WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT YOUR LIMOUSINE COMPANY?

Yesterday was opening day at Del Mar Racetrack and we had several vehicles that took clients to the event. As is the practice at many venues, limousine companies are provided preferred parking and the ability to drop off in the front. But once our driver “stages” in the special lot, the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) appears and they check licenses, registration, insurance and run companies through their database to insure the legitimacy of the company.

This reminded me of a few things that are important for anyone renting a limousine to know. As a transportation company, we are a regulated by the CPUC to conduct business in California. The law states that we must have the following to be in compliance: inspections by the Highway Patrol of vehicles, commercial automotive insurance, worker’s compensation, drivers with ”clean” driving records, and registration of each vehicle with the CPUC. Additionally, we must be approved by every commercial airport to operate at their locations. As any small business owner knows, compliance is costly but necessary.

Every transportation company must have on both bumpers their assigned carrier permit number. Ours is TCP-9686P. Also like many small businesses, we have competitors that do not adhere to regulations that are in place for one simple reason: to protect the public from illegally operating companies that do not offer safe vehicles or safe working environments for their employees. In this age of the Internet anyone can post a website with stock photographs of vehicles and glowing words about the history of their company and the services/vehicles they offer.

Companies that do not meet the legal requirements, when caught, have their vehicles impounded. And it does not matter whether you, as the client, is standing at the curb at LAX or enjoying a day at the races. There will be no one there to pick you up (even though they may have already charged your credit card – you can of course dispute charges but we all know how long that takes).

So next time you need a town car to the airport, a limousine to Hollywood Bowl or a limousine bus for your child's prom, ask the question: what is your TCP number? Then go to the CPUC website to confirm it is legitimate. This is not merely an issue of complying with government regulations – it is about your safety and the fair compensation of the chauffeur that drives you. For more information on CLASSIQUE LIMOUSINES and a request for documentation (which we will gladly provide) please call me at 714.288.8853.