5 Ways To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint When Using Freight Providers In Business

In 2023, many businesses are concerned about their environmental impact, and this this has impacted everything from government policy to the companies that are becoming more successful due to their stances on going green.

Of course, if you have a large business and you use freight providers to ship your good, it can be a bit trickier to illustrate your green credentials no matter how good your corporate intentions are. Companies that use freight suppliers to move goods usually have a significant impact on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. As large operators of transportation are one of the main contributors to greenhouse gases, it is crucial that companies take steps to reduce their carbon footprint.

So, how can you reduce your CO2 emissions while not negatively impacting your business or deliveries? Read on to find out.

Improve Fuel Efficiency

Freight providers are considered gas-guzzlers because, simply put, they use huge vehicles that use a lot of fuel – and last mile deliveries to over-populated, gridlocked cities can have the biggest impact on carbon emissions.

Luckily, there are solutions that can help.

Your company could invest in a transport management system as a starting point which will help to improve fuel efficiency. How? By investing in such a system, you can make better use of the fuel that you have, devise alternatives that are greener and even use carbon calculator software.

Simply improving fuel efficiency is another way companies can reduce their carbon footprint. This includes actions such as maintaining vehicles to ensure they are running efficiently, reducing idling time, and reducing speed. Companies can also use aerodynamic trailers or invest in technologies such as automatic tyre inflation systems or engine start-stop systems.

Optimize Route Planning

One of the best ways your company can reduce CO2 emissions is to optimize route planning. This involves planning the most efficient routes, reducing the number of miles travelled, and avoiding congestion through the centre of towns and cities, or delivering at off-peak times. By optimizing routes, companies can reduce the amount of fuel used and, in turn, reduce their carbon footprint.

Use Low-Emission Vehicles

Green vehicles are everywhere, and, even if you have to use freights for long-distance deliveries, it can be worth investing in some green vehicles for those last mile, closer-to-home deliveries.

These upgrades can include electric and hybrid vehicles, which produce fewer emissions than traditional diesel or gasoline-powered vehicles. Companies can also consider using alternative fuels such as natural gas, propane, or biodiesel. The fuel costs for these vehicles is lower too, so, you will be saving the planet and saving money at the same time.

Implement Freight Consolidation

Freight consolidation involves combining multiple shipments into one truckload. This reduces the number of trucks on the road, leading to fewer emissions. Freight consolidation can also help companies reduce transportation costs. However, freight consolidation can be a bit more expensive due to the weight of the freight and the height, so it is always worth checking road taxes on the routes you will use, as well as any potential access restrictions.

Encourage Sustainable Practices Among Suppliers

Finally, companies can encourage their suppliers to adopt sustainable practices. This can include using low-emission vehicles, improving route planning, and reducing packaging waste. By working with suppliers to reduce their carbon footprint, companies can reduce their overall emissions.