One of the first studies regarding the provision of relief to people affected by disasters such as droughts
and earthquakes areas was Kembell - Cook and Stephenson (1984) and, although the discussion of the topic
had started in 1984, there are few empirical studies that investigate the importance of the logistics process
in serving the affected victims. Much of the seminal studies are in the field of humanitarian operations
research optimization solutions and distribution fleets (Sheu, 2007). Kovacs and Spens (2009) argue that the
biggest challenges are related to the coordination of the various logistics activities, and not in their planning
(Overstreet et al., 2011).
Since it is a theme under construction, its concept can be borrowed from supply chain management and
logistics interchangeably with many authors stating that the difference between the two terms is simply
semantics (Howden, 2009).
This work will use the definition proposed by the humanitarian logistics Fritz Institute Overstreet et al.
(2011), a nonprofit organization specializing in humanitarian logistics working with a large number of
logistics experts to develop a single definition for humanitarian logistics:
“Humanitarian Logistics: The process of planning, implementation and control efficiently, focus on low
cost flow and storage of goods and materials, as well as related information, from point of origin to point of
consumption for the purpose of relieving the suffering of vulnerable people. Its role encompasses a range of
activities, including the planning, preparation, transportation, and acquisition, storage, monitoring and
tracking. "(Kopczak & Thomas, 2005, p. 2).