Two decades after Hurricane Katrina made landfall over New Orleans to become the deadliest hurricane to befall the United States, an organisation which started as a direct response to bring together the logistics community to provide what help it could, is marking its 20th anniversary.

The American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) was formed in October 2005 when 50 supply chain associations and business leaders began looking for ways to “leverage our industry’s core competencies to serve others”, ALAN executive director Kathy Fulton explains.

“Because they realised that we really are stronger when we work together," she adds.

“Two decades later, we continue to see this play out for every disaster.”

In the last 20 years, ALAN has helped more than 300 non-profit, humanitarian organisations get relief supplies stored, transported and delivered to disaster sites more quickly – and free of charge. 

It has worked to offer its support for every major US disaster, as well as some global ones, helping millions of disaster survivors access key resources faster, including food, water and restored power.

“A lot of things have changed since we opened our doors, including the fact that we’re now also focused on disaster preparation and education as well as disaster response,” Fulton continues. 

“But two things haven’t. Logistics continues to be one of the largest and costliest hurdles in terms of delivering effective disaster relief. 

“And the pro bono services that we provide with the help of the many businesses and professional associations in this industry, continue to do a world of good.

“We’re incredibly thankful to all of the visionaries who decided that supply chain lapses weren’t acceptable or inevitable in the world of disaster relief. And we’re grateful for each of the financial and in-kind donors who have stepped up over the years and made ALAN and our journey possible.”

ALAN was founded by seven individuals and nine professional organisations, all of which were honoured at this year’s Humanitarian Logistics Awards.

The individuals were Jock Menzies, Mark Richards, Richard Sharpe, Michael Gardner, Bob Shannaussey, Cheryl Harrity and Gene Klein. The founding organisations were International Warehouse Logistics Association, Council Of Supply Chain Management Professionals, American Frozen Food Institute, International Association of Refrigerated Professionals (now the Global Cold Chain Alliance), MHI, Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association, Warehouse Education Research Council, Grocery Manufacturers Association (now Consumer Brands Association, and America’s Second Harvest (now Feeding America).