Trade Groups Ready To Rally Against TNCs In 2016

So what’s top-of-mind for industry associations throughout the country as we get deeper into 2016?

Obviously, rallying members to step up vocally — and financially — to fight illegal transportation network companies (TNCs) at all government levels tops the list. Last year, the industry gained traction as associations mobilized members to ratchet up lobbying and public relations to counter freewheeling TNCs.

By all accounts, this year is viewed as the industry drawing the proverbial line in the sand to “level the playing field” — the rallying cry for legislative pursuits.

Underscoring the TNC fight, groups are working hard to recruit new operators, not just against TNCs, but to support other local regulatory reforms as well. Further, associations are adding more benefits to lure new members, such as education, networking opportunities and special vendor discounts.

For example, the Limousine Association of New Jersey (LANJ) increased its membership 19% during 2015 to more than 133 members by offering education panels at its meetings and more vendor support. There was also a new association launched in Florida spurred by the growing number of operators in the Naples-Fort Myers region who wish to band together. The new Southwest Florida chapter of the Florida Limousine Association held its first meeting last October attracting more than 30 area operators. Other associations around the country report new ways to drive membership and increase value-added benefits.

Here’s a sample agenda various association presidents are setting in 2016:

Limousine, Bus & Taxi Operators of Upstate New York (LBTOUNY) President Kevin Barwell, director of sales/vice president, Giorgios Limousine Service, Lancaster)

“We are fighting a proposed bill in New York state that would allow TNCs to operate freely with less insurance, and no restrictions. We are fighting this with the taxi, limousine and black car groups. We also will be reintroducing a bill to fight the sales tax issue of being double taxed. This bill would help reduce the burden on operators.

“In addition, LBTOUNY is working to create better parking in the city of Buffalo for operators, and working with regional cities on permits and policies about wine trails and sightseeing. We’re also supporting all National Limousine Association (NLA) issues we believe affect us as well.”

Limousine Association of New Jersey (LANJ) President Jeffrey Shanker, executive vice president, A-1 Limousine, Princeton, N.J.

“TNCs will remain to take the lead. Other goals we may look to take on include unifying other state passenger ground transportation associations, and finding commonalties on regulations, whether local, state, or federal. With FMCSA electronic logging devices and the implications across our industry, it may behoove collaborative efforts with the motorcoach industry. Of course, we already share much in common with the taxi industry and the battle over TNCs and/or deregulation. The various effects of the sharing economy are certainly at the forefront.

“Of course, meeting content and education is a must. It’s great to get people to come to a meeting to socialize and share ideas, although we are looking to bring additional education sessions, micro sessions, shall we say, which we hope will lead to increased attendance at more input from our membership.” 

Charlotte Regional Limousine Association (CRLA) President Tom Holden, director of operations, Rose Chauffeured Transportation, Charlotte, N.C.

“Two items are on our agenda for 2016. We have been working with the Charlotte Douglas International Airport regarding TNCs, fees and parking, and they have been [cooperating] with us to level the playing field. In fact, the airport worked with Uber to embed a “GEO fence” in the app that immediately assesses a fee when an Uber car enters the airport zone, and also can track if the vehicle is parked in a designated area.

“In addition, the CRLA is working with the city of Charlotte to differentiate the limousine/black car industry from taxi service so that it’s only required to have a special tag and $1.5 million in insurance, which aside from Charlotte, is the standard throughout the rest of the state. Interestingly, the city requires Uber to pay an annual $5,000 fee to operate along with driver background checks.

Keywords

Charlotte Regional Limousine Association   Jeff Shanker   LANJ   LBTOUNY   Limousine Association of New Jersey   New Jersey operators   New York operators   North Carolina operators   regulatory enforcement   state regulations   TNCs   Tom Halligan   Tom Holden   

 

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Company Knows How To Keep Cool And Turn Up The Heat

DALLASTOWN, Penn. — Chauffeured and charter vehicle clients tend to take heating and air conditioning for granted, while focusing more on the seat, the vehicle and the chauffeur. At most, the chauffeur either asks, or the client tells, whether to warm or cool the interior.

Trans/Air wants to guarantee passengers always take HVAC for granted by ensuring its systems work reliably in the background. The family business draws on 36 years of manufacturing a variety of systems such as chillers for shrimp boats, military HVAC, truck refrigeration, and RV A/C systems. So it developed climate controls for luxury vehicles and buses as a natural complement.

Fast Facts

Location: Dallastown, Penn.

Satellite operations: Goshen, Ind., and Tulsa, Okla.

Service: Total system supplier of HVAC systems for buses and coaches

Owner: Rick Lehnert

Founded: 1979

Employees: 100+

Website: http://ift.tt/1PjTo8Q

Contact: (800) 673-2446

Comfort Levels

“We decided the transportation of people offered the greatest opportunities for us, so we focused our resources on that market,” President Rick Lehnert said. Keeping vehicles cool and comfortable for anyone from wedding parties to business groups to tours, the company works to provide the highest quality for its customers. They make it their mission to ensure Trans/Air systems are safe, while providing operators with a supportive experience.

Key limousine and motorcoach company clients include American Limousines of Baltimore, Md., Reston Limousine of Sterling, Va., and Sterling Limousine & Transportation Services in Wrightstown, Penn. “After 36 years, most operators have at least a few Trans/Air in their fleet,” he said.

Lehnert doesn’t worry about competitors. “Some copy products and do not put their name on them, which tends to trick customers into believing they are the same; until they fail.” Often, the company will get customers calling them thinking they have purchased a Trans/Air, when in fact, it is a bad copy. “My favorite saying is, ‘It’s easy to get into this business at some level, but hard to stay in it.’”

Family Legacy

Trans/Air Manufacturing was started in 1979 by company owner and President Rick Lehnert’s father and uncle who owned a fifth-generation family business, E. Lehnert & Sons. That’s plenty of time to get to know customers and figure out how to keep them.

“As the president and owner, I am accessible if you have a complaint or issue. In 36 years, I have not encountered an A/C issue that could not be solved. It is not just the day you buy the vehicle; it is the years after that which differentiate the real ‘supplier partners’ you want on your team.”

The company vows on its website to understand the needs of its customers first, and then deliver products and services that respond to unique situations. This has earned them relationships with some OEMs that are 30-plus years in the making.

Solid Attributes

Trans/Air climate control products have many unique attributes, including the fact that they are a total system supplier, not just a component supplier like many of their competitors. They were awarded ISO 9001 Registration in July 1998, and certified to the new ISO:9001:2008 in May 2009. In addition to their certifications, they are independently audited by the British Standards Institution (BSI).

Trans/Air has a variety of warranty plans to cover just about any situation. A minimum two-year unlimited mileage — limited warranty comes standard, but bus, coach, and limo dealers receive a three year unlimited mileage — limited warranty. A five-year, 100,000 or 150,000 mileage warranty is available, but their products generally last the life of the vehicle with proper maintenance.

Some new products on the horizon include compact and high performance components such as the TA20 roof top system, TA45 Low Profile evaporator, TA20 Evaporator, and the SMC2S low profile skirt condenser, which are all designed to fit into the “Euro Van” market (Sprinter, Ford Transit, and Promaster). The company is also implementing a new online ordering system for customers to easily obtain information and parts as necessary.

Trans/Air will continue to produce rooftop systems with added electrical safety features, as well as technologies to better clean vehicle interiors. Whether it’s partnering with bus or coach manufacturers and suppliers, helping with installation, or training and supporting clients, Trans/Air stays with customers at every step of the way.

Keywords

aftermarket parts   auto parts   choosing parts   industry vendors   maintenance   vehicle maintenance   

 

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NOLA Executive Retreat Website Unveiled, Registration Open

Marlton, N.J. — Happy Fat Tuesday, mon’amies! We’ve been telling you about our Executive Retreat scheduled for May 1-3 in New Orleans for a few months now, but now you can sneak a peek at what we have in store for our attendees at our newly launched website: neworleansretreat.com. Many thanks to Platinum Sponsors Turtle Top and Tenney Group.

This year, we take you to the Big Easy for a true Cajun experience. Our venue, the JW Marriott, is right in the center of it all on Canal Street—in the heart of downtown and on the border of the city’s most desirable destination: the French Quarter. We’ve secured an amazing rate at the JW Marriott of only $199/night Sunday through Wednesday.

Starting right on the heels of the world-famous New Orleans Jazz Fest, our Retreat blends the best that the Crescent City has to offer with a healthy dose of education, networking, relaxation, and live jazz! New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, so this the event for anyone who loves great music. Come a little early to take advantage of the final weekend of Jazz Fest, that includes such headliners like Beck, Stevie Wonder, and Paul Simon—to name just a few! (The entire all-star lineup is available at nojazzfest.com). Hotel rooms are completely sold out around the city during that weekend, but we have some available in our room block. Contact Director of Events Jess Pavlow directly at 856.452.0323 for information.

Our Retreat is limited to 200 operators to ensure maximum networking with a smaller group. We’ve packed a lot of bang for your buck into our three-day N’awlins Retreat that includes four top-class education sessions on marketing, sales, profitability, and employee management. We’ll have more information about speakers and a detailed description of the sessions in the March issue of Chauffeur Driven.

Of course, it’s our nighttime activities that will win you over with a trip to Mardi Gras World, which houses hundreds of authentic parade floats, where we’ll kick off with our Hurricane Reception followed by dinner; our Dixieland Dinner Cruise on the Mississippi; and our excursions to some of the hottest live jazz clubs for the best music in town on Bourbon and Frenchmen—where the locals go. Whether you’ve never been to NOLA or you’re a veteran traveler, we guarantee it will be a spectacular time.

We’re also thrilled to announce that we’ll have a brand-spanking-new Lincoln Continental on hand so that operators can see the vehicle up close and personal. Lincoln’s newest flagship has been making waves since it was announced as a reboot in 2015 and unveiled as a concept at last year’s auto shows, and now it will finally be available this fall with a livery package as a 2017 model year. Thanks to Gold Sponsor Complete Fleet Livery Sales for supplying.

Registration is open now for our early-bird rate of $699. But hurry, that rate expires on March 15, and we’re limited to 200 operators. Spots are going fast!

Visit neworleansretreat.com for more information.

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CRLA Executive Board Meets with City Council Rep

Charlotte — The Charlotte Regional Limousine Association (CRLA) met up February 3 for its monthly meeting, and a few association representatives spent the following Monday meeting up with a newly instated legislator to discuss chauffeured transportation’s ongoing battle with TNCs.

One of the biggest pieces of news to come from the meeting was delivered by Brent Cagle, aviation director for Charlotte Douglas International Airport, who announced that airport inspections would no longer be necessary for for-hire vehicles.

CRLA Secretary Laura Canady of CLT Express
“We would have our city and state inspections, and then when we’d go to get our permits from PVH (Passenger Vehicles for Hire), they would inspect the cars—and then we’d go to the airports to get our airport sticker, and they would inspect the cars,” says CRLA Secretary Laura Canady of CLT Express. “So for people with bigger fleets, it was a real hassle for us—and, of course, TNCs don’t have to get anything inspected. This eliminates the need for us to get our inspections done at the airport, so now, when the airport sees that we have our city and state inspections and have the right insurance, we get our airport stickers.”

As the city of Charlotte allows TNCs to operate without any restrictions, industry operators are appropriately concerned. On February 8, CRLA’s executive board met with Julie Eiselt, one of the newest members of the Charlotte City Council, who also inherited the chair for the Safety Committee.

“In the city of Charlotte, and only in the city of Charlotte, we have regulations,” Canady says. “Of course, there’s chauffeur fees, vehicle permits, and then company permits—so you need three different permits to operate in the city. Uber doesn’t have to do any of that because they now have this state bill and they can operate as a TNC by paying the state $5,000. On average, the PVH fees for a small local business can reach up to and probably over $40,000.”

Canady reports that Eiselt was very receptive to the CRLA’s message about operational inequality, but that the association is now waiting to see how the committee votes.

The next CRLA meeting is scheduled for March 2.

Visit mycrla.com for more information.

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Annual UMA Expo Is Another Hit

The UMA Expo gives motorcoach operators a chance to learn more about the industry and network

Atlanta — The United Motorcoach Association (UMA) Expo took to Georgia’s capital city from January 31 to February 4 for a few days packed with information about the newest in motorcoach trends and equipment, education catering to industry veterans and newcomers alike, and plenty of networking opportunities among conference-goers. Chauffeur Driven was among the hundreds of exhibiting vendors, with Publisher Chris Weiss and Director of Events Jess Pavlow representing the CD team.

The theme of the 2016 Expo was “Where great businesses are built,” and much of the event’s offerings catered to that message by helping attendees learn how to diversify and grow their companies while expanding their professional networks. Many of the classroom-style educational offerings focused on marketing, finance, operations, and even smaller businesses, while the bigger sessions tackled topics such as embracing technology, purchasing pre-owned vehicles, and passenger safety. For an bird’s-eye view of the motorcoach industry, the 12th UMA Annual State Association Summit, held on the Expo’s first day, where industry leaders discussed the Highway Bill, CDL testing, and a range of legislative and operational concerns on a state-by-state basis.

Networking was a significant component of the conference, and attendees had nonstop opportunities to get to know one another, starting with the first day’s Welcome Reception and including the UMA Expo Sneak Preview After Party, held at the World of Coca-Cola, as well as the music-filled UMA Leadership Awards Celebration that honored UMA members who have proven to be dedicated industry representatives. The 2nd Annual Go Motorcoach Fundraiser and Party was another successful event benefiting the Go Motorcoach Campaign, which helps increase public awareness of the advantages of motorcoach travel.

We’ll be offering an extensive look at the UMA Expo in the March issue of Chauffeur Driven.

The 2017 UMA Expo will be held February 26-March 2 in St. Louis, Mo.

Visit motorcoachexpo.com for more information.

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VLA Moves Toward Electing Executive Director

The 23 people in attendance at the recent VLA meeting were a mix of longstanding and new members
Richmond, Va. — Twenty-three attendees were present for the first membership meeting of the Virginia Limousine Association (VLA) of 2016, held February 1 at James River Transportation. The meeting saw a healthy mix of longstanding and brand-new members present, with Richard Minter of Commonwealth Chauffeur & Concierge and Kent Rayfield of Signature Transportation among some of the new faces.

The meeting included presentations from an array of industry interests. Vendor Member Jack Rolfe of Georgetown Insurance spoke to those in attendance about insurance issues while Dave Glick of First Class Customs, also a vendor member, provided a brief overview on what differentiates his company from others.

Additionally, Barbara Arkwright and Gregory Wray of the Virginia DMV Motor Carrier Division’s Field Operations spoke about how “agency is keeping an eye on the growing number of app partners of TNC companies soliciting work, and that our mutual cooperation has helped the field agents do a better job,” according to VLA President Paul Walsh of Superior Executive Transportation.

At the association level, VLA is working toward the installation of an executive director so there will be an individual dedicated to the stable growth of the association who isn’t simultaneously juggling the responsibilities and demands of owning a ground transportation company.

“As we are in such a large state, our intention is to grow the association into a large and sustainable membership,” Walsh said. “Reality has shown us the difficulty of attaining these goals as “volunteer” board members who are also running our businesses and giving our time when we can.”

While announcing an executive director originally had been slated for the meeting, the VLA decided to delay the hiring until all members’ questions have been addressed, giving members a deadline of February 14 for submitting their remarks. Any input will be discussed during a conference call once the deadline has passed.

The next VLA meeting will be April 4.

Visit virginialimousineassociation.org for more information.

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All-New Lincoln Continental Expected This Fall

Detroit — Lincoln Motor Company heralds the return of its flagship—the all-new Lincoln Continental—an elegant, effortlessly powerful, serene full-size sedan that delivers quiet luxury to the industry’s most discerning customers, according to Lincoln. Long rumored to be a complement to the Lincoln Livery lineup, the vehicle will be produced with an available Livery package for the industry. There are no plans at this time to produce the sedan as a QVM stretch. Chauffeur Driven will have more details about the Continental in the March issue.

The Continental concept was unveiled at last year’s auto shows and immediately sparked conversation within and outside the industry thanks to its bold styling. Due to become available this fall in the U.S. and China, Lincoln says that the full-size sedan is designed to appeal to culturally progressive clients who define luxury on their own terms—craving superior quality, craftsmanship, and safety.

The new design takes the vintage nameplate into the 21st century, with Lincoln’s new signature grille and an athletic profile that is dynamic and progressive.

Lincoln’s new flagship welcomes drivers with a brand-exclusive lighting sequence. As the driver approaches the car with the key, LED signature lighting in the lower front fascia and taillamps subtly engages, while signature lighting in the headlamps awakens in a fluid motion. Lincoln mat lights then brighten the pavement around the front doors, helping show any hazards, while select interior lights warmly illuminate the cabin.

Ford-Lincoln Limousine & Livery team with the 2017 Continental
Continental door handles are designed to offer elegant and effortless entry with new E-latch door release. The release is discreetly integrated within the beltline, leaving the body side clean. With the gentle touch of a button, the vehicle’s doors pop open.

An elegant available panoramic sunroof covers nearly the entire roof area; the front half slides up and over the rear—creating a large open-air driving experience and an even greater feeling of spaciousness for up to five Continental occupants.

Lincoln Drive Control provides the driver a choice of three settings—comfort, normal and sport—adapting steering and suspension settings to tailor ride and handling. Available adaptive steering helps optimize steering response, enabling the vehicle to react more smoothly and precisely to driver input.

Rear passengers were also considered with such available features as audio and climate controls, sunshades, and reclining, heated, cooled and massaging seats. The streamlined interior provides generous rear leg room.

Innovations in managing vehicle noise and vibration, including Active Noise Control and acoustic laminated glass create a quiet, comfortable environment.

“The Continental name has long been associated with the ultimate in Lincoln beauty and luxury,” said Kumar Galhotra, president of Lincoln. “With the all-new model, we are focusing on creating more human, personally tailored experiences for our clients—-providing what we call quiet luxury.”

The all-new Lincoln Continental will be produced at Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan.

Visit lincoln.com for more information.

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Kings Worldwide Transportation Launches Limo Command Service

Greg Pruitt, CEO, and Joey Allen, COO, of Kings Worldwide Transportation

Oklahoma City, Okla. — Kings Worldwide Transportation recently announced the launch of Limo Command, an office management service that can handle the functions of a chauffeured ground transportation business, including dispatch, reservations, billing, collections, and bookkeeping. Limo Command is a rebrand and expansion of TransResponse, an overnight/dispatch and reservations service recently purchased by Kings Worldwide from Derek Maxwell.

Greg Pruitt, CEO of Kings Worldwide, remarked, “Opening a limo operations service has been in our long range plans for several years. We are very excited about the opportunity to grow the business and serve the industry in a more involved way.”

Joey Allen, COO of Kings Worldwide, believes the Limo Command service is beneficial to the owners of chauffeured ground transportation companies. “The opportunity to give operators a little of their life back in the form of peace is important to us,” he said. “They can enjoy peace from a constantly ringing phone to spend time with family and friends or to enjoy a hobby and just a little downtime, all the while having the peace of mind that their business is being cared for as if they were sitting at their desk.  Everything is run according to their specifications, with speed and accuracy and full reports back to them on all activity.”

Allen explained that Limo Command’s staff is more than just off-site receptionists. “Our comprehensive training program teaches not only great phone skills, but also proper reservation entry, proactive dispatching, fleet and chauffeur monitoring, status updates, trip closeout, billing, and accounts receivable assistance.”

Visit limocommand.com for more information.

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Blackstone Welcomes New Northeast Sales Partner

Michael Earl, COO of Streetwise
Miami — Blackstone Coachworks of South Florida recently announced that Michael Earl of Streetwise Transportation in Middletown, N.Y., has joined its sales force, spearheading the company’s efforts in the Northeast. Earl will continue in his role of COO for Streetwise.

Al Tortora, president of Blackstone, said he is pleased to work with Earl again. The two have a professional relationship dating back 30 years when Earl worked for Empire Coach Builders in Brooklyn. “I am anxious to work with Michael again,” said Tortora. “He knows the industry and knows the needs of the clients. I’m certain that he will be an asset to the company.”

Earl is similarly enthusiastic about the opportunity. “Al gave me my start as a young man, and we’re a great fit. I look forward to offering the fine vehicles produced by Blackstone.”

Contact Blackstone Coachworks at 347.728.5416 for more information.

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