- Details
- Category: Industry News
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: What are the most important pieces of technology you use in your business?
Additionally, we leverage ChatGPT to rewrite policy procedures, automate website inquiries, and respond to Google reviews. This not only saves time but also ensures consistency and accuracy in our communications. ChatGPT helps us maintain a high standard of customer service by providing timely and well-crafted responses to inquiries and feedback.
Kirk Bagger, Corporate Travel Manager & CEO
Captains Car Service in Cleveland, Ohio
Nick Boccio, General Manager
Buffalo Limousine in Buffalo, N.Y.
Technology continues to be a driving force behind our success, enabling us to deliver exceptional service while staying ahead of industry trends.
Alex Darbahani, Founder/CEO
KLS Worldwide in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Harry Dhillon, President
Ecko Worldwide Transportation in Santa Clara, Calif.
Michael Dozier, President/CEO
Signature Transportation Services in Nashville, Tenn.
Weilun Feng, CSO
Dav El/BostonCoach in Everett, Mass.
In a close second place is CheckInCaller.com, also developed in-house, which calls and checks on staff before trips start around the clock, automatically, and alerts us of any potential delay in ample time to recover. It is completely automated.
These technologies have allowed us to eliminate two office positions and increase remote work-from-home options. They have had an incredibly positive effect on the lifestyles of our remaining staff.
Dan Goff, General Manager
A Goff Limousine & Bus in Ruckersville, Va.
Len Joseph, President
On The Town Limousines in Frederick, Md.
Samsara is key for vehicle tracking, hours of service, speeding and idle alerts, and vehicle diagnostic issues.
Mark Kini, President
Boston Chauffeur in Peabody, Mass.
Our software from Volcano Soluciones is equally crucial. It allows me to manage sales, operations, billing, and email marketing seamlessly. It’s a comprehensive platform that covers all aspects of my business operations. Together, these tools enable me to run my business efficiently and effectively. I can’t imagine managing my work without them.
Rodrigo Medina Marsan, CEO
Ibiza VIP Bus in Ibiza, Spain
For our company, the backend dispatch software is the most valuable piece of tech, for sure.
Adilson Pereira, CEO
AP Luxury Limousines in Garden City, N.Y.
Robert Rodríguez, President/CEO
First Class Destination Solutions in Carolina, Puerto Rico
Jason Santiago, General Manager
Exclusive Sedan in Newhall, Calif.
Jason Sharenow, COO
Broadway Elite Chauffeured Services Worldwide in East Hanover, N.J.
We use Samsara not only to view our vehicles but also utilize the safety features to ensure our safety trainer is on top of chauffeur driver safety performance. For instance, we receive alerts on hard stops, speeding, and more.
For communication, Slack is a great tool to communicate internally with the team and WhatsApp is a great tool to communicate with affiliates and chauffeurs. Furthermore, we find Zoom to be an efficient tool for team and business meetings. Of course, Google Drive is effective for communication as well as for working on documents in real time with the team.
Personally, I also enjoy Calendly, which helps me streamline my business meetings while I’m networking. I got introduced to Calendly in 2020 during the pandemic and haven’t looked back!
Nancy Vargas, CEO
DH2 Limousine in Jamaica, N.Y.
Scott Woodruff, President
Majestic Limousine & Coach in Des Moines, Iowa
For collecting payments from customers, we rely on Stripe as our payment gateway as it provides a seamless and secure way for us to accept credit/debit card payments, as well as support for alternative payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Its robust fraud detection and compliance features are crucial for our business.
When it comes to making payments to our global network of vendors and suppliers, we utilize AirWallex. This platform enables us to make fast, low-cost international payments in multiple currencies, which is essential for our operations spanning different regions.
These three technologies form the core of our technology stack and allow us to effectively manage our dispatching, payments, and vendor relationships across our business. They have been instrumental in driving efficiency, reducing operational costs, and providing a seamless experience for both our customers and partners.
Amy Yan, Co-Founder and Managing Partner
AmyExpress in Kowloon, Hong Kong
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.
[05.29.24]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
The National Limousine Association (NLA) is collaborating with the University Transportation Research Center (UTRC) at the CUNY–City College of New York to develop a report on best practices for chauffeured transportation service at airports to ensure safety, sustainability, and a high standard of service. The project is being led by Attorney Matt Daus of Windels Marx, who is the former longest-serving Chair of the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission and Transportation Technology Chair at UTRC.
According to the press release from the organizations, the goal of the report is to identify the challenges that both transportation providers and passengers experience while using these services at airports, and to propose any changes that will benefit all.
This updated report will expand upon UTRC’s previous “The Airport of the Future: A Sustainable & Equitable Ground Transportation Management Paradigm” and examine best practices to manage chauffeured transportation services at the airport.
The report will include:
- Business and first-class travelers help sustain and subsidize airports: These customers generate significant revenue for airlines and airports. They pay a premium for airfare and specialized ground transportation service and assistance inside the airport.
- Limos need dedicated pickup space at a preferential location: To best accommodate customers, the space should be adjacent or integral to the terminal, on an inner curb near exit(s) serving major airlines.
- Chauffeured vehicles need longer curbside dwell times: Drivers need to be able to leave their vehicles to meet passengers inside the terminal to assist with baggage.
- Airport fees should be proportionate to each mode’s actual use of airport curb space and facilities: Fees should be no more than necessary to cover the cost of the mode’s impact on the airport. Limousines should not hold up the rates of other ground transportation operators or the airport’s operations. Airports may need to decrease these fees and increase fees for private vehicles and other modes.
- Go green: To encourage and facilitate greener transportation, airports should offer reduced fees for zero-emissions vehicles and provide EV chargers at staging lots.
The final report will include a comprehensive literature review as well as a survey of NLA members who are directly impacted by such policies and procedures to ensure a balanced perspective between established research and current industry practices.
Visit surveymonkey.com/r/H2S6BBZ to take the survey.
[05.28.24]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
More than 125 members and guests were on hand for the return of the Limousine Association of New Jersey (LANJ) dinner and auction. Held Tuesday, May 21, at Il Tulipano in Cedar Grove, N.J., the event served as a dual fundraiser with money raised going to both the association and Make-A-Wish of N.J. and attracted affiliate members from all over the country.
The evening kicked off with a cocktail hour, courtesy of Open Bar Sponsor EmpireCLS Worldwide. After members and guests networked for 90 minutes, LANJ President Mike Rose of My Limousine Service welcomed everyone and thanked the capacity crowd for attending. He then introduced Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey Director of Events Dominique Gleason, who shared a bit about the charity, which is currently celebrating its 41st year. Rose stated that he is proud to have LANJ partner with the non-profit for the fundraiser. Next, the evening’s sponsors were introduced, notably Premier Sponsor Complete Fleet Livery Sales.
LANJ 2nd Vice President Jeffrey Cartegena of Leros Transportation Group informed the members that the association is revamping its affinity program, which will see the vendor members offer discounts on products and services.
Rose then presented former LANJ President (and current Secretary) Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide with an award to acknowledge his more than eight years of service to the association, including navigating the organization through some of the roughest waters the industry has seen.
Sharenow said he was left speechless by the honor and thanked his partners at Broadway Elite along with his wife Arielle for allowing him to put in time for LANJ. Arielle was also recognized by Rose as she was presented with a bouquet of flowers on behalf of the LANJ Board of Directors.
Members were encouraged to take part in the new Barbara J. Chirico Scholarship Program, which is now open to the children of current LANJ member families, including owner and employee families.
Rose then introduced LANJ’s very first affiliate member, none other than National Limousine Association (NLA) President Brett Barenholtz of Above All Transportation/Boston Car Service, who also serves as president of the New England Livery Association.
“I love New Jersey,” confessed Barenholtz, who then lauded LANJ as one of the best local associations in the industry.
Barenholtz revealed that he has a true passion for chauffeured transportation, and believes the outlook is very bright. He then shared a bit about the NLA’s recent record-breaking Day on the Hill advocacy event in Washington, D.C., which saw participation from 66 members. Barenholtz then recognized the hard work put in by CD President Chris Weiss as the NLA’s show partner and previewed the upcoming CD/NLA Executive Retreat in Miami on June 2-5 and the CD/NLA Fall Show in National Harbor on October 13-16.
Following a buffet dinner, the evening’s auction got underway, courtesy of a dynamic duo of auctioneers, namely LANJ 1st Vice President Joe Gulino of Gem Worldwide and Treasurer Barry Trabb of Complete Fleet. The bidding was fast and furious, as Gulino and Trabb spotlighted a diverse array of auction items, which included high-end gift baskets, sporting event tickets, lottery tickets, and much more. Chauffeur Driven donated a number of in-demand items for the auction, which included 18 months of Affiliate Central advertising, won by Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite; an email blast, won by Tim Rose of Dolphin Transportation; a magazine profile, won by Mike Rose of My Limousine Service; and full-page ad in the magazine, won by Drew Messina of Create-A-Card. The CD/NLA show partnership also donated passes to the Fall 2024 and Vegas 2025 shows, which went home with Jeffrey Cartegena of Leros Transportation Group and Joe Gulino of Gem Worldwide, respectively. Another high-profile item was a set of branded office chairs, courtesy of Premier Products, which saw a winning bid from Steve Horowitz of EmpireCLS Worldwide.
LANJ’s next meeting is scheduled for September 17 in Princeton, N.J.
Visit lanj.org for more information.
[05.28.24]