GeoLogistics provides logistics help in Afghanistan relief effort

GeoLogistics Canada, a division of GeoLogistics Corp., was recently engaged by various Canadian relief agencies for two separate two-man missions to assist in the relief effort to Afghanistan.

One mission provided logistics services to the Canadian Red Cross in Pakistan and Afghanistan on behalf of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). Another operation, on behalf of CARE Canada, assisted in snow removal and food aid.

"GeoLogistics is proud to be one of the first logistics providers in Afghanistan since 9-11," states "Activities in a war zone are always chaotic and subject to last-minute adjustments.

GeoLogistics tested and proved its responsiveness in a number of events," said Gerd Warkus, Manager of Project Development for GeoLogistics Canada. Warkus cited timing, communication and flexibility as critical to the success of the missions.

Red Cross-CIDA GeoLogistics arranged logistics for a CIDA assignment led by a two-man team in the search for potential locations for an operations base in Kabul, Afghanistan. The base would serve as a center for CIDA’s effort in offering humanitarian aid and support
to Afghanistan. The mission also scouted for possible locations for a future Canadian Consulate location.

Through GeoLogistics’ partners in Pakistan and with only two days notice, GeoLogistics Canada provided CIDA representatives the services of a 4×4 vehicle with driver, accompanied by an agent for translation purposes. The project included the difficult tasks of arranging hotel, meal and other personal accommodations in war-torn Kabul, as well as securing contingencies such as armed guards.

GeoLogistics also shipped snowmobiles and related equipment (ice picks, dehydrated food and extreme weather gear) to Afghanistan via Islamabad, Pakistan for use by a two-man CARE Canada team. The team was originally tasked to carry out avalanche prevention measures, and graduated to general snow clearing operations for food program truck conveys through northern Afghanistan passes to Kabul. The team used Canadian ingenuity to fashion a snow plow of scrap metal which was dragged behind a 6×6 truck.