MTMC's rental car program benefits workers, industry
At the same time, these same workers pump nearly $300 million of business into the rental car industry each year.
Thirty-six car rental companies, located in the United States, Central America and Europe, participate in the U.S. Government Car Rental Agreement #2.
Under this agreement, federal workers receive competitive rates that do not exceed a predetermined maximum rate. Other benefits to government employees include collision damage waivers, no fee for additional drivers and unlimited mileage. Also under the program younger government workers are allowed to rent vehicles. Currently, many companies will not rent vehicles on the open market to those under the age of 25.
Military Traffic Management Command instituted the rental car program in 1982 for Department of Defense employees, said Beverly Cox, acting chief, passenger programs division.
In 1985, after seeing MTMC's success in receiving better rates and terms, said Cox, the General Services Administration asked the Army transportation command to expand the agreement to include all federal government employees. Nearly 2.25 million cars are rented each year
Travelers should be aware that not all the participating companies provide added benefits at every location. Currently, only the Thrifty and Enterprise rental car companies provide the extra services at every location worldwide. The other participating companies offer the extra benefits at selected locations.
"The best way to ensure government travelers receive official government rates and the added benefits is to make all travel arrangements through their commercial travel office instead of making arrangements themselves," said Christine Braswell, a traffic management specialist.
Making arrangements through local commercial travel offices also benefits the rental car companies.
"We are emphasizing the need for all federal employees to use commercial travel offices," said Cox . "The representatives there will meet the travelers needs, and in the case of a trip cancellation, will make the necessary notifications so that the rental car companies don't suffer the consequences of no-shows. (FROM MILITARY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS).
Follow Us On:
