The Backup Plan June 2013

Dispatchers

Every aspect or job within a limousine company or executive car service is vitally important.  The drivers, the reservationists, the mechanics, management and the dispatchers with out any of them a limousine company cannot operate properly.  The dispatcher’s roll is paramount.  The dispatcher is essentially the coordinator and the orchestrator behind the scenes of an executive car or limousine service.  These are the men who deal with the drivers, give out the work, track the vehicles and schedule or map out the entire day.  They are the ones that coordinate when car A driven by driver A drops off at JFK that car A will be able to make it to the next pick up at the predetermined time on time or early despite traffic, human error, customer delay, weather, mechanical issues or any other unforeseen problem that might arise on the road.

As you may be able to imagine this is an incredibly difficult and at times stressful job, especially in a busy metropolis like NYC or its surrounding suburbs.  Now systems like Omatics GPS tracking, real time logistics monitoring and flight tracking programs, drive cam safety systems and I pad technology in all the vehicles help to mitigate potential problems but ultimately it all comes down to the guy sitting in the chair in front of the dispatching screen making snap judgments and re-routing cars and drivers as necessary. 

If you then factor in corporate service it becomes a whole different animal.  Due to the fast paced nature of many corporations requiring executive car service time is truly of the essence and often they require last minute and perfectly prompt service.  It all reality many companies are not equipped to handle a corporate workload the demands are just too high, the volume of work just too great.  All Star Limousine and All Star Limousine Worldwide specializes in corporate service and we are proud to be able to do so.  We do hundreds of transfers’ daily and thousands weekly and we are always on time, we are always prompt, with a clean car driver by a professional and knowledgeable chauffer.

Along with the rest of our dedicated staff our team of dispatchers are the ones that allow this to happen.  They are the ones who can re-do the entire days schedule in moments to accommodate that last minute VIP.  They are the ones in constant communication with every driver on the road making sure the T’s are crossed and the I’s are dotted, making sure that the name All Star continues to stand for excellence and paramount professionalism in both the corporate and celebratory world of limousines and executive car service.  We thank you gentleman.

(Next week check it out from reservation’s point of view)

All Star Limousine is a Long Island, New York based company with an extensive global reach; we provide expert Wedding, Special Event and Executive Travel services throughout the Tri-State area and the world. We have over 30 years of experience in the travel industry; our attention to detail, 2013 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!

Executive Car Service Behind the Scenes

When you need a ride out to the vineyards or you need a car to take you to the airport you can call All Star Limousine or one of the other companies located throughout the tri-state area, you give them your credit card and then two weeks later a beautiful vehicle shows up in the drive way ready to whisk you off to your destination.  Sounds simple right?  In theory it certainly should be or at least that’s what I though prior to working in the very hectic, very high end and very fast paced limousine industry.

When your paying a fair amount of money for something you expect that product or service to be exactly what your envisioning or at least you are expecting it to be what that company is advertising, and you are correct to do so.  The sad truth is that this industry is inundated with pretenders and false advertisers who give us legitimate companies a bad name.  Uninsured vehicles or drivers, old or mechanically unsafe vehicles, companies advertising things they don’t even have, no shows, constant lateness and horrible customer service are just some of the possible problems you may face when renting a limousine.  Why is that?  Well there are several reasons; improper and unenforced state regulations allow almost anyone to purchase a limousine put an ad in Craig’s list and start booking jobs, staff that’s uninterested, negligence on the part of those at the top, vehicles that are pushed far beyond their mechanical limits and that’s really just the beginning. The real problem comes when you advertise something that is un-safe or not properly insured in an effort to maximize profit you not only put yourself your driver and most importantly your clients at risk you are damaging the industry and really there is no one to stop small start ups or private owners from doing this.

Then there is the magic behind the scenes.  There is a tremendous amount that goes into providing a safe, reliable and punctual car service with professional drivers and late model vehicles.  Like most things it involves money you need to have capital to buy the right cars and technologies to ensure the vehicles run properly, you need to pay decent salaries to attract the right drivers, mechanics and office staff to ensure good customer service and satisfaction.  There is more then that, to really excel in the executive car or limousine industry your staff needs to care, they need to be dedicated because they have a lot of work to do.  The driver’s job is somewhat obvious but behind the driver is a team of professionals including dispatchers, mechanics and reservationists, at any point if anyone of these people fails in their job your ride will not be what it should be.

At All Star Limousine we pride ourselves on our service, we are dedicated that is why we are on time every time.  From the CEO and CFO down through the ranks everyone here puts in that extra little bit extra that contributes to that magical experience you expect when renting a limousine.  The population density of Long Island and NYC makes it especially difficult to operate flawlessly in the NY limo industry, but we make it happen all the time every time and we promise we will continue to do so.

(Next time we will explain exactly how the dispatchers make it happen)

All Star Limousine is a Long Island, New York based company with an extensive global reach; we provide expert Wedding, Special Event and Executive Travel services throughout the Tri-State area and the world. We have over 30 years of experience in the travel industry; our attention to detail, 2013 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!

 24-person mixed seating

This Ford Tiffany 24-passenger bus is the most flexible vehicle in the All Star Limousine Fleet.  The bus contains three distinct seating patterns.  The front section contains granite tabletops that can be utilized as workstations.  The center section contains standard coach seating with individual reading lamps.  The rear section contains a conversation pit with bench seating on three sides of the vehicle.  This area is perfect for meetings and conversation.  This bus is perfect for corporate meetings on the go as well as location events.

35-Passenger Shuttle 

All Star Limousine features our GMC Krystal Shuttle Bus service for organized group functions.  This vehicle is equipped with soft saddle leather seating, multiple LCD televisions, and a full surround sound CD/DVD/Satellite Entertainment.  This luxurious shuttle remains the most popular shuttle in our fleet and is perfect for wedding parties, school trips and corporate functions.

56- Person Setra Coach

All Star Limousine features the Setra S417 56-Passenger Coach Bus.  Setra is one of the premier producers of luxury motorcoaches.  In North America, Setra is part of Daimler Buses North America, a recognized industry leader in motorcoach innovation, quality, and design.  Setra manufactures motorcoaches of first-class appeal.  Our Setra S417 features flat screen televisions, overhead reading lamps and a restroom.

All Star Limousine is a Long Island, New York based company with an extensive global reach; we provide expert Wedding, Special Event and Executive Travel services throughout the Tri-State area and the world. We have over 30 years of experience in the travel industry; our attention to detail, 2013 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!

Town car Lincoln MKT

In the world of the executive-chauffeured transportation industry, the future has arrived:  The 2013 Lincoln MKT Town Car!  All Star Limousine is pleased to offer the new highly anticipated MKT model.  All MKT Town Cars are equipped with a USB data port, sky roof, Omatics GPS, and Ipad.

Mercedes S550

The Mercedes-Benz S550 sedan, the ultimate in business class, is available through out the entire All Star Limousine service area.  All Star now offers a new level of Executive car service: “Diamond Class”.  It is the ultimate in luxury and service.  “Diamond Class” provides the new Mercedes-Benz S550 and your own dedicated and professionally trained chauffeur.  Comfort, professionalism and service are our trademarks. 

MKT Stretch Limo (8 or 10 passenger)

The stretch limousine is the standard for sophistication and elegance when arriving at any wedding reception, prom or business event.  All Star Limousine sets the benchmark with the Lincoln Town Car Stretch Limousine in the Tri-State Area.  Our modern vehicles, (for up to 10 people), service and professional chauffeurs distinguish us in the industry throughout the eastern seaboard.  We are THE “Luxury Limousine” company on Long Island and the surrounding metropolitan area.  Call All Star Limousine today for our classic stretch limousine. 

Lincoln Navigator L

Business travel has never been so luxurious and efficient.  With the Lincoln Navigator, take the hassle out of traveling.  Experience the comfort provided by our chauffeured Lincoln Navigator featuring spacious leather seating with extended leg room for the ultimate in comfort.  This vehicle is also equipped with a rear DVD player and zone climate control.  So sit back and enjoy the ride with All Star in our Lincoln Navigator.  It comes with a data port to charge your cell phone, laptop/Ipad, and a premium audio system with CD and AM/FM radio.  Seats seven passengers.

Mercedes Sprinter Van

When it comes to shuttling people, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Passenger Van is all about comfort and safety.  Featuring room for up to 12 adults, Best-In-Class One roof, side step-in heights, and a wide entry, it has a most inviting and comfortable interior.  With a long list of standard safety features, the innovative Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Passenger Van has passenger’s safety as it’s highest priority.  Call us and learn why the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van by All Star Limousine is your best choice for small group transport.

Mercedes G-5 Sprinter

You don’t need to be a movie star or rock star to indulge in the Mercedes Benz super-deluxe edition Sprinter van.  All Star guests who desire privacy will appreciate the tinted windows.  The interior boasts two 32 inch flat screen TVs, a Bose audio system with 8 speakers, a DVD player, a cooled beverage drawer and WiFi.  Our Sprinter features comfortable leather captain seats.  But the true beauty of this vehicle is that it allows passengers to enter and exit upright without crouching or bending over.

All Star Limousine is a Long Island, New York based company with an extensive global reach; we provide expert Wedding, Special Event and Executive Travel services throughout the Tri-State area and the world. We have over 30 years of experience in the travel industry; our attention to detail, 2013 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!

Five of the Best Restaurants on Long Island

Long Island is an incredible place to live.  We have all four season, snow in the winter (that is not always a good thing) vibrant springs, colorful falls and of course the warm, sometimes hot, summers.  We have NYC right next-door and the beautiful and charming Hamptons on the other side.  With so much to offer it is no wonder we are inundated with a wide variety of eateries and restaurants, I’m writing this little guide to help point you ladies and gentlemen in the right direction, I present to you five of the best places to eat on Long Island.

First off we have a personal favorite, Pop’s Seafood Shack and Grill in Island Park.  Pop’s is the ultimate warm weather spot.  Located right on the water with Indoor and outdoor seating, fire pits out on the beautiful sandy beach’s, a full bar, and live music Pop’s has it all.  The drink menu is extensive and includes a plethora of frozen deliciousness that makes you feel as if you’re in a tropical paradise.  The best part about Pop’s is the incredible seafood menu from the muscle pots to the tuna lollipops you really can’t go wrong with this menu.  Own a boat?  Pull up to Pop’s private marina for exclusive dine and dock service!

Next up is The Harbor Club at Prime.  Situated on Long Island’s legendary Gold Coast the Harbor club boasts some of the finest seafood cuisine on the east coast.  The venue itself is stunning offering floor to ceiling glass windows allowing their guests to view the colorful sunsets over the magnificent Huntington Harbor.  Impeccable service, fine dining at its best and award winning dishes from Prime’s executive chef Gregg Lauletta make the Harbor Club an absolute iconic establishment.

Il Classico; gorgeous, classy and romantic are just a few of the words used to describe this unbelievable Italian restaurant.  The Il Classico experience begins as soon as you walk in the door, the perfectly professional staff will greet you and seat you and then prepare to be transported to old Italy.  When I tell you the food and atmosphere of this restaurant is truly authentic words do not do it justice, it is something that absolutely must be experienced.   The atmosphere is incredible but the food is the major draw here, it is the freshest Italian food on Long Island by far and the true flavor of some of Italy’s signature dishes can only be experienced at Il Classico.  A great date spot for a special night, one of my favorite parts about this establishment is that they will never rush you!

Vetro Restaurant and Lounge by Russo’s on the Bay is next on our list.  A stunning rooftop lounge combined with a mouthwatering menu has won this establishment the coveted five star diamond award.  This award is more then justified by the personable staff, the glowing ambiance and the savory dishes prepared by World-renowned Chef, Michael DeGeorgio.  Whether you’re seeking a fine dining experience or just a relaxing drink in the rooftop lounge Vetro has it all.

Insignia is the latest fine dining restaurant brought to you by Anthony Scotto.  Redefining the traditional steak house this stylish establishment offers not only the finest prime dry-aged streak but an array of sushi and Asian inspired cuisine as well.  One of the most incredible features of this establishment is the décor, imagine a historic Hamptons mansion replete with copper roofing, quarried stone and cedar shakes combined with the energy and vibe of a trendy Manhattan restaurant that’s Insignia.  Insignia also offers private dining rooms and the option to rent out the entire restaurant for any function be it corporate or celebratory, so the next time you want to take the sales team to diner rent one of their exclusive private dining rooms!

So no matter what our in the mood for, seafood on the beach, classic Italian or Asian fusion Long Island has it all.  You will be doing yourself a great injustice if you pass on any of these phenomenal venues!

All Star Limousine is a Long Island, New York based company with an extensive global reach; we provide expert Wedding, Special Event and Executive Travel services throughout the Tri-State area and the world. We have over 30 years of experience in the travel industry; our attention to detail, 2013 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!