Logistics service providers UPS, TNT, Maersk and Agility are supporting the work of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Japan by boosting warehousing, transport and logistics capacity for the Japanese authorities. This effort is meant to ensure that critical relief supplies reach those affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami of two months ago. The four companies make up the Logistics Emergency Teams (LETs), a cross-company partnership that supports humanitarian relief efforts during natural disasters.
The LETs are working with the UN Global Logistics Cluster, which coordinates the logistical response of the entire humanitarian community in times of disaster. The Logistics cluster is led by WFP, which is the UN’s frontline agency fighting hunger worldwide.
“The LETs play an important role in supporting WFP's work in the catastrophe in Japan and we greatly value their contributions of logistics services and employees that help us support operations on the ground,” said Martin Ohlsen, WFP Logistics Director.
TNT has to date delivered 50,000 blankets to Red Cross locations and shelters. It has also deployed volunteer logisticians to assist WFP in supporting the local disaster response. UPS has assigned volunteers to provide communications and coordination support, and Agility has a volunteer on standby should additional resources be required.
UPS is also providing customs and brokerage services as well as warehousing and transportation services, to date helping to deliver 200 metric tons of relief supplies for WFP. This is part of UPS’s pledge of $1 million in cash and in-kind services to relief efforts.
Maersk committed 125 twenty-foot containers for aid cargo and manages their delivery to logistics hubs in the affected areas.
TNT, Agility and Maersk have also launched employee fundraising campaigns with employee donations to be matched by the companies.
