As tariffs and inflation drive up the cost of new motorcoaches and imported parts, the value of fleets is rising.
Spring Bird’s new Director of Operations says he is ready to help private motorcoach operators preserve and build that value. Thomas Hoskins brings more than 20 years of fleet management and service experience to that role.
“Our main goal is to save our clients money and resources by extending the life of their equipment,” said Hoskins. “Spring Bird is positioned to be the partner that helps motorcoach operators maintain their fleets, avoid costly replacements, and keep their vehicles road-ready.”
Hoskins’ experience includes eight years at Complete Coach Works, where he led modernization and overhaul projects, and 13 years at Motor Coach Industries (MCI), managing operations and customer support for private motorcoach companies across the West Coast.
“I’ve worked directly with motorcoach operators to make sure they’re satisfied with their vehicles,” Hoskins said. “That includes understanding their routes, maintenance challenges, and helping them find the right solutions to extend the life of their fleet.”
Hoskins will oversee fleet operations, production strategy and customer service.
Building fleet value
Spring Bird specializes in pre-owned vehicle sales, parts sourcing, fleet rehabilitation, and maintenance solutions tailored for private motorcoach operators. It helps clients maintain and upgrade their fleet with services like GPS and Wi-Fi installation, engine and transmission replacements, and DOT inspections.
“Whether it’s a pre-owned part, an engine swap, or on-site staffing support, our team knows how to respond to a client’s needs quickly and effectively,” Hoskins added.
The Austin company has expanded its presence with satellite locations to offer nationwide service.
Spring Bird has deep roots in the bus industry. The Carson family has been involved in the transportation business for more than 80 years, starting when Dean Carson Sr., launched a local bus service in Los Angeles in 1943.
Since then, the Carson family has built and operated transit systems, fleet rehabilitation services and private motorcoach companies.
The Carson family expanded its reach across Southern California in the 1950s, later selling transit lines to the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority, or what is now LA Metro.
By the 1980s, the Carson family’s business evolved to include bus refurbishment, private contracts and major transportation partnerships, including work with the Olympic Games in Salt Lake City and Vancouver.
In the 2010s, the family’s expertise extended to major partnerships with Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Six Flags while it continued to work with public transit agencies.
Now in its fourth generation, the Carson family’s transportation legacy continues through Spring Bird, founded by Elliott Carson in 2020.
