Rent a Bus for Your Organization
Carpenter Bus Sales is one of the few bus dealers in the country that rents buses directly to organizations — without a driver. You provide the driver and insurance, we provide the bus. Available in Tennessee and Texas.
Choose Your Rental Location
How Bus Rentals Work at Carpenter Bus
Most bus rental companies are charter services — they provide the bus and the driver, and you pay a premium for both. Carpenter Bus Sales is different. We rent you the bus itself, and your organization provides the driver and insurance. This means lower costs for your group and more control over your schedule.
• Step 1: Choose Your Bus
Tell us how many passengers you need, your trip dates, and your pickup location (Franklin, TN or Waco, TX). We’ll match you with the right bus from our rental fleet.
• Step 2: Confirm Insurance & Driver
Your organization provides a qualified driver and proof of insurance meeting our minimum coverage requirements. We’ll walk you through exactly what’s needed.
• Step 3: Pick Up & Go
Pick up the bus at our location, take your trip, and return it when you’re done. Rental terms range from 1 day to 3 months. Need it delivered? We can deliver your rental bus to you! Call us today to discuss.
Who Can Rent a Bus?
We rent to qualified organizations including churches, schools, senior care communities, nonprofits, and other groups with proper insurance and a licensed driver. This is not a charter service — we do not provide drivers.
Churches & Ministries
Our most common rental customers are churches. Whether it’s a weekend youth retreat, a week-long mission trip, or a temporary replacement while your bus is in the shop, renting from Carpenter Bus keeps your ministry moving without a long-term commitment.
Schools, Senior Care & Others
If you are a private school planning a field trip, a senior care community organizing resident outings, or another organization with group travel needs, you can rent a bus if you have proper insurance and a qualified driver.
Our Bus Rental Fleet
Small Bus
Medium Buses
Large Bus
| Bus Size | Passengers (incl. Driver) |
CDL Required | Popular Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Bus | 15 Passengers | No | Rear storage, wheelchair lift available |
| Medium Buses | 16 - 26 Passengers | Yes | Rear storage, wheelchair lift available |
| Large Bus | 27 - 44 Passengers | Yes | Reclining seats, overhead luggage |
We keep three sizes of buses in our rental fleet — all maintained to the same standards as the buses we sell. Availability varies — ask when requesting your quote.
Insurance Requirements
Insurance requirements vary by bus size and organization type. Here are the general guidelines:
Non-CDL (15 passengers or fewer)
CDL-required (over 15 passengers)
| Bus Size | Auto Liability Minimum | Excess Umbrella Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Non-CDL (15 passengers or fewer) | $1,500,000 | $1,000,000 |
| CDL-required (over 15 passengers) | $5,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
Full details and specific requirements are provided when you request a quote. Our team will walk you through the process to make sure your organization is properly covered before your trip.
Bus Rental Locations
Choose Your Rental Location
132 Royal Oaks Blvd, Franklin, TN 37067
Phone: (615) 376-2287 ext. 213
Amanda Crawford - [email protected]
6400 Old Dallas Road, Elm Mott, TX 76640
Phone: (615) 376-2287 ext. 213
Amanda Crawford - [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Rentals
Charter companies provide the bus and the driver — you're paying for both. Carpenter Bus rents you the bus only. Your organization provides the driver and insurance, which means lower costs and complete control over your schedule and itinerary.
In most states, you do not need a CDL to drive any vehicle that carries 15 total passengers or less. However, some states have stricter requirements. As always, please check with your local DMV for CDL licensing requirements.
Rental terms start at 1 day and can extend up to 3 months depending on availability. Whether you need a bus for a weekend retreat, a week-long mission trip, or a multi-month temporary replacement, we can work with you.
We rent to churches, schools, senior care communities, nonprofits, and other qualified organizations. You'll need proper auto liability and excess umbrella insurance coverage and a qualified driver. We do not rent to individuals for personal use.
Yes. Some of our small rental buses are available with wheelchair lifts. Let us know your accessibility needs when requesting a quote and we'll match you with the right bus.
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