Bus Blog

Are you thinking about trading in your used bus or van? At TESCO, we make the process simple and hassle-free. To help you get the best value for your trade-in, we have put together a few key steps to ensure your vehicle is in top shape before you bring it in.

Congratulations on taking the next step toward purchasing a used bus or van. Your company’s transportation plays a significant role, and TESCO will assist you in your decision. Not sure what to think about when buying a used commercial vehicle? Let us go over some details together.

Assisting a loved one in finding the best care for them is so important, especially as they age. During retirement, participating in activities can be priceless for many older adults. Having buses at senior living facilities gives residents freedom of travel. Despite any mobility issues, seniors can get out and feel independent.

Preventive maintenance on your bus is critical in prolonging its life and reliability. Not only does maintenance save money, but it helps ward off worse issues in the future. If you catch an issue early, it is less likely to be as much of a problem later. Having a technician look over your bus regularly keeps it running as best as possible.

Figuring out the right vehicle for your business is important, and TESCO is here to help. You may be deciding between purchasing a van or a bus, unsure of either’s advantages. There are countless factors to keep in mind. For example, does your facility offer regular outings? If so, how many passengers are typically on board? Taking passenger safety and comfort in hand is key to customer satisfaction.

Lifts and ramps are different options for wheelchair-accessible vehicles, but both have the same goal of providing accessibility for users. If you are unfamiliar with them, you might ask questions like, “Should I get a ramp or a lift for wheelchair passengers?”, “What is the difference between the two?” If you find yourself uncertain in your decision, keep reading.

Have you ever pulled into a facility and noticed its buses looking aged or beat up? Think about the effect your transportation equipment has and how it affects customers. It is especially important in senior or assisted living facilities, where transportation provides a sense of freedom for residents. When bringing loved ones to a new facility, seeing well-equipped buses in good condition will ensure you have made the right choice.

Driving commercial vehicles requires extra attention compared to your standard vehicle. With this comes the need to do a thorough inspection before and after your drive. In this Bus Blog post, we will cover what pre-trip and post-trip inspections are and why you must complete these tasks.

Looking into whether you should buy or lease your bus or van? Let’s look into the advantages of leasing. From flexibility to financial benefits, let’s dive into how this decision could drive your business forward.

When choosing where to shop, opting for a family-owned business like TESCO can offer numerous advantages beyond mere convenience. Family-owned businesses often prioritize personalized customer service, fostering a sense of community and loyalty among customers. TESCO embodies these values by maintaining a deep-rooted commitment to quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. TESCO has maintained its lasting success for over 50 years. Here are some reasons...

As summer beckons, enticing us with outdoor adventures and road trips, there's one thing that can truly put a damper on the fun: a leaky bus. Those pesky cracks in your bus's exterior not only compromise the comfort of your passengers but can also wreak havoc on your wallet if left unattended. So, let's take a closer look at this issue to ensure your bus remains a reliable and enjoyable mode of transportation throughout the sunny season...

Since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, insurance companies have seen a significant increase in catalytic converter theft. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, reports of stolen converters almost quadruple the amount seen in 2019. To avoid letting your bus or van become a statistic, it is important to stay a step-ahead and keep your fleet protected by investing in a catalytic converter guard...

More and more articles are surfacing about the roaring demand for used cars, but what does that mean for your used minibus?

How much is my bus worth?

Finding your bus’s value requires research, simply because there is no Kelley Blue Book for shuttle buses and each bus is built around the customer’s specific needs...

The global computer chip shortage has hit several US industries hard, especially the automakers. The semiconductor chip is a crucial component in new vehicles and its scarcity has affected the automotive supply chain from top to bottom. Some manufacturers have completely halted production while others are left with unfinished vehicles in limbo. The disruption to the supply chain is wreaking havoc on many areas of the US economy, but what does this mean for inventory levels for buses & vans...

Rough terrain rides are no longer only possible with a JEEP or ATV; 4x4 buses have entered the scene. Transportation companies are going off grid and offering off road adventures with specially equipped 4-wheel drive buses. Besides being a fun outing, a customized 4X4 bus can safely and easily transport groups over rough terrain, in all weather conditions, for all industries- including government and medical fields. For some transportation providers, these vehicles are a necessity. In areas known for inclement weather and rough roads, a 4X4 bus can be a perfect solution for rural or hazardous travel.

Buses do not come standard with 4x4 capability, so the actual conversions can be a personal project or they can be outsourced to companies that specialize in conversions. Whichever conversion route you’d like to take...

Bus conversions have had a sudden uptick in popularity; a ripple effect of the pandemic that has led to buyers having more free time for larger projects. Requests for project buses have skyrocketed, at TESCO, we’re keeping up with the unexpected demands. “Skoolies”, food trucks, RVs, and tiny homes on wheels, can all be built with a shuttle bus, but what to look for and what to avoid? With the help of some TESCO bus expert advice, we’ve compiled a list of the top 3 tips to finding the perfect conversion bus.

1 - The Price is Right!

Good news! Wholesale vehicles are the perfect option for a conversion bus and cost significantly less than their newer counterparts. However, they are usually higher in mileage and older models that need some TLC...

Social isolation and depression are just some of the underlined layers assisted living residents are experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With family member visits and activities limited, it is easy for seniors to feel unstimulated or emotionally down. With proper CDC safety precautions and state/local guidelines followed, using your bus for short trips can be a stimulating and exciting event for residents to look forward to, while improving their mental health.

No destination necessary!

The trip doesn't need to have a destination; in fact, you probably won't have your residents leave the bus at all. A simple drive through a local park or neighborhood can be an enjoyable experience just by seeing new sights.

Now more than ever, keeping vehicles germ-free is a top priority in the transportation industry. Between regular cleaning, proper disinfectants, masks, and shields, transportation providers are taking extra steps to prevent the spread of illness.

What if there was a step that not only prevented bacteria from growing on your seats, but also killed 99.9% of germs? Thanks to our friends at Freedman Seating and CMI Enterprises, that step is completely obtainable for your bus. The solution, Nanocide fabric, or NPF seats.

As a consumer, what feels more impersonal than being treated as just a sale? It certainly doesn’t create a feeling of trust, and it definitely doesn’t make future transactions desirable. In today’s society, the bottom line is often the only driving force in corporate sales. Solely focusing on profit neglects the most important part of a business, the customer! When you work with a family owned business like TESCO, you are not a number, but a friend and pivotal factor in the lasting success built over 50 years. So why is it beneficial to buy a bus from a family owned business? We’ve compiled a list of 5 reasons why buying a bus from a family owned business is the way to go.

Buying a bus is often a process many people don’t know where to start. If left in the wrong hands, it can be an overwhelming and confusing ordeal that leads to a long-term headache. At TESCO, we know that purchasing a bus is a process, but we also know how to make that process as easy and seamless as possible and it all stems back to one key factor in every deal, exceptional customer service, that’s the TESCO difference.

TESCO is different from any other bus dealership in the country. We create relationships with our customers that start even before we turn the keys over, and last all the way until the next bus purchase…and after!

It’s that time of year! Fall is quickly saying hello and goodbye to make way for winter. For those that live in parts of the country that experience the wrath of a good snow, being prepared for the elements is essential.

Many people in snow prone areas know that winterizing your home and vehicles are a must. But for folks in the transportation business, winterizing your bus is another step to make certain for safe and efficient winter travel.

Keeping your bus in tip-top shape can not only create a more comfortable ride for your passengers, but it can also help to extend the life of your bus. We’ve created an easy checklist for you to follow to ensure your vehicle is always looking and doing its best!

1. Clean and protect your seats. Use a damp rag and a vacuum to clean off seats for your passengers. If the seating material is especially dirty, look into hiring an upholstery cleaner. For vinyl and cloth seats, invest in a spray protectant; be sure...

There is a form of advertisement that is more effective than TV, radio, billboards, emails, newspapers, and postcard mailers combined- and that’s adding powerful visual graphics to your bus. Every day, you can see a variety of vehicles driving around with their brand name displayed on the back and sides. How can this be beneficial for you and your company or organization?

There is no easier or more cost effective way to boost the visibility of your brand than by adding graphics to your bus or van. Essentially, you are turning your bus into a billboard...

Shuttle buses make everyone’s life easier, but that’s especially true with senior citizens! Let’s take a look at the benefits your seniors will experience when you add a shuttle bus to your fleet.

Entering and exiting a shuttle bus is exponentially easier than a traditional van or car. Additional headroom allows passengers to stand upright with comfort and ease, as opposed to hunching...

As buses age, there will be a time when parts will need to be replaced, be it something small such as a lightbulb or sticker, or something large like a bumper or wheel cover. Where do you turn when you find yourself in need? There are many ways in which you can benefit by...

The weather temps this time of year are skyrocketing- what happens if the air conditioning system on your bus or van stops working? You don’t want to waste valuable time for your business by having your bus sit idle. We’ve made a list of some troubleshooting steps to help you keep your bus running and your passengers safe and...

Every year, TESCO and other bus dealerships participate in trade shows and exhibitions across the country, ranging from the healthcare industry to transit and church organizations. Most shows have costs attached to them (be it an attendance fee or lodging fee), but there are numerous benefits to attending a trade show that most people don’t know about...

There are quite a few bus dealerships around the country, each seemingly with specific advantages. Unfortunately, most dealerships are several hundreds of miles apart and can be difficult to compare. How can you know which one is the best fit for your company? Exploring the following points can help you and your team make your decision about which dealership to choose:

• Variety and size of inventory: Inventory is an easy way to be able to tell whether or not your needs are anticipated. If a dealership...

In today’s world, everyone is always on the go. At TESCO, we’ve seen a huge increase in demand for transportation from both the private and public sector. One of the best ways that your company can meet this demand is with a minibus. Have you considered purchasing a minibus but haven’t pulled the trigger yet? Let’s look at some of the benefits a minibus can provide your company.

A minibus allows your company to tap into gaps in the current market and into new markets as well. First and foremost, this can increase both your revenue and...

Times are changing and so are the laws- many states now prohibit child care facilities from using 15-passenger vans and are requiring that a bus be used instead. Do you know your state’s requirements? Even if vans haven’t been outlawed yet in your state, you may want to consider purchasing a bus with increased safety and reliability standards.

The correct term for a childcare bus is a “Type A” school bus, or MFSAB (Multi-Function School Activity Bus). These buses are much different from your standard transit bus or shuttle. MFSABs are equipped with specific safety features designed to protect the passengers. Some of the important...

More and more large fleet accounts and corporate healthcare conglomerates are making the switch to leasing programs. Can this work for your company? Like any big decision, weighing the pros and cons is an effective way to start.

With a leasing program, you’ll be alleviated of all the major concerns of vehicle breakdowns- most leases are structured to coincide with the warranty on the bus. This means that budgeting for potentially costly bus repairs and updates to the...

There are many questions that arise when the time comes to evaluate your current fleet of buses and vans, so how can you know where to start? Patients are now using heavier electric chairs; is your lift acceptable for the extra weight? How can you provide your drivers with more safety when ordering a bus or van? Does your bus or van have a backup camera and sensors? Are your vehicles equipped with first aid kit and fire extinguishers? Another industry trend...

Countless congregations across the country have benefitted from purchasing or leasing a bus. If your church hasn’t purchased a bus before, it can be difficult to know where to start.

The most important thing to consider before buying a bus for your church is knowing when and where you’ll be using your vehicle. Looking at the annual events that your congregation has attended in the past will give you an idea for the vehicle size and capacity...

There are so many ways that a bus can be beneficial for your company or organization, but what if your funds are limited? You may worry that a bus purchase is not in your budget. Fortunately, you can still reap all of the benefits of owning a bus. Leasing can be the solution to all of your worries!

Many fleets need to keep updated vehicles in their rotation to stay afloat. Leasing helps organizations manage their resources better...

Safety, comfort, and security area always a top concern for day care facilities, but efficiency matters too. An MFSAB bus (oftentimes used for childcare purposes) can help improve the quality of your care and attract more business at the same time.

Child care buses often transport anywhere from 14 to 30 passengers and are designed specifically for safety and security. With the same safety standards as a school bus, you can ease the minds of parents and guardians. All child care buses should be FMVSS compliant- you will want to double check with your dealership before purchasing...

It may not be immediately apparent, but owning a bus can be beneficial to your company or organization in so many ways. If taken advantage of, your bus can attract more business, contribute to the green initiative, and increase the efficiency of your business model. Have you ever thought about the possibilities?

A bus is a great way to offer amenities to your customers. With a bus you can offer refreshments, entertainment, protection from the elements, and safety. By offering a driving service, you can attract additional business. Many hotels & resorts, bars, casinos, and touring companies have seen an increase in customer interaction...

Your bus has served you well- you’ve used it to transport hundreds of people, improved the quality of their lives, and increased your business revenue. As time passes, you will eventually need to replace parts for your bus. Whether that be a lightbulb, a windshield, or wheelchair tie-downs, parts for buses can be difficult to find.

Your time is valuable- don’t waste it looking around for bus parts.

It can seem to some that purchasing bus parts from a junkyard is a great deal, but in reality, there are many downfalls. There is no telling if your part will be at the junkyard, what condition it will be in, or if it will even be the correct part. At the end of the day, even if you do find the part that you are looking for...

Before you can begin, make sure that you have a general answer to each of the following questions:

What will the vehicle be used for?
How many passengers will you be transporting?
How often will you run your vehicle?
In what environment will you be running your vehicle?
Do you need special access or seating for disabled individuals?

After you have answers to these questions, use this simple bus guide to help steer you in the...