I don't have anything to contribute about the weirdness, but won't your company give you a travel advance? Mine does. Another alternative: I also have a "corporate sponsored" DIners Club card, doesn't report to the CRAs (unless I default, I'm told), and doesn't charge interest until two months after each charge date, but can only be used for company travel. Maybe you could agitate for one of these arrangements.
Starting Score: EQ 804 - (April 2009)