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At EmpireCLS, your peace of mind is our highest priority. Our duty of care surpasses industry standards at every touchpoint of your journey—from the professionals we hire, to the meticulous care of our fleet, to the proactive systems safeguarding you worldwide.
Discover how our commitment to safety, discretion, and attentive service transforms travel into a truly peaceful experience.
Golden light, cold air, and calendars stacked with fall season moments. You’re stepping from door to door—bags, layers, and souvenirs tucked safely away—moving through New York, Chicago, Vienna, Kyoto, or Melbourne amidst November’s seasonal highlights.
Whether it’s a discreet sedan for two, an Escalade for the family, the car becomes your private lounge between experiences, letting every city reveal itself on your terms.
Crisp mornings, stacked schedules, and not a second to spare. Fall is when group travel either flows…or falls apart.
EmpireCLS keeps it seamless with a fleet built for every headcount: Mercedes XL and GF1 Sprinters for teams, and minibuses or full-size coaches for the big moves. You set the agenda. We’ll take care of the movement.
A new era of chauffeured luxury is on the horizon. The all-electric Cadillac Escalade IQ—iconic, powerful, and engineered for long-range performance—redefines what a first-class ride can be.
Its arrival signals the next step in our commitment to sustainable sophistication, where uncompromising comfort meets cutting-edge innovation, and every journey becomes an experience in effortless elegance.
We’re delighted to announce that EmpireCLS will soon introduce the first-ever all-electric Cadillac Escalade IQ to our EV fleet! Escalade IQ isn’t just an SUV. It’s a statement: refined comfort, whisper-quiet performance, and reduced environmental impact — a new benchmark in luxury chauffeured travel.
Escalade IQ Highlights
What it means for you
With the Escalade IQ, every journey is a chauffeur-driven experience that reflects both luxury and purpose. You’ll have the option to select this flagship for your next VIP transfer, event, or executive itinerary, while enjoying the confidence that comes from partnering with a fleet dedicated to uncompromising luxury and thoughtful sustainability.
Stay tuned for full launch details and reservation options.
Golden light, crunchy leaves, and a calendar full of only-in-November experiences. This season isn’t about the rush—it’s about the arrival. And in these six cities, fall feels even better when every handoff is seamless, every pickup precise, and every moment begins in the warmth of an EmpireCLS ride.
New York City
Morning begins at the TCS New York City Marathon: your chauffeur eases a sleek executive SUV to a perfect cheering spot along Central Park South—close enough to feel the roar as runners stream through all five boroughs—then glides you up Fifth Avenue to a black-tie evening at Lincoln Center for New York City Ballet’s George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker—snowflakes swirling onstage, Tchaikovsky in the air, and a 40-foot tree rising inside the David H. Koch Theater.
By night, the same SUV whisks you to Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular—the Rockettes’ famous precision, the toy-soldier fall, and the living Nativity—and you step out under the marquee with the glow of Rockefeller Center just ahead. Between stops, the SUV feels like your own private lounge; at every curb, there’s space to breathe.
Chicago
This fall season, your group moves through Chicago’s season in GF1: one evening opens on Michigan Avenue at the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival—twilight parade, riverfront fireworks, the avenue aglow—before your chauffeur collects everyone steps from Pioneer Court; on another night, Symphony Center sets the tone as Riccardo Muti leads the CSO with guitarist Pablo Sáinz-Villegas in Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez alongside Brahms’s Fourth, a program worthy of a spectacular arrival; later in the month, you slip beneath the Lyric’s gilded arches for Carmina Burana, Orff’s chorus-driven spectacle from hushed incantations to the thunder of “O Fortuna,” with GF1 staged curbside, ready to take you into the night in style.
Kyoto
Across November, lanterns and maples frame each outing: an executive sedan settles beneath the ICC Kyoto portico for the Kyoto Prize Presentation—Japan’s internationally revered ceremony honoring leaders in science, arts, and philosophy; on another evening it slips into Gion for the Gion Odori, geiko and maiko in seasonal programs with optional tea service for select seats; later in the month it stages above Higashiyama for Kiyomizu-dera’s special night viewing, terraces reflecting city lights while your chauffeur manages narrow approaches and timed entries—cabin warm, tea waiting, batteries charging, Kyoto passing the windows like silk.
Melbourne
Cup Week unfolds in three chapters at Flemington: monochrome millinery and black-tie polish at Howden Victoria Derby Day (your sedan drops at the members’ porte-cochère while a minicoach carries the party to hospitality suites); the nation pauses for Lexus Melbourne Cup Day, where your group steps straight into Birdcage-level hospitality and private terraces; and elegance returns for Crown Oaks Day, pink florals, long lunches, and a seamless, curb-to-suite flow.
Vienna
In Vienna, your itinerary moves from white-glove gallery previews at Vienna Art Week—chauffeur staging a Sprinter for short hops between salons and private views—to a timely arrival at the Hofburg’s baroque ring for the Spanish Riding School gala performance, where Lipizzaners trace classical figures beneath chandeliers; later in the month, the sedan takes you to the Musikverein portico for the Vienna Philharmonic in the Golden Hall, with a post-concert exit timed to miss the carriage traffic on Bösendorferstraße.
Wherever your travels take you, EmpireCLS ensures every journey is a seamless blend of comfort, precision, and elegance. Trust us to handle the details, so you can focus on the moments that matter. Reserve your fall experience today.
Crisp mornings, stacked schedules, and not a second to spare. Fall is when group travel either flows…or falls apart. EmpireCLS keeps it seamless with a fleet built for every headcount: Mercedes XL and GF1 Sprinters for teams, and minibuses or full-size coaches for the big moves. You set the agenda. We’ll take care of the movement.
Between briefings and venue doors, GF1 feels like an executive lounge on wheels—quiet, tall, and composed. Bentley-stitched captain’s chairs and twin 32″ screens (Apple TV, satellite, Wi-Fi) turn transit into usable time, while ambient lighting and hardwood floors keep the tone deliberately calm.
Features
This is the small-team staple: a modern, airy cabin where high-back leather seats, real legroom, and easy USB charging keep everyone comfortable and on-task from hotel pickup to final drop.
Features
For mid-size movements, the GM40 rides polished and unhurried. The panoramic front window opens the road ahead, HD monitors handle content, and convenient outlets/USB keep laptops alive between stops.
Features
When the whole roster needs to move as one, this coach keeps it simple: wide, comfortable seating, overhead storage, Wi-Fi and flat-screens for en-route updates, and a restroom for the longer hauls.
Features
From manifests and timed loops to on-site coordinators, our seasoned Meetings & Events specialists orchestrate point-to-point movements so your attendees glide from hotel to venue to after-hour events.
Ready to Move Your Group? Reserve Your Ride Now.
In the world of luxury chauffeured transportation, peace of mind is the real premium, and it comes from knowing that the company responsible for your journey has already thought through every detail that could affect your safety, comfort, schedule, and privacy.
At EmpireCLS, meeting basic safety regulations is our starting line, not our finish. Our duty of care goes further: we invest in stronger standards, deeper training, stricter vetting, and more advanced monitoring than what is required—because our clients entrust us with situations where reliability and protection are non-negotiable. Whether it’s a late-night airport pickup, a high-stakes corporate itinerary, or a young traveler riding alone, there should be no uncertainty, no doubt, and no question about who is looking out for them.
Every EmpireCLS chauffeur undergoes a 7-year federal and state background check, full motor-vehicle history review, and criminal-conviction search—standards we enforce globally. Candidates must also pass 10-panel drug and alcohol testing at hire, followed by random testing throughout their employment. We choose people who are proven to be responsible, discreet, and driven by a genuine commitment to exceptional service.
Professionalism in Presentation and Conduct
Chauffeurs follow a strict presentation standard—black suit, grey tie, dress shirt, and the official EmpireCLS pin—because consistency communicates care. Before each pickup, they prepare the vehicle environment with intention: a clean cabin, bottled water, universal chargers, and the quiet confidence of someone who is ready for the client they are welcoming.
EmpireCLS University
In 2025, we relaunched EmpireCLS University, our in-house training program modeled on Forbes Travel Guide hospitality principles. The curriculum combines:
Training includes two full days of on-the-road immersion in complex, real-world conditions at airports, luxury hotels, and dense business districts. Four weeks after graduation, each chauffeur receives a performance review to reinforce expectations and coaching—because excellence is something we maintain, not declare.
When a flight is delayed, a pickup location changes, or a young traveler is riding without a par ent; our chauffeurs know how to respond. They are trained to protect the passenger’s experience, uphold safety, and communicate clearly with both the traveler and our operations team when needed. Behind every EmpireCLS vehicle is a professional who is prepared, vetted, and accountable—and that is where safety truly begins.
A safe journey requires a fleet that is cared for with discipline and an operations team that stays ahead of changing conditions. At EmpireCLS, safety is a continuous process supported by people, technology, and accountability at every stage of a trip.
Proactively Maintained Fleet
We operate one of the youngest luxury fleets in the industry, with vehicles on a 12–24 month replacement cycle to ensure the latest safety engineering and technology. Each vehicle is maintained in our ASE-certified, in-house service center, where dedicated service managers oversee monthly 59-point preventive inspections and rigorous repair standards.
We apply the same expectations across our global network. Every affiliate partner we work with must uphold equivalent vehicle standards to ensure consistency in every market.
Real-Time Operations and Proactive Logistics
Behind every chauffeur is a 24/7 operations team that monitors flights, traffic, weather patterns, local events, and route conditions in real time. Using advanced fleet-management technology, we identify disruptions early and adapt before they affect the passenger experience. Whether it’s a runway delay, a road closure, or a change in venue, adjustments happen quickly and quietly—so the journey stays on schedule.
EmpireCLS is built for more than point-to-point travel. From global roadshows to large-scale event transportation, our logistics teams coordinate multi-vehicle movements, staging locations, airport manifests, and tightly sequenced schedules. We are accustomed to late nights, early mornings, evolving itineraries, and last-minute adjustments, and our chauffeurs and dispatchers approach these moments with professionalism, flexibility, and composure.
Luxury travel requires confidence that your wellbeing, your information, and your journey are protected from every angle. At EmpireCLS, duty of care extends into the digital, legal, and global dimensions of travel.
Industry-Leading Insurance for Maximum Protection
EmpireCLS maintains up to $5 million in auto liability coverage per passenger, per trip—far exceeding the coverage common in our industry – this level of protection offers:
Data Privacy, Cyber Security & Discretion
We safeguard personal and travel data with:
Every chauffeur and staff member is trained in confidentiality. No sharing, no exposure, no exceptions. Whether it’s a public figure, a corporate executive, or a family itinerary, privacy is treated as a core responsibility—not a courtesy.
Emergency Preparedness and Global Consistency
Chauffeurs and support teams are trained in emergency procedures for vehicle incidents, health emergencies, and route disruptions. Our 24/7 global operations support coordinates backup vehicles, alternate routing, and real-time communication when needed. With vetted partners in over 1,000 cities worldwide, passengers experience the same level of safety and care across borders and time zones.
Luxury is often defined by what a passenger sees and feels—but true luxury is also defined by what they never have to think about. When a journey is protected by rigorous standards and proactive systems, the result is a rare and unmistakable feeling: peace of mind. Because when travelers feel protected, they can focus on what matters—the meeting ahead, the moment they’re entering, or the loved ones they’re reuniting with.
Your safety is our foundation. Your trust is our responsibility. And your confidence is the result of a duty of care built to go beyond expectation, every mile of the way.
Delivering unparalleled service demands unwavering dedication and constant refinement. That’s why we’ve completely redesigned our in-house chauffeur training program as a comprehensive, company-wide refresher.
From five-star hospitality and elite-level etiquette to advanced defensive driving and immersive real-world training, every element is crafted to ensure our team delivers a seamless, elevated experience—every time.
Every 5-star review tells a story of quick thinking and genuine care—like when a chauffeur “suggested an alternative for the Amalfi Coast and made our day fantastic” or went “above and beyond” to ensure every need was met with thoughtful attention. Our chauffeurs don’t just drive—they create moments of comfort and connection that linger long after the ride ends.
This year marks 11 years since EmpireCLS became the first global ground transportation company to partner with PACT (formerly ECPAT-USA) to combat child trafficking.
Through employee training, policy integration, and ongoing advocacy, we remain committed to protecting children. We train our teams to spot and prevent exploitation and proudly support PACT’s mission to ensure every child grows up free from harm.
We are incredibly proud and honored to be named this year’s “Specialty Partner of the Year” at the Global Travel Collection Partner Awards—an accolade voted on by GTC’s esteemed network of travel professionals. Additionally, we are tremendously honored to be a finalist nominee for “Best Specialty Partner” at the upcoming 2025 Virtuoso Global Travel Awards.
Being recognized by both GTC and Virtuoso reflects the indelible partnerships we’ve built over the years with the industry’s most respected professionals. Deeply grateful for their trust, we remain committed to helping shape the expertly curated experiences that define luxury travel.
Wherever summer takes you—whether it’s a private vineyard day trip along the California coast, a seamless transfer from your hotel to the Monte Carlo cruise port, or a spacious luxury vehicle accommodating your entire family for a retreat in Spain—EmpireCLS ensures your journey is polished and entirely on your terms. With chauffeured service in over 1,000 destinations, we handle every transfer with care and precision, so you can focus on savoring every moment.
There’s a certain magic to leisure travel in the summer—the way the days stretch just a bit longer, inviting spontaneity, indulgence, and connection. Whether it’s a long-awaited family reunion, a vineyard escape, or a Mediterranean cruise with curated stops along the way, the journey should be just as seamless and memorable as the destination.
At EmpireCLS, we’re more than a ride—we’re your behind-the-scenes support and your assurance that every transfer is handled with precision and care.
The days your cruise begins and ends shouldn’t feel stressful or rushed. With service in over 1,000 destinations worldwide, EmpireCLS meets you wherever your itinerary leads—whether you’re disembarking in Miami, Monte Carlo, or Sydney.
Our global reach allows us to support both the start and finish of your cruise experience. Maybe you’re flying in the night before and want a direct transfer from your hotel to the port. Or perhaps you’re spending an extra day exploring the city—shopping in Cannes, dining in San Juan, or taking a final beach stroll in Honolulu—before heading to the airport.
Our services are especially valuable on embarkation and disembarkation days, when ports buzz with travelers and timing is key. Heading out for a final day of sightseeing before your flight? We’ll handle your ground transportation, assist with luggage during pickups and drop-offs, and ensure your transfers are seamless—so you can savor every last moment of your journey.
Imagine a late summer morning: the sun just warm enough, the breeze laced with salt air, and a private vehicle waiting just outside your resort. You’re headed inland—away from the bustle—for a wine tasting led by a second-generation vintner, where rosé is poured into cut-glass stemware as stories are shared between sips. It’s not just about the destination—it’s about arriving unhurried, in comfort, and on your schedule.
Whether you’re visiting a coastal art village, an exclusive wellness retreat, or a historic estate tucked into the hills, our professional chauffeurs provide discreet, reliable service that lets you stay present in the moment. No maps. No stress. Just refined ground travel that fits into your day effortlessly.
Summer often brings people back to one another—cousins meeting at a resort after years apart, multigenerational families gathering for a week at a private estate, or old friends reuniting for an annual summer tradition. These are the trips that matter most, and they come with their own beautiful complexity.
EmpireCLS offers tailored solutions for groups of all sizes. Need multiple car seats for toddlers, but also space for eight adults and their luggage? Our late-model luxury vans and SUVs are equipped to handle it all—safely, comfortably, and with the elegance you expect. From airport pickups to hotel transfers to an evening out on the town, we’re the silent coordinator in the background, ensuring everyone arrives together, on time, and stress-free.
Summer is fleeting, but it doesn’t have to feel rushed. At EmpireCLS, we create the space for leisure to unfold the way it should: unhurried, polished, and fully present. Whether you’re cruising international waters or discovering hidden corners closer to home, we’re here to ensure you arrive in style—and remember the journey just as fondly as the destination.
At EmpireCLS, our chauffeurs are more than drivers—they are employed professionals, expertly trained in chauffeured hospitality and trusted to represent our brand at the highest level. Every journey is a reflection of our commitment to service at the highest standard. And at the heart of that experience is the chauffeur.
Through a rigorous, in-house training program, our chauffeurs master more than driving—they are trained in the art of chauffeuring, which combines discretion, awareness, emotional intelligence, and hospitality held to Forbes Five-Star standards. They’re prepared to anticipate your needs before you speak, and they know how to adapt quickly and calmly when plans change.
From weather disruptions and unexpected delays to re-routed journeys and special requests, EmpireCLS chauffeurs are equipped to respond with grace and professionalism—ensuring every client feels supported, cared for, and at ease.
This elite level of service has earned our chauffeurs a 98% five-star rating—a true testament to their unwavering dedication to delivering nothing short of exceptional service in each ride.
But perhaps most powerful of all are the words of the travelers themselves:
“Samuel was the best! So professional, so kind, so polite, so patient! He treated us like we were his very own family and provided everything we seemed to need when we needed it! Thank you so very much for providing us with your calm demeanor and safe, comfortable ride from the moment we met him! Thank you, Samuel, for treating us like your family when we were tired and a bit exasperated from travel! We sincerely appreciate everything you provided for us when we needed you! You blessed our hearts overwhelmingly.”
“Nino was the most amazing driver. We had to deviate from our original plans due to unforeseen road closures going to Naples. He suggested an alternative for the Amalfi Coast and made our day fantastic.”
“If there were 10 stars, Leonard would deserve them! He was so professional, but importantly, such a tremendous human being. This is a person I would want working with me every day! Leonard represented Empire in the highest way and made sure to engage in a calm, relaxing manner, which is so important when rushing off a plane at JFK and looking for a relaxing ride home. I don’t think 50 stars would cover the kind of person Leonard is—such a conscientious, amazing driver. I’ve been in an Empire car many times, and by far Leonard was the absolute best! Thank you, Leonard, and thank you Empire.”
“Jordan was my driver and he went above and beyond! Not only did he help me in and out of the car, make sure I was comfortable, and had everything I needed, he was also very communicative with the expectations of the drive, which helped me feel at ease and well taken care of. The car was clean and smelled incredible, and Jordan was professional, kind, and a delight to chat with. I am sad that not everyone could have him as their driver and wish he could drive me everywhere. Thank you for everything!”
“Irma was amazing. She was incredibly kind and a safe driver. She made the entire experience go smoothly (which I sorely needed after an hour waiting in line at customs), and I couldn’t have asked for a better driver than her.”
These stories are proof that EmpireCLS hospitality isn’t scripted—it’s the quiet confidence of knowing you’re in capable hands, the warmth of being cared for, not just served, and the difference between simply getting there, and arriving with ease, peace of mind, and even joy.
At EmpireCLS, our chauffeurs don’t just follow protocol—they understand the moment, anticipate needs, and bring an authenticity that transforms each ride into something greater than expected—so much so that many passengers request the same chauffeur time and again, seeking the comfort of a trusted, established connection.
When clients speak of our service, they speak of how they felt: heard, valued, completely cared for.
Book your next ride with EmpireCLS and experience chauffeuring the way it was meant to be: intuitive, thoughtful, and exceptional.
Every year in the United States, an estimated 250,000 children fall victim to sex trafficking—a stark reminder of the urgent need to protect vulnerable youth from exploitation.
Eleven years ago, EmpireCLS became the first global ground transportation company to partner with PACT (formerly ECPAT-USA) by signing The Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct. This groundbreaking set of voluntary business principles helps travel and tourism companies prevent child sex trafficking.
Founded in 1991, PACT is the leading U.S. organization dedicated to ending the commercial sexual exploitation of children. As part of the global ECPAT network, PACT collaborates across industries—particularly in travel and tourism, sectors that are often unknowingly exploited by traffickers—to provide companies with the tools and training needed to recognize trafficking and take action.
Since 2014, we have introduced robust companywide policies and procedures designed to protect children:
EmpireCLS proudly sponsored the 2025 Freedom Awards: Making a Lasting ImPACT, an event honoring individuals making meaningful strides in child protection and the prevention of trafficking. The evening powerfully reaffirmed our shared commitment with PACT to safeguard children.
Protecting children from trafficking requires constant vigilance, education, and action. Our 11-year partnership with PACT exemplifies how the private sector and advocacy groups can unite to make a difference. At EmpireCLS, we remain dedicated to safeguarding children, empowering our employees, and inspiring industry-wide change.
In the world of luxury travel, there’s an unspoken rhythm—a cadence shaped by the seamless choreography of service. Behind every effortless itinerary is a network of professionals working in harmony. At EmpireCLS, we’re proud to move in step with the world’s leading travel agencies, whose advisors curate unforgettable experiences and shape each journey with purpose. That’s why this year’s recognition from two of the industry’s most prestigious names is especially meaningful.
EmpireCLS is delighted to share that we’ve been named “Specialty Partner of the Year” at the 2025 Global Travel Collection Partner Awards, held during the ARRIVE conference in Phoenix. As the world’s largest network of international luxury travel agencies, Global Travel Collection brings together the industry’s most discerning travel advisors—experts who craft superior adventures for leisure travelers, corporate leaders, and the entertainment world alike.
“What makes this prestigious award even more special is that it’s voted on by the travel advisors of GTC, and we couldn’t be more humbled and grateful to be the recipient,” said Gary Stevens, Vice President of Sales at EmpireCLS. “We deeply value the trust GTC advisors place in our team to deliver a consistently elevated level of service for their clients.”
Angie Licea, President of Global Travel Collection, captured the spirit of the event, saying, “What makes these awards stand out is the mutual admiration behind them: our advisors lifting up our partners, and our partners shining a light on our advisors. It’s more than recognition—it’s a reflection of the trust, teamwork and excellence that power GTC.”
The GTC Partner Awards celebrate the advisors and partners who redefine what’s possible in luxury travel. To be chosen by this community is a reminder of why we do what we do: not just to move people from one destination to the next, but to be part of something bigger—a global ecosystem of excellence, care, and connection.
Adding to this incredible moment, we’re thrilled to share that EmpireCLS is also a finalist nominee for “Best Specialty Partner” at the 2025 Virtuoso Global Travel Awards, held in August during Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas.
Virtuoso is a premier global network of luxury travel advisors renowned for crafting extraordinary, personalized journeys that transform planning travel into an art form. This nomination is a powerful recognition of our team’s unwavering commitment to serving Virtuoso advisors and their discerning clients— building on the momentum from our consecutive Virtuoso award wins for “Highest Annual Growth of a Specialty Partner” in 2024 and 2025.
To be recognized by both GTC and Virtuoso with these distinguished honors reflects the meaningful partnerships we’ve built over the years with the travel industry’s most respected professionals, and we remain deeply grateful for their trust and support.
Thank you to the GTC and Virtuoso communities. We are honored to be your luxury chauffeured transportation partner—dedicated to delivering unparalleled experiences, every mile of the way.
