US State Department signs logistics deal with UPS for disaster aid
The partnership will draw on UPS's cargo transport and supply chain expertise to get life-saving assistance to disaster zones faster.
United Parcel Service will provide logistics support for U.S. disaster relief abroad under a memorandum of understanding signed on Monday, the U.S. State Department said in a statement.
The agreement allows the department and UPS to use the company's logistics network, cargo transportation and supply chain expertise in disaster response efforts led by the State Department around the world.
The department said the aim is to deliver life-saving assistance faster and more effectively.
"Speed and reach save lives," the department said, describing the purpose of the partnership.
The department said the arrangement combines the logistics capacity of the American private sector with its own disaster response experience.
The statement said UPS has already supported the department and its implementing partners during recent crises, including Hurricane Melissa, earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia, and floods in Nepal.
The department said it looks forward to continued collaboration with UPS and reaffirmed its commitment to expanding private sector involvement in disaster response around the world.
UPS is a package delivery and logistics company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and it operates a large global air and ground transport network that can move cargo quickly across borders.
Governments and aid agencies often rely on commercial transport providers to move relief supplies such as food, water, medical items and shelter materials after natural disasters, when roads, airports and ports may be damaged.
