Podcast: Trucking’s Vital Role in Disaster Relief with Kathy Fulton of American Logistics Aid Network

Disasters can strike without warning, leaving devastation in their wake. From hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods to man-made disasters such as industrial accidents, the impact on affected communities can be overwhelming. In these times of crisis, the importance of industry associations, such as American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN), in supporting disaster relief efforts cannot be overstated. These organizations play a vital role in coordinating resources, providing assistance, and facilitating recovery.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Kathy Fulton, Executive Director of ALAN. Hear how ALAN supports disaster relief efforts in the supply chain and transportation industry. 

Why Industry Associations?

Kathy says that ALAN’s inception came during Hurricane Katrina: 

“All of the industry associations kind of watched what happened along the Gulf Coast, and they said, ‘Why is this happening? We’re logistics people. We’re experts. We can do something about this.’”

ALAN was formed to be that industry’s response to disaster, to determine how to provide logistics expertise, knowledge, and services to support disaster relief efforts.

Disaster recovery is a complex, long-term process that requires collaboration and coordination. Industry associations play a vital role in this effort by acting as a liaison between businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. They help ensure that all parties work together toward a shared goal.

By facilitating communication and collaboration, industry associations can help streamline recovery efforts, minimize duplication of resources, and maximize the impact of support provided. 

One of the essential roles of industry associations in supporting disaster relief efforts is knowledge sharing. By disseminating information on updates and best practices, industry associations can help build resilience in communities and businesses.

Kathy uses the example of Hurricane Debby, which hit Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina: 

“Each of those governors of those states had issued transportation waivers for people who are responding, people who are delivering things now that could include trucks that are taking stuff to grocery stores, right, but that we bring that information to the business community, right? So that’s part of our gift back. We say ‘hey, we want to make sure that you have this information so that you can keep your business in business.”

Kathy says that they do this to allow other businesses to stay in business, encouraging them to provide support to those who have been affected.

The Importance of Relationships in Industry Associations 

Since ALAN is a nonprofit organization, Kathy says relationships are what it runs on. It must rely on outside donations and partners to survive and do good work. Kathy adds that, while trust and good relationships are very valuable, there aren’t guaranteed returns. 

ALAN puts a strong emphasis on relationships that go beyond just business transactions. Kathy says the goal is to create genuine, lasting connections rather than quid pro quo business deals. 

“My expectation is to find a way to establish a relationship that does not feel like a business relationship. This is truly about saying ‘hey, you know, we may do something together someday, but I want to get to know this person like I am truly invested’.”

Kathy says that this approach reflects ALAN’s organizational culture, which values curiosity, authenticity, and love. 

It all comes down to convincing people to do something that will cost them money, whether that’s moving a load, or storing something in their warehouse. Although there’s no material benefit, ALAN provides an opportunity for others to do a good deed.

To learn more about Kathy and the work at ALAN, Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.