How to Charter a Samson Trailways® Motorcoach

1.	Decide where you wish to travel, and when you plan to depart and return. Also, get a basic idea of what you would like to do and if you will need assistance with securing overnight accommodations, your group's itinerary and any other special arrangements. The more information you can provide us with - the better we will be able to help you plan a successful trip.
2.	Complete the Samson Trailways® Charter Request Form and submit it to Samson Trailways. Alternatively, you can also call Samson Trailways® office directly at 1-800-958-7890 or 404-768-8687, and submit a request for charter quote over the telephone.
3.	Make sure you know where the charter will originate (departure point), where you are going (destination point), any places in between, the date and possible departure time, and the return date, number of passengers that will be traveling, and any activities that you plan to do along the way and/or at your destination point.
4.	When the decision is made to use Samson Trailways®, make sure to have the proposed services presented to you in writing. This is called a charter order or contract. It should contain specifics like the departure date, type and size of vehicle/equipment, the itineraries and the total charges. When you receive the contract, make sure to review it carefully and provide Samson Trailways® with any needed additional information. Then sign the contract and return it promptly with a deposit, if one is required.
5.	While on your trip remember that the driver has Federal rules and regulations that they must follow on hours of service and mileage. Keep Samson Trailways® informed of any changes before departure of the trip, and be sure to clear all changes while on your trip, with the driver to insure that s/he can legally follow your change requests. Remember that the motorcoach driver is human. They will need to eat, sleep and have rest stops too.
6.	Your responsibility, as the group's leader while on the motorcoach, is to see that your group remains quiet, orderly and that they do not damage the vehicle/equipment; or, potentially harm themselves by sitting on arm rest, standing in seats or leaning backward over a seat. The motorcoach should be kept clean and neat. This is the groups' responsibility, not the driver's.
7.	When returning home, the group leader should check the motorocoach for cleanliness, damage, and any items that may have been left by your group. Any items found by Samson Trailways® will be at their office for persons to claim.
8.	The group leader should follow up with Samson Trailways® and let them know how their trip went. If you had any problems during your trip, discuss them with the Samson Trailways® charter representative immediately upon you return. This is the only way the company can correct a negative situation.

In addition, be sure and let them know that you enjoyed your group's trip as well. Please inform Samson Trailways® about your driver's performance too. Some Trailways® service companies have bonus programs for drivers providing extraordinary customer service. As well, Samson Trailways® drivers appreciate hearing positive comments for their hard work and long hours of service in delivering safe, comfortable and enjoyable transportation during your travels.

*Special Note: For longer trips over 600 miles, you will need to decide whether to stop overnight along the way to your destination, or drive straight through. If you drive straight through, remember that one driver is only allowed to operate a vehicle for no more than 10 hours. Once the driver reaches that point, s/he must have eight (8) consecutive hours off. Therefore, on longer trips, several relay drivers or a relay driver may be required.

In addition, Samson Trailways® will need to know if you are planning any side trips and, if you will need transportation in and around the destination site, once you arrive.