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    Month: June 2023

    -Brief Business Travel Insights

    30 Jun 2023
    Article

    Chauffeur vs. Driver: What are the differences?

    Whilst a chauffeur is indeed a type of driver, a driver is not necessarily a chauffeur. Confused?

    This article explains the main differences between driver and chauffeur services, helping you to make an informed decision about which is right for your needs.

    What are the main differences between a driver and a chauffeur?

    A professional driver is simply someone who is paid to operate a vehicle. For example, this could be someone driving a taxi or an Uber. However, a chauffeur is a very particular type of driver. Chauffeurs provide luxury transportation, and their services usually go above and beyond those drivers offer.

    The main differences between a driver vs chauffeur are as follows:

    Experience – Most chauffeur companies only employ chauffeurs with significant driving experience and a clean driving record. Many companies require chauffeurs to complete professional training, particularly if they provide specialist services like high-security travel.

    Vehicles – A chauffeur service is all about style and luxury. Chauffeurs drive new, state-of-the-art vehicles that are cleaned and maintained to an immaculate standard. When you travel in a chauffeur-driven car, you can guarantee you will arrive at your destination in comfort and style.

    Price – Because chauffeur services go above and beyond what you would expect when being transported by a taxi or Uber driver, they are generally more expensive.

    Service – A chauffeur-driven service prioritises customer service above all else. The service goes beyond simply transferring passengers from point A to point B. A chauffeur will help you with your bags, run errands, and manage complex itineraries if required.

    Appearance – Chauffeurs are always dressed very smartly in professional business attire. Chauffeurs communicate with clients in a professional, polite, respectful, courteous, and non-intrusive way.

    In comparison, a driver’s job is simply to transport passengers from point A to point B, and the level of service you receive can be inconsistent.

    How to decide whether you need a driver or a chauffeur

    When deciding whether your journey requires the services of a driver or a chauffeur, there are several factors that you should consider. These include:

    • Purpose of your journey
    • Level of service required
    • Budget
    • Complexity of journey
    • Distance being travelled
    • Personal preference

    If you’re travelling for a special occasion or business trip and style and comfort is paramount, then a chauffeur service is probably most appropriate. However, if your priority is cost-effective transportation, hiring a driver may suffice.

    Chauffeur services from Driven Worldwide

    Here at Driven Worldwide, our personal chauffeur services are trusted by some of the largest companies in the world. We offer a wide array of chauffeur services in over 1500 locations worldwide. Ready to book a car or get a quote? Contact our team for bespoke chauffeur services tailored to meet your needs.

    -Brief Business Travel Insights

    12 Jun 2023
    Article

    Chauffeur duties while waiting

    Chauffeurs provide personal, luxury transportation services. They pride themselves in offering a very high level of service, and this includes always being punctual. If your chauffeur drops you off at an appointment, meeting, or restaurant, they usually stay nearby to ensure they’re ready to pick you up promptly when you finish, no matter how long this may take. As a result, chauffeurs tend to do a lot of waiting around in the car. If you’ve used a chauffeur service before, you may have wondered, “What do chauffeurs do while waiting?”

    Whilst chauffeurs do occasionally have time to read the newspaper or browse the internet at their leisure, they primarily use this time to complete important tasks. These responsibilities help them maintain a high standard of service; let’s explore what they are.

    ** Route planning ** – Time spent waiting for passengers is useful for planning the routes for upcoming journeys. Chauffeurs use their local knowledge and current traffic reports to plan the most time-efficient routes. If delays are expected, they may use this time to adjust the route to ensure a smooth journey.

    ** Client service and communication ** – Chauffeurs may use waiting time to catch up on emails and phone calls from clients or the company they work for. They will usually have a conversation with the client to discuss journey details, like pickup location and time, and to find out any special requirements. Because chauffeurs provide a premium transportation service, they work hard to go above and beyond, tailoring each journey to the client’s precise needs and preferences.

    ** Vehicle maintenance ** – A chauffeur-driven car is a premium mode of transport. Passengers expect a relaxing, first-class experience when being driven by a chauffeur. This means chauffeur vehicles must always be maintained to a high standard. Customers will expect the car to be spotless both inside and out. Between journeys, the chauffeur will check the cleanliness of the vehicle, removing any rubbish and cleaning the interior if required.

    ** Client errands ** – Chauffeurs provide completely bespoke services that occasionally go beyond driving. Sometimes, a client may request that the chauffeur run an errand for them. This could be anything from picking up a loaf of bread to posting a letter or delivering important documents. If there is time, chauffeurs may use the time between drop-offs and pickups to run any errands required.

    ** Personal tasks ** – If there’s any time left after the chauffeur has completed all necessary maintenance, admin, and communication jobs, they may use the remaining time to complete any personal tasks. This could include booking appointments, responding to emails, or returning phone calls.

    Most importantly, chauffeurs must ensure they are always on-call and alert when waiting, ready to respond to their client’s needs at a moment’s notice.