DHL sends in disaster response logistics team to Haiti

GLOBAL mail and logistics services group, Deutsche Post DHL, has dispatched its first logistics team to provide on-the-ground logistics support to the international relief effort underway in earthquake-hit Haiti.

The DHL Disaster Response Team (DRT) Americas will be operating out of Toussaint l'Ouverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince to manage the logistics and ensure a continuous flow of inbound freight at the airport, including the transfer and distribution of incoming relief goods, once roads are stable. It will carry out its activities in close cooperation with the United Nations, a Deutsche Post DHL statement said.

"DHL will do its utmost to make sure adequate food and medical supplies are delivered to the people," said Frank Appel, chief executive officer of Deutsche Post DHL.

The DHL team in Port-au-Prince, Haiti expects to handle a variety of relief goods including tents, tarpaulins, food, clothing, medicines and water purifying equipment.

DHL aims to set up a temporary warehouse at the airport, equipped with sorting facilities, and to make a full inventory of donated goods. Part of the team's task will be to also ensure the speedy loading of aid onto trucks or helicopters. The mission is expected to last for several weeks.

"The DRT was designed to respond to devastating situations like these and is committed to helping the people of Haiti. Its members are well-trained to provide hands-on effective logistics support to help the victims of natural disasters in the time of need," said Chris Weeks, DHL director of Humanitarian Affairs. "However this disaster is going to require exceptional logistics skills as the country had poor infrastructure even before the earthquake struck."

DHL's global Disaster Response Teams comprise regional pools of about 80 employees from across all divisions, including DHL Express and DHL Global Forwarding, who have volunteered to take part in the pro-bono humanitarian efforts. Up to 15 members of the team are present at any point in time during the deployment.

(Source: www.schednet.com)