Members of the American Logistics Aid Network are assisting in relief efforts following a string of major hurricanes and the fires out west.

ALAN expanded its Disaster Micro-site to feature helpful Gulf Coast information resources. In addition, it is monitors and shares information about events and potential supply chain impacts via the free Supply Chain Intelligence Center.

“ALAN hopes that members of the logistics community who already helped with previous 2020 disasters will be willing to do so again, and others that weren’t in a position to help earlier this year might be willing to help with relief efforts now,” says ALAN Executive Director Kathy Fulton.

Transportation markets are tight and many companies are already starting their holiday response/build. “We’re also aware that with the crazy year we’ve already had, there’s probably a fair amount of donor fatigue,” Fulton adds.

“However, we also know that donated logistics services are such a difference-maker after disasters hit – and that our industry has a huge capacity to care.”

ALAN encourages those who are willing to help with relief efforts to visit its Disaster Micro-site frequently in the weeks ahead (bearing in mind that the vast majority of its requests for assistance arrive many days, weeks or months after a disaster has hit) – or to consider fulfilling some of the many hurricane and Covid-19 logistics needs that are already showcased there.

ALAN also urges logistics professionals to resist the temptation to send unsolicited products, trucks or personnel directly to impacted areas.

“Many of these well-intended charitable efforts actually get in the way of what relief organizations are already there to do,” Fulton stresses. “So more often than not, the best way that our industry can be of help is by responding to specific needs – or by making a cash donation to the relief organization of your choice.”