ATS dedicated more than 200 trucks in our company-owned fleet to haul needed relief supplies to areas impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
Beginning September 3, 2017, 220 ATS Van and Flatbed trailers started transporting daily loads originating from points all over the United States — including Georgia, Texas and Arkansas. Initially, the company moved food, water and other essentials into the region. Efforts expanded from there to include transport of larger commodities, such as building materials and heavy equipment that supported cleanup and restoration efforts into the near future.
“Our hearts go out to all of the citizens and businesses impacted by this disaster,” said Senior Vice President and General Manager, Jeff Potthoff, of ATS, Inc., (Vans). “We have a terminal in Houston and our sister company, New Energy Transport, is headquartered there. We have Employees, Drivers and Contractors that live there, so it’s our community too. We are going to do everything we can to help them and all of our customers in the area get through this.”
This effort was a natural fit. ATS remains a close-knit, family-owned company despite our international presence in the transportation industry. Our 65 year history keeps us grounded in our founding core values, which include responsibility and determination.
In addition to dedicating trucks to the effort, ATS donated use of the Houston terminal to FEMA and raised money locally for hurricane victims. Just hours after the storm passed, the Houston facility opened its doors to accept 17 shipments of supplies to support relief efforts. 13 FEMA-directed medevac helicopters landed at the facility to restock and resupply their crews. At ATS corporate headquarters, Employees donated money in exchange for casual dress privileges. The Anderson Family matched donations dollar for dollar. ATS was able to raise more than $5,800 to be given directly to hurricane relief efforts.
