An executive chauffeur drives business executives and dignitaries to meetings, social events, restaurants, and other locations. An executive chauffeur may work for a private individual, a government agency, or a corporation as a professional driver. Some chauffeurs work for private limousine companies, while others are self-employed. An executive chauffeur’s responsibilities may also include running errands, assisting clients with luggage, and keeping a vehicle clean and in good working order.
To assist foreign dignitaries or international business executives who require transportation, some luxury car rental companies provide drivers who speak more than one language. An executive chauffeur who specializes in this field may accompany the client throughout the day to act as a translator. If a visiting dignitary requires security, the driving is usually handled by an executive chauffeur with a law enforcement background.
Drivers may work for an executive’s entire family and live in the executive’s home. These chauffeurs may be responsible for transporting children to and from school and after-school activities. Private household chauffeurs typically handle all of a family’s transportation needs, with some running errands when not driving.
A corporate executive chauffeur may work solely for a company, providing transportation for upper-level executives. Executives are frequently driven to and picked up from the airport by the driver. He or she offers similar services to clients who are visiting on business trips. A van may be used to transport a large group of clients from the airport to their hotel if they are arriving on business.
For insurance purposes, most limousine companies hire chauffeurs who are over a certain age. To ensure safety, they typically check driving records for accidents and traffic violations. Employees at some chauffeur rental companies are subjected to drug tests and required to take driving courses. Additional testing and certification may be required to work as a chauffeur in government agencies.
Drivers should have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a diverse group of people. They must be courteous and able to maintain their composure while driving in congested areas. Punctuality is an important characteristic for professional drivers who are in charge of getting executives to meetings and conferences on time. Patience is also a plus because chauffeurs may have to wait for long periods of time while the client attends to his or her business.
An executive chauffeur’s salary may differ depending on whether the driver is self-employed or employed by a private company. A benefit package for a corporate chauffeur might include health insurance, a pension, and paid vacation. Client tips are usually added to a chauffeur’s base pay.