Our Bus Manufacturers
Carpenter Bus Sales is a proud authorized dealer for the industry's most reliable bus and van brands. With two dedicated service centers and nationwide delivery, we provide more than just a vehicle—we provide a long-term transportation partnership. Explore our manufacturer lineup below to find the right chassis, capacity, and specialized features for your organization.
Starcraft Bus
Top Value & Top Quality
As one of the nation's leading producers of small and mid-size buses, Starcraft offers affordable, top-quality alternatives for fleets of any size. Built on versatile Ford and Chevy chassis, these buses feature fully welded steel cage construction designed for long-term durability.
- Capacity: Models accommodate 15 to 46 passengers.
- Key Benefit: Versatile floor plans suitable for high-frequency transit or private organizational use.
Glaval Bus
Innovation & Reliability
Glaval Bus provides a full line of top-quality vehicles ranging from 21' to 40' in length. Their signature "Steel Safe" construction wraps passengers in a protective steel frame, offering a quiet, smooth ride and the structural integrity required for heavy-duty commercial service.
- Capacity: Models accommodate 14 to 45 passengers.
- Key Benefit: Virtually unlimited floor plans to meet specific regional or operational requirements.
Collins
Unrivaled Safety & Student Protection
Collins is the recognized leader in Type A bus manufacturing, engineered with the industry's strongest steel roll cage. Featuring a unique one-piece tubular roof design and maximum driver visibility, Collins sets the standard for safety in the small-bus category.
- Capacity: Models accommodate 10 to 34 passengers.
- Key Benefit: Purpose-built for high-safety standards and ease of operation in residential and urban areas.
Forest River Van
Efficiency & Value
Focused on modern, low-profile transit solutions, Forest River Vans are built on Ford Transit and Ram ProMaster platforms. These vehicles offer exceptional fuel economy and maneuverability, making them an ideal choice for organizations needing efficient, non-CDL transportation.
- Capacity: Up to 15 passengers (including driver).
- Key Benefit: Streamlined design for easy parking and navigation in high-traffic environments.
FR Conversions
Premier Accessibility & Innovative Mobility
Specializing in specialized mobility solutions, FR Conversions provides industry-leading wheelchair-accessible van conversions. Their innovative "Long Cut" floor plans maximize interior space and entry-ramp width, ensuring reliable and comfortable transport for all passengers.
- Capacity: Up to 14 passengers or multiple specialized mobility positions.
- Key Benefit: Superior interior height and width for paratransit and specialized fleet needs.
LA West
Luxury & Style
A world leader in lifestyle van enhancements and luxury executive shuttle conversions. Built primarily on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ford Transit platforms and engineered for those who require a sophisticated, first-class passenger experience with premium interior appointments.
- Capacity: Specialized luxury layouts accommodating 8 to 15 passengers.
- Key Benefit: High-end amenities including premium seating and state-of-the-art entertainment systems for executive transport.
ADA Boy Vans
Precision-Built Accessibility
Specializing in precision-built, ADA-compliant van conversions, ADA Boy Vans is built on Ford Transit and Ram ProMaster platforms. Every vehicle features Altro non-slip flooring, AMF flexible floor systems, and BraunAbility lifts as standard equipment, with custom floor plans and short lead times available.
- Capacity: Up to 15 passengers with wheelchair positions.
- Key Benefit: 100% ADA and FMVSS compliant with side-entry and rear-entry lift or ramp configurations.
How to Choose the Right Manufacturer
- Non-CDL Options: Every manufacturer in our lineup offers configurations that do not require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), typically for 15 passengers or fewer (including the driver).
- ADA Compliance: We offer wheelchair-accessible floor plans across all brands. FR Conversions and Forest River Van lead in van-based mobility, while Starcraft and Glaval provide high-capacity lift-equipped shuttle buses.
- Safety Standards: If student transport is your priority, Collins exceeds all FMVSS safety requirements with their specialized school bus engineering.
The Carpenter Bus Advantage
- Nationwide Delivery: We deliver your bus directly to your door, anywhere in the United States.
- Dual-Location Service: Full-service bays and ASE™ Certified technicians are available at our Franklin, TN and Elm Mott, TX locations.
- Pre-Delivery Inspection: Every vehicle undergoes a rigorous multi-point inspection by our on-site service department to ensure it is road-ready.
Download Your FREE Bus Buying Guide!
Expert tips to make your bus purchase simple and stress-free.
