Humanitarian Supply Chain: Fighting the Good Fight for West Coast Farm Workers

As we reported last February, ocean cargo gateways in North America generally have numerous safeguards and strong financial cushion on their side in being able to weather the sizable ripple effect of the pandemic. According to Fitch Ratings, The Port of Los Angeles is among the most resilient entrepots in the nation.

However, this does not mean the port will be a complacent observer of the current medical emergency while it still rages across the continent. Proof of that was made clear recently when it teamed with Logistics Victory Los Angeles (LoVLA) and CMA CGM Group to donate 75,000 respiratory facemasks to the United Farm Workers of America (UFW).

Through supply chain optimization, city purchasing, and shipper donations, LoVLA facilitates a clear path for medical service providers on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis to access essential supplies, such as isolation gowns, gloves, N95 respirators, face shields, thermometers and other medical goods.

By coming to the aid of a union representing farm workers, it is actively advocating for the health and safety of all UFW members who continue to toil outdoors during the pandemic and amid the horrific environmental conditions left in the wake of West Coast fires.

Meanwhile, CMA CGM Group has leveraged its unique expertise and global logistics network to contribute to UFW safety while building bridges to support other communities throughout the world in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. CEVA Logistics’ Los Angeles operations facility was involved in the coordination of the air charters for this special delivery.

It should be noted that The Group has accomplished goals such as the expedited movement of entire medical production lines from Asia to North America, test-kit and ventilator air and ground transportation throughout the U.S.

In addition, the CMA CGM Group has brought relief to some of the most vulnerable communities in Southern California and around the world by donating more than 1.2 million masks as well as several tons of medical and hygienic supplies, emergency food assistance, storage containers, and educational support.

Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles observes that reaching out and assisting the UFW is directly aligned with his mission to help keep workers stay safe and assist in the re-emergence of the state and nation’s economy.

Indeed, this comes at a time when The Port of Los Angeles is focused on bringing more agricultural exports to overseas markets. Shippers of Soybeans and grains have been among the port’s top clients for the past few years. And along with other Pacific Rim gateways, exports fruit and vegetables from California’s Central Valley and alfalfa from the Imperial Valley to a number of global markets.

North America’s leading ocean cargo gateway facilitated $276 billion in trade during 2019 and has remained fully operational throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Furthermore, it shows no sign of letting up.

Finally, it should be noted that Seroka will again be among the keynote speakers featured in 2020 USC Marshall Global Supply Chain Excellence Summit when it convenes for its eighth annual iteration October 13-14.

According to organizers, shippers may expect the same high quality of content in this virtual event as was provided in past “live” meetings. Again, too, there will a highly-focused discussion of humanitarian logistics, which relies on all ports for distribution of urgent medical services and supplies. These include the FFP2 respirator masks—the European equivalent to N95— now being shipped to farmworkers.

We say cheers to that, and godspeed.

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