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The idea of an association dedicated to address issues affecting luxury transportation operators across the European continent has been batted around for the past decade but received a kick-start in October 2019 at the CD/NLA Show in Boston. Conversations between charter members Stephane Bombeek of Modern Car, Colin Devine of Devine's Worldwide, Anastasios Korovesis of Limotours Chauffeur Service, Karim Maachi of Cardel Global, Claudio Neag of Mondo Limousine Worldwide Services, Michael Oldenburg of United Limousines AG, Kevin Reiss of Superb Chauffeured Services, and Ralph and Robert Van Delden of Van Delden Limousine resulted in the group establishing its charter and officers.
Executive Director: Kevin Reiss of Superb Chauffeured Services (Israel)
President: Michael Oldenburg of United Limousines AG (Germany)
Vice President: Karim Maachi of Cardel Global (France)
Secretary: Anastasios Korovesis of Limotours Chauffeur Service (Greece)
Treasurer: Ralph Van Delden of Van Delden Limousine Service (Holland)
A panel consisting of the officers, and member Michael Bell of Driven Worldwide, addressed the attendees by introducing themselves and offering a brief overview of their goals for the EPTA. Reiss made a point of thanking CD President & Publisher Chris Weiss for the magazine’s support of the organization during their formative period. As a long-time NLA Board Member, Oldenburg stated that it’s his hope that the EPTA be something of a parallel association to the NLA in that it will give the industry a voice and “harmonize the standards of operation” within the continent.
In addition to building a strong membership, although the EPTA had an impressive 100 members even before their first meeting, the association’s immediate plan is to develop a consistent standard of quality among European operators. Each perspective EPTA member will be required to submit financial and insurance records, which will be reviewed by the association. This, ultimately, will give operators something of a seal of approval, providing peace of mind for affiliates and clients, alike.
After introductions, the panel welcomed questions from the audience, which took up the majority of the 90-minute meeting. Issues discussed ranged from insurance matters to the cost of membership to the advantages of joining EPTA. While Reiss and the officers were frank that the EPTA is still in its early stages, with many details still to be finalized, they were enthusiastic about their commitment to make the organization grow. The possibility of a European summit among members was proposed for 2021. Attendees were encouraged to visit the EPTA website to join the association.
“I see a lot of good things coming,” says Maachi. “This is the beginning of a great adventure.”
Visit epta.eu.com for more information.
[CD0320]
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In an independent recruitment survey, external training was cited as one of employees most preferred incentives for staying with a company. It can also incentivize job seekers to apply because of the potential to advance their career.
MCI Academy’s program is online, free of charge, and spans all skill levels. The program is designed around 4 levels of training. Levels 3-1 include eight hours of training per level with coursework taught via video and PowerPoint narratives. The 4th level is a Master level certificate for the most experienced coach operator.
The Level 3 Certificate helps prepare entry-level drivers to meet new Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) application. Mid-career drivers benefit by Level 2 and 1 coursework designed to improve road safety and coach system knowledge. There is also Master Level coursework for drivers who complete the three levels of certification.
“We’ve built a solid training program for drivers from a registry of industry approved sources,” said MCI Training Manager Scott Crawford. “The beauty of the program is that drivers can complete their training while waiting for their groups or during their off hours from any location via laptop or mobile device.”
The new program completed a soft rollout with nearly 100 drivers earning a Level 3 certificate and six achieving a Master certificate.
Participants in the MCI Academy Motorcoach Operator program complete their certificate training in this order:
Level 3 drivers receive basic instruction covering FMCSA theory training, safe driving habits, passenger safety, hours of service rules, and several of insurance leader Lancer presentations.
Level 2 improves driver skills, covering turns, highway and city driving hazards, along with EDL use and roadside enforcement.
Level 1 teaches drivers how braking and safety systems work, such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including Collision Avoidance and Fire Suppression and Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems, and covers weather-related and fuel economy driving behaviors.
Master Level coursework covers driver knowledge on major coach systems from engines to HVAC, trouble-shooting skills, and communication with service shop personnel.
“The course structure includes something for every driver,” said Crawford. “It’s a manageable program for every level, building on and enhancing other industry sponsored driver training programs. We invite the industry to take advantage of the knowledge levels our program offers. Operators will benefit from drivers who are well-trained, engaged and proud to work in a profession that contributes to the well-being of transportation businesses, passengers and road safety.”
The program also helps tour, charter, employer shuttle programs and limousine operators recruit and develop driver talent from outside the motor coach industry for well-paying jobs with a future, advises Crawford, noting LMS training account records are never deleted and are available to employers throughout a driver’s career.
Visit mcicoach.com for more information.
[CD0320]
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Following the acquisition, RMA Worldwide will serve more than 25,000 clients and transport nearly 20,000,000 passengers each year. The privately held company will employ more than 1,000 people in the United States with annual revenues of more than $140 million, and will have offices in Boston, New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, Maryland, Washington, DC, Virginia, and Los Angeles.
“Providing our clients with exceptional customer service has always been our top priority. We look forward to bringing RMA’s commitment to excellence to all of Addison Lee’s clients and affiliates,” says Alexander.
A leader in private transportation services, RMA Worldwide provides reliable and professional chauffeured transportation around the world. RMA’s clientele includes Fortune 500 companies and executives, as well as high profile individuals working in finance, media, entertainment, sports, and university athletics. RMA's extensive fleet of more than 700 vehicles includes new executive sedans, SUVs, deluxe touring vans, and more than 150 late model mini-buses and full-sized motor coaches used to service over 30 charter and shuttle contracts with colleges, universities, private schools, municipalities, and building owners.
UK-based Addison Lee Group is one of the world’s largest ground transportation service providers. As part of the acquisition, RMA Worldwide and Addison Lee Group have agreed to a long-term strategic partnership. Both companies believe this partnership will allow them to better serve their clients on a worldwide scale.
Visit rmalimo.com for more information.
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