Humanitarian logistics is a critical and complex field that demands flexibility, speed, and a growing focus on sustainability. While logistics professionals are well-versed in the importance of efficient supply chains, humanitarian logistics presents unique challenges and high stakes.

In this interview with Lado Gvilava, Director of the Supply Chain Division at the International Organization for Migration (IOM), we dive into the nuances of humanitarian logistics—including what sets it apart from commercial logistics, and the transformative impact of Flexport.org’s collaboration with IOM and other private sector partnerships. These partnerships not only deliver life-saving aid to those in need, but also drive meaningful and sustainable change. Together, we can build supply chains that save lives and protect our planet.

What makes humanitarian logistics different from standard commercial logistics?

Humanitarian logistics is a critical lifeline in times of crisis, and it operates in an environment of heightened urgency, unpredictability, and resource constraints. Unlike standard commercial logistics, humanitarian logistics centers on saving lives and fueling disaster relief operations.

The following key differences set humanitarian logistics apart:

• Unpredictable demand: Natural disasters, geopolitical conflicts, and other crises often arise suddenly, requiring rapid mobilization of resources without the luxury of forecasting.
• Challenging environments: Deliveries often need to reach remote, conflict-affected, or disaster-stricken areas with limited infrastructure. For example, Flexport and IOM have primarily partnered on shipments to countries such as Sudan, Syria, and Türkiye.
• Diverse stakeholders: Coordination involves a wide range of actors, including governments, NGOs, private companies, and local communities. Additionally, these actors often change with each response.
• Commodity movements that align with humanitarian priorities: The contents of disaster relief shipments are dictated by specific needs identified by the humanitarian community in-country. Items that need to be shipped will shift with each emergency response, as well as during the response itself.
• Limited resources: Budgets and time frames are tightly constrained, demanding creative and efficient solutions.

These challenges require humanitarian logistics professionals to think beyond standard supply chain strategies and innovate for impact.

What are some compliance considerations when shipping aid cargo to crisis-affected areas?

Humanitarian logistics often operates in regions experiencing conflict, political instability, or extreme need, so compliance is a critical component. When working on humanitarian shipments, we must navigate complex customs regulations, sanctions, and specific national import and export requirements to ensure aid is delivered compliantly and ethically.

It’s essential to stay informed on each country’s regulations regarding humanitarian aid, which can vary widely and shift frequently. Working with seasoned partners like Flexport.org, which has the infrastructure and expertise to manage compliance intricacies, helps streamline these moves. Flexport.org’s and IOM’s on-the-ground operational knowledge minimizes delays and ensures shipments efficiently reach their intended recipients, reducing the risk of aid getting stuck at borders.

What are typical timelines for coordinating humanitarian logistics?

Humanitarian logistics requires rapid response, as time frames often range from mere hours to a few weeks. In crisis situations, the luxury of long-term planning is seldom available; we don’t have the months of lead time that commercial logistics operations might rely on. When a sudden crisis occurs, IOM works closely with Flexport.org to quickly activate our supply network, getting essential items—such as blankets, shelter materials, and hygiene kits—on the move.

Rapid mobilization is crucial, so we rely on agile logistics partners equipped for high-speed, responsive coordination. These time frames mean that humanitarian logistics professionals need to make quick decisions while ensuring that goods are transported efficiently and compliantly, from warehouse preparation to last-mile delivery.

How many offices and teams are typically involved in coordinating IOM supply movements, and what can help make them smoother?

Humanitarian logistics is a global operation, often involving multiple IOM offices and partners across several continents. In a single operation, there may be teams handling procurement; teams managing warehousing and inventory forecasts; and partners like Flexport.org coordinating transportation across air, land, and sea, along with customs clearance for humanitarian cargo at the global, regional, and country levels.

With this complex coordination in mind, IOM adopts a local-first and global-reach approach to meet urgent requirements efficiently and effectively. When needs arise, IOM first evaluates the availability of required items in local markets in an attempt to support immediate response efforts and minimize lead times. If local markets cannot meet demands, IOM leverages its prepositioned stock from strategically located global hubs, enabling rapid deployment during sudden-onset emergencies.

To simplify coordination, clear communication and the right technology are essential. By using centralized, real-time communication tools, all stakeholders can stay updated and aligned, regardless of time zones. Additionally, by aligning with partners who already have experience in humanitarian settings, like Flexport.org, stakeholders can streamline the process and ensure quick, on-time delivery.

How can private sector expertise improve humanitarian logistics?

The private sector brings invaluable resources and expertise that can dramatically enhance humanitarian operations. For example:

• Advanced technology: Tools like Flexport’s platform enable real-time tracking, visibility, and streamlined collaboration, improving speed and outcomes.
• Global networks: Companies with established transportation networks can quickly mobilize resources across the globe.
• Scalable solutions: Experience in large-scale supply chains allows private sector logisticians to adapt to the dynamic needs of crisis response.

IOM’s and Flexport.org’s partnership has led to valuable synergies with significant impacts. Flexport’s logistics support ensures life-saving items—including non-food items and emergency shelter kits—are dispatched quickly and sustainably to those in need.

How do humanitarian organizations measure the impact of logistics operations?

The impact of humanitarian logistics can be assessed via delivery times and costs, but also factors in additional metrics. True success is defined by how effectively aid reaches the people who need it most. Key metrics include:

• Speed of delivery: How quickly supplies are mobilized and distributed in a crisis.
• Coverage and reach: The number of affected individuals or communities served.
• Operational efficiency: The ability to maximize resources while minimizing waste and delays.
• Beneficiary outcomes: Feedback from affected populations on the usefulness and timeliness of aid received.

IOM’s collaboration with Flexport.org ensured that relief items reached displaced families in Sudan within days of a crisis, offering immediate support and protection in one of the world’s hardest-to-reach areas. Notably, these items were moved from stockpiles in-country, reducing the need for emissions-intensive international shipping.

What role does sustainability play in humanitarian logistics, and how can it be achieved?

Sustainability is crucial to humanitarian logistics, ensuring that urgent responses today don’t harm the environment tomorrow. Key tools include:

• Carbon offsetting using Flexport’s emissions calculator
• Route optimization technology for identifying the most efficient routes to minimize fuel consumption and reduce emissions
• Fleet optimization via adopting appropriate policies to ensure regular vehicle maintenance, potentially replacing old vehicles with more energy-efficient engines, or training drivers on eco-driving
• Eco-friendly packaging, including recyclable or biodegradable materials for packing relief items
• Sustainable partnerships via collaborating with organizations and suppliers committed to environmentally friendly practices

By implementing these strategies, IOM and Flexport.org not only deliver aid, but also contribute to a more sustainable future.

Why should logistics professionals in the private sector consider getting involved in humanitarian logistics?

Humanitarian logistics offers an unparalleled opportunity to use your skills to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. It’s a chance to:

• Make an impact: Your expertise can directly save lives and support communities in need.
• Tackle unique challenges: Humanitarian logistics presents some of the most complex and rewarding puzzles for supply chain professionals.
• Strengthen resilience: Collaborating with humanitarian organizations builds capacity for responding to future crises.
• Promote sustainability: Be part of the movement to ensure aid delivery is as environmentally responsible as it is effective.

How can private sector logisticians get involved?

There are many ways to engage, including:

• Partnerships: Collaborate with organizations like IOM and Flexport.org for logistics support during emergencies.
• Pro bono services: Offer your company’s expertise, tools, or transportation services to assist with humanitarian efforts.
• Innovations: Develop or share technologies that can optimize crisis response operations.
• Advocacy and awareness: Advocate for sustainable supply chain practices within your organization and industry.

Flexport.org’s work with IOM is a prime example of how private sector engagement can amplify humanitarian impact while championing sustainability.

Humanitarian logistics isn’t just about moving goods—it’s about delivering hope, resilience, and recovery to those in crisis. By bridging the gap between the private sector and humanitarian logistics expertise, we can play a transformative role in shaping a more equitable and sustainable future. Together, we can build a world where supply chains deliver not just goods, but impact.