On April 8th, 2020, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sent out an official advisory to stakeholders. In this advisory, the organization outlined its strategy to maximize the availability of critical supplies and resources by ensuring a stable supply chain. With a goal to “increase supply today and expand domestic production of critical resources to increase supply long-term”, FEMA has enlisted the Supply Chain Task Force to ensure satisfaction and relief of demand through a strategy that incorporates four lines of approach: Preservation, Acceleration, Expansion, and Allocation.
Working closely with major commercial distributors, these four lines will instill rapid distribution and resilience within the industry.
The four lines of supply chain stabilization
Preservation is a push to continue the supply of public services. A line of relief that focuses on providing federal guidance on how to preserve supplies when possible for responders such as police, fire, the food industry, and energy distribution.
Acceleration is a push to ensure the demand for personal protective equipment is fulfilled. When this demand is fulfilled, responders of all kinds are able to get supplies needed as fast as possible.
Expansion is a push to increase manufacturing for essential items. This includes having both traditional and non-traditional manufacturers operating. For example, the modification of machinery to produce critical products.
Allocation is a push to move supplies to areas heavily impacted and in need first. As numbers of supplies are revealed daily, each state can request assistance when shortages happen. This will ensure that all areas of the United States are evenly equipped.
Commercial Distribution Resilience
As the task force provides up to date information on locations, distributors have agreed to focus on the hardest-hit areas primarily. For example, FEMA promises to cover operational costs, such as flying into the US from overseas factories, a move that reduces shipment times and facilitates the supply of needed items. As commercial distribution companies work closely with FEMA to ensure the supply of critical items across the country and the globe, it is sure to impact the daily operations of organizations worldwide, especially those in hard-hit areas.
As always, ClearFreight is here to support you during these unprecendented challenging times. Contact one of our shipping and logistics experts today and see how we can help you steer through uncertainties!
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