ALAN, TIA launch formal partnership

The American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN), which connects supply chain management resources with groups helping in disaster-recovery efforts, said today that it has forged a formal partnership with the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), which represents North American third-party logistics providers.

ALAN said in a statement that the two groups will work to identify sources of transportation capacity for humanitarian relief in support of ALAN's mission to save lives and reduce suffering for disaster survivors. The partnership is effective immediately, and ALAN is sharing information on transportation needs related to recent disasters, including flooding in South Carolina and Texas, ALAN said.

"We are excited about this new partnership with TIA," said Kathy Fulton, ALAN executive director, in the statement. "TIA's 1,400 members work daily to efficiently and economically arrange shipping for all kinds of cargo. These businesses have the expertise, networks, and capacity to quickly move critical supplies needed for rapid response and recovery from crisis."

Bob Voltmann, TIA's president and CEO, added, "our members are generous and benevolent within their local communities and across the country. By partnering with ALAN, TIA members can bring their logistics expertise to disaster relief."