Arrow Stage Lines Blog with Luke Busskohl

New blog at http://www.arrowstagelines.com/blog/

noreply@blogger.com (Luke) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:14:00 +0000

This blog in no longer active. Arrow Stage Lines launched a new website (www.arrowstagelines.com) and the new blog in located at http://www.arrowstagelines.com/blog/

Kansas City Off to a Great 2009!

noreply@blogger.com (Luke) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 22:33:00 +0000

Effective December 4th, 2008, Busco, Inc. purchased/acquired a motorcoach company in the Southern Region. Please join me in Welcoming Mourey Services, Inc. to the family-owned companies and welcome its former owner Ken Mourey as our new employee.

Ken will begin Monday, December 8th, working for Chuck Gunnels as our new Sales Manager/Operations Assistant. Ken brings with him a wealth of experience. “There is nothing in the company I couldn’t do or wouldn’t do,” states Ken. Ken lives in Concordia, MO, with his wife Deb and two children; a son who is a freshman in high school and daughter who is a freshman in college in Alabama.

Ken and his company are great additions to the Busco family. Congratulations to the Southern Region Team.

Arrow Stage Lines and President Elect Barack Obama

noreply@blogger.com (Luke) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:21:00 +0000

As a company, we have the opportunity to serve the government and military on a pretty regular basis. Just recently, we served Barack Obama and his family while they were doing campaign stops in Kansas City, MO. These are some great pictures taken with President Elect Barack Obama. The drivers in the pictures are Richard Rife and Gordon Griggs.

Pretty cool stuff...

Updates to Employee Website

noreply@blogger.com (Luke) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:41:00 +0000

If you have not logged on to www.buscoinc.com in a while, please do so. There have been some updates.

As many of you know, we continue to raise the bar of safety. In doing so, the recently developed safety processes have been made available on buscoinc.com for your convenience. You’ll find processes such as the Internal Insurance Certificate Request Process, and the Pre Employment Drug Screen Process, just to name a few.

We’ll try to do the best we can to inform you when a revised version is released.

You can find these processes under the “Safety” tab, and then click on “Policy and Procedures”.

We hope that you find this a useful tool in your day to day operations.

New "green" webpage

noreply@blogger.com (Luke) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 14:48:00 +0000

Today we launched our new "green" web page. If you get a change, check it out at http://www.arrowstagelines.com/green/index.htm

Arrow/Black Hills Stage Lines picks up passenger and express service from Denver, CO to Billings, MT.

noreply@blogger.com (Luke) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:25:00 +0000

Black Hills Stage Lines is starting passenger and express bus service from Denver, CO to Billings, MT through the basin area beginning July 8, 2008 with shuttle service to and from Cody and Powell, Wyoming as well as to and from Riverton, Wyoming. There will be depots located in Denver, Cheyenne, Wheatland, and Casper in Colorado, Shoshoni, Basin, Worland, and Lovell in Wyoming with the final destination in Billings, MT.

Black Hills Stage Lines, is a Nebraska based, family owned company that has been in business since 1962 and currently run schedule services in Nebraska, Wyoming and Colorado. All motorcoaches used on the schedule route will be provided by Arrow Stage Lines.

Olympic Transportation

noreply@blogger.com (Luke) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:56:00 +0000

Arrow Stage Lines is doing some of the transportation for the upcoming Olympic Swim Trials here in Omaha, NE. We got three buses done with a window wrap and I wanted to show all of you the final product. I think it came out really nice!

Motorcoach Idling and low Idle

noreply@blogger.com (Luke) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:42:00 +0000

As most of you know, diesel fuel costs are very high. In California, we have seen costs at over $5.00 per gallon! There are many things that we as a company are trying to do to offset fuel costs but there are two direct things that you as a driver can do to help offset these costs. The first is motorcoach idling. It is critical that you do not idle the motorcoach unless it is absolutely necessary. Depending on what motorcoach you are in and what time of the year it is, you are looking at burning 4-6 gallons per hour by just idling the motorcoach. At $5.00 a gallon that is $20.00 - $30.00 that is lost per hour just by idling. You can imagine that with 180 motorcoaches and all of the idling that takes place, there is a lot of money to be saved if we just turn the motorcoaches off. The other thing to remember is if you do need to idle, make sure that you do so on low idle.

Thanks for everything you do and for partnering with us to help offset these continual rising fuel costs.

Luke Busskohl

Arrow Stage Lines part of Green Operators Motorcoach Council

noreply@blogger.com (Luke) — Fri, 30 May 2008 14:13:00 +0000

I wanted to let all of you know that Arrow Stage Lines is part of the Green Operators Motorcoach Council. In September 2007, several motorcoach owners gathered at an MCI Inaugural motorcoach Marketing Council. From that meeting, an idea grew to promote national awareness of coach travel and operators dedication to running green.

Our coaches are green by nature. We carry multiple passengers that keep numerous cars off the road. This efficiency results in a reduction of emissions and crowding of highways.

Our investment in state-of-the-art equipment and commitment to our environment must be shared with the media, civic groups and passengers. By uniting together in a grass roots organization, coach operators will benefit through national exposure to our industry, an industry that is growing and is committed to being green.

There has never been a more important or real opportunity for our industry to unite and grow by informing the traveling public of our environmental solution.

To read more about the council, please visit http://www.gocoach.org/index.htm

Diesel Fuel - Finding the Right Place to Fill Up

noreply@blogger.com (Luke) — Wed, 28 May 2008 17:44:00 +0000

I was leaving the office the other day (in Omaha, NE) and came across a Gas Station that was selling Diesel fuel for $4.85 per gallon. Wow! As most of you know, the fuel costs are out of control and its affecting our business in a negative way. Fortunately, we have great people that are helping offset the addition fuel costs.

I am writing because we talked a driver the other day that filled up a tank in the Chicago area for $5.00 a gallon. I know that there are places in the US that have Diesel prices that are $5.00 and higher and sometime we cannot avoid those prices but I wanted to encourage each driver to be proactive where he/she fills up the motorcoach. There are many websites that give you the average fuels costs for wherever you are going. A good site that I look at on a regular basis is http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/oog/info/gdu/gasdiesel.asp. By being proactive at finding the low price for fuel in whatever location you are in can help save the company a lot of money in the long run. For example, I know that in Illinois, the average cost for diesel is 4.85-4.90. If we would have filled up at the station for 4.85 instead of 5.00 we would have saved .15 cents per gallon. A motorcoach will hold around 230 gallon which would be a savings of around $35.00. I know that does not seem like much but in the long run that number really adds up. Also, if we run our motorcoaches on the top half of the tank, the more options we have to fill up at cheaper stations.

I will be back with more fuel saving ideas in the near future.

Luke B.

New Website Post

noreply@blogger.com (Luke) — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:57:00 +0000

I just posted new pictures of the LX motorcoach that we are currently running out of our Kansas City Market. If you get a chance, check out http://www.arrowstagelines.com/services-luxury.asp to see the pictures. Have a good weekend!

New CTNT AD for Arizona Diamondbacks

noreply@blogger.com (Luke) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:28:00 +0000

Our Phoenix Division, Corporate Transportation 'N Tours, was awarded the Official Transportation Provider of the 2008 Arizona Diamondbacks Hometown Tour. I must admit that I love doing transportation for Sports teams. If its the NBA, NFL, MLB, NCAA, etc... I love it! When we were awarded this business, we decided to put an AD together for the program and I wanted to share it all with you. I think it came together really nice.

DriveCam Update - Great Job Pete!

noreply@blogger.com (Luke) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:48:00 +0000

Here is an portion of our Safety Directors newsletter article coming out this month. Great job Pete!!!

I’d like to take a moment to emphasize once again what I’ve been saying all along. DriveCam is a driver’s best friend! Any effort to circumvent the camera, such as covering the interior lens, is extremely foolish. The DriveCam footage from the Utah accident has been invaluable.

I’d like to publicly acknowledge one particular individual who has completely bought in to the DriveCam system and concept, and that is Lincoln Transportation Supervisor Pete Wooley. Pete has done a phenomenal job with DriveCam, and has made it a priority in the day to day operations at the Lincoln location.

Pete is definitely in the lead when it comes to using DriveCam as the tool it was intended to be. Pete regularly monitors his system, working directly with DriveCam when there is an issue with the system. He keeps DriveCam personnel regularly updated on equipment changes and staff changes. Most importantly, he is the most consistent with face to face coaching of drivers.

At a recent drivers meeting, Pete asked all of the drivers to raise their hands if they felt DriveCam has changed the way they drive. Almost every hand in the room went up. Pete also explained that the Lincoln location had over 800 triggered events in 2007. Right now, although it’s early in the year, they are tracking to have less than 400 by the end of 2008! DriveCam personnel once called Pete to ask if his system was working. They had not seen any triggered events in several days and wondered if the system was down! Next month I’ll share more details regarding Pete’s management of the DriveCam program, which includes survey results.

Pete is a prime example of how we’re trying to incorporate DriveCam into our company culture. Pete has taken complete ownership of DriveCam in his location. We applaud your efforts Pete! Keep up the great work, and thank you!

New School Buses Have Arrived!!

noreply@blogger.com (Luke) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 22:32:00 +0000

The new Air Conditioned School Buses have arrived! They are hands down the nicest school buses I have every seen.

Regarding the motorcoach accident in Utah

noreply@blogger.com (Luke) — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 14:59:00 +0000

On behalf of everyone at Arrow Stage Lines, we want to express our deepest condolences to the family members that are dealing with this loss and the injuries sustained in the accident. Our prayers are with you during this tragic time. We are devastated that something like this has happened.

Congratulations to Chuck Gunnels

noreply@blogger.com (Luke) — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 23:23:00 +0000

On behalf of International Motor Coach Group, Inc. and Dovetail Business Advisors, Inc., it is with great pleasure that I am able to extend CONGRATULATIONS! to Chuck Gunnels! Chuck has completed all of the requirements necessary to earn his IMG Certified Sales Development Certification. Fantastic work, Chuck!

Chuck is the Regional Direction of Arrow Stage Lines South Region.

Jeff Schumann promoted to CFO

noreply@blogger.com (Luke) — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 17:19:00 +0000

Arrow Stage Lines is pleased to announce the promotion of Jeff Schumann to CFO (Chief Financial Officer) of Busco Inc., effective Jan 1st of 2008.

Jeff has earned the respect of the family, board, and management with his skills, abilities, and dedication. We look forward to seeing Jeff move us forward in the years to come.

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Luke) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 21:58:00 +0000

And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" (Luke 2:9-14 ESV)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Arrow Stage Lines purchases new motorcoach for schedule service

noreply@blogger.com (Luke) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 16:11:00 +0000

Arrow Stage Lines just purchased a new MCI D model motorcoach for our schedule runs. To view our schedule runs, check out http://arrowstagelines.com/services-schedules.asp. For years, the D Series has performed reliably for tour and charter operators and has brought a touch of touring class to schedule runs. Now with a new look, this motorcoach is ready to surprise our customers with a great motorcoach experience.

Arrow Stage Lines Celebrates 80 Years of Service

noreply@blogger.com (Luke) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 18:11:00 +0000

2008 will mark the 80th year of business for Arrow Stage Lines. We will be launching a marketing campaign for the upcoming year but for now, I wanted to show everyone the 80 year logo we will be using.

More to come...

Arrow Stage Lines takes over Powder River Transportation schedule runs.

noreply@blogger.com (Luke) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 21:16:00 +0000

Arrow Stage Lines has picked up service between Rapid City and Denver and Rapid City and Billings that were dropped by Powder River Transportation.

Arrow Stage Lines will run a daylight route from Denver to Gillette, using Interstate 25 through Cheyenne, Douglas and Casper. From Casper, the route will break northeast to Gillette via State Highway 387. From Gillette, passengers can hop on buses to Buffalo and Sheridan, or connect to Billings.

Arrow Stage Lines is also considering opening a depot in Douglas, where Powder River once operated a station but no longer does.

Arrow Stage Lines will not run routes to the western side of the Big Horn Mountains, where Powder River served Worland and Powell. The passenger numbers simply aren’t high enough to warrant that ride although the line could be reinstated in the future as demand warrants.

Arrow Stage Lines also runs routes between Omaha, Neb., and Denver via I-80 and I-76, plus two localized Nebraska runs. Recently added is a route between Denver and El Paso, Texas, via Colorado Springs.

Arrow Stage Lines - Official transportation provider for the 2008 National Finals Rodeo

noreply@blogger.com (Luke) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 23:02:00 +0000

Arrow Stage Lines was the official transportation provider for the 2008 National Finals Rodeo. Not only did we move the contestants, but we also moved their friends and families.

A special thanks to all of the Las Vegas drivers and staff for making this a special event:

Peter Pleuss
Mark Tapper
Richard Kyle
Gary Costa
Robert Toralbo
Robert Jackson
Joe Esparza
Doris Mullins
Clyde Appleberry
Diane Enloe
John Andrejco
Bob Morgan
Kikue Minato
Eddie Reyes

Also a special thanks goes to CT&T Phoenix and Arrow Tucson.

Leonard Waite
Bryan Collins
Gary Schwulst
Michael Palmer
Willis Peets
Louie Turner
Joel Christianos

The photo is a picture of Joe Esparza with bus number 9590. He posed with Miss Rodeo America Ashley Andrews and the 2008 Miss Rodeo America Pageant contestants.

NTA Convention A Success

noreply@blogger.com (Luke) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 16:52:00 +0000

To A Great Quarterback, Chuck Gunnels:

I am sorry I am just now sending you this note. Thank you, thank you for the super job, how you, and your Team performed, prior to, and during the NTA Conference. I was so proud to be there and see how professional our drivers were and the model you set was great. Your coaches looked great, and you modeled for others the way coaches, drivers should respond. The moves you handled were incredible. I continued to receive nothing but praise for the service and operations.

Great job to all! I appreciated the way Nikki and Lori (who spent the time to go above and beyond), Joe (Joe, for your great organizational skills), Phil (in dispatching), your cleaners, (Wow, people said the coaches were so clean; they even said they smelled good), and of coarse Wade and your mechanics, for keeping everything running.

On behalf of Arrow Stage Lines, the Busskohl family, and me, please express to all, our sincere thanks to you and you entire Team. (I hope I didn’t miss anyone, if I did I am sorry.)

Bless you all!
Bruce

Corporate Transportation 'N Tours website updates completed

noreply@blogger.com (Luke) — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 21:54:00 +0000

The new Corporate Transportation 'N Tours website is now live. To see our new look, check out www.corporatetnt.com.

If you did not already know, on February 1st, 2005, Corporate Transportation 'N Tours (CTNT) was purchased by Busco, Inc.

Busco, Inc. is the corporation that owns Arrow Stage Lines, Allied Tours and Travel, and Corporate Transportation 'N Tours.

Ultra Luxury Motorcoach on NTA Convention Floor

noreply@blogger.com (Luke) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 19:06:00 +0000

The NTA Convention Kicks off Friday in Kansas City at the Kansas City convention center and we will be there. The Ultra Luxury Setra S 417 will be on the show floor room for you to view. Please be sure to stop by and see us.

Arrow Stage Lines airport shuttle service will be available to and from each of the official convention hotels. Arrow Stage Lines shuttles are available on these days and times — Thursday, Nov. 1, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 2, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; and Wednesday, Nov. 7, 5:30 a.m.-Noon — and they depart from the hotels on the hour and half hour.