Indian Trails Blog

Imagine your group on mini-vacation to an art extravaganza featuring more than 1,300 artists from nearly every U.S. state and 47 other countries, with art exhibitions at more than 175 places in one city: Grand Rapids, Michigan. And there’s no entry fee.

Indian Trails has been hiring drivers almost since we began operation in 1910. As a result, we have more than 100 years of experience when it comes to driving motorcoaches, from short-distance shuttles to national trips and tours. We also have one of the best records in the country for safety, our fleet is absolutely top notch, and our driver training is second to none.

Summer trips in the Great Lakes region can be incredible, but the fun doesn’t stop at Labor Day. If your group is looking for fun on and after the holiday, why not begin at the 61^st Annual Mackinac Bridge Walk? After that there’s plenty more to do and see in the area!

Ever wondered what a day in the life of a professional charter bus driver is like? The guys and gals who take on professional charter bus driving jobs are quite gifted. It's a job that requires a blend of driving skills, mechanical skills, and people skills. We spoke with driver Becky Smith, who has been a driver with us for over 15 years, to find out why she loves her job!

For many truckers and motorcoach operators, long-distance driving is much more than just a job; it’s a lifestyle. Being a long-distance driver takes a certain set of skills and aptitudes, but it also takes a particular mindset — the right blend of experience, knowledge, awareness, and disposition. 

The history of charter bus travel probably goes back centuries, depending upon one’s interpretation of the word “bus.” Essentially any vehicle that could transport groups over the land might be considered a bus, but the first “modern” interpretation would probably be the “charabanc.”

Imagine what it was like in the upper peninsula in 1668, the year Sault Ste. Marie was founded by French Jesuit missionary Jacques Marquette on the south bank of the St. Marys River. The river was turbulent with rapids and was originally named Baawitigong or “place of the rapids” by the indigenous Ojibwa. The only connection between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, the river dropped 21 feet in a tumultuous waterfall that made uninterrupted travel by water impossible. It was wilderness then and served as a meeting place for the Ojibwa tribe who came together during whitefish season. In 1668, it became the first “city” in the entire Great Lakes region and “the place where Michigan was born.”

Planning for your team's next season is a great idea, especially when it comes to transportation for out-of-town games and matches. No matter the sport or the destination, Indian Trails has the experience and expertise to help you make all of your team transportation plans now, so you can relax later and just enjoy winning! 

Preparing for any job interview is often an exercise in frustration because it is so difficult to know what you will be asked or how you should answer. An interview for a charter bus driver position is no different, but there are several ways you can prepare that will make you feel more confident and look more organized to your prospective employer.