ALAN channels response to Japanese quake

ALAN channels response to Japanese quake    The American Logistics Aid Network said it's working to identify critical needs and communicate them to concerned members of the freight transportation and logistics industry.
   ALAN, a non-profit organization that engages the supply chain community in support of humanitarian relief efforts, is in regular contact with its relief agency partners to identify needs.
   'In situations like this, it takes time for specific needs to emerge,' said Jock Menzies, ALAN president, in a statement. 'With a disaster of this magnitude, supply chain-related needs will certainly become apparent, and we will actively involve our members to ensure a rapid and effective response.

Menzies

   'Right now, financial support to agencies working in the disaster area is the most effective. A flood of unsolicited in-kind donations could clog the relief pipeline and actually slow humanitarian aid efforts,' he said.
   Once needs are identified for ALAN's members, they will be notified, and the needs will be posted on the ALAN Web portal. Organizations that have previously established relationships with relief agencies can work with those groups to coordinate their donations of goods or services.
   In the interim, ALAN has identified the following sources of information:
   ' InterAction.
   ' Center for International Disaster Information.
   ' U.S. Navy's Pacific Command.
   ' United Nations Logistics Cluster.
   ' U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Civic Leadership Center.