01/01/2025
Let’s kick off the New Year with a closer look at what we do and provide at Dauntless Transportation Group.
As some may know, security chauffeuring has little, if anything, to do with carrying a firearm. Chauffeurs drive, while bodyguards handle personal protection. This is not a commentary on whether a chauffeur should carry a firearm for personal protection. That decision depends on individual circumstances, company policy, local laws, and insurance requirements. However, it’s important to note that self-defense with a firearm from behind the wheel is one of the most challenging firearm defense scenarios. Additionally, local laws and insurance policies may dictate what is permissible when it comes to the protection of others.
Many licensed firearm carriers are neither highly trained nor consistent in practicing their shooting skills, making them a potential liability. Furthermore, having a background in the military or law enforcement does not automatically qualify someone as a protective driver. While such experience can provide a strong foundation, transitioning to a security chauffeur role requires unlearning certain habits and adopting new mindsets tailored to stateside and civilian security driving.
Security chauffeurs are trained and certified in evasive/protective driving, security intelligence, and basic medical care. Many companies require certified security chauffeurs for their C-suite executives. According to specific IRS regulations—particularly section 1.132-5 of the IRS tax code—certain standards must be met for companies or family offices to claim these services as a business expense. One such standard is that chauffeurs must be certified and recertified every two years to maintain their qualifications.
“An individual who performs services as a driver for an employee is not a bodyguard/chauffeur if the individual is not trained in evasive driving techniques. Thus, no part of the value of the services of such an individual is excludable from gross income under this paragraph (m)(5).” - Cornell Law Legal Information Institute
Evasive/protective driving encompasses skills such as situational awareness during ingress and egress, effective route planning, and the ability to make quick, informed decisions in response to dangerous situations. It also requires the ability to push a vehicle beyond standard limits and a clear understanding of its capabilities in high-stress scenarios. Additionally, security chauffeurs are equipped with medical kits to provide basic care until professional help arrives and are well-versed in identifying safe havens and trauma centers along any assigned route.
If a client requires a bodyguard, that individual typically occupies the front passenger seat and moves with the client. At Dauntless Transportation Group, we collaborate with local affiliate security companies to provide bodyguard services when needed.
In a true security driver role, the security chauffeur remains in the driver’s seat and does not leave the seat to carry bags or open doors. Those tasks are managed by the valet, personal assistants or security team working alongside the driver. Or bags and packages may travel in a totally different security vehicle. The chauffeur is focuses exclusively on his surroundings, the vehicle’s readiness for safe movement and immediate departure. The chauffeur only leaves the vehicle if another security professional is present to take responsibility for its protection and immediate movement in his absence. So what most of us do, in most cases is a hybrid movement of full fledged, “security chauffeuring”
Security chauffeurs also maintain constant communication with the security team to provide real-time updates on the vehicle’s location, precise timing for ingress and egress, and other critical details. This coordination ensures minimal time is spent at pick-up and drop-off points, allowing for seamless transitions and maximum security for the client.
At Dauntless Transportation Group, we are not a licensed security company in the state of Texas. By law, operating as a security company requires specific licensing and insurance. However, I am a certified security driver and a licensed Personal Protection Officer (bodyguard) in the state of Texas. I hold all necessary training and certifications to operate in these roles. It’s important to note that bodyguards are not allowed to freelance in Texas. Anytime I provide personal protection services, it is done under another licensed and insured security company.
At Dauntless, we do not sell security services. We sell our expertise, skillsets, and knowledge.
Happy New Year!
Donald Sadler
CEO, Dauntless Transportation Group
