MARCH 20, 2018
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MEMBER NEWS
Time to renew ASCAP/BMI licensing
It’s time to renew your ASCAP and BMI licenses or to get started for the first time if you are not participating in these essential programs. UMA has negotiated a fee discount for members with these music industry licensing organizations and the process to participate is simple.

UMA collects the fees and license agreements from members and passes the information and payments along to ASCAP and BMI. Payments are due by March 31 to receive the discounted licenses through the association. The form is here .

Did you know?
In order to legally play recorded music on a motorcoach, operators must obtain permission from the license holder. By playing pre-recorded music (or movies that have music, and virtually all do) for the passengers on a coach, an operator is essentially providing a public performance of that material. The penalty for playing copyrighted music or showing movies without permission or a license can be stiff, so obtaining the proper licensing is essential. U.S. copyright law provides that a court can assess damages and require the operator to pay the copyright owner’s attorney fees and court costs, as well as enter an injunction against the violator. A license must be obtained for each coach that plays pre-recorded music or movies with music for passengers.

How can you get in on this program?
The first step is UMA membership! Next, sign up forms must be sent to UMA along with a check for payment to arrive no later than March 31. UMA cannot accept a credit card payment for this service since we simply pass along the payment, so please get those forms and checks in the mail ASAP.

UMA members who have not received a renewal form or who need information about ASCAP and BMI licensing should contact Jocelyn Delacruz at  jdelacruz@uma.org  or (703) 838-2929.

The ASCAP and BMI licenses only apply to music played on coaches, or the music included in a video presentation. A video presentation (i.e., a movie) on a coach requires separate licensing, such as that provided by Motorcoach Movies, which also offers a UMA discount. For this UMA member program contact please contact Terri Colyer at Motorcoach Movies at 888.416.2572. 
ALERT
IRS video highlights tips to avoid filing errors

Better to find out now! Timely advice to help you avoid making tax filing errors is available from the U.S. Internal Revenue Services. And it's just in time, with April 15 less than one month away. The tax collection agency is providing video tips via YouTube. Check out the 3-minute-long video. Click the link above to see if you've fallen prey to any of the typical mistakes.
UMA members get special treatment on Busrates.com
UMA member profiles really stand out on BusRates.com, the leading online site for individuals and groups booking motorcoach travel. A light blue background and prominent UMA logo lets potential customers know your company is part of a professional association dedicated to safe and affordable motorcoach travel. Get a leg up on the competition with Busrates.com and UMA! The site has recently been upgraded and redesigned for better functionality. See who's on BusRates.com and learn why you should be there, too!

COMPLIANCE
International Roadcheck June 5-7 to focus on hours-of-service
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The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's (CVSA) International Roadcheck will take place June 5-7, 2018. Over that 72-hour period, commercial motor vehicle inspectors in jurisdictions throughout North America will conduct inspections of commercial motor vehicles and drivers. This year's focus is on  hours-of-service compliance .

"The top reason drivers were placed out of service during 2017 International Roadcheck was for hours-of-service violations," said CVSA President Capt. Christopher Turner of the Kansas Highway Patrol. "Thirty-two percent of drivers who were placed out of service during last year's three-day International Roadcheck were removed from our roadways due to violations related to hours-of-service regulations. It's definitely an area we need to call attention to this year."

SURVEY ON ELDS
Help UMA by taking a quick survey
As we inch closer to the April 1 ELD enforcement date, UMA needs a snapshot of your experience in implementing the ELD rule. UMA is asking members to complete a short, online survey. The survey also includes a few questions regarding pre-trip announcements.

Both surveys will assist UMA leadership develop policies and talking points with regulators and legislators going forward. To begin the short survey, click here .
PEOPLE
Greater NJ Motorcoach Association Honors Professionalism
The Greater New Jersey Motorcoach Association's 2018 Motorcoach Professional Awards were held last week at the group's meeting in Atlantic City. The annual awards honor employees who demonstrate excellence and professionalism in the industry. The Motorcoach Professional Award is the association's way of giving member companies a platform through which to recognize their outstanding team members before industry leaders. Recipients receive a plaque, a watch, a two-night hotel stay and a $100 food voucher from GMJMA's casino partners.

A number of UMA members were among the honorees. Congratulations to:
  • Fransiour Scott, Suburban Transit
  • Santos Hunt, Community Coach
  • Rosemarie Martorelli, DeCamp Bus Lines
  • Alejandro Serna, Lakeland Bus Lines
  • Margaret Marut, Panorama Tours
  • Emma Edwards, Safety Bus
  • Richard Borkowski, Stout's Transportation
  • Lee Weissburg, Translite Enterprises
  • Benjamin Rosado, Vanderhoof Transportation
INSURANCE PRODUCTS
UMA responds to operator demand with new insurance program
USI Travel Insurance Services has designed a unique and exclusive UMA members-only travel insurance program for charter bus operations , along with a more traditional travel insurance package for tour operators. 
 
The program not only provides a valuable product for a UMA member’s customers, it allows the member to highlight their company’s position as a unique travel professional in their community. Members will earn additional income from the product as well.

USI Travel Insurance Services is offering two plans to members: Comprehensive Travel Protection for Tours and the  UMA members-only exclusive   plan for charter bus customers, featuring coverage for high-limit emergency medical evacuations, baggage, and much more.
 
To learn more, contact Sharon Broo, CTA, at USI Travel Insurance Services,  Sharon.Broo@usi.com   or call 770.905.4065.

MEMBER BENEFITS
Get Bus & Motorcoach News on your own schedule

Everyone on your team should be reading Bus & Motorcoach News, the flagship publication of our industry! Every member company receives a copy of BMN in the mail and every employee is entitled to receive it via email, too. Recipients can choose how often to receive it when they click on the subscription link. Don't miss out on The Docket, industry news, UMA Association happenings and more!

Motorcoach Industry Calendar

APRIL 2018
10-11 Bus & Motorcoach Industry Fly In, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Washington, DC, NoMa Union Station, Info: www.uma.org/capitol-hill/

DECEMBER
5-6 Safety Management Seminar, NTSB Training Center, Ashburn, VA, Hotel TBA - save the date!
YOU ARE UMA
Remember, as a UMA member you have the power of discounts on the best products and services, access to relevant education, targeted professional resources, and colleagues all over the map. Remember to consult your member directory when you need help on the road, access to more vehicles to meet demand, or services out of your area. We are UMA!

Reach the UMA staff by calling (703) 838-2929 or by email at info@uma.org. We love to hear from our members!