There are many decisions to make when selecting a vehicle for guest transportation needs. The process usually begins with a custom chassis, which is taken to an upfitter who adds the body—seats, doors, frame and accessories.

Transportation companies start by asking, "How do you want the vehicle to be used?" according to Christine Ahearn, national fleet accounts manager, DaimlerChrysler Motors Company LLC. From airport shuttle to cargo van, the details depend on the use.

For instance, an airport shuttle can be customized depending on how many people you want to transport per trip, frequency to the airport and how much luggage space is needed, Ahearn said.

Peter Schmid, national bus/ambulance manager for GM Fleet & Commercial Group, said his first question is, gas or diesel engine?

"If a resort is big enough for its own maintenance and service department, it may have its own tank with diesel fuel on property," he said.

Diesel engines have better fuel economy and have a longer engine lifecycle, Ahearn said.

Another consideration for clients is to ask what they enjoy about their current vehicle, she said.

"What are the wants and needs of the current driver?" Ahearn said. "They can give good insight into parking lots, luggage capacity and how the vehicle is performing sitting in traffic after it's been going all day long."

If you want my body...

Working with a body company (or upfitter) is a necessary part of the custom vehicle process.

At GM Fleet & Commercial Group, the body decisions are made first and then the chassis type is determined, according to Peter Schmid, national bus/ambulance manager.

"There are a multitude of configurations asked of a body company that they will add to a product," he said.

Schmid emphasized the relationship between companies.

"What's key is a really close working relationship with the upfitter," he said. "We go to great lengths to ensure that the integrity of our vehicles is not altered to impact safety and longevity."

What is GVW?

GVW is gross vehicle weight. This rating indicates a vehicle's weight capacity (in pounds) with chassis, body and cargo.

Source: Peter Schmid, national bus/ambulance manager, GM Fleet & Commerical Group.

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Transportation provider checklist

Who's behind the wheel is just as important as the vehicle they are driving. Here are some guidelines from the United Motorcoach Assn.

1. Operator should provide proof of current operating authority from the Federal Highway Administration if your trip will cross state lines.

2. Operators should be willing to provide proof of valid, current insurance coverage for any vehicle that might be used. The insurance must provide $5 million per incident minimum liability if the carrier is authorized for interstate service by the U.S. Dept. of Transportation.

3. Look for proof that the vehicle you will be using has passed a complete mechanical inspection within the previous 12 months.

4. Operator should not have an Unsatisfactory USDOT Safety Rating. Some operators, however, may have not been yet been rated by the USDOT. You can call the USDOT to ask about a carrier's current safety rating.

5. All drivers must possess valid, current commercial driver's licenses. Check local laws to see whether there are exceptions (for example, if the vehicle holds less than 15 passengers, a standard driver's license might be acceptable).