When hurricanes or other disasters strike, logistics become a lifeline for thousands, in some cases even millions of people. And the trucking, logistics and supply chain industries are always ready to help, often working side by side with FEMA and other organizations like the American Red Cross, to provide the supplies communities need not only to survive the immediate aftermath, but to rebuild.

But, trucks don't just arrive at the site of a disaster. They are part of a well-coordinated logistical plan and one of the key organizations involved in these efforts is the American Logistics Aid Network, or ALAN.

"We were formed in 2005 when a bunch of supply chain industry leaders were together at a conference and they all saw the challenges that were happening along the Gulf Coast -- chief among those challenges, or I guess among the recognitions, was that the system for providing belief to communities affected by crisis really did not take into account the capabilities of private sector resources," explained Kathy Fulton, executive director of ALAN. "All of those industry leaders saw that as an opportunity to give back, to use our profession's assets and skills and knowledge to make a difference."

ALAN relies on donations, primarily from industry, to support its operations, to assist in any disaster situation. It does not accept supplies but assists nonprofits with logistics and supply chain-related services, including connecting trucking carriers with capacity to agencies in need.

The service it provides, though, is invaluable in a time of crisis. From coordination of logistics, to information dissemination to relief agencies and carriers/shippers, ALAN is on the ground ensuring that recovery and rebuilding efforts move smoothly.

Fulton joined the Talking Supply Chain podcast to discuss ALAN's mission and how organizations can get involved.