It was a little hard to think of a title for what I'm about to write so if anyone has any suggestions after reading this piece, I am open for suggestions. Here we go:
 
I've talked about getting our new limousine bus now since October. Well, we have it, but presently we can't use it. Oh, we can drive it around, but no passengers are alllowed. Now, I could do it , but that would be illegal, and anybody who knows me will know I won't do anything illegal (maybe cheat a little playing basketball). That drives my wife crazy, since so many people in our industry break the rules.
 
The vehicle has a capacity of thirty passengers which puts us under the rules of NJDOT (New Jersey Department of Transportation) and USDOT (guess). In 1988 I became ICC (Interstate Commerce Commission) regulated which later became USDOT. Back then I received a letter that stated I was compliant. NJDOT wanted me to produce this letter. I don't remember where I put something two days ago, let alone 22 years back.
 
After finding this out on January 6th, we called the USDOT. That was a Thursday for those of you who don't remember what the calender looked like. We called and called, five to six times a day. Sometimes speaking to a real live human being, but mostly voice mails. We tried everything. My town officials helped me, I wrote to Congressman Garrett's office. And finally on January 13th, the next Thursday, after begging in the morning, I got the illustrious letter faxed to me at roughly 2:00 PM. We immediately sent it to the NJDOT. We are in business.
 
Guess what. It is now February 2nd, I still haven't even gotten a call to schedule an inspection. My temporary tag is expiring which leaves me with another problem.
 
What I don't understand is that we survived downturns in the economy, recessions, high fuel costs, blizzards, wars and other major disasters, but what may be bringing us down is our own goverment. Where is the support for the guy who is still able to employ people in this crappy economy. With everything else my elected officials are dumping on us, you would think they would try to be a little more supportive.
 
As of this afternoon, I still cannot get an answer as to when the inspection will be. So what do you think?