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GRiDD Technologies President Amir Zafar
Dallas — Driver Affiliate Network (DANet) and GRiDD Transportation Network (GNet) are teaming up to provide a new tool for ground transportation companies. As a result of this integration, companies that are using other industry dispatch systems, such as FASTTRAK, Hudson, LimuERP, LimoConnect, and Livery Coach, can now connect to DANet through GNet and receive immediate pricing and availability, emailed reservations, all status updates during the ride, and billing within 24 hours of ride completion.
DANet is the world's first and only standards-oriented, quality-controlled ground transportation affiliate network. DANet provides access to a worldwide network with over 25,000 vehicles in more than 400 major markets with chauffeurs who are vetted, screened, and insured. DANet Director of Business Logistics George Tadros remarked that this partnership is an integral part of the company’s mission to offer the best ground transportation affiliate network.
“At DANet, quality is our top priority. We offer our clients guaranteed on time service, and our dispatch team follows up on every ride to ensure a seamless execution. DANet helps operators expand their business by enabling them to accommodate all their clients’ ground travel needs. Our integration with GNet will allow GNet clients to get instant quotes and supply availability, book, get status updates and GPS locations on rides, and receive final billing in one day,” said Tadros.
Limo Anywhere President Sean Arena
GNet’s purpose is to expand the visibility of transportation providers. As a communications and translation platform that connects transportation companies using disparate technologies, GNet gives operators real-time connectivity and vehicle locations as well as cross-mobile app capabilities, which show partner vehicles, even if the partner uses a different software program. Ground transportation companies can greatly expand their reach with the visibility and flexibility GNet offers.
“One of the primary tenets of GNet is to function as a completely open system, providing seamless connectivity between existing affiliate networks and technology platforms used by transportation providers,” explained GRiDD Technologies President Amir Zafar. “Adding connectivity between GNet and DANet further simplifies the ability for members of each network to send and receive reservations seamlessly to serve their clients efficiently whenever and wherever they travel.
Collaboration between transportation providers, as well as technology suppliers, is crucial to competing in today’s environment. We are very excited about this partnership.”
Limo Anywhere President Sean Arena explained why GRiDD/GNet was chosen to expand access to DANet.
“As one of the largest vetted affiliate networks in the industry, with coverage in over 400 markets, DANet is constantly evaluating new ways to make it easier for transportation companies to seamlessly connect to our network. Integration with GRiDD expands accessibility and enhances automation with operators currently not connected to us via other means.”
DANet will continue to increase access to its growing worldwide network of ground transportation affiliates, providing operators with a safe, seamless way to grow their businesses.
Visit driveranywhere.com or griddtechnologies.com for more information.
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DFWLMA President Matthew Johnston of AJL International Dallas/Fort Worth — The recently resurrected Dallas Fort Worth Limousine and Motorcoach Association (DFWLMA) held elections to determine its board of directors for the upcoming year.
President: Matthew Johnston of AJL International
Vice President: Todd Davis of Premier Transportation Services
Secretary: Tam Lipsie of Ash Limo DFW
Treasurer: Josh Roman of Heaven On Wheels-Dallas/Fort Worth Limousine Service
Advisory Board Members: Michael Burrowes of Prime Limo & Car Service, David Erdman of ECS Transportation Group, and Louis Melton of SLS Solid Limousine Service
DFWLMA Vice President Todd Davis of Premier Transportation Services Since it was announced that renewed interest in the association led to its re-emergence this past fall, previous officers and new members alike have been working hard to bring it back from its previous dormancy. The LMC Group, drawing on HR Director Christina Davis’ previous experience with association management, has been key in ensuring that the association starts off on the right foot.
With its board now in place, next up for DFWLA is its membership drive.
Visit dfwlimoassociation.com for more information.
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The Los Angeles Rams arrive in Atlanta with Champion Coach’s MCI J4500s waiting
Des Plaines, Ill. — Motor Coach Industries (MCI) was pleased to be a part of this year’s biggest sporting event through its relationship with Greenville, S.C.-based Champion Coach, a transportation provider to professional and college athletic teams in the Southeast and throughout the United States. Champion Coach earned one of the highest-profile assignments in professional sports February 3—the exclusive right to transport both contenders to the Super Bowl.
Champion Coach supplied 12 MCI J4500s, each specially appointed for staff and players of the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams. Champion Owner and CEO Craig Dance praised his new MCI J4500 coaches for standout reliability and style.
In his presentation to Atlanta’s team transportation selection committee earlier last year, Dance put his newest 2018 and 2019 MCI’s J4500’s best-in-class features on full display, from industry-leading legroom and luxurious seating options to optional programmable lighting bringing MCI’s newest “wow Factor” to each organization’s colors and branding.
“We lined up our new J4500 coaches and showed each lit with a different color interior,” said Dance. “It made quite an impression. We stood apart from anyone else and that, with all the Champion Coach brand represents, gave us the leading edge.”
Champion Coach made quite a splash, too. The motorcoaches were featured on national broadcasts from the teams’ arrival in Atlanta to their delivery to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on game day.
“It was spontaneous coverage all week long, and a proud moment for Champion Coach,” said Dance. “I’m grateful to our staff and our assistance from MCI to assure the flawlessness of each coach move.”
Soon-to-Be Super Bowl LIII Champions New England Patriots greeted by MCI J4500 coaches
It was a particularly proud moment for MCI for its relationship with Champion Coach as well as with many more customers and their J4500s taking people to the big game flawlessly and in style.
“It was an exciting moment to catch glimpses of Champion Coach’s fleet and other MCI coaches moving thousands of people including teams, media, and spectators throughout the weekend as they enjoyed pre-game events and Sunday’s big game,” said MCI President Ian Smart. “Enhancing the travel experience is what makes this industry great.”
“Champion Coach exemplifies MCI at our best,” said MCI Vice President of New Coach Sales Pat Ziska. “There are many things that contribute to the J4500 being the industry bestseller, its reliability, durability, passenger comfort, and in this case the modern curb appeal, best-in-class legroom, and new interior lighting really made a difference. And our behind the scenes support is always on call 24/7 to help keep MCIs rolling.The Super Bowl deserves a super coach, and MCI shares Champion Coach’s enthusiasm, appreciates their business, and it’s our honor to help them reach the spotlight they’ve worked so hard to achieve.”
Dance, who co-founded Champion Coach in 1998 with his wife and Executive Vice President Hazel Dance, began his career in sports broadcasting but later took a job in team transportation. His career choices and sports knowledge have driven Champion Coach to its prestige position as regional transportation provider for the Dallas Cowboys, L.A. Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, and college giants, including University of Georgia, Clemson University, Duke University, and other leading teams throughout the SEC and ACC.
On the corporate side, Champion Coach serves such major accounts as BMW North America, Sealed Air and Delta Airlines.
It’s been a big year of wins for Champion Coach. In January, the company also received the 2019 United Motor Association (UMA) Safety Leader of the Year Award at UMA Expo 2019 in Fort Lauderdale.
Visit championcoach.com for more information.
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