Relational Logistics

This paper contrasts the consolidation of the American mega-logistics industry with homegrown logistics operations based in neighborhoods of New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic. We offer three cases: a community of immigrant street vendors in Corona, Queens; a theater-turned-food-pantry in the Lower East Side of Manhattan; and the city-wide network of mutual aid organizations. We note the ways these alternative forms of logistics stitch together technologies, delivery processes, and social networks—often quite creatively—to get food and other resources where they need to be, when they needs to be there. These logistics networks are locally-oriented, fit to specific requirements, and made up of tailored, ad hoc activities. They demonstrate flexibility and skillful work in a crisis and bring together volunteers, entrepreneurs, and necessary resources with a community-at-need in horizontal governance. In doing so, they model forms of supply chains that improve social welfare and offer alternatives to the growing consolidation of mega logistics. We identify opportunites for CSCW scholars to use insights from the field including theories of infrastructure and technology and social movements to support the further development of such supply chains.