to visit all three bases and see if I can help my case in person. It is always easier to give somebody a chance when one is there in person.

[saxon22]

Originally posted by Greenpala:
Big in NY (corporate wise): BLS, Carey, Empire CLS, Boston Coach. Everybody else is midsize.

You will make best money with big companies but its hard to get in. You up earn up to $45/hr + insurance + all other good benefits. But usually you have to know someone there to get hooked up for that salary.


Is it hard to get in because they are not looking for anybody, or is t because they do not want to give a job to a new guy http://limos.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_redface.gifff the streets"?

[Greenpala]

Well, they dont want people from the street. They want reputable drivers. Anybody can make a resume. Some have special written tests on knowledge of the city. That is how they filter out walk in drivers. If they dont want you, they will just tell you - you failed.

I dont know if it helps to tell them you drove a yellow cab but that depends on the person screening.

[Dave M]

As Greenpala stated, the large companies prefer experienced and reputable drivers. Any chauffeur with strong references and a handful of clients will certainly move to the front of the line.

Although this is the ideal job candidate, experienced chauffeurs willing to make a lateral move to a new company are in short supply. This leaves a small opening for people like you.

Any experienced operator realizes that character and personality far outweigh experience. Chaufffeur training programs may create reliable drivers, but inherently negative drivers can never be fixed. If you're positive, educated, well-spoken, and presentable, these qualities will take you a long way.

Most large companies are in flex. A hiring "freeze" may be in place, but if the right person walks in the door, a position will be made available. The chauffeur managers are the gatekeepers - if you can impress them, you've got a shot.

New York is a huge market, if you're rejected by EmpireCLS and Carey, move on to the second tier companies. Once you have a little experience, you can re-apply and move up to a better company.

Dave

[saxon22]

Originally posted by Greenpala:
Well, they dont want people from the street. They want reputable drivers. Anybody can make a resume. Some have special written tests on knowledge of the city. That is how they filter out walk in drivers. If they dont want you, they will just tell you - you failed.

I dont know if it helps to tell them you drove a yellow cab but that depends on the person screening.


So far I have not heard from any of the companies. It is not a good sign but I am keeping my fingers crossed.
How about Limo franchises or cooperatives ( I do not know the proper name). I am referring to those companies where you have to purchase your own LTC and a radio (like Charge and Ride for example). What do you guys think of them? Which ones are the best? I would hate to have spent 60K or more on a radio to join a company that is mediocre.

As for my ability to impress. I am very good with people and super calm. As for driving: my license is super clean and that says a lot for somebody who have been driving the street of NYC for past two decades. Wish me luck guys.

[saxon22]

Originally posted by Dave M:
As Greenpala stated, the large companies prefer experienced and reputable drivers. Any chauffeur with strong references and a handful of clients will certainly move to the front of the line.

Although this is the ideal job candidate, experienced chauffeurs willing to make a lateral move to a new company are in short supply. This leaves a small opening for people like you.

Any experienced operator realizes that character and personality far outweigh experience. Chaufffeur training programs may create reliable drivers, but inherently negative drivers can never be fixed. If you're positive, educated, well-spoken, and presentable, these qualities will take you a long way.

Most large companies are in flex. A hiring "freeze" may be in place, but if the right person walks in the door, a position will be made available. The chauffeur managers are the gatekeepers - if you can impress them, you've got a shot.

New York is a huge market, if you're rejected by EmpireCLS and Carey, move on to the second tier companies. Once you have a little experience, you can re-apply and move up to a better company.

Dave

Thank you for a more detailed explanation of how the business from the hiring side works. Luckily, I think I possess the right look and personality and being a cheerful and calm person, will allow me to score points during an interview. If that does not work, I will research those companies where you have to purchase your own late model LTC and buy a radio or nowadays a computer for 30K+ in order to start working. I dislike this particular option because of the costs that are involved, but if there is no other way what choice do I have? BTW. Do you know which ones are worth my $$$$?

[Dave M]

A couple of things...

November and December are slow months in the limousine industry. Things don’t usually pick up until February. Trying to land a job during this time of year is going to be a challenge. The busiest time for the industry is spring. The retail side has weddings and proms and the business side has events and conventions. If a company has a lot of hotels, summer will also be busy.

The other problem is the training programs. Good companies make prospective chauffeurs go through training before they hit the road. A company will hire you, but you may have to wait to be trained. Considering the attrition rate for new drivers, companies prefer to keep training sessions to a minimum. Large companies do the bulk of training during peak seasons.

Are you really ready for a coop (IO or IC) program? This is the equivalent of starting your own limousine company. Do you understand livery warranties, commercial insurance, licensing, spot fees, etc? This is a big step with a potential for real loss. I would strongly suggest taking a regular chauffeur position with a company before you make this move. Consider your first six months paid training. During this time, ask a lot of questions and build a network. It will serve you well when you go out on your own.

When searching for a position, IO or otherwise, stick with the big affiliates. These companies are reputable and provide a good learning environment. You’ll be exposed to a variety of accounts and get to know the business. When it’s time to make a change, transitioning from a well known operator (even if they’re mediocre) will make things easier.

Most of the big companies have been listed, but I would also consider Music Express, Dav El, and Commonwealth. It’s OK to start your career with the Brewers, just as long as you end up with the Yankees.

Dave

[saxon22]

Originally posted by Dave M:
A couple of things...

November and December are slow months in the limousine industry. Things don’t usually pick up until February. Trying to land a job during this time of year is going to be a challenge. The busiest time for the industry is spring. The retail side has weddings and proms and the business side has events and conventions. If a company has a lot of hotels, summer will also be busy.

The other problem is the training programs. Good companies make prospective chauffeurs go through training before they hit the road. A company will hire you, but you may have to wait to be trained. Considering the attrition rate for new drivers, companies prefer to keep training sessions to a minimum. Large companies do the bulk of training during peak seasons.

Are you really ready for a coop (IO or IC) program? This is the equivalent of starting your own limousine company. Do you understand livery warranties, commercial insurance, licensing, spot fees, etc? This is a big step with a potential for real loss. I would strongly suggest taking a regular chauffeur position with a company before you make this move. Consider your first six months paid training. During this time, ask a lot of questions and build a network. It will serve you well when you go out on your own.

When searching for a position, IO or otherwise, stick with the big affiliates. These companies are reputable and provide a good learning environment. You’ll be exposed to a variety of accounts and get to know the business. When it’s time to make a change, transitioning from a well known operator (even if they’re mediocre) will make things easier.

Most of the big companies have been listed, but I would also consider Music Express, Dav El, and Commonwealth. It’s OK to start your career with the Brewers, just as long as you end up with the Yankees.

Dave


Dave, your answers have been very educational and I appreciate the effort and time it takes to educate me on this forum. A sincere thanks.
I still have not heard from the major companies that I have applied to. Like you stated, this is not the busy season and since the start of turmoil on Wall Street, the business is not blooming. I will wait a week or two more and then probably go and visit the companies in person. Will see if this is going to get me in the door.
As for going the COOP way. I understand that this is very similar to starting my own company and I am willing to go that route if nothing materilizes from my efforts to get hired by a company. I would much rather work for a reputable corporation but on the other hand cannot wait till spring to get hired. Wish me luck!

[saxon22]

Well guys, a quick update. After some research, I have decided to join one of the co-op limo corporations operating out of NY. The finalists are: BLUE LINE, NY ONE, SUMMIT, ALLEN, & LOVE. They all have their pluses and minuses but so far this is the list. NOW, I need to get a car. From what I have gathered the best one would be LTC.

Question 1: The question is should I get the extended L version or it dos not really matter that much?

Question #2: the cars that I was able to locate were all with 100K to 160K miles. IS that a lot for LTC or do they still have a lot of life left in them? All the cars I looked at were immaculate and well taken care of.

Question #3: What are the places where one could get a large selection of LTC and receive good prices?

Thank you guys! (Belated happy Thanxgiving!

[joel yee]

"Question #3: What are the places where one could get a large selection of LTC and receive good prices? "

Saxon,
In NYC try

Tower Auto Sales
http://www.towncarnyc.com

Town Car Center .Inc
http://www.towncarexpress.com/

Lincoln Auto Mall
http://www.lincolnautomall.com/

Westwood Lincoln
http://www.westwoodlincoln.com/limo.htm

[saxon22]

Thank you for the quick reply.I looked over the sites and there are a couple of cars that would fit the bill sort of speak. Thankx.

Now if I could get some of the veterans to comment, and answer my other questions I would be eternally thankful. http://limos.com/graemlins/party.gif



QUOTE]Originally posted by joel yee:
"Question #3: What are the places where one could get a large selection of LTC and receive good prices? "

Saxon,
In NYC try

Tower Auto Sales
http://www.towncarnyc.com

Town Car Center .Inc
http://www.towncarexpress.com/

Lincoln Auto Mall
http://www.lincolnautomall.com/

Westwood Lincoln
http://www.westwoodlincoln.com/limo.htm[/QUOTE]

[saxon22]

OK guys, here is an update. I have decided to join NY One. The radio is cheap (6K) the car could be as old as 2004 and it seems that they do have a lot of work. I just completed all my paperwork for the Limo License with TLC and should get it by the end of December. I already decided to go for LTC black on black for obvious reasons (maintanenece and acceptance in the industry). Now, I am stuck between a regular LTC and the E - XL aka extended version. The question is: will the L version provide repeat customers? Do customers even ask for the L version?
What do you guys think to L or not to L?

[Dean Schuler]

The L car is the standard now.

[saxon22]

Originally posted by Dean Schuler:
The L car is the standard now.


Perhaps but here in NYC I see a lot of limos that are regular instead of the E- XL ones. The question stands should I get one that is extended or just regular plain old black one and be done with it?