In 2005, the World Economic Forum convened four global logistics leaders - Agility, UPS, Maersk, and DP World - to create the Logistics Emergency Team (LET) so that privatesector assets and expertise could be mobilized, in a coordinated and pro bono manner, to support the humanitarian system through the WFPled Logistics Cluster. The goal was simple and powerful: by strengthening coordination under the Cluster Approach and channelling company capabilities via the Logistics Cluster, private-sector support could reach the entire humanitarian community more predictably and efficiently.  

As crises grew in scale and complexity, the LET’s scope evolved beyond suddenonset natural disasters to also include complex emergencies and preparedness activities, reflecting operational realities and the need for longerterm resilience and direct engagement through LET 2.0.  

The LET partnership exemplifies the power of public–private collaboration in humanitarian logistics, leveraging the scale, innovation, and agility of global industry leaders to serve the needs of the humanitarian community as a whole.  

What the Partnership Can Do for the Community of Humanitarian Partners

Direct Benefits

Rapid surge deployment: deploys trained logisticians and provides industry assets (such as warehouses, fleets, reefer units, handling equipment) to fill critical logistics gaps identified by the Logistics Cluster, ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches affected populations quickly and efficiently.

In-kind, pro bono support: All LET services are provided at no cost to the humanitarian community, maximizing the impact of donor funds, ensuring equitable access for all partners and avoiding duplication of bilateral efforts.

Specialist technical expertise: LET companies contribute advanced skills in port operations, customs brokerage, route planning, and supply chain design, applying industry best practices to humanitarian contexts for faster, and more reliable aid delivery.

Preparedness and capacity building: LET supports Logistics Capacity Assessments (LCAs), and training exercises, strengthening national and local readiness before crises occur.

LET 2.0: Launched in 2025, enables humanitarian organizations to directly request and receive in-kind support from LET companies—beyond the common gaps identified by the Logistics Cluster. This platform connects those in need with available LET assets and expertise in real time, making humanitarian logistics more agile, transparent, and responsive to both shared and individual needs, shortening lead times and enabling targeted support alongside Logistics Cluster operations.

Recent Examples of Impact

World Economic Forum

Logistics Emergency Team. A partnership like no other.

Discover more on the World Economic Forum website.

Bridging the gap: how the private sector is streamlining humanitarian response

Read more on the Weforum Story.