EightWheels Across America
32 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 10 ratingsEightWheels Across America is a weekly podcast primarily for motorcoach operators and tour bus drivers, also for tour guides, and group leaders across the United States and Canada. Episodes will include news and information especially for drivers, interviews with drivers and others from the motorcoach industry.
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Episodes
Motorcoaches Rolling for Awareness, Part 2
May 16, 2020 21:00 - 44 minutes - 61.4 MBBarry Howell, from Minnesota Coaches, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota, joins me today in Episode #25 for a discussion of the epic motorcoach rally, “Motorcoaches Rolling for Awareness,” in Washington, DC this past Wednesday, May 13, 2020. Barry was in a sleeping berth in his coach on the way home to Minnesota, and I was in my home studio in Pennsylvania — it’s podcast history — my first “bunk-cast”! Join us for a discussion about the rally and what happens next.
Motorcoaches Rolling for Awareness, Part 1
May 15, 2020 21:02 - 19 minutes - 26.9 MBThis past Wednesday, May 13, 2020, was a day most of us will never forget. Approximately 1,000 motorcoaches from over 400 companies representing all 50 of the United States converged on Washington, DC, for the “Motorcoaches Rolling for Awareness” rally organized by the ABA — the American Bus Association, and the UMA — the United Motorcoach Association. Episode #24 includes an overview of the day and, most especially, commentary from both the organizers and the participants. There are brief ...
An Uncertain Future for Motorcoach Operators
March 31, 2020 16:26 - 33 minutes - 46.6 MBSurviving in an uncertain world … motorcoach operators are suddenly, virtually without warning, navigating in a new world — and not from the driver’s seat. In episode #23 of the EightWheels Across America podcast, Sean O’Meara and I discuss the new reality and what the future might look like from this viewpoint. But first, several drivers post their messages of encouragement for other motorcoach operators. Be optimistic, hang in there!
What Is a Professional Motorcoach Operator?
March 12, 2020 04:53 - 50 minutes - 70.2 MBProfessionalism includes a variety of personal qualities and behaviors that demonstrate a commitment to effective performance in a given job. Commitment and confidence, responsibility and dependability, honesty and ethics, and appearance and professional presence are central professional characteristics. Join me with Barry Howell of Minnesota Coaches for a discussion of how this applies to us as motorcoach operators.
Driving in New York City
February 10, 2020 23:35 - 34 minutes - 47.8 MBEpisode #21 — Joining me today from his home in New York City is Mr. Bill Vila. Bill is a long-time motorcoach operator who has spent most of his driving life in and around New York City, driving everything from black limos to transit buses to motorcoaches. Here is our fascinating conversation about driving in New York City. Listen in …
Model Bus Collecting
February 06, 2020 16:21 - 20 minutes - 28.8 MBEpisode #20 — Collecting model buses is a passion for many motorcoach drivers. I recently had the privilege of talking to one driver, Theodore Campbell from Sumpter, South Carolina, who not only collects and modifies coaches, but also builds sets on which to display and photograph them, not unlike a model railroader, but with buses. Listen in on our phone call. Links mentioned in the podcast: Awesome Diecast Facebook groups for bus collectors: Friends Who Like Bus Photography Toy B...
Protecting Your Health, Growing Your Business
December 17, 2019 03:34 - 31 minutes - 43.7 MBEpisode #19 of the EightWheels Across America podcast is a conversation with Sean O'Meara, a motorcoach operator based near Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. We discuss protecting your health (includes an update on my fall in September), to building a new motorcoach company and more. Happy Holidays!
EAA Episode 18 mixdown
November 07, 2019 22:30 - 28 minutes - 40.1 MBEpisode #18 of the EightWheels Across America podcast features an interview with Mr. Brian Smith, Director of Operations at Oleta Coach Lines in Williamsburg, Virginia, and founder and administrator of the largest and most active group of motorcoach operators on Facebook, the Motorcoach Operators group.
Interview: Brian Smith, Founder/Administrator of Motorcoach Operators Group on Facebook
November 07, 2019 22:30 - 28 minutes - 40.1 MBEpisode #18 of the EightWheels Across America podcast features an interview with Mr. Brian Smith, Director of Operations at Oleta Coach Lines in Williamsburg, Virginia, and founder and administrator of the largest and most active group of motorcoach operators on Facebook, the Motorcoach Operators group.
EAA Episode 017 - Networking on Facebook
October 24, 2019 22:45 - 18 minutes - 25.1 MBThere are numerous networking opportunities for motorcoach operators on Facebook. Episode #17 gives you an overview of groups just for motorcoach operators and includes an interview with Frank Tomko of Klein Transportation in Douglassville, PA. Frank runs one of the most active groups for motorcoach operators, the MCI J4500 Drivers Group.
Networking on Facebook
October 24, 2019 22:45 - 18 minutes - 25.1 MBThere are numerous networking opportunities for motorcoach operators on Facebook. Episode #17 gives you an overview of groups just for motorcoach operators and includes an interview with Frank Tomko of Klein Transportation in Douglassville, PA. Frank runs one of the most active groups for motorcoach operators, the MCI J4500 Drivers Group.
EAA Episode 016--Tips for New Motorcoach Operators
September 07, 2019 18:28 - 31 minutes - 42.9 MBA collection of tips and advice gathered over many years from both my own experience and shared by many other motorcoach operators (drivers). Even experienced drivers may find some value here in reviewing some of the principles discussed.
Tips for New Motorcoach Operators
September 07, 2019 18:28 - 31 minutes - 42.9 MBEpisode #16 contains a collection of tips and advice gathered over many years from both my own experience and shared by many other motorcoach operators (drivers). Even experienced drivers may find some value here in reviewing some of the principles discussed.
Popular Lancaster County PA Destinations
July 30, 2019 16:17 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MBA few of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania's most popular motorcoach destinations, including Shady Maple Smorgasbord, Sight & Sound Millennium Theater, American Music Theater, and outlet shopping at Rockvale and Tanger outlet malls. Includes Meet the Driver with Patrick Moore of Checker Transport in Marquette, Michigan.
Interview: Sean O'Meara
July 03, 2019 00:59 - 34 minutes - 32.1 MBEpisode #14 of the EightWheels Across America podcast features an interview with Sean O'Meara, a young Canadian motorcoach operator many will know from his activity in the Motorcoach Operators group on Facebook. Sean's optimistic attitude and enthusiasm about the motorcoach industry is contagious and a breath of fresh air. This week's "Meet the Driver" is John Maguire of Hagey Coach, Inc., Souderton, Pennsylvania.
My Workflow for Motorcoach Charter Trips
June 11, 2019 18:29 - 20 minutes - 19.1 MBThis is an overview of my weekly/daily workflow from the time I receive my trip assignments for the week, and setting up my coach, until I pull out of the yard on today's trip. More technology and prep than most drivers, I think, but I find it helpful and beneficial. Meet the Driver this week: Thomas A. DeAngelo, Newhurst Bus Company.
Never Lost
May 27, 2019 00:52 - 24 minutes - 28.8 MBEpisode #012 Show Notes Links for more information about the US Highway System and the Interstate Highway System: * [FHA’s National System of Interstate and Defense Highways](https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/interstate_highway_system/routefinder/index.cfm) * [FHA’s Interstate System Design](http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/programadmin/interstate.cfm) * [FHA’s National Highway System](https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/index.cfm) * [Wikipedia’s...
Tips for Tour Guides on Motorcoach Tours
April 30, 2019 23:37 - 22 minutes - 25.8 MBEpisode #11 of the EightWheels Across America podcast features tips for tour guides who conduct tours on motorcoaches. The info should also be useful for motorcoach operators who supplement some of their trips with commentary of their own. Also included is this week's "Meet the Driver" with Tom Castello of Bloom Charters in Taunton, Massachusettes.
Streets of Washington, DC
April 15, 2019 03:28 - 23 minutes - 27.4 MBEpisode #10 of EightWheels Across America features an overview of the streets of Washington, DC, especially from the motorcoach operator's point of view. There is a method to the madness! And it's easy when you understand the patterns. Also included is this week's "Meet the Driver" with Jermaine Roller from Youngstown, Ohio.
Cherry Blossom Time in Washington, DC
April 06, 2019 03:09 - 22 minutes - 27 MBEightWheels Across America, Podcast #009, features the story of the Japanese cherry trees in Washington, DC (Bob's version!). Information on the 2019 Cherry Blossom Festival is also included. Also included is this week's "Meet the Driver," with Jeff Taylor of Blue Grass Tours in Lexington, Kentucky.
Discussion: Driving Motorcoaches in New York City
March 27, 2019 06:38 - 56 minutes - 65.1 MBEightWheels Across America, Podcast Episode #008, features a discussion on driving motorcoaches in New York City. Participants are Jeff Reed, Courtland Gee, and EAA host Bob Bergey, all motorcoach operators for Hagey Coach, Inc., of Souderton, Pennsylvania. Also included is this week's "Meet the Driver" -- meet Courtland Gee, one of this week's discussion participants. Follow me on Twitter to automatically be notified about new episodes of the podcast, or about changes on the website. Of...
Interview with Bob Nolen, Fleet Manager with Hagey Coach, Inc.
March 19, 2019 08:04 - 41 minutes - 48.5 MBEightWheels Across America, Podcast Episode #007, features an interview with Bob Nolen, Fleet Manager for Hagey Coach, Inc., of Souderton, PA. Bob manages more than 200 vehicles including motorcoaches, school buses, passenger vans, and more, and shares lots of good information of interest to motorcoach operators and others in the motorcoach industry. Also included is this week's "Meet the Driver" -- meet Gregory Pratt, from Leprechaun Lines, of Newburg, NY. Plus we have some notes about...
Interview with Brent Kelly, Innovative Coach
March 10, 2019 06:26 - 22 minutes - 26.5 MBEpisode 006 of the EightWheels Across America podcast includes an interview with Brent Kelly, owner of Innovative Coach in Harrisburg, PA, and Meet the Driver with Dan Yoder from Perkiomen Tours in Pennsburg, PA.
EAA Apps Part 2
March 05, 2019 02:54 - 30 minutes - 35.5 MBEightWheels Across America, Episode 005 is Part 2 about the apps I use on my mobile devices -- this time it's apps I use frequently but not necessarily every day. Also this episode includes the first of our "Meet the Driver" segments -- meet Dee Stoltzfus from Innovative Coach in Harrisburg, PA!
The Apps I Use, Part 2
March 05, 2019 02:54 - 30 minutes - 35.5 MBEightWheels Across America, Episode #5 is Part 2 about the apps I use on my mobile devices -- this time it's apps I use frequently but not necessarily every day. Also this episode includes the first of our "Meet the Driver" segments -- meet Dee Stoltzfus from Innovative Coach in Harrisburg, PA!
Interview with Dispatcher Blake Hagey
February 20, 2019 06:56 - 26 minutes - 36.9 MBEightWheels Across America, Episode 004 features an interview with motorcoach dispatcher Blake Hagey, Hagey Coach, Inc., Souderton, PA.
EightWheels Across America, Episode 004, Interview with Dispatcher Blake Hagey
February 20, 2019 06:56 - 26 minutes - 36.9 MBEightWheels Across America, Episode 004 features an interview with motorcoach dispatcher Blake Hagey, Hagey Coach, Inc., Souderton, PA.
The 8 Most Important Apps I Use as a Motorcoach Operator
February 14, 2019 18:31 - 22 minutes - 31.9 MBThis week's podcast includes a summary of the eight most important apps I use on my iPhone and iPad as a motorcoach operator.
EightWheels Across America, Episode 003 -- The 8 Most important Apps I Use as a Motorcoach Operator
February 14, 2019 18:31 - 22 minutes - 31.9 MBThis week's podcast includes a summary of the eight most important apps I use on my iPhone and iPad as a motorcoach operator.
EightWheels Across America, Episode 002, Interview with Bruce Shaffer, Motorcoach Operator
February 07, 2019 21:41 - 25 minutes - 37.8 MBThe second episode of EightWheels Across America features an interview with Bruce Shaffer, a motorcoach operator for more than 40 years, and a good friend. Bruce recalls his first motorcoach and early trips, and much more.
Interview: Bruce Shaffer, Motorcoach Operator
February 07, 2019 21:41 - 25 minutes - 37.8 MBThe second episode of EightWheels Across America features an interview with Bruce Shaffer, a motorcoach operator for more than 40 years, and a good friend. Bruce recalls his first motorcoach and early trips, and much more.
EightWheels Across America Podcast Episode 001
February 06, 2019 20:59 - 23 minutes - 32.9 MBEightWheels Across America is a weekly podcast for motorcoach operators, tour bus drivers, tour guides, and group leaders across the United States and Canada. Episodes will include news and information especially for drivers, interviews with drivers and others from the motorcoach industry.