Tuesday, January 8th

10:15 – 11:15 AM

MORE DATA! ? . . . You’ve got to be kidding me | UMA Session Area| Dave Kestenbaum

The adaptation of GPS tracking systems and implementation of ELDs in the Bus and Motorcoach sector has left most operators with more data than they know what to do with. Operators face questions such as:

-Can I trust the data I am looking at?
-Does my team have the time or expertise to gather and analyze data?
-What data should we be looking at?
-Is it worth our time and money to analyze our data?
-Once we have good data, what do we do with it’.

Over the past five years have the University of Vermont’s Certification for Sustainable Transportation (CST) program has been working with vehicle manufacturers, drivers, mechanics, and motorcoach operators to improve fuel efficiency in the bus and Motorcoach sector. They are currently working with 80 operators in 41 states, four Canadian provinces, and the U.S. Territory of Guam and have trained close to 10,000 drivers since 2012 and helped companies save approximately 2,000,000 gallons of fuel in 2018. At this session, the program’s Director, Dave Kestenbaum, will talk about the CST NEWEST programs and how operators around the country are finding efficient ways to look at, analyze and share data internally to help inform standard operating procedures that improve fuel economy and reduce maintenance. There will be a heavy focus during this session on idling reduction during pre-trips, post-trips and during the wash-cycle as well as the promotion of fuel-efficient driving.

Presented by University of Vermont, Sponsored by Saucon

11:30 – 12:30 PM

Developing & Maximizing Your Driver Incentive Programs| UMA Session Area| Bob Crescenzo

With today’s ever-shrinking motor coach driver pool, it is more imperative than ever to not only attract and hire qualified drivers but also to retain them to keep your vehicles in revenue service and get a long-term return on your driver recruitment investment.

Presented will be proven incentive techniques culled from Lancer policyholder companies’ initiatives to bolster their driver retention efforts. All examples will be supported by detailed case studies on how these programs were developed and “marketed” to both prospective and veteran drivers. Also offered will be tips on reducing variable costs associated with driver turnover, and how satisfied drivers can have a direct impact on growing your bottom line.

Takeaway: Attendees will leave the session with an array of proven techniques to address their most current vexing driver problems.

Presented by Lancer Insurance Company

2:00 – 3:00 PM

Measures that Matter – Financial Measurements that Matter | UMA Session Area| Jim McCann

Do you know how your business stacks up against the most profitable in the industry? Based on information gathered from the UMA/Spader 20 Groups discover the measurements the make the highest impact on profitability. Learn what makes the difference between average performance and high performance.

Presented by Spader Business Management

3:15 – 3:45 PM

Busing on the Lookout: Combating Human Trafficking Through the Bus Industry | UMA Session Area| Annie Sovcik

Human Trafficking is modern day slavery. An estimated 40 million people worldwide are exploited for commercial sex or forced labor. It’s a crime that is happening every day across the United States, as cases of human trafficking have been reported in all 50 states and D.C. Members of the bus industry have an integral role to play in recognizing and reporting this heinous crime. Traffickers recruit out of bus terminals and utilize buses in transporting victims. And, when victims are able to get out, they may rely on bus systems as a means of escape. At each of these points drivers, terminal workers, ticket counter personnel, dispatch operators, maintenance staff, etc are on the front lines and have the opportunity to see things others cannot.

This session will provide information about human trafficking and the role the bus industry can play in providing an extra set of eyes and ears for law enforcement in recovering victims and arresting traffickers. During this session participants will learn about:

• human trafficking in the United States;
• how trafficking victims may intersect with buses;
• red flags to look for;
• calling the National Human Trafficking Hotline; and
• what law enforcement needs when receiving tips.

This session will be interactive and engage participants in a discussion of how bus companies can integrate Busing on the Lookout (BOTL) materials into their regular training and orientation processes and other opportunities for partnering with BOTL to make sure that everyone in the bus industry understands this crime and how to report it effectively.

Presented by Truckers Against Trafficking

4:00 – 5:00 PM

Maintaining Higher Mileage Buses and Keeping them Longer | UMA Session Area

Hear from some industry veterans about how they’ve kept their buses on the road longer and some tips and tricks on maintaining these higher mileage vehicles.

Wednesday, January 9th

9:15 – 10:15 AM

Preparing for your next DOT compliance review (safety audit)| UMA Session Area| Thomas Bray

All passenger carriers will be audited sooner or later, no matter how safely they are operating. The keys are avoiding audits you do not need to be subjected to and being ready for them when they do occur. In

this session, we will discuss how and when passenger carriers are selected for audit; the structure of an audit; what records the investigators will be asking for and reviewing; how the audit is scored; and the most common violations discovered during audits.

Presented by J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc.

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Management Driven vs. Market Driven! | UMA Session Area| Jim McCann

Discover the difference between a Management Driven and a Market-Driven organization. Including the importance of the budgeting process and scorekeeping system that includes accountability, staff development, and coaching plans. All attendees will take an assessment of their own organization to determine if they are more likely a market-driven or management driven organization.

Presented by Spader Business Management

10:30 -11:00 AM             

BusRates.com User Group

Hints and tips to get the most out of your BusRates.com listing.

11:15  – 11:45 AM 

Get Paid Faster and Impress Your Customers – UMA Member Program Spotlight – Century Business Solutions   

UMA has developed a strategic partnership with Century Business Solutions to provide members with a branded online portal for customers to pay off reservation balances. During this presentation, you’ll learn how to pay less to process credit cards (including cards from corporate and government customers) and how to collect money more quickly with Century’s complimentary VIP payment portal, which allows your customers to securely pay their reservations online via credit card or ACH.

12:00 – 12:30 PM

BusRates.com User Group           

Hints and tips to get the most out of your BusRates.com listing.

12:45 – 1:15 PM

Save BIG on Your Diesel Fuel Purchases – UMA Member Program Spotlight – AMBEST

UMA has partnered with AMBEST to create a member benefit that will allow UMA members to save substantially on their diesel fuel purchases when using an authorized AMBEST location and the AMBEST Fuel Card. The program offers whole sale cost as determined by OPIS plus $0.09 or retail less $0.03, whichever is most beneficial to the UMA member at the time of purchase. While savings will vary with wholesale, retail prices, and region we estimate today a typical member will save between $0.20-$0.25 per gallon of diesel fuel. Learn more in this session.

1:30 -2:00 PM

Need payroll, benefits and HR support? – UMA Member Program Spotlight – Group Management Services (GMS )

UMA has a new program with Group Management  Services (GMS). GMS provides payroll services, benefits management and HR management support, including legal counsel and handbook development. UMA members can save 10% off their typical services. Learn more about GMS by sitting in on this short session.

2:15 -2:45 PM

Save BIG on Tires and Valuable Roadside Assistance – UMA Member Program Spotlight – Michelin

Learn About Michelin’s UMA discounted tire program and their expanded product offerings including roadside Assistance.

3:00 – 3:30 PM

BusRates.com User Group

Hints and tips to get the most out of your BusRates.com listing.

3:45 -4:15 PM

Go Paperless with Your DVIRs – UMA Member Program Spotlight – Whip Around

Put inspections into the palm of your hand! Whip Around’s smartphone-based application allows drivers to inspect their vehicles and equipment using their phone and eliminate paper from the entire DVIR process. UMA members get a 10 percent discount on this ground-breaking technology and a free 14 day trial. Learn more during this session.

Wednesday, January 9th – Hall Open from 9AM – Noon

9:30 AM- 10:00 AM

Stand Out From the Competition AND Increase Your Revenue by Offering Travel Protection Plans– Member Benefit Program Spotlight – USI Travel Insurance Services

UMA has partnered with USI Travel Insurance Services to offer two specially designed products exclusively to UMA members. The Comprehensive Travel Protection Plan for Tours includes coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, baggage loss/delay, medical expenses and much more. For Charter Bus Trips, USI has designed a custom high-limit medical evacuation plan and baggage plan. UMA members who sign up to offer these plans receive a program fee from each sale. Learn more and sit in this session.

10:30 -11:00 AM

Save on Safety and Regulatory compliance products – Member Program Spotlight – J.J. Keller

Save money on the products you use everyday! You can purchase your J.J. Keller log books, driver files and other compliance products through UMA and save 10% off of J.J. Keller’s standard prices. Learn more in this session.

11:15 -11:45 AM

Quality and Affordable Workers Compensation Program – UMA Member Program Spotlight – UMA COMP

UMA Comp program enables motorcoach operators to receive the same quality, comprehensive workers compensation programs as large companies, including competitive pricing as well as coverages specifically tailored to our public auto exposure. Attend this session to learn more.