About Vanguard
Reliable, dignified transportation for the people who need it most.
Vanguard Collaboration Transportation Services LLC provides safe, professional non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) and Special Transportation Service (STS) trips throughout the Minneapolis–St. Paul metropolitan area.
Our mission
Getting vulnerable riders to care — safely, on time, and with respect.
To deliver dignified, punctual, and safety-focused transportation for elderly and disabled passengers who require door-to-door service to medical appointments, therapies, dialysis, and hospital discharges.
That same standard of care extends to children traveling to daycare and school, college students recovering from injuries, clients healing after a motor vehicle accident, and riders attending therapist or psychologist appointments.
We don't compete on price. We compete on reliability, safety, and the kind of professional, compassionate care that gives passengers and their families genuine peace of mind.
At a glance
Key facts
Paul Gillum
Owner & Principal Operator
12 years of healthcare industry experience supporting vulnerable adults and arranging transportation.
Leadership
Built by someone who has spent a career in care.
The sole principal and initial driver is Paul Gillum, who brings 12 years of healthcare industry experience supporting vulnerable adults and arranging transportation. He personally manages dispatch, vehicle maintenance scheduling, compliance record-keeping, and client communication.
As trip volume grows, additional qualified drivers will be hired and trained to MnDOT STS and broker standards. Professional support includes an insurance agent experienced with NEMT/STS risks, accounting and bookkeeping support, and legal counsel as needed.
Our standards
Compliance, safety, and training you can count on
Licensing & insurance
Full compliance with MnDOT Special Transportation Service (STS) standards, MHCP enrollment, and broker/MCO credentialing. Commercial auto liability and general liability coverage as required for NEMT operations.
Driver training
Required background studies plus training in wheelchair securement, passenger assistance, basic first aid, and company procedures for dignity and privacy.
Vehicle standards
Ramp servicing, routine inspections, pre-trip checks, and regular cleaning and sanitization so every vehicle is safe and comfortable. Interior and exterior cameras record every trip for passenger and driver protection.
Day-to-day operations
Daily operations include receiving trip requests, scheduling and confirming rides, performing pre-trip vehicle inspections, transporting clients with proper securement, completing post-trip documentation, and submitting claims. Continuous improvement focuses on on-time performance, client feedback, and efficient routing.
Booking, billing & payments
- Trip requests via the website form, phone, or broker/MCO portals after credentialing.
- Primary billing to MCOs, Medicaid brokers, and county contracts on net terms (typically 30–45 days).
- Private-pay by credit card, cash, or invoice; personal checks require verification.
FAQs
Common questions
Will you accept Medicaid / MHCP trips?
Yes. The company will enroll with Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) and pursue broker/MCO credentialing after STS certification and vehicle compliance are complete.
Are your vehicles wheelchair-accessible?
Yes. Our vehicles are ramp-equipped and maintained to meet MnDOT Special Transportation Service (STS) requirements.
Can you provide same-day service?
Scheduled trips are prioritized. Same-day requests are handled based on availability and broker rules — call dispatch to check.
Can I track my ride?
Yes. Dispatch sends arrival alerts by text or phone today, and a rider app that lets families and case managers follow the vehicle live from pickup to drop-off is in development.
Are there cameras in the vehicles?
Yes. Every vehicle has interior and exterior cameras. Footage protects passengers and drivers, supports incident and insurance review, and is access-controlled under our privacy policy.
Do you transport children and students?
Yes. We provide rides to daycares, grade schools, and colleges for children and students with mobility needs, medical conditions, or injuries. A parent or guardian arranges the trip — ask dispatch about companion and unaccompanied-minor options.
Do you work with motor vehicle accident (MVA) clients?
Yes. We transport MVA clients to follow-up care, imaging, therapy, and chiropractic appointments, and coordinate billing with auto insurers (PIP / no-fault), attorneys, and case managers.
How is client privacy handled?
Client information is used only for booking, billing, and operational purposes, and is handled securely in line with HIPAA expectations.
How do I pay for a private ride?
Private-pay customers may pay by credit card, cash, or invoice. Personal checks require verification.
Get started
Have a question or need a ride?
Reach out to dispatch or submit a request — we'll confirm availability and any billing details.