Frequently Asked Questions
What are those TCP numbers I see on the bumpers of limousines?
The letters TCP stand for Transportation - Charter
Party. They are issued by the California Public Utilities Commission
to companies that successfully meet the criteria for insurance, drug
testing policies and a number of others. Those numbers should appear
in any yellow page advertising, printed material like business cards
and on each and every vehicle. The PUC constantly monitors the status
of each company and routinely updates their web site with the status
of each company. You may check the status of any company's authority
to operate at their web site
here.
Why do different limousine companies rates vary so much?
The cost of operating a limousine company legally is very expensive.
Operators in California are required to carry $1.5 million insurance
on each limousine. Our limo coach requires $5 million in coverage. The
per vehicle cost for a limousine exceeds $3000 per year. In addition,
all companies are required to be enrolled in a random drug testing
program, the DMV pull notice program, vehicle maintenance programs and
many others. Those who operate illegally (referred to as gypsies)
operate under the radar and do not meet these criteria. Many have no
registration with the PUC and do not carry the proper insurance. If
you are quoted a rate that sounds too good to be true, ask about the
company's PUC status and insurance coverage, then visit the PUC web
site to verify the information
here.
Why will some companies take me to the airport, but not pick me up?
Anyone can drop passengers off at the airports. All of the Southern
California airports require that limousine companies picking up
passenger be registered to operate within the airports. That requires
that each vehicle have proper registration and insurance, and that the
carrier is in compliance with the California Public Utilities
Commission. Airports will issue stickers or transponders to each
vehicle registered with them, depending upon their own policies. Some
limousine companies will say they cannot meet you at the curb, or they
are not available to pick you up on your return. Ask them if they are
registered to operate within that particular airport. If they are not,
you may want to ask yourself why. If you look closely at many yellow
page ads, they read "Service to Local Airports", not to and from.
What is included with our limousine rental?
Sterling Rose Transportation will provide bottled water, soft drinks,
alcohol and champagne (provided clients are above the age of 21). If
not, we will remove the alcohol and substitute sparkling cider for the
champagne. On request, we will be happy to provide balloons free of
charge. For an additional charge, we will provide flowers, cakes, a
fine bottle of wine, food or a number of other accommodations. Please
let us know how we can make your experience with us an unforgettable
one. Remember, it is our goal to provide "Excellence in Elegance".
What are all of those logos on the bottom of your page?
Sterling Rose Transportation is a proud member of the Temecula
Valley and San Diego North communities. We are participating members
of the Temecula, Murrieta, Escondido, Carlsbad and Vista Chambers of
Commerce. We are also members of the Better Business Bureau, the
National Limousine Association and the Greater California Limousine
Association. Additionally, we are members of the Temecula Valley,
San Diego North and San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureaus, San
Diego Chapter of Meeting Professionals International and the San
Diego Business Travel Association. We are committed to the safety
and quality of our service and are proud to compare ourselves with
any of the finest limousine companies in the country. We have
donated our services to many charitable organizations and will
continue to do so because we feel it is our responsibility to serve
the community in which we live and work.
What are those TCP numbers I see
on the bumpers of limousines?
The letters TCP stand for Transportation - Charter
Party. They are issued by the California Public Utilities
Commission to companies that successfully meet the criteria for
insurance, drug testing policies and a number of others. Those
numbers should appear in any yellow page advertising, printed
material like business cards and on each and every vehicle. The
PUC constantly monitors the status of each company and routinely
updates their web site with the status of each company. You may
check the status of any company's authority to operate at their
web site
here.
The law provides three types of certificates and three types of permits. These operating authorities and the services they authorize are:
� Class A certificate - Charter service between any points in the state; round-trip sightseeing service.
� Class B certificate - Charter service between any point within a radius of 125 air miles of the carrier's home terminal to any other point in the state. (Per federal law, the mileage limitation may not apply to transportation provided in vehicles that seat more than ten, including the driver.)
� Class C certificate - Transportation services incidental to commercial balloon operations, commercial river rafting or skiing.
� "P" permit - Charter services using only vehicles under 15-passenger seating capacity.
� "S" permit - Round-trip sightseeing services.
� "Z" permit - Specialized services not offered to the general public, namely, transportation incidental to another business; transportation under contract with industrial and business firms, governmental agencies, and private schools; and transportation of agricultural workers to and from farms.
The law provides three types of certificates and three types of permits. These operating authorities and the services they authorize are:
� Class A certificate - Charter service between any points in the state; round-trip sightseeing service.
� Class B certificate - Charter service between any point within a radius of 125 air miles of the carrier's home terminal to any other point in the state. (Per federal law, the mileage limitation may not apply to transportation provided in vehicles that seat more than ten, including the driver.)
� Class C certificate - Transportation services incidental to commercial balloon operations, commercial river rafting or skiing.
� "P" permit - Charter services using only vehicles under 15-passenger seating capacity.
� "S" permit - Round-trip sightseeing services.
� "Z" permit - Specialized services not offered to the general public, namely, transportation incidental to another business; transportation under contract with industrial and business firms, governmental agencies, and private schools; and transportation of agricultural workers to and from farms.
