Hassle Free Holiday Shopping Transportation

Planning on shopping on Black Friday? Love the bargains but hate the hassle of traffic, parking and carrying all those purchases?

Then let A. Harrington Limousines Services's professional chauffeurs remove the hassle of shopping after Thanksgiving. We will pick you up at home, drive through the traffic as you relax in the back, and drop you right at the front door of your favorite NJ stores and malls. We'll even come get your packages and take them out to the vehicle as you continue to shop.

If you split the fee with a couple of your favorite shopping pals, all this convenience can be enjoyed for a low special discount ! Just call us for your private discount.

Dont delay. Call us today at: 800-458-LIMO to book your personal Black Friday shopping chauffeur from A. Harrington Limousine Service.

Limo to Lunch

How cool would it be if when lunch time rolled around and you and a few of your friends decided that you were going to go out for lunch and the was a BIG SHINNY BLACK LIMOUSINE waiting for you right outside to take you and your friends to lunch wait for you and then bring you back. Hey in addition there would be no waiting at the restaurant and you would be treated like a star. Now would that be cool or what?

Well we are on a mission to pilot this program in the Edison, South Plainfield and Piscataway areas of NJ

So if you know anyone who can authorize the program at their restaurant in the areas we had mentioned above let me know"

Smile as you give back

Have you ever noticed that every day we take and take and take but when was the last time you gave? I mean take a look at your day and whatever it is that you do if you walk up to someone at work and ask them for something, anything, you are taking something away from them, that’s right their time. Now granted this may be their role in the job that they have in relation to what you do but have you ever just brought a co worker a cup of coffee/ water anything to their desk just because you saw them working there? Or how about hey I am running to the deli to pick up lunch can I get you anything? These are just simple acts of kindness that go much further than their actions themselves. The last two little tid bits I would like to share is to care, no not how are you doing? but REALLY how are you doing! To greet people in a positive and more pleasant way. We all know who we are, we are the ones who don’t look up at anyone when we walk in or barely say anything if we do. So the next time you walk in to a room say HI! and mean it regardless of what happened to you 5 minutes ago. You are in a totally new place where no one there knows that you were stuck in traffic for the last half hour or that you had a argument with your friend, so try to turn it around and you may feel just a little bit better than you did the day before and this can spread throughout an office like wild fire. Make you day more fun!

Computer problems?

Have you ever really sat down and said to yourself if the server in my office were to die what could I do? Can you take care of your clients? Can you respond to email? Can you do any of your work?

Well let me tell you that it is not a pretty sight. You make sure that you are up to date on the virus protection software, and that you do a back up every night. So if your server crashed what would you back up to? Do you have another server that could take its place? This can be a terrible nightmare and countless hours of frustration if you are not prepared. I would strongly recommend an online back up system that will constantly back you up. Now no matter at what time your hard drive/s decide to go on vacation you are still backed up and the can restore to the spare hard drive/s that you keep in the safe spot. that is just one of the things that you should be ready for. If you would like more information go to our friends at Tekpro Systems

“Swine Influenza and You.”

“In response to an intensifying outbreak in the United States and internationally caused by a new influenza virus of swine origin, the World Health Organization raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 5 on April 29, 2009. A Phase 5 alert is a ‘strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short.’

“The United States Government has declared a public health emergency in the United States. CDC’s response goals are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by this emergency. CDC is issuing and updating interim guidance daily in response to the rapidly evolving situation.”

See http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm for full details on “Swine Influenza and You.” Also see www.ustravel.org for the latest information from the U.S. Travel Association.

Take note that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website www.cdc.gov will be updated regularly as information becomes available.

Meanwhile, stay informed, remember these tips on staying healthy from the CDC, and remind your employees to do the same!

• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
• Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies.
• Call 1-800-CDC if needed.

So you are getting Married

1. Consult our website www.harringtonlimo.com to find all the information that you may need and if you don't see what you are looking for just call 800-458-5466 as we are here to help you.

2. Determine the number of people you are transporting. Limousine companies typically quote the number of permitted passengers in their vehicles based on guidelines from the manufacturer. Typically, the manufacturer quotes a gross weight on the vehicle (FMVSS requirements) and a number of passengers based on 150 pounds per passenger. Unless you have extremely thin men in your party, booking the maximum number of people in the limousine will be extremely uncomfortable. For example, a six-passenger limousine is normally stretched between 65 and 70 inches. The vehicle is cut in half, stretched 65-70 inches, then finished by the manufacturer. This is comfortable for four adults. So lesson #1 is do NOT book the limousine to its maximum capacity. Instead, rent a larger limousine or rent more than one limousine. Some limousine companies also have stretched SUVs or 28-passenger mini-coaches. Never underestimate how warm and uncomfortable formal clothing is and how much worse its wearers can feel in close quarters. Also keep in mind that the A/C manufactures say that under extream conditions the system will only cool down the vehicle by 10%. That means if it is 90 degrees out it may only cool the vehicle down to 81. So keep the amount of people in mind.

3. Many limousine operators use their colleagues to handle multi-vehicle charters. Ask your contact if another company will be working with them on your wedding day. Do your same due diligence on the other company. If you are not satisfied with the professionalism of the farm-out company, go to an operator who can manage the entire wedding charter.

4. Timing: Weddings do not normally go off with military precision. Rent the limousine for at least an extra hour beyond the expected schedule. Have the limousine come 15-30 minutes early (at A. Harrington Limousine Service the vehicles always show up 10 to 15 minutes early) to allow extra time for pictures. Receiving lines take 25 minutes per 100 people and photographers take much more time then you probably figure. It is extremely stressful on everyone if you have left inadequate time for your charter.

5. Limousine operators often have more than one event to service in a day. Do not assume you can add time to your charter on your wedding day. Spend a few dollars more so your limousine is guaranteed for all of the hours you require.

6. Visit the limousine operator from whom you are renting the vehicle(s). Ask for references. Insist on a written contract within one week of leaving your deposit. Consider using a major credit card if you are unfamiliar with the company you have chosen.

7. As much as possible, keep alcohol out of the limousine. Drinkers -- plus excitement and formal clothing -- can be a recipe for disaster.

8. Consider hiring a van or full-size sedan to be on hand as a "designated driver" vehicle for those guests who may not have used their best judgment during the wedding reception.

9. A chauffeur should be tipped between 15 and 20 percent of the total charge. ALL chauffeurs prefer a cash gratuity. If the chauffeur has treated you well, tip him/her handsomely and be sure to call the owner. If the chauffeur has NOT delivered good service, inform the owner as well.

10. Breakdown: Limousines are machines. They unfortunately get flat tires and hoses and seals rip like any other vehicle. Unless you rent a "backup vehicle", most companies will have to scramble to transport you should there be a problem. Ask your limousine professional what system he/she has in the event of a problem.

Prom Tips for Teens

Prom night is one of the most anticipated nights on the teen calendar. From preparing her fancy dress, hair and makeup to ordering expensive flowers, every girl would like to make this night special. A ride in a limousine to the big event can do just that and more; transforming prom night into an extraordinarily memorable and enchanting evening.

But not all transportation companies are created equally. In fact, sometimes, chartering a limo from a poor quality company can ruin the entire night, which is why the experts at the National Limousine Association have a few tips on chartering professional and reliable chauffeured transportation:

1. Talk to your friends early. The demand for transportation during the spring season can be overwhelming when so many others are chartering transportation for prom, graduation, and even weddings! Talk to your friends early and decide who will be in your limo group, so that you can book your reservations and get the vehicle you want.

2. Show up in style. A unique chauffeured car will definitely set you apart from the rest. There are many styles available such as stretch limos with special interiors, sedans and party buses. Depending on the number of people you will have in the car, you may want a certain make or model. Choose something that suits your mood and shows you off. Consult www.nlaride.com to get a list of all the transportation professionals in your area, so you can check out what types of vehicles are available to you.

3. Allow time to take lots of pictures. You’re definitely going want some memories, so plan for everyone to meet up for pre-prom at one location (make sure the limo company and the chauffeur have the address and directions). This will eliminate wasting time that can be used for taking pictures and enjoying your friends. You can even ask the driver to position the chauffeured vehicle to be a part of the shot.

4. Ask about the perks. Some companies provide food, beverages, and tunes for the ride over to the party. Ask in advance about the amenities that are available, such as sparkling cider to toast the night away. Also ask about the type of music available – be prepared to take some mix CDs that will have enough music for the whole ride so that you have the coolest music for the special night!

5. Extend the night. Don’t forget that there is always a post-prom party. Remember to book your ride for a few extra hours to ensure you have time to have a great time! Most importantly, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.