All are invited to attend this free industry event powered by UMA
January 29, 2019
What is a compliance review?
Chances are when you learn your company has been selected for a compliance review, you will not be expecting a pleasant experience, but it helps to know what you'll be up against. We came across two recent resources that might be helpful to you or your staff in preparation for a CR.

A recent blogpost by on FleetComplete offers a comprehensive guide that might be helpful in helping you to understand the scope and purpose of DOT's compliance review or CR process. The article is focused on more than just passenger transportation, but motorcoach operators should find his explanations helpful.


Another resource recently made available is JJ Keller's free whitepaper entitled, "Surviving an FMCSA Audit." It offers a glimpse into the auditing process, including different types of investigations, areas of focus, potential fines, and top auditing violations.
#IamUMA! See how EXPO attendees responded
when asked what it means to be in UMA.
2019 EXPO Roundup: Pics, Survey, 2020 deal

The February 15 issue of Bus & Motorcoach News will have full coverage of the event but many photos of EXPO are available on the Bus & Motorcoach News website and more are being added daily. Click the photo gallery button below to relive EXPO or see what you missed!

All attendees were sent a survey link by email to evaluate the 2019 EXPO and a link is below for anyone who missed it. In order to be eligible to win a chance at a $250 AMEX gift card and/or one of five UMA T-shirts, you must complete the contact information and be an operator registrant. Use the EXPO Survey button to participate! We only accept one survey per person. Thanks in advance for your help. Your candid responses help us shape the event to meet your needs and exceed your expectations!

And if you liked the 2019 EXPO and you love a bargain, you can sign up now through February 15 for the lowest rate to attend the 2020 EXPO in Nashville, TN, January 19-23. Click below to register.
Time to renew music licensing through ASCAP, BMI
It's time to renew your special UMA rate for music licensing with ASCAP and BMI for the calendar year 2019. Forms are available now and must be returned with a check for payment by March 31, 2019 if you want to participate. UMA passes the discount directly to your company, so we can only accept payment by check. The new rates for 2019 are:

  • ASCAP: $28.66 per bus
  • BMI: $28.50 per bus

This special UMA rate is up to 70% off what you would pay by going directly through ASCAP or BMI. and when you multiply the rate per bus, it's a significant savings! The license covers the performance of the music in the ASCAP and/or BMI repertories on all “Licensed Buses” – that is all United States registered motorcoaches you own or operate that are equipped for the performance of music. The license covers audio-visual uses (CD’s, tapes, radio, TV, video*, etc.).

Questions? Contact Jocelyn Delacruz of the UMA staff at jdelacruz@uma.org

The ASCAP & BMI licenses only apply to the music portion of the video presentation. Video (movie, etc.) require separate licensing, such as that provided by Motorcoach Movies. UMA Members also receive a discount on movie licensing through Motorcoach Movies. For more information, please contact Terri Colyer of Motorcoach Movies at 888.416.2572 or visit www.motorcoachmovies.com.
DRIVER SHORTAGE
Walmart trucking pay scale has the industry buzzing
Market Watch | by Katie Hill | January 24, 2019

Keep on trucking.

Walmart has announced that it will add more truck drivers  to its fleet this year — and pay them well. The retail giant, which says it added 1,400 truckers in 2018, notes that “hundreds more are slated to join the fleet in 2019.”

And the company says that it is raising driver pay in February. “A one cent per mile increase and additional pay for every arrival means that Walmart  WMT, -0.41%  drivers will now earn on average $87,500 a year and with an all-in rate close to 89 cents per mile.”

To snag a job as a trucker at Walmart, you’ll need “30 months of experience in the past three years and a clean safety record,” the company says.
Bus & Motorcoach News is mailed twice monthly to all UMA members. In addition, it's available online 24/7 at www.busandmotorcoachnews.com and by email, on a schedule you choose! Invite everyone on your staff to stay informed about the industry by signing up for email updates from  Bus & Motorcoach News .  Sign up here. You can choose daily or weekly updates! Below is a sampling of what's in our latest digital and print editions.
Expertise from EXPO: Get data to work for you
Bus & Motorcoach News | January 24, 2019

Eugene Thomas, General Manager for All Aboard America, started out in maintenance. He moved to the GM position two years ago, but his background made him unique - and ideal - in identifying a provider to provide telematics to the 100 vehicle fleet.

Thomas’s session covered how to manage telematics and how they can be converted into productive tools to improve fleet performance and offer safer passenger transportation. 

National Parks offer free days during 2019
Bus & Motorcoach News | January 16, 2019

The National Park Service is offering free admission on several days in 2019 during the spring, summer, and fall: First day of National Park week on April 20; National Park Service Birthday on Aug. 25; National Public Lands Day on Sept. 28; and Veterans Day on Nov. 11.

Free admission was also recently made available on Martin Luther King Day on Jan. 21. The National Park System covers more than 85 million acres across the U.S. Only a quarter of the 418 parks managed by the NPS charge entrance fees, which range from $5 to $35.

The entrance fee waiver for fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for activities such as camping, boat launches, transportation or special tours.

CONVERSATION PIECE

Check out this bus shelter at the Austin, TX Austin-Bergstrom International Airport!

The structure is 45-feet high and depicts a tilted neon guitar that changes colors. It is located outside baggage claim, on the lower level. 
Social Media Background Concept with Speech Bubbles
MEMBER BENEFITS

Free resources available through Motorcoach Marketing Council

Did you know that you have a marketing secret weapon at your disposal?

It's called the Motorcoach Marketing Council and their website offers a treasure trove of free and reasonably priced resources that can help you craft a marketing and social media strategy that will put your company on the map! The Motorcoach Marketing Council is part of UMA's array of member programs to assist motorcoach operators in keeping every aspect of their business competitive and up-to-date.

Go to  motorcoachmarketing.org  to find:
  • Social media post library
  • Training Videos
  • Campaigns
  • The Design Center
  • and much more!
Motorcoach Industry Calendar

FEBRUARY 2019
  • 10-14 Tennessee Motorcoach Association Convention & Marketplace, IP Casino Resort & Spa, Biloxi, MS https://tnmca.net/annual-convention/
  • 12-13 CBA 25th Annual Maintenance Seminar, Motor Coach Industries, Hayward, CA www.cbabus.com
  • 16-19 Maryland Motorcoach Association Winter Operators Meeting Founders Inn & Spa, Virginia Beach, VA

MARCH 2019
  • 11-12 GNJMA Sponsor Appreciation Dinner, Spring Association Meeting & Motorcoach Professional Awards, Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem http://www.gnjma.com/
  • 19 California Bus Association Sacramento General Membership Meeting, Masonic Temple, 1123 J Street – Club Room, Sacramento, CA Register
  • 26 PBA Board Meeting – Wyndham York, York, PA http://pabus.org/
  • 26 PBA Investing in the Motorcoach Industry: Increasing your ROI seminar, Wyndham York, York, PA http://pabus.org/
  • 26 PBA Drivers & Employees of Distinction Awards Program – Wyndham York, York, PA http://pabus.org/
  • 27 PBA Marketplace Group Leader Show, Wyndham York, York, PA
  • 27-28 Maryland Motorcoach Association Marketplace/Travel Showcase Dover Downs Casino, Dover, DE

APRIL 2019
  • 2 – 3 Bus & Motorcoach Industry Legislative Fly-In powered by UMA www.uma.org/capitol-hill
  • 7 – 9 Northwest Motorcoach Association Annual Mechanics & Tech & Tour Conference, Comfort Inn & Suites Boise Airport Boise, ID

JUNE 2019
  • 18-21 PBA Annual Meeting, Resorts Casino, Atlantic City, NJ (Hosted by Atlantic City/MeetAC)
  • 20-23 New England Bus Association Annual Conference, Nonantum Resort Kenneybunkport, ME
  • 21 PBA Board Meeting, Atlantic City http://pabus.org/

AUGUST 2019
  • 6-9 IMG Strategic Alliance Meeting, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
  • 14 PBA Safety & Preparedness Workshop, York Springs, PA http://pabus.org/
  • 15-18 NAMO Annual Conference & Marketplace – Springfield, MO Oasis Hotel and Convention Center  http://www.namo-coaches.org/

SEPTEMBER 2019
  • 11, Maryland Motorcoach Association Annual Crab Feast, Kentmorr Restaurant and Crab House. Stevensville, MD

OCTOBER 2019
  • 9-10 GNJMA Fall Annual Meeting & Related Events including Group Leader Marketplace, Resorts Atlantic City http://www.gnjma.com/
  • 13 -15 California Bus Association’s 46th Annual Convention and Trade Show, Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa www.cbabus.com
  • 20-22 Bus Association of New York (BANY) Annual Meeting and Marketplace, Sands Bethlehem, Bethlehem, PA – bany@banybus.org
  • October 21-23, 201920th Annual North West Motorcoach Association ROADEO Location TBD

JANUARY 2020
  • 19-23 UMA Motorcoach EXPO, Nashville, TN REGISTER

OCTOBER 2020
  • 25- 27 California Bus Association’s 47th Annual Convention and Trade Show, Omni Rancho Las Palmas in Rancho Mirage, CA (Palm Springs) www.cbabus.com
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! Want to find other members to do business with? Use the online directory.

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