News

As regulatory expectations rise and fleet operations become more complex, fleet safety is now a defining factor in long-term success. From small fleets managing aging equipment to operations investing in real-time data tools, today’s fleet managers face growing pressure to improve performance, increase uptime, and reduce risk. 

Whether you manage motorcoaches, transit vehicles, or shuttle vans, safety, efficiency, and reliability are no longer optional. Preventive maintenance, structured training, and thoughtful use of technology are essential to keeping vehicles on the road and operations running smoothly.

Fleet Maintenance Best Practices 

Fleet maintenance plays a significant role in reducing risks and avoiding costly breakdowns. According to the American Bus Association Foundation’s 2025 Motorcoach Census, 87.1% of operators manage fleets with fewer than 25 motorcoaches, underscoring the importance of practical safety and [...]

The transportation industry is evolving rapidly, with customer expectations growing every day. For companies like Echo AFC Transportation, staying ahead means delivering consistent, reliable, and high-quality service. Founded over 30 years ago and led by President and CEO John Ferrari, Echo has built a reputation for adapting to changing needs through innovation and a customer-centric approach.

As one of the largest independent ground transportation providers in Texas, Echo operates a fleet of over 600 vehicles, providing services across the United States and Canada. From charter buses and shuttle transit to private car services and event logistics, Echo offers fully customizable transportation solutions for a diverse range of customers.

As group travel and mobility solutions continue to gain momentum, the demand for reliable and efficient transportation services is on the rise. According [...]

At ABC Companies, I believe we’re at a turning point — a moment to honor where we’ve come from and to boldly step into the future we’re building together.

I’m proud to introduce Redefining the Standard, our commitment to leading with purpose, growing with intention, and delivering excellence in everything we do. We’re raising the bar for ourselves, for our industry, and for the customers who count on us — and we’re just getting started.

Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future

ABC was founded by my grandfather with a simple yet powerful vision: to lead with integrity, to work with entrepreneurial spirit, and to always put the customer first. As a third-generation leader of this incredible organization, stepping into the CEO role two years ago was both a humbling and energizing experience for me.

Since then, we’ve navigated major industry challenges, including the bankruptcy of Van Hool, a long-trusted partner. Yet even through that [...]

At ABC Companies, we’re committed to keeping our customers, partners, and industry peers informed as we navigate an evolving global trade environment. 

We are pleased to share a positive development: there is now a 90-day pause on the implementation of reciprocal tariffs, a move we applaud. This important pause provides additional time to work toward a sustainable solution while helping to mitigate immediate impacts on our customers and operations. 

Historically, ABC has paid a 2% duty on vehicle imports from North Macedonia. Due to the current policy pause issued by the U.S. Administration, that rate has temporarily increased to 12% for the next 90 days. We are actively working with both the U.S. and North Macedonian governments, along with our lobbying partners, elected officials, and trade associations, to reach a resolution that would eliminate tariffs entirely on both sides. 

During this 90-day window, our team is actively identifying strategies to best manage shipments and deliveries, [...]

At ABC Companies, we’ve always prioritized long-term partnerships and proactive planning. As recent discussions surrounding reciprocal tariffs have developed, our leadership team has remained focused on executing a strategy designed well before these headlines surfaced, ensuring stability for our customers and partners amid a shifting global trade environment. 

As part of that strategy, ABC CEO Roman Cornell recently traveled to North Macedonia, where he met with the Prime Minister alongside leadership from VDL Groep. The meeting was both productive and encouraging, reaffirming mutual support and the strength of our international manufacturing partnership. 

In addition to the meeting with the Prime Minister, Roman and the VDL team also met with the Economic/Commercial Officer from the U.S. Embassy and the Netherlands Ambassador to North Macedonia, further emphasizing the importance of international collaboration at this critical time. 

While full details of the discussions will be shared in the coming days, the message was clear: North Macedonia values its [...]

At ABC Companies, we’re committed to keeping our customers and partners informed as we navigate evolving policy changes that could impact the industries we serve. In light of recent announcements around potential tariff adjustments, our leadership team is actively reviewing the developments and assessing what they may mean for our business, our customers, and the broader market. 

We are working diligently with trusted legal advisors, trade experts, and lobbying partners to gain clarity, advocate for our industry, and ensure that the voices of our customers are represented in ongoing policy discussions. Advocating on behalf of our customers and industry has always been central to ABC’s mission, and that commitment continues to guide our actions today. 

We are prioritizing transparency and will continue to share updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, we encourage industry professionals to explore helpful resources from the American Bus Association through their ABA Tariff Resource Hub. 

We will continue [...]

If you’re a fleet operator, you know the landscape is shifting fast. Rising costs, aging equipment, driver shortages, and the pressure to modernize are pushing fleet operators to rethink everything—from maintenance strategies to long-term investments. At ABC Companies, we understand these challenges because we work directly with operators like you. Our goal is to help you build a smarter, more resilient operation. Below, we’ll break down three core transportation solutions we’ve developed based on what matters most to the industry right now: uptime, innovation, and partnership.

Fleet Solutions Designed to Keep You Moving and Reduce Cost Pressures

Unplanned downtime is more than an inconvenience—it hits your bottom line. While exact figures for buses are scarce, the broader transportation sector indicates that vehicle downtime can cost fleets an average of $448 to $760 per [...]

Winter Garden, FL – March 24, 2025, ABC Companies recently welcomed Congressman Maxwell Frost, a strong advocate for transportation innovation and sustainability, to discuss public transit accessibility and fleet electrification in Central Florida. Through his leadership on key congressional committees, Congressman Frost is working to advance transportation infrastructure, energy policy, and environmental initiatives—efforts closely align with ABC Companies’ commitment from low emissions to zero-emission strategies, and transit solutions.

During the visit, Congressman Frost emphasized the importance of collaboration between businesses, public agencies, and elected officials to enhance transit accessibility and sustainability.

“Expanding access to reliable, sustainable public transportation is critical for the future of Orlando and beyond,” said Congressman Frost. “It’s encouraging to see companies like ABC leading the charge in low emissions to zero-emission strategies and working closely with transit [...]

Winter Garden, FL – February 24, 2025, ABC Companies recently hosted Congressman Daniel Webster, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure committee, for a meaningful discussion on industry priorities and business growth in western Orange County. The visit included a meeting with ABC leadership and a tour of key operational areas, highlighting ABC’s role in advancing transportation solutions and its ongoing collaboration with industry associations and elected officials.
During the visit, Congressman Webster emphasized the importance of collaboration between businesses and elected officials.

“It’s always valuable to connect with local businesses like ABC Companies that are driving economic growth and innovation in our region,” said Congressman Webster. “I appreciate their commitment to collaborating with policymakers to ensure a strong future for our business community.”

ABC’s leadership provided insight into its ongoing [...]