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You asked for it and we listened. In this column, we ask operators of all sizes and from all walks of the industry a question about their business and report their answers so you can assess how your own company compares to your peers. If you would like to participate, please email Rob Smentek at rob@chauffeurdriven.com for next issue’s question.
TOPIC: When the vaccine becomes available, will you request/require your staff and chauffeurs to get it? Are you planning on getting the vaccine?
Stay tuned for more responses to this week’s question in the December issue of Chauffeur Driven.
I feel that our clients will help to create the narrative of whether our chauffeur staff will be vaccinated. Prior to COVID, employers and clients never asked the question nor batted an eye whether an employee or vendor had any immunization or vaccinations as a mandate for eligible work status. My belief is that time will tell if the vaccinations will be made mandatory for entry into public areas and private work sites. How the vaccine will be deployed and distributed to the private sector, as well as to the public, over the next six months will determine the optics of how global corporate employers will demand vaccinations for all support vendors. Unless my clients require my staff to be immunized, I will not make it mandatory for my staff. As far as myself taking the vaccination, I will be taking a wait-and-see approach; I am apprehensive considering that the shelf life of immunization for the vaccination to stay effective is six months. This means that I would have to have two inoculations per year to be immunized to all current COVID strains.
Michael Barreto, President/Founder
Metropolis Passenger Logistics in Philadelphia, Pa.
I will personally not be mandating or requiring my staff or chauffeurs to get the vaccine. I believe it is a personal decision for an individual to make. I trust my employees will make the best decision for themselves, as well as their families and the safety of their passengers. We will still follow all precautions and regulations regarding COVID sanitation measures and chauffeurs will still be required to wear a mask. We will also not mandate or require our passengers to be vaccinated to use our services. Although masks are appreciated, we do not require our passengers to wear masks in the vehicle if they do not wish, since most of our vehicles have a partition between them and the chauffeur. Overall safety is our top priority, chauffeurs and passengers will still be monitored for symptoms and are asked to not travel if any symptoms occur. These measures, so far, have been effective in keeping our passengers and chauffeurs safe and healthy.
As far as myself receiving the vaccine, I would like to wait until the vaccine has had a bit more testing before making a decision.
Abdou Brahim, Owner
VA Executive Sedan & Limousine Service in Virginia Beach, Va.
We will require our staff as well as all our chauffeurs to get the COVID-19 vaccine. This also will be highly encouraged for staff or chauffeurs who want to work at Premiere. We transport a vast quantity of medical patients now that are very compromised health-wise. We also bus around various government entities, colleges, and universities. Some of these institutions have already asked what we were going to do when the vaccine comes out.
The vaccine requirement also falls in line with the safety protocols that we have in place now. We require all chauffeurs to wear a mask and 10 specific vehicles (sedans, SUVs, and vans) have dividers in them, which is in addition to disaffecting and electrostatic cleaning we do every night. I strongly believe that getting everyone vaccinated increases the quality of the company as well as the safety for all involved.
David Brown, President
Premiere Transportation in Albany, N.Y.
When the vaccine becomes available, we will suggest that team members get vaccinated, while always respecting their own opinions and objections. It will be an optional—not mandatory—order. We believe every person has the right to choose if they are comfortable or not taking the vaccine, particularly since it’s not 100 percent effective yet, and not obligated by the government. We will keep following all CDC guidelines, plus sanitizing the vehicles pre-ride and installing partitions in every vehicle. We’ve also continued to add layers of protection in our cars and office so we can protect even more our clients and team members.
Fernando Carlison Jr., Co-founder/CEO
Mundi Limousine in Deerfield Beach, Fla.
I think requiring employees to be vaccinated will possibly come with its own set of liabilities both in the short- and long-term that no one can yet predict. The chance of the vaccine going sideways or potentially creating harm to the employee is too much of an unknown risk we would be willing to undertake at this time. I am not planning to take the vaccination for the same reasons; long-term effects are yet to be determined.
Tracy Raimer, Executive Vice President
Windy City Limousine & Bus in Chicago, Ill.
We don’t require flu shots or any other vaccines; however, we do require a DOT physical. I feel that the DOT physical is the transportation industry’s standard to which we should all abide by. To then pick-and-choose mandatory requirements almost insinuates that the DOT physical isn’t robust enough.
As far as requiring the vaccine, that’s a company-by-company choice, and equally important, a person-by-person choice. As of this writing, I don’t think that I would require the vaccine. I would strongly recommend that each person discuss with their health care provider to determine if it’s right for them. All of our health situations are different, and we should not be making blanket requirements when we are not medical professionals.
Tracy Salinger, President
Unique Limousine in Harrisburg, Pa.
This is probably one of the most perplexing questions to be considered in our lifetime. With various established laws and regulations, it becomes extremely difficult for an employer to mandate a medical treatment that may be contrary to an individual’s own philosophical and/or potential religious beliefs, let alone disclose a medical condition or treatment. Inasmuch as health and safety of every citizen is paramount, from a business perspective this may impinge on a protected topic that should not be broached by corporate America. In my opinion, we will have to do some more research, ensure a vaccine (once widely available) is safe, and then allow our employees the ability to decide the correct course of action for themselves.
Jeff Shanker, Chief Strategy Officer
Black Tie Transportation & Bus Charters in Winston-Salem, N.C.
When the vaccine is available, I plan on taking it. I also plan on strongly recommending that my staff and drivers take the vaccine to protect them from the virus.
We need to continue to do all we can to help the traveling public feel comfortable with getting back in our vehicles. I feel confident that the vaccine will be safe and that it will help us rebuild our struggling businesses. We must get back to sports and other large-scale events with full attendance as soon as possible.
Andy Thompson, President
Rose Chauffeured Transportation in Charlotte, N.C.
Good question, but as Americans we have the freedom to choose our own health options; we, as a company, cannot require anyone to get the vaccine. Each person will have to evaluate the pros and cons and make their own choice as I personally would not want the liability of asking anyone to get a vaccine and take the risk of being sued or responsible for a negative reaction.
Barbara White, CFO & Co-owner
VIP Transportation Group in Orlando, Fla.
Although I’m personally not a fan of getting the vaccine, I think the industry as a whole will have to get the shots. After this disastrous year, beggars can’t be choosers. We need all of the business we are able to get.
Matthew Winston, President & CEO
Relaxed Equipment Leasing in Topeka, Kansas
We are unsure of how well we'll proceed with the vaccine since most of our team has already gotten infected by COVID-19 and they now carry antibodies. We will be moving step by step to see what’s happening in the world, and we will be making decisions after close analysis.
Evgeny Zhukov, Founder/CEO
Z Brothers Chauffeur Service Worldwide in Moscow, Russia
We’ve loved hearing your answers to our benchmarking questions—but we always welcome suggestions for future topics, too!
Send an email to rob@chauffeurdriven.com you just might see your query answered in our next E-News.
[12.07.20]
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Chauffeur Driven and the National Limousine Association (NLA) want to extend our thanks to all our attendees, sponsors, speakers, and mentors who made our first-ever (and hopefully only) CD/NLA Virtual a rousing success. While 2020 has thrown enough monkey wrenches at us to fill a garage, we’re thrilled that we were able to offer the industry two days of timely education along with some much-needed networking and socializing. Until an actual COVID vaccine is available, the CD/NLA Virtual was just the shot in the arm that hundreds of operators needed to recharge, reset, and reinvigorate their passion for their business.
Once again, our behind-the-scenes staff, spearheaded by the CD/NLA Show Education Committee, deserves a standing ovation for their months of hard work toward delivering another first-rate event. Co-chairs Tracy Raimer of Windy City Limousine & Bus and Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide (our moderator supreme!) upped the game with a schedule of sessions that engaged and entertained the industry.
The CD/NLA Virtual would also not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, specifically Platinum Sponsors Ford/Lincoln Limousine & Livery Vehicles and Lancer Insurance; Gold Sponsor Chosen Payments; Silver Sponsors Cadillac and Curtis Gabriel; and Bronze Sponsors Above All Transportation/Boston Car Service, Dolphin Transportation Specialists, The Driver Provider, and Fari VIP Design. We appreciate your continual and unwavering support.
However, we’d be remiss in not thanking YOU, the operators, for joining this year’s event. You took a chance on this new format, and with your participation and engagement, it was well received by attendees and presenters, alike. While we can’t wait to see our friends and colleagues at our next in-person, we’re glad we got to share these two days with you—whether it was in one of our educational sessions, Operator Mentoring breakouts, or one of the dedicated networking events.
“I am glad that so many of you took advantage of CD/NLA Virtual and hope you left the event feeling inspired and rejuvenated. It was an excellent two days filled with so many educational takeaways and great networking opportunities. I enjoyed seeing so many old friends and getting to make new ones during the Operator Mentoring Program and Network Shuffle,” says NLA President Robert Alexander of RMA Worldwide.
Working with the CD and NLA leadership, the Show Education Committee assembled a kick-ass list of speakers from inside and outside the industry. Your peers shared ideas on diversifying your offerings, what’s happening on the international corporate travel scene, and tips to reset your business, while industry experts gave a snapshot of the insurance market moving forward, how you can maintain your idled fleet and what you need to do to get your vehicle road-ready for when the time comes, and even an exit plan or bankruptcy protection for those who need to start fresh. Bill Faeth of Limo University also offered sessions on social media skills for current times as well as advice from operators who are capturing retail markets.
Of course it was our stirring State of the Industry with Roger Dow of the U.S. Travel Association and Economist Chris Thornberg that got many of you talking and thinking. Barbara Burgess of The Wright Foundation challenged attendees to show themselves a little self-care during these stressful months and to escape the cycle of negative thinking. Entrepreneur and motivational speaker Mary Crafts shared her incredible story and inspired so many to never give up during the Women in the Industry event (a special thanks to the CD/NLA Women’s Leadership Council for spearheading). Finally, comedian Chip Chantry had us rolling with laughter while we learned a few intimate details of our special industry guests—including CD Publisher Chris Weiss—during a game of Never Have I Ever.
“Hosting a virtual conference was not something that we necessarily wanted to do, but with the combined efforts of the Show Education Committee, dozens of speakers, and staff members, we collectively pulled of a fantastic event that was the next best thing to being in person. The two days were packed from start to finish with relevant content from re-starting your business to providing a real-time outlook on the economy. We have heard nothing but positive feedback and the ROI for those that attended was exceptional,” adds NLA Executive Director Kyle Hammerschmidt.
While the sessions and networking were jam-packed with valuable and current information, the CD/NLA Virtual also offered some amazing news that will help our industry for the foreseeable future. During Wednesday’s Breakfast Meeting with Alexander, Bill Faeth of Limo University, and Weiss, plans were unveiled regarding the development of an affinity health insurance plan to serve the NLA members. Unanimously approved by the NLA Board during its November meeting, plans are moving forward to have coverage begin on or about April 1, 2021. Ultimately, the goal is to save members money on their health insurance premiums while offering similar plans to what members may currently have. Hammerschmidt is encouraging operators to take part, as more individuals in the plan means more potential savings since the risk is spread out among a greater number of people.
“While a virtual event could never replace the excitement and memories made at an in-person show, I am sure we can all agree that CD/NLA Virtual provided us with a much-needed opportunity to connect with each other and reset ourselves and our businesses. As we head into a new year, I hope we will all be to join together in person soon,” says Alexander.
Visit cdnlavirtual.com for more information.
[11.24.20]
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Sprinter’s little cousin just got a nip-and-tuck inside and out for 2021, making it a versatile choice for any operator looking for a midsize van option. Originally launched in the U.S. in 2015, the new generation Metris will arrive in U.S. dealerships the first half of 2021.
Here are some of the highlights:
9G-TRONIC automatic transmission: For the first time the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission is now available for all Metris variants, replacing the 7G-TRONIC that was previously offered on the Metris. Drivers can use the DYNAMIC SELECT switch to select drive programs "Comfort" and "Sport", and thus tailor the shifting behavior to their driving requirements.
Mercedes Benz Metris
Active Brake Assist and Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC: The new Active Brake Assist can detect the risk of a collision with a vehicle driving ahead, and first initiates a visual and audible warning. If the driver responds, the assistant builds up brake pressure appropriate to the situation. If there is no reaction the system provides support with active braking maneuvers. In city traffic, Active Brake Assist can also react to stationary obstacles and crossing pedestrians.
Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC is also available for the Metris for the first time. Active Distance Assist can maintain the distance to the vehicle traveling ahead set by the driver and helps to relieve the driver, when driving on the highway or in stop-and-go traffic. The system accelerates the vehicle by itself and brakes with a maximum of half the vehicle's braking power in order to maintain a safe distance.
In addition, the Metris can be individually equipped with Active Parking Assist, Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist.
Mercedes Benz Metris interior view
Digital rearview mirror: The camera mounted on the inside of the rear window conveys a field of vision which is twice as wide as a conventional inside rearview mirror, which is limited due to the window area. A clear safety advantage for the digital inside rearview mirror.
Digital services under the Mercedes PRO connect: The new Metris equipped with a communication Module (LTE) features increased awareness of efficiency, economy, and monitoring of the vehicle fleet for small and medium-size companies. The products from Mercedes PRO connect help increase efficiency, lower operating costs, improve the availability of your vehicles while also facilitating communication between the entire fleet and lessening the driver's workload. For more information, visit www.mercedes.pro.
Interior and exterior enhancements: The new Metris can be identified by the restyled radiator grille, which is coupled with the special equipment items DISTRONIC, Active Brake Assist, or painted bumpers. The Mercedes star is centrally positioned in the radiator grille and surrounded by three black grained louvers; a radiator grille in a chrome design is also available.
The designers have also updated the Metris in the interior. The robust and elegant "Caluma" fabric replaces the previous "Tunja" fabric. The facelift brings new air vents in a sporty turbine look on the left- and right-hand edge of the instrument panel. In conjunction with the optional Chrome Package the central dashboard is now framed by an element in a high-quality piano-lacquer look. With this option the frames of the new air vents are also in chrome.
Visit mbvans.com for more information.
[11.24.20]