A Strain on the Supply Chain: Hurricane Ian

From a strain on humanitarian aid to logistical impairments, on an industry still making it's own strides in recovery from COVID-19, how might these new pitfalls affect the future of the supply chain?

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There is no shortage of media coverage on the havoc that Hurricane Ian wreaked on the south last week, and the devastation that now cripples its dwellers in every aspect. 

With death tolls rising to 83 in Florida and 4 in North Carolina, the shock and awe at storms this powerful is starting to wane into fear, as more Americans come face to face with the entirety of the tolls they take on the people and places in their path and the lasting stain that leave behind. 

Ian has left more than 600,000 homes and businesses still lacking power in Florida, as of Monday, October 3rd, and extended it's relentless hand into the ongoing, and well known, supply chain disruptions of today. From a strain on humanitarian aid to logistical impairments, on an industry still making it's own strides in recovery from COVID-19, how might these new pitfalls affect the future of the supply chain?

Bloomberg reports that the storm is expected to have caused "some $60 billion to $100 billion in damage and construction groups warn that labor shortages and supply chain difficulties may hamper rebuilding efforts." The need for construction materials and lumber will be exacerbated by the shortage on transportation that's already well in effect by issues like the rail strike and various trucking shortages. Russ Taylor, president of Russ Taylor Global consulting firm, explained to Bloomberg that "the storm will slow deliveries to affected areas, creating a glut of lumber and sending prices lower. Florida and South Carolina have seen strong building demand and that will dip in Ian’s immediate aftermath."

Last week, our report on the prep work before Ian gave detailed information on the ways in which the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) puts plans in place to provide vital resources and logistics support. ALAN has been working alongside humanitarian efforts in Florida to help provide warehousing, transportation and transportation equipment, material handling equipment and organizing volunteer efforts. 

"While supply chain and logistics professionals may not have the medical skills of a first responder or the construction expertise of a rebuilding crew, there’s a lot that our trucks, warehouses, material handling equipment, expertise, hands and funding can do to pave the way for meaningful relief and recovery efforts," says Kathy Fulton, executive director, ALAN. "And aren’t we fortunate to be part of an industry that can play such a meaningful role?"

If you're looking for ways to help in the wake of Hurricane Ian, Hurricane Fiona and other recent disasters, ALAN has an outline for current needs and asks below. To donate, email [email protected] with reference to the specific case number.

The supply chain, at it's core, is a linking system of people working together to provide for each other. And not even a hurricane can break those bonds.

Hurricane Ian:

Warehousing

  • Case 9133: 50,000+ square ft food grade warehouse space in Fort Myers; ambient, prefer racking
  • Case 9121: 3rd party warehouse partner in SW/Central FL

Transportation and Transportation Equipment

  • Case 9127: Transport 4 pallets home clean up supplies Americus, GA to Naples, FL
  • Case 9130: Box truck for emergency supplies distribution in Lee County, FL
  • Case 9130: 40′ shipping container for emergency supplies distribution in Lee County, FL
  • Case 9128: 4ft x 40ft reefer container for mass feeding operation in Port Charlotte, FL 

Material Handling Equipment

  • Case 9134: 2 x Stretch wrap machine with ramp (1 automatic, 1 manual)
  • Case 9134: 3 x 4500lb electric pallet jacks
  • Case 9134: 40 x 20” x 5000’ stretch wrap
  • Case 9134: Rough Terrain Electric Stacker- 3000-Lb. Capacity, 62ft. Lift Height
  • Case 9130: Pallet jack and forklift for emergency supplies distribution in Lee County, FL
  • Case 9124: Forklift with outdoor wheels for POD sites in SW Florida
  • Case 9120: Forklift for Tampa area foodbank

 Volunteers

  • Case 9134: 6 - 8 Warehouse volunteers for weekday shifts- Fort Myers

Hurricane Fiona:

Transportation

  • Case 9129: Deliver 4 LTL shipments from SJU to Aguadilla (6 boxes .40 CBM), San Juan (4 boxes .26 CBM), Ponce (10 boxes .66 CBM), Mameyal Dorado (20 boxes 1.56 CBM)
  • Case 9119: Transportation (air or ocean)- 5 pallets cleaning and hygiene from Lakeland, FL to San Juan, PR 
  • Case 9118: Transportation (air or ocean)- 2 pallets humanitarian aid from Port Orange, FL to Mayaguez, PR 
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