Contract of Carriage

Policies, Terms & Conditions of Service

Upon placing a reservation with CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION, the client acknowledges and expressly agrees to these policies, terms and conditions:

Security Deposit: All reservation bookings must guarantee payment with a valid credit card on file, unless an alternate financial guarantee of payment has been approved and received by CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION. Estimated service charges, plus 10% or 1 hour service (to cover service overages) is pre-authorized to the CLIENT's credit card on file, up to 7 days prior to the scheduled reservation date. If the credit card pre-authorization is declined by the CLIENT's financial institution, CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION will attempt to contact the CLIENT to obtain an alternate guarantee of payment. If the CLIENT cannot provide an alternate guarantee of payment, or otherwise cannot be contacted, the CLIENT's reservation may be canceled, at the discretion of CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION. The CLIENT's financial institution may place a hold on available credit or bank funds pending the posting of actual accrued charges. The CLIENT expressly holds harmless CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION for any credit or bank fund availability, or liability for the CLIENT's consequential financial damages. If the CLIENT has concerns regarding their financial institution's credit and fund hold policies, the CLIENT is directed to consult with the CLIENT's financial institution.
Billing: Upon the start of the CLIENT's reservation itinerary, service(s) is deemed fulfilled, whether the CLIENT enters the vehicle or not, or when the cancellation period is expired. Reservation invoices are subject to audit after itinerary completion to include incurred tolls, parking fees, stops, and wait-time, CLIENT-directed expenses, damage/cleaning charge, and additional fees and/or charges, as applicable. CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION will post actual accrued charges to the CLIENT's invoice. All charges are billed in United States Dollars (USD).
Payment: Invoice payment is charged to the CLIENT's credit card/account, unless alternate payment arrangements are documented on the reservation confirmation. The CLIENT accepts financial responsibility for all charges and the payment thereof. The CLIENT expressly authorizes CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION to charge the CLIENT's credit card on file in-full or in-part for charges relating to the CLIENT's reservation/invoice, including, but not limited to, charging the CLIENT's credit card in-full for the reservation should the CLIENT be considered a “no-show”. CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, JCB, and American Express credit cards. Any credit card chargeback or returned check payment(s) will be prosecuted as appropriate under Maryland Law, and the CLIENT will be held liable for the outstanding payment due on their invoice, plus all associated legal fees, court costs, and collection fees incurred by CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION to pursue and recover outstanding payment.
Credit Card Recovery Fee: A 4% credit card processing fee applies to all credit card transactions invoiced at $2,500.00 and over.
Quotes: CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION reserves the right to change rate quotes at any time without notice. All rate quotes are void upon the expiration date indicated in the rate quote, unless booked prior to that expiration date. Confirmed reservations will remain at the rate indicated for the scheduled itinerary in the reservation confirmation.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations are accepted by e-mail or telephone only, Monday–Friday, 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. (eastern time). E-mailed cancellation requests are not confirmed cancellations until a valid cancellation confirmation number is issued by CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION. If the CLIENT fails to cancel the reservation before the last cancellation date/time indicated on the reservation confirmation, the CLIENT is charged a late-cancellation fee equal to the full TRANSFER RATE/HOURLY SERVICE RATE (ORIGINALLY RESERVED ITINERARY HOURS)/GARAGE-to-GARAGE RATE (MINIMUM HOURS)/PACKAGE RATE, and that amount will not be credited toward a future reservation. For commercial airline airport (FBO's excluded) transfers, if the CLIENT'S flight is verifiably canceled by the commercial airline, the CLIENT will NOT be charged a late-cancellation fee.
Itinerary Change Policy: CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION requires that any reservation itinerary change(s) to be submitted via telephone or e-mail at least 24-hours prior to the scheduled reservation start time. Rescheduling and/or service hour extensions are subject to vehicle and/or chauffeur (and DOT service limitations, as applicable) availability. If the itinerary change(s) results in extended service hours, the additional service hours are billed at the applicable hourly rate. If the itinerary change(s) results in a reduction in service hours, the CLIENT is billed for the reservation's originally booked number of service hours. If the requested itinerary change(s) cannot be accommodated and results in the reservation's cancellation, the CLIENT is billed in-full for the reservation's originally booked itinerary's service hours. Extensions in service hours or changes in vehicle class are permitted solely at the discretion of CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION.
Right of Refusal: CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION reserves the right to refuse service to any person/entity or route/destination at the sole discretion of management.
Transfer Rate Service Itineraries: Transfer (point-to-point) itineraries are billed as a flat-rate fee from the pick-up point to the drop-off point, without stops, on a predetermined route at the discretion of CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION. If the CLIENT directs a route which varies from this predetermined route, any extended or unusual transit time accumulated which varies from the usual and customary transit time is charged per minute, at a rate of 1/60th of the vehicle class's hourly service rate. Transfer rates are only available for Sedan and SUV service; Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Maybach and other 'exotic' vehicles are excluded; larger passenger-capacity vehicles are billed hourly subject to that vehicle class's minimum service hours.
Transfer Stop Charge: Flat-rate transfers are quoted point-to-point. If the CLIENT directs an on-route stop, an “ON-ROUTE STOP” charge applies for wait-time, minimum charge $15.00. If the CLIENT directs an off-route stop, an “OFF-ROUTE STOP” charge applies for the time diverted from the point-to-point route and wait-time, minimum charge $25.00.
1. Transfer Wait-Time Charge: Point-to-point (flat-rate) transfers are charged wait-time exceeding 10 minutes. Wait-time is charged per minute, at a rate of 1/60th of the vehicle class's hourly service rate. For airport arrivals, CLIENTS are provided up to 30 minutes of grace wait-time on domestic commercial arrivals (45 minutes for international commercial arrivals requiring customs processing), commencing at the FAA-reported 'At-Gate' arrival time, if the CLIENT has provided the valid commercial flight number. Private aviation/FBO arrivals are charged wait-time 10 minutes from the scheduled 'Wheels-Down' time. If the CLIENT does not meet or contact the chauffeur within the wait-time grace period, the CLIENT may be deemed a “No-Show” after 30 minutes of chargeable wait-time has accrued, and is charged in-full for the reservation itinerary, plus accrued wait-time charges and incurred fees.
2. Extended Wait-Time Charge: In circumstances where the CLIENT has “Authorized Wait”, ‘Extended Wait Time’ charges will accrue at the expiration of the standard 30-minutes wait time. For airport/railway/cruise arrivals where the CLIENT'S flight/train/ship has been “diverted” to another arrival port and/or has delayed the flight/train/ship arrival at the scheduled arrival port for more than 1 hour, ‘Extended Wait Time’ charges will accrue commencing 30-minutes after that flight/train/ship's originally scheduled arrival time, and will continue until that flight/train/ship arrives at the scheduled port gate.
Transfer Differential Charge: Transfer service itineraries which starts between 12:00 A.M. and 6:00 A.M. are surcharged $50.00.
Package Rate Service Itineraries: Package rate service is charged 'garage-to-garage' and includes the specified maximum hours of service. Additional hours are charged at the specified rate per (flat) hour. Package rates are ALL-INCLUSIVE of fees and taxes.
Hourly Rate Service Itineraries: Hourly billing commences on the earlier of the CLIENT onboarding or the scheduled reservation start time and continues until the CLIENT (or designate) has released the chauffeur/vehicle from service. Once the chauffeur/vehicle is released, the itinerary is deemed completed, and the chauffeur/vehicle cannot be recalled into service. Hourly itineraries are billed for the number of hours serviced, per (flat) hour. Hourly rates are ALL-INCLUSIVE of fees and taxes.
1. Minimum Service (Hours): 'Minimum Service' is the minimum number of hours billed on any hourly reservation, regardless of actual hours of service provided to the CLIENT.
2. Hourly Service Travel & Standard Cleaning Charge: For itineraries starting/ending within the Maryland mid-shore service area (Caroline, Dorchester, lower-Kent, Queen Anne's and Talbot Counties), Sedans and SUV's are billed an additional half (flat) hour; Limousines, Vans, and Buses are billed one additional (flat) hour; Party-Coaches (26+ passenger), Mini-Coaches (40+ passenger) and Motor-Coaches (55+ passenger) are billed an additional two (flat) hours.
Garage-to-Garage Service Itineraries: For itineraries starting/ending outside the Maryland mid-shore service area (Caroline, Dorchester, lower-Kent, Queen Anne's and Talbot Counties), service hours are charged 'garage-to-garage'; from the time the vehicle departs our facility in Easton, Maryland, until its return to our facility in Easton, Maryland. The 'Hourly Service Travel & Standard Cleaning Charge' is waived. Garage-to-garage service rates are ALL-INCLUSIVE of fees and taxes.
No-Show: If the CLIENT does not meet the chauffeur at the date, time and location specified in the reservation, or otherwise contact CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION within 30 minutes of the scheduled pick-up time, the CLIENT is deemed a “No-Show” and is charged the flat-rate transfer fare, garage-to-garage hourly minimum service, package fare, or full itinerary hourly service fare, plus travel & standard cleaning charge, plus incurred route tolls, paid parking and/or airport fees, as applicable, unless the CLIENT has pre-authorized the specified wait-time. Pre-authorized wait-time is charged per minute, at a rate of 1/60th of the vehicle class's hourly service rate.
Fuel (Sur)charge: All rates are subject to a fuel surcharge added to the (transfer service rate/hourly service rate/garage-to-garage service rate/package rate, plus accrued wait-time) fulfilled itineraries of:
1. Standard: 5%.
2. Crisis: If (on the date of fulfillment of the client's itinerary) the Maryland average fuel price of unleaded premium gasoline exceeds $3.999/gal. —OR— the average fuel price of highway diesel exceeds $4.999/gal. as reported by AAA (gasprices.aaa.com), an additional surcharge of 5% will be added to the standard fuel surcharge rate; total 10% fuel surcharge.
Toll, Parking, Airport Charge(s): Route tolls, paid private or public metered parking, and airport concession charges incurred during the fulfillment of the CLIENT's itinerary are NOT included in any hourly or transfer rate and are added to the CLIENT's itemized charges. Tolls are charged roundtrip/garage-to-garage.
Client Directed Expense(s): Any CLIENT requested/directed expense extended (on behalf of/at the direction of) the CLIENT will be itemized on the invoice and charged at the actual cost of the expense(s) plus 5% (recovery fee).
Gratuity Policy: If the CLIENT'S reservation does not include a billed chauffeur's service fee (gratuity) and the CLIENT does not offer a cash gratuity (tip) directly to the servicing chauffeur, CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION may add a service charge (not to exceed 20% of the base transfer rate/hourly service rate + travel charge + wait-time + client directed expenses) on fulfilled itineraries to the CLIENT's invoice. The CLIENT may provide a cash gratuity (tip) in addition to the invoiced chauffeur's service fee (gratuity) directly to the chauffeur at the CLIENT's sole discretion. Cash gratuity (tip) will not be credited toward the billed chauffeur's service fee (gratuity) nor will the CLIENT receive a full or partial credit or refund of the chauffeur service fee (gratuity) or cash gratuity (tip) extended.
Weather Emergency (Sur)charge: In the event that the governing authority has declared a weather travel emergency in effect at the time of the CLIENT's reservation fulfillment, AND at the discretion of CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION, and if available, the CLIENT will be informed of the weather emergency and may be offered an alternate vehicle capable of fulfilling the CLIENT's itinerary safely, and if accepted, is surcharged at the hourly/transfer rate of the upgraded vehicle class. If no alternate vehicles are available, or if the CLIENT declines the upgrade surcharge, the CLIENT's reservation is canceled at no charge.
Damage/Cleaning Charge: Vehicles are cleaned and inspected prior to and upon conclusion of each reservation. All damage(s) caused by the CLIENT's direct or indirect deliberate actions or those of their guests and/or property, is the financial responsibility of the CLIENT, and remediation/repair costs are charged to the CLIENT's credit card on file. Spilled beverages, stains, blood, vomit, smoke, urine, feces, glitter, excess trash, food waste, pet/animal hair, perfumes or other lingering odors, etc., will incur an “Excess Cleaning Fee” for the remediation costs thereof (minimum charge $100) and is charged to the CLIENT's credit card on file, at the SOLE DISCRETION of CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION.
Passenger Conduct Policy: The CLIENT is responsible for all passenger's conduct in or about the vehicle during the reservation itinerary. Disorderly, unlawful, abusive or unsafe conduct by any passenger may be grounds to end the ride immediately, and all passengers will be discharged from the vehicle at that time/location at the CLIENT's risk and peril, without recourse or refund, at the SOLE DISCRETION of the chauffeur OR management of CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION.
Minor Policy: Any passenger under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by an adult. Unaccompanied minors are only permitted when approved in advance and at the sole discretion of CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION.
Pet/Animal Policy: All pets/animals transported in any vehicle must be pre-approved by CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION at the time of booking and is reflected in the reservation confirmation. All pets/animals must be secured and remain within a crate or otherwise restrained by the CLIENT. The CLIENT accepts full financial, criminal, and civil responsibility/liability for any vehicle and/or property damage(s), and/or injury(s) to the pet/animal, the CLIENT, the chauffeur, and any other passenger(s) or person(s) caused by the pet/animal.
Privacy Policy: CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION does not sell, rent or disseminate CLIENT's personal and financial information to any outside third parties. CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION reserves the right to use the information supplied to provide requested services and collect payment for services rendered in accordance with our rates, terms and policies.
Audio/Video Recording Policy: All vehicles incorporate audio/video surveillance systems onboard, and the CLIENT expressly consents to audio/video recording while onboard/about the vehicle. CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION retains exclusive right(s) to all recordings.
Personal Property Policy: No personal property may remain in the vehicle upon the conclusion of a transfer itinerary. The chauffeur will conduct a cursory inspection of the passenger and luggage compartments of the vehicle upon the conclusion of the CLIENT's itinerary for personal property to return to the CLIENT at that time. If personal property is otherwise discovered, CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION will hold that property for no more than 30 days for reclaim by the CLIENT. The CLIENT is responsible for all delivery-related costs and risks incurred to return personal property claimed. CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION is not responsible for personal property damaged or lost by the CLIENT during fulfillment of the CLIENT's itinerary, or thereafter.
Vehicle Substitution Policy: If the specific (vehicle/vehicle class) that the CLIENT has reserved is not available due to uncontrollable circumstances, including but not limited to mechanical failure, accident, weather, traffic, or any other circumstance that prevents the vehicle from servicing the CLIENT's reservation, a substitute vehicle of equal or greater passenger capacity will be provided, at the sole discretion of CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION. The CLIENT's reservation itinerary may be fulfilled by an affiliated transportation provider, and all policies, terms and conditions herein apply. If no vehicles of equal or greater passenger capacity are available, the CLIENT's reservation is canceled without charge.
Safety Belts & Child Safety Seat Policy: All passengers are required to be restrained by safety belts or an age/size appropriate child safety seat, in accordance with local law. The CLIENT is responsible for providing all child safety seat(s), and its proper and secure installation within the vehicle.
Luggage Policy: Vehicles have capacity for one standard-size basic checked bag that is 27” x 21” x 14” (69 cm x 53 cm x 36 cm) and weighs up to 50 lbs; the total size of each, including its length, width, and depth, is no more than 62 linear inches. Excess luggage, including oversized baggage, strollers, wheelchairs, golf clubs, etc., are not guaranteed to fit in the vehicle. Luggage may not be stored/transported in the vehicle's passenger compartment. If the CLIENT has a concern regarding luggage capacity, the CLIENT must contact CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION in advance of the reservation's date to ensure that the vehicle class servicing the CLIENT's itinerary can accommodate the CLIENT's luggage.
Vehicle Images: Vehicle images displayed on the CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION website, e-mails, or reservation confirmation may differ from the actual vehicle servicing the CLIENT's reservation itinerary.
Force Majeure: CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION is not responsible for acts of God, acts of Nature and/or circumstances that are beyond our control; including but not limited to traffic congestion, road closures, accidents, flight delays/cancellations, weather delays, mechanical failures, etc. The CLIENT expressly holds harmless CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION for any actual, consequential, future, or potential liabilities or damages.
Alcoholic Beverages, Illegal/Illicit Substances & Weapons: No smoking or vaping (including cannabis/THC in ANY form), possession or use of any illegal substance, is permitted inside any vehicle. No alcoholic beverages are permitted in the vehicle unless the vehicle is partitioned from the chauffeur, and ALL passengers are 21 years-of-age or older. The CLIENT must adhere to all local alcoholic beverage laws and regulations and is solely responsible for any legal violation related thereto and subsequent penalty(s) assessed to the CLIENT, passengers, chauffeur, or CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION. No dangerous or deadly weapons may be carried within any vehicle by any person at any time. Violations of law may be prosecuted criminally and/or civilly, at the discretion of CHESAPEAKE CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION.