When hiring a bus company for long activity and field trips, the more information you have, the better prepared you will be. Important things to know include whether the driver is rested, drug-free and in possession of all the necessary qualifications. It is also key to know the condition and maintenance history of the bus. The following questions, provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, will help you choose a safe and secure transportation provider. 1) What is the company’s United States Department of Transportation (DOT) number? 2) Does the driver have a current CDL with a “passenger” endorsement? 3) Does the driver have a valid medical certificate? 4) Does the company have a driver drug- and alcohol-testing program that complies with DOT regulations? 5) Will the trip be completed within the legal limit of 10 hours? If not, will a second driver or overnight rest stop be necessary to perform the trip legally and safely? 6) Are the buses inspected annually? Who performs the inspections? 7) Does the charter bus company have the required $5 million of public liability insurance? 8) Does the bus company subcontract for equipment and/or drivers? If so, what is the name of the additional bus or staffing company and what is its U.S. DOT number? 9) What company procedures exist for roadside emergencies and breakdowns?