Enterprise provides transportation support for relief efforts in Louisiana

In the wake of devastating flooding, Enterprise Rent-A-Car is working with the insurance industry and disaster relief agencies to help meet the transportation needs of Louisiana residents and first responders traveling to the region.

The flagship Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand is owned by Enterprise Holdings Inc., the largest car rental company in the world, based on revenue, fleet size and number of locations. The Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation – the philanthropic arm of the Enterprise brand – also is donating $100,000 to the American Red Cross to provide shelter, food, water and supplies for residents in the affected areas. “Communication and cooperation are key in overwhelming situations like these,” said Mike Edwards, General Manager and Vice President for Enterprise Holdings, which operates National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car as well as the Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand in Southern Louisiana. “After a catastrophic event, there’s an urgent and immediate need to support disaster relief teams as they lead clean-up and repair efforts.” Enterprise already has deployed more than 3,500 vehicles into affected portions of Louisiana to aid in the recovery process. “We are coordinating with operations in neighboring states and shipping rental vehicles into Southern Louisiana as quickly as possible,” Edwards stated. “We work directly with our insurance industry partners to coordinate and process information for the benefit of our mutual customers. We also are in direct contact with relief agencies so vehicles are ready and waiting for them to fan out across the affected parishes.” Enterprise Holdings’ fleet exceeds 1.1 million vehicles in the U.S. So in emergency situations like last week’s extreme rainfall and flooding – when thousands of vehicles are damaged on the same day – Enterprise Holdings’ technology, expertise and network can make a critical difference. There are 100 Enterprise Holdings rental locations operating throughout the state of Louisiana. Further, the company’s three-brand network – with more than 6,200 fully staffed neighborhood and airport branch offices – is located within 15 miles of 90 percent of the U.S. population and uniquely positioned to quickly respond whenever storms, floods, tornadoes and other disasters hit.

Each regional Enterprise operation, including the one in Southern Louisiana, has an Emergency Action Plan that focuses on how branch offices communicate with each other when disasters strike to ensure that the right number and types of vehicles are available where they are needed most. Enterprise also typically collaborates with the General Services Administration and the Defense Travel Management Office to coordinate on-the-ground logistics and reserve sufficient rental vehicles for first responders, rapid response teams and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) personnel prior to their arrival. For example, some agencies are flying directly to New Orleans to pick up SUVs and pickup trucks before heading to the Baton Rouge area.
 
Disaster Recovery
When major disasters strike in Louisiana – or anywhere else in the United States – insurance adjusters and relief workers are often first on the ground and typically need vehicles to assess damage. Both the National League of Cities and New York Gov. Cuomo’s office have noted Enterprise’s leadership during such disaster recovery efforts. Government Executive magazine has likewise recognized Enterprise in a “Crisis Management: Storm Surge” article.
 
In addition to supporting mobility and infrastructure needs during times of emergency, Enterprise also works with nonprofit partners to assist with disaster relief efforts. Enterprise has worked with the Red Cross globally for more than 30 years, including an annual million-dollar commitment by the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation to the Red Cross’s Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP). Contributions to ADGP provide a reliable funding base for disaster relief services, enabling the Red Cross to respond immediately to meet the needs of those affected by disasters of all sizes, including the recent flooding in Louisiana.
 
Enterprise’s efforts during – as well as after – natural disasters reflect a sustainable business strategy, while supporting local transportation infrastructure and long-term relationships. “It's all part of our responsibility as a neighbor and an active member of the communities where we operate,” explained Edwards. “In urgent situations like these, our network, fleet and employees are definitely put to the test. However, it all comes together as an integrated total transportation solution by focusing on and understanding the needs of consumers, business owners, insurance companies, government agencies and other key public-policy decision-makers.”
 
Part of that transportation support extends beyond car rental service. “For example, many residents’ vehicles are considered not drivable or even a total loss after a flood, so they may need to be replaced beyond a temporary rental,” Edwards explained. As a result, Enterprise Car Sales – a service of the Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand – also is offering Louisiana residents, who already have filed insurance claims, a special $300 discount through Oct. 31.
 
For more information about Enterprise Rent-A-Car, visit www.enterprise.com.
 
For more information about Enterprise Car Sales, visit www.enterprisecarsales.com.