Key facts
- 16+ passengers
- A vehicle designed to carry 16 or more people including the driver requires a CDL with a passenger endorsement (FMCSA)
- Van risk
- NHTSA warns that overloading 15-passenger vans raises rollover risk
- Check a bus company
- FMCSA Bus Safety Search: safety rating, operating authority, insurance
The safety facts
- 15-passenger vans. NHTSA's guidance is that overloading these vans increases rollover risk and reduces stability, that front and rear tires may need different pressures, and that drivers should be licensed and experienced with this kind of van. Everyone should buckle up on every trip.
- Larger vehicles. Under FMCSA rules, a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more people, including the driver, requires a driver with a commercial driver's license (CDL) and a passenger endorsement. Organizations that own such vehicles, including schools, churches and nonprofits, may also have to follow passenger-carrier rules on drug testing, hours of service and maintenance.
- Your own rules. Many school districts and insurers restrict 15-passenger vans or require trained drivers. Ask your athletic director or insurer before you rent.
How to check a charter bus company
FMCSA's "Look Before You Book" checklist:
- Get the company's USDOT number and look it up on FMCSA's Bus Safety Search.
- Check the safety rating (Satisfactory, Conditional, Unsatisfactory or Not Rated) and look for an out-of-service notice.
- Review the five public safety categories, such as Unsafe Driving and Vehicle Maintenance. A yellow warning triangle means the carrier is over an intervention threshold.
- Confirm active passenger operating authority and active insurance.
A company that operates only inside one state may not have a USDOT number; check with that state's DOT.
Dates and 6 rooms prefilled. Change them in the booking card.
Comparing the cost
| Line item | Vans | Charter bus |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle | Daily rate x vans x days | Quote for the trip (often includes the driver) |
| Drivers | Coaches or parents who meet your policy | Professional driver; driver lodging may be extra |
| Fuel and tolls | You pay | Usually in the quote; confirm |
| Parking | Each van | One bus; confirm the hotel can fit it |
| Luggage and equipment | Takes seats in each van | Under-floor storage |
To compare, enter your headcount in the GroupVoy planner's group math and switch the vehicle between "12-passenger van" and "56-seat charter bus". The planner leaves a seat free in each van for bags.
A rule of thumb
Under about 10 travelers, minivans or SUVs are easiest. Between 10 and 25, vans can work if your rules and drivers allow it, and a minibus is worth a quote. Above 25, get charter bus quotes first.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a CDL to drive a 15-passenger van?
Under FMCSA rules the CDL passenger requirement applies to vehicles designed to carry 16 or more people including the driver. Your state, school or insurer may have additional rules.
Are 15-passenger vans safe for teams?
NHTSA warns that overloading them raises rollover risk. Keep within the seating limit, check tire pressures before each trip, use experienced drivers and make sure everyone wears a seat belt.
How do you check if a bus company is safe?
Look up its USDOT number on FMCSA's Bus Safety Search and check the safety rating, operating authority, insurance and any out-of-service notice.
Sources
- FMCSA: Look Before You Book
- FMCSA: Information for organizations owning a bus or other passenger vehicle
- NHTSA tips for safe travel in 15-passenger vans (OH&S summary)
GroupVoy is not affiliated with the events, venues or organizations named on this page.