Limos.com Limo-Forum Limo Forum - Limousine Industry Discussion, News, Business TRADE ASSOCIATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS THE N.L.A (National Limousine Association) Another NLA Scam ?
Limo-Forum Limo Forum - Limousine Industry Discussion, News, Business TRADE ASSOCIATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS THE N.L.A (National Limousine Association) Another NLA Scam ?|
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Limo God Location: Spring Hill Florida
Registered: August 17, 2004
Posts: 2742
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Posted
OK, we've been hearing for years that the NLA has been fighting to rid the industry of the unfair (?) gas guzzler tax imposed on stretch limos that are bought to make money with and are a tax write off.
Personally I don't see what's unfair about paying a tax that everyone in the Nation is subject to. As the gas guzzler tax law is written, this tax is imposed on passenger vehicles with a weight of 6,000lbs or less. The law includes a sentence that exempted the max weight for limos. In other words a limo coming in at 7,000lbs would still be subjected to the gas guzzler tax. This is the portion that will be repealed upon a signature from the Prez. Based on figures from Ford, QVM builders are limited to a max GVW of 7,500lbs on TC conversions. Based on the figures provided for passengers and luggage the max curb weight that the limo can weigh under QVM guidelines is 5,950lbs based on 8 passengers + the driver. Therefore, the only TC stretches that would be exempt from the gas guzzler tax will be non-QVM's. Now through the news media the industry has been notified that the gas guzzler exemption is just waiting for a signature from President Bush. Again, after numerous years and countless hours put in by the NLA leadership, Through the news media the word has come out. Maybe they're busy working on a "Spin" angle? "Suing Tampa Limo Regulator In Federal Court For The Right To Use Fuel Efficient Vehicles & Violations Of Federal & State Preemptions. What Has Your National Or Local Assoc. Done For You Lately? " Visit www.thefita.com |
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SINCE 1976 Location: Metairie, Louisiana 70055
Registered: August 31, 2000
Posts: 3744
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Posted
Limo Knight, I admire people who speak their minds.
Dean Schuler |
Participant Registered: September 14, 2004
Posts: 34
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Posted
Dean..... from your lips to Gods ears. I don't think this industry has the resolve to do this,and when push comes to shove, the Big Dogs will just roll over and play dead just like they always do.
I think the NLA should elect GUNNY as its Executive Director,then you will have an association with a purpose and direction. The direction they are headed on now is one of self inflicted distruction. |
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SINCE 1976 Location: Metairie, Louisiana 70055
Registered: August 31, 2000
Posts: 3744
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Posted
Airports are becoming a very big problem for the luxury transportation industry and Gunny's favorite bad guys are to blame according to many. Action from the big guys in our profession is coming and this is a time that the BIG GUYS do something once again that benefits the entire trade. It is time...
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dean Schuler, Dean Schuler |
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SINCE 1976 Location: Metairie, Louisiana 70055
Registered: August 31, 2000
Posts: 3744
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Posted
Agreed for the most part. I generally get a better deal on insurance because of our business practices. I don't feel obligated to share the ways and means of how I do this. Same with the vehicles. If you know how to properly buy and sell you will save thousands of dollars.
Dean Schuler |
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SINCE 1976 Location: Metairie, Louisiana 70055
Registered: August 31, 2000
Posts: 3744
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Posted
Barry will get the language corrected. It really is time to move on to more significant issues. Some elements of Nassau County in New York now think that they are a foreign country and they are charging exorbitant fees for out of county operators to pick up or drop off clients in their little third world burg. The folks responsible need to be deported with a copy of the U.S. Constitution to remind them how far into fascism they have fallen.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dean Schuler, Dean Schuler |
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Limo God Location: Spring Hill Florida
Registered: August 17, 2004
Posts: 2742
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Posted
Ideas for how to accomplish such? My ideas as follows: #1 - Get it recognized through the courts that we engage in interstate commerce as the business end of arranging chartered transfers often originates across state lines via electronic or telephonic communication & of course the transfers are deemed a continuation of interstate travel.* #2 - This Industry must adapt common DOT usage terms such as "chartered" not pre-arranged, "motor carrier" not operator, "Motor Coach" not van, stretch (manufactured by "coachbuilders" hint, hint), etc.. #3 - Through the courts it must be established that by the very nature of being private chartered carriers that we are not to be classified as nor lumped together with public transportation or common carriers. #4 - Petition the DOT to assume regulatory control. Other Ideas Anyone? * Currently there is a case for declaratory action in front of the Surface Transportation Board as well as my Attorney may argue such when we head back into Federal Court. Also, the NLA needs to show some gonads & follow the lead (as they obviously don't lead the way) of the Black Car Association & Spend some $$$ in the courts taking on a abusive regulatory agency v. some stupid gg tax type garbage. Until they do, I will just keep spanking them & hopefully yank more from the roles. I know these Girly Men idiots read these posts & realize that I am going nowhere after all this time. "Suing Tampa Limo Regulator In Federal Court For The Right To Use Fuel Efficient Vehicles & Violations Of Federal & State Preemptions. What Has Your National Or Local Assoc. Done For You Lately? " Visit www.thefita.com |
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SINCE 1976 Location: Metairie, Louisiana 70055
Registered: August 31, 2000
Posts: 3744
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Posted
Standardized regulation across the country is the issue I am concerned with now. The Gas Guzzler tax has never been a determination when I purchase a vehicle.
Dean Schuler |
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Limo God Location: Spring Hill Florida
Registered: August 17, 2004
Posts: 2742
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Posted
Yes I know, the NLA & the Apostles of were hoping that the Gas Guzzler fiasco would simply fade away.
Took a quick trip on to the other side (TLPA) and it seems as though the finely crafted change orchestrated by the Big Guys is now law. So to save on the GG Tax go out & buy a non-QVM rated sedan stretch that weighs over 6k pounds. The TLPA refers to it as the "Partial" GG Tax Repeal who knows what Scott, Fran & Co refers to it as other than $500k well spent!!! "Suing Tampa Limo Regulator In Federal Court For The Right To Use Fuel Efficient Vehicles & Violations Of Federal & State Preemptions. What Has Your National Or Local Assoc. Done For You Lately? " Visit www.thefita.com |
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Limo God Location: Spring Hill Florida
Registered: August 17, 2004
Posts: 2742
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Posted
REMINDER:
NLA payments for 2006 are due. Get out those check books & send in your support payments to Uncle Fran. "Suing Tampa Limo Regulator In Federal Court For The Right To Use Fuel Efficient Vehicles & Violations Of Federal & State Preemptions. What Has Your National Or Local Assoc. Done For You Lately? " Visit www.thefita.com |
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Limo God Location: Spring Hill Florida
Registered: August 17, 2004
Posts: 2742
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Posted
There is nothing new about selective enforcement of laws. Hell everyone would be up in arms about someone running a few vehicles without permits yet see nothing wrong with hiring an illegal to wash their fleet & sweep the garage floors. "Suing Tampa Limo Regulator In Federal Court For The Right To Use Fuel Efficient Vehicles & Violations Of Federal & State Preemptions. What Has Your National Or Local Assoc. Done For You Lately? " Visit www.thefita.com |
Limo God Location: Lupton mich USA
Registered: May 30, 2002
Posts: 2256
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Posted
What good are state laws when the State itself violates them. I have a lady who works with me at the School Dist. as a Bus Driver but in between runs she does transports for A state Metal Health Agency for mileage reimbursment. I asked the Director of the Limo Div. of MDOT weather she should have authority and Commercial vehicle insursance and he replied that if she receives any compensation, she needs to be licensed and insuered as a Limousine. She is not and the State will do nothing about it. One State Division requires it while another just disreguards it and we legal Guys just bend over and like it.
David E. Merrill |
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Limo God Location: Spring Hill Florida
Registered: August 17, 2004
Posts: 2742
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Posted
Correct that the real elite of the industry are not "idiots" as they have managed to create & maintain market superiority through the buying of political influence, keeping the 2nd tier in the dark with regards to transportation laws, allowing the infiltration of the taxi Czars into the industry associations & convincing the industry that the real threat are the gypsy's, the GG tax & paying employees OT wages.
Now if any of you suffering from "selective reading syndrome" cares to debate any of these statements, fire away. "Suing Tampa Limo Regulator In Federal Court For The Right To Use Fuel Efficient Vehicles & Violations Of Federal & State Preemptions. What Has Your National Or Local Assoc. Done For You Lately? " Visit www.thefita.com |
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Limo Protege Location: Richmond, Va, USA
Registered: June 10, 2002
Posts: 172
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Posted
My answer usually is : overtime wage issues, insurance, uniform regulations, industry image. Today I spoke at length with a friend who works for a major oil company in a big city. It seems that another oil company in his city has bid down sedan airport transfers to $47.00 to anywhere in the City. My friend pays twice that rate and is happy with the quality he receives with new vehicles and certified professional chauffeurs. My friend wonders why people run below cost. I heard a couple of good coachbuilder stories today relative to the same issue. So PRICING in every aspect of our trade from coachbuilders to operators becomes one of my issues.
Dean Schuler Every member of the Industry should read this... and then live by it! Leave the BS pricing to the BS companies to have "make work" for their drivers. The funny thing is, when you charge $85 to turn the key on a sedan, you only have to do 1/2 as much work for the same money. Or the same work for twice the money. Your mileage may vary.
Done that. Still no enforcement. State law here, but state enforcement is non-budgeted except for "administrative". So let's get the locals educated to recognize a for hire plate, right? Their localities will get the money from the fines. But wait, there's a war and the reserves that make up our homeland police and fire etc, are gone leaving some departments short handed. Just where does limousine enforcement fall in the priority list? Thought so. So let's not quit just yet, let's find the local hack inspector who's thrilled to find out about another area to look at. One guy. You can make all the laws that you want, getting operators into compliance is a whole nuther think.
Check. operating authority is tied into the reg & plates.
And what a slow burn it is going every so slightly backwards on expenses every month. Painful to watch. They need to go back to the top and re-read.
The elite have a place within this Industry and they are far from idiots. The idiots are the ones who want someone else to figure out the expense ratios for them as a template to operate on without doing their own analysis. Then they complain about costs. Hint: the answer is in the pricing. Merry Christmas and best wishes for a more prosperous NEW YEAR to all at limos.com !! |
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Limo God Location: Spring Hill Florida
Registered: August 17, 2004
Posts: 2742
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Posted
The problems of pricing especially "low ballers" will always be a continuance unless certain elements are introduced into scheme of things. Unfortunately, the so called "elite" of the industry are too stupid to realize that they, themselves have created the very mess that they must battle on a daily basis.
The first step in solving the problem is to level the playing field. Uniformed State regulation through the passage of laws is required so that the basic operating expenses of vehicle quality, insurance, licensing fees etc. are the same for all. Included with regulation on the state level would be the issuance of State Livery tags that easily I.D.s the vehicle as being in compliance with state Law. In many areas enforcement of licensing is done at the arrivals portion of the transportation hubs only. All the inspectors are concerned with is that the vehicle & driver picking up passengers whether intrastate or intra-municipal has obtained the local licensing. There is absolutley no concern of if the vehicles doing drops or hourlys are in compliance with any vehicle for hire laws. It is possible for 10 vehicle carriers to be based outside the few municipalities that enforce local transportation ordinances & only run 3 vehicles that meet the minimums. Hence, in Tampa for example most operators are based in Pinellas County. Witnessed many of times in NY a TC pulling up to the terminal with no livery plates, the driver collecting cash & the customer approached by a PA Cop asking if they just paid for the ride. If the answer was yes, out came the cuffs & in came the tow truck. The age of vehicles in service as well as the models utilized is controlled by the insurance industry. As Nort pointed out in a post, he had a tough time finding insurance for the hybrids that he runs and those are new vehicles. Being that the only way that state livery tags can be placed & maintained on a vehicle would be through proof of state mandated commercial insurance the playing field is on its way to being leveled. State mandated laws with heavy duty punishments is a must as a first step to financial solvency. If some jerk wants to pay out the expensive cost of keeping the vehicle on the road, tagging, insurance, advertisements, office, phones etc. & still run at cut rate pricing with no profits, let him have at it. Local patchworks of transportation laws do not work & as soon as the idiot elites of the industry recognizes that & stops worrying that some operator will drive 50 miles to the airport to do a intra-municipal drop, the better off the whole industry will be financially. And instead of reading articles of some jerk running to agencies about someone pouring champagne for a client, they can do something really useful by policing low ballers running without the easily I.D.'d tags. "Suing Tampa Limo Regulator In Federal Court For The Right To Use Fuel Efficient Vehicles & Violations Of Federal & State Preemptions. What Has Your National Or Local Assoc. Done For You Lately? " Visit www.thefita.com |
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Participant Registered: September 14, 2004
Posts: 34
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Posted
Dean I agree with you on all the issues within this industry. The PRICING issue is a sensitive one with me as well. My take on this subject is that the NLA and the other major publications that support this industry, have done a poor job at breaking down the costs of doing business in this industry. How can a new operator put a price on his or her service if the industry itself has not done the research and given that operator the information one needs to make a profit to sustain itself.
This industry is self - imploding itself on useless information. I think web-sites like this one, offer a greater service to their subscribers than any association or trade publication can ever provide. I feel the way to success in any industry is with knowledge, and the NLA fails all of us,when basic PROFIT&LOSS equations are never explained. |
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SINCE 1976 Location: Metairie, Louisiana 70055
Registered: August 31, 2000
Posts: 3744
|
Posted
My answer usually is : overtime wage issues, insurance, uniform regulations, industry image. Today I spoke at length with a friend who works for a major oil company in a big city. It seems that another oil company in his city has bid down sedan airport transfers to $47.00 to anywhere in the City. My friend pays twice that rate and is happy with the quality he receives with new vehicles and certified professional chauffeurs. My friend wonders why people run below cost. I heard a couple of good coachbuilder stories today relative to the same issue. So PRICING in every aspect of our trade from coachbuilders to operators becomes one of my issues.
Dean Schuler |
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Limo God Location: Spring Hill Florida
Registered: August 17, 2004
Posts: 2742
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Posted
Dean, Could you expand on the bigger issues facing the industry? "Suing Tampa Limo Regulator In Federal Court For The Right To Use Fuel Efficient Vehicles & Violations Of Federal & State Preemptions. What Has Your National Or Local Assoc. Done For You Lately? " Visit www.thefita.com |
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SINCE 1976 Location: Metairie, Louisiana 70055
Registered: August 31, 2000
Posts: 3744
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Posted
I am sure we will hear more on this issue this spring. Frankly I am interested in much bigger issues facing the industry than this one.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dean Schuler, Dean Schuler |
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Limo God Location: Spring Hill Florida
Registered: August 17, 2004
Posts: 2742
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Posted
Good question Nort, based on the way the law is written, if the EPA rating falls within the GG tax table, runs on "fuel" & the weight is under 6,000 I would think it would still be taxable.
By your prior posts I assume that you utilize hybrids? In parts of the Country under the heels of totalitarian local regulatory regimes such vehicles would be a "NO,NO" for the luxury side of passenger transportation. Again thanks to the inaction of the industry leadership more concerned with knocking a grand off the purchase price of a new stretch as a number one priority regardless of the cost to accomplish this and the operators looking to purchase the largest capacity vehicles regardless of safety issues to market as less per passenger cost v. a QVM sedan/SUV stretch. "Suing Tampa Limo Regulator In Federal Court For The Right To Use Fuel Efficient Vehicles & Violations Of Federal & State Preemptions. What Has Your National Or Local Assoc. Done For You Lately? " Visit www.thefita.com |
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