Working as Vail Airport Shuttle Driver in Colorado

An airport shuttle is a kind of chauffeur. Getting an airport shuttle driver job in a resort town like Vail is a fun way to have a lucrative career, live in a fantastic place, and meet many incredible people! Vail, Colorado, is a hidden paradise where a wide range of jobs in the hospitality field are available. Several private shuttle companies are out there, constantly looking for more drivers as the town’s tourism business grows more and more each year. That is why more and more people are considering driving jobs in Vail.

Basic requirements for Shuttle drivers in Vail, Colorado

Candidates are required to meet some basic requirements to become eligible for the job of Vail airport shuttle driver:

• Educational requirements: A high school diploma or GED is required for most jobs in the Vail Valley, and being a driver is no exception. With the competition for higher-paying jobs, a college diploma might benefit the selected candidate.
• Age: Although the legal requirement for driving in Colorado is 16, most companies will prefer candidates to be at least 21+ years of age, as the clientele is typically mature adults who prefer to be chauffeured by other mature adults.
• Physical fitness: There will be considerable physical stress that comes with the job of a limo driver. The driver will be behind the wheel of a vehicle for several hours each day and will have to lift heavy luggage when picking up and dropping off clients. For this reason, drivers must also pass a physical exam and obtain a medical fitness report from a medical examiner. Individuals must pass a vision test to ensure this is not an issue when driving with passengers.
• License requirements: With passenger approval, you must obtain a state-issued commercial driving license (CDL). But, in case you plan to join a rental car services company that provides taxis and limousines from Denver International Airport (DIA) to Vail and vice versa, You might require an additional limo license, Herdic license, regulated by Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC).
• Experience: No extensive experience is usually mandatory. You can become eligible with minimum entry-level experience. Of course, any relevant experience, either with driving or with customer service in general, is highly preferred.

Necessary skills for the job

Vail’s best shuttle drivers must have strong customer service competencies, map reading, navigational capabilities, and the competency to maintain composure in the face of rude or irritable passengers. Moreover, they must be familiar with basic math, mobile location software, and customer queries.  In the Vail Valley area, a strong knowledge of local attractions, dining suggestions, and outdoor activities is highly sought in the ideal candidate.

Airport Shuttle Driver Training

Professional Vail shuttle drivers learn the necessary skills on the job. Private Airport Shuttle companies will provide all the necessary training a new applicant might require to operate their vehicles and transport their passengers safely. This learning process can last from a few days to several weeks and covers areas such as local transport guidelines, route directions, and driver protection; customer relations schooling is also covered during this time. New airport shuttle drivers who frequently transport passengers from Denver airport to Vail must have completed their license renewal applications before the license expires. This also involves updating the medical and physical evaluation from your doctor annually. They may also be asked to pass an annual drug test or take another shielding course.

Do Vail Shuttle Services Offer Employment Opportunities for Shuttle Drivers and Dispatch Agents?

Yes, Vail shuttle services offer employment opportunities to shuttle drivers and dispatch agents. Working for Vail shuttle services provides a chance to interact with tourists and locals while providing essential transportation services in the Vail area. Joining the team at a company like Blue Sky Limo can be a rewarding career choice for those interested in the transportation industry.

Other Job Requirements

Some other airport shuttle driver requirements for the town of Vail are:

• A valid Colorado driver’s license
• You must have passed a driver’s screening test, which provides necessary information about your driving history and criminal background check.
• Have a smartphone that can download and run rental limo apps and navigation apps.
• Vail airport shuttle driving permit: In the town of Vail, commercial drivers must acquire a vehicle permit for each automobile as much as 30 days before each Transportation Year. A permit will cost $25 – $50.

Additional Documents Required To Become a Vail Shuttle Driver

The necessary documents that you will need to complete a limo driver application are:

• A profile-sized photo
• Vehicle registration of Colorado
• Vehicle insurance
• Colorado vehicle inspection
• Colorado TNC Medical Exam
• Business license and permit certificate

Colorado TNC Driver Medical Exam

To start working as a certified Vail airport shuttle driver, you must complete a Colorado TNC Driver Medical Exam. Once you have been issued a TNC Driver Medical Certificate, keep it on you while you are driving in Vail.

Colorado driver by-laws

While transporting passengers, shuttle drivers must follow the rules and regulations to avoid unpleasant incidents. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has set an hourly limit for TNC drivers for the daily driving mode.

• Drivers cannot drive for more than 12 hours consecutively.
• Drivers can stay in driving mode for a total of 16 hours daily.
• Drivers are not allowed to drive for more than 70 hours a week.

Note: severe fines can result from failure to follow these essential provisions and regulations.

Unplanned vehicle checks

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) randomly inspects commercial airport shuttle operators in Vail to check if drivers follow all regulations. The inspection officer will scrutinize your vehicle’s brakes, tires, windshield, etc. He or she might also check your vehicle’s registration, driver’s license, vehicle insurance proof, medical certificate, vehicle inspection form, etc.

Advantages of Working as an Airport Shuttle Driver in Vail

Becoming an airport shuttle driver in the Vail Valley has many great perks and benefits. This is why so many people pursue a career in this field. While the competition is pretty strong, the fact that the business, in general, is growing every year makes it a worthwhile pursuit, and the strong candidate has a realistic chance of winning the job.

1) A Lucrative Salary with Manageable Hours:

According to the latest figures, private Vail airport shuttle drivers can earn around $61,000 annually.  This is much higher than the median national salary. The working hours in this profession are quite relaxed. There is a legally mandated minimum break of 8 hours after driving for 12 hours consecutively, but most companies are much more flexible. Typically, a driver would make a maximum of 2 (and usually just 1) trips to Denver and back again per day and make a good living in Vail doing so.

2) Living in Vail, Colorado:

Vail is a tourism hub because of its breathtaking landscape. As a commercial limo driver, you will take pleasure from all the picturesque scenery and mountains Vail offers while taking tourists to their desired destinations. Climate has a lot of influence on whether your job is bearable or unbearable. Driving for 12 – 16 hours daily becomes enjoyable due to the blissful weather of Vail. The three-month-long summer season becomes even more pleasing because of the surrounding forests.

3) Work Safety Conditions:

The crime rate in Vail is meager due to the town’s high living standard. So, you can safely perform your job, enjoy life, and raise a family without worrying about crime. The town’s safety has much to do with the excellent police force that keeps everything in order.

What are the drawbacks of working as an airport shuttle driver in Vail?

Like any other job, being a commercial limo driver has a few potential negatives that are important to keep in mind.

1) Dealing with Difficult Passengers:

As a limo driver, you will encounter all kinds of passengers. Some prove to be quite difficult, overly rude, and irritable. Your job requires you to tolerate even the most difficult people without losing your composure.

2) Possibility Of Road Accidents:

The injury rate in this profession is higher than in many other jobs, mainly because of the risk of a car accident. Being in the car most of the day means a greater risk. However, the meticulous maintenance of vehicles that limo companies perform and the extensive training undertaken by the drivers result in very few accidents, which should not be a differentiating factor in choosing to apply for this career.