Posted 03/26/2026 by Dominic Menard
A 40 passenger bus from Carpenter Bus Sales carries 40 people including the driver, on a 40 foot body built on a Ford F-650 or a Freightliner S2C chassis. Most 40 passenger floor plans reach that number by giving the last few rows to a rear luggage compartment. Federal rules require a commercial driver's license for a 40 passenger bus, and the exac […]
Posted 03/26/2026 by Dominic Menard
A 35 passenger bus is a large shuttle bus configured to carry 35 people, including the driver. Carpenter Bus Sales offers 35 passenger configurations of the Starcraft Allstar XL, Glaval Concorde II, and Glaval Legacy, built on heavy duty Ford F-650 or Freightliner S2C chassis, with the space not used for seats going to a rear luggage compartment, e […]
Posted 03/26/2026 by Dominic Menard
A 30 passenger bus seats 30 people, including the driver, and Carpenter Bus Sales offers this size on two platforms: the 27-foot Starcraft MVP on a Ford E-450, or a Ford F-550 bus from 28 to 32 feet with gas or diesel power. Because it is designed for 16 or more people, drivers need a CDL with a passenger endorsement under the federal standard, an […]
Posted 03/26/2026 by Dominic Menard
A 25 passenger bus seats 25 people (24 passengers plus the driver). Federal rules require a commercial driver's license (CDL) for any vehicle designed to carry 16 or more people including the driver, so a 25 passenger bus is well over that threshold. Anyone driving it needs a CDL with a passenger (P) endorsement. There are only a few narrow excepti […]
Posted 03/26/2026 by Dominic Menard
A 20 passenger bus is the right step up from a 15 passenger bus when your group regularly tops 15 people and you have CDL drivers, because the federal rule requires a CDL for any bus designed for 16 or more people, driver included. Carpenter Bus Sales counts the driver in every capacity it lists, so a 20 passenger bus carries 19 riders plus the dri […]
Posted 03/26/2026 by Dominic Menard
A 15 passenger bus is a purpose-built bus on a commercial cutaway chassis that seats 14 riders plus the driver, and Carpenter Bus Sales counts the driver in every capacity it lists. Those 15 total occupants keep the bus under the federal threshold of 16 or more people that triggers a commercial driver's license, which is why churches, senior living […]
Posted 12/13/2025 by Dominic Menard
Buying a bus is a big decision—whether it’s for a church, school, nonprofit, senior living community, or shuttle service. A clear, step-by-step checklist keeps you organized and helps you avoid costly mistakes. Here’s the ultimate guide to make sure you cover every important detail before signing on the dotted line. Our bus buying guide gives you […]
Posted 12/13/2025 by Dominic Menard
Your shuttle fleet isn’t just a way to move people—it’s a powerful, moving advertisement for your business. Every mile your vehicle travels is an opportunity to attract attention, build credibility, and strengthen brand recognition. Here’s how to turn your shuttle bus into a marketing asset that works for you 24/7. 1. Leverage Mobile Branding 🚐 W […]
Posted 12/13/2025 by Dominic Menard
Choosing the right supplier can make or break your dealership’s success in the specialty vehicle market. Whether you’re just starting to sell buses or expanding your inventory, you need a vendor who supports your business goals—not just one who moves units. Here are seven key traits that define a dealer-friendly bus supplier—and why Carpenter Bus […]
Posted 12/13/2025 by Dominic Menard
Every school depends on reliable transportation—whether it’s for daily student routes, athletic events, or faculty shuttles. But when it’s time to update your fleet, one big question arises: Should you lease or buy your school shuttle bus? Both options have strong advantages. The right choice depends on how your school uses its vehicles, your budg […]
Posted 12/13/2025 by Dominic Menard
Senior community transportation is more than a service—it’s a major contributor to resident satisfaction, community reputation, and long-term growth. While upgrading your transportation fleet may seem like a large expense, the return on investment (ROI) often goes far beyond the vehicles themselves. Here’s how a new or upgraded bus can deliver mea […]
Posted 12/09/2025 by Dominic Menard
Carpenter Bus Sales recommends that a church transportation program start with four decisions: who the bus serves, what size fits that group, who is approved to drive it, and which safety features it needs. Passenger counts include the driver, and federal rules require a CDL (commercial driver's license) for a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more p […]
Expert tips to make your bus purchase simple and stress-free.
Get our free bus buying guide!
