Ways to Achieve Sustainable Logistics and Green Credentials

Sustainable logistics refers to the environmentally friendly actions container haulage companies are striving to take. Alongside achieving maximum productivity in the supply chain, sustainable logistics demands the lowering of CO2 emission, noise pollution and accidents.

Sustainability is the perfect balance between green credentials and efficient logistics. Here are a few ways this can be attained:

How to Increase Sustainability in Logistics

Use More Sustainable Vehicles

The logistics industry is based upon moving goods from one location to another using various modes of transport; this is why carbon emissions is the main area which needs improving. Switching to more efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles, such as electric vehicles, should be considered as the normal form of transport when delivering goods across great distances. Or, vehicles that use a more sustainable fuel source are also a better alternative.

Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

However, it is not just about the vehicles you use, it is the way you use them too. The journeys you make have a huge impact on carbon emissions, so sustainable solutions and alternative should be sought upon. Assess the number of miles that are travelled in a day and see how you can reduce this; plus, the number of vehicles you send out and reduce the journeys where empty vehicles are being moved. In essence, the less miles travelled, the less harmful gases are released into the atmosphere.

Reducing Vehicle Waste

Following on from the point above, it is also vital that you choose your journey based on the safest roads and the most efficient route. This is so you are limiting the amount of vehicle waste that can be caused by varying speed limits and damaged surfaces. The wear and tear of tyres and over consumption of oil both have an impact on the environment, so it will make a significant difference to the life span of your vehicle parts by driving responsibly and avoiding potholes.

Sustainable Logistics Management

The physical distribution that is involved with logistics always plays an important part in the journey to becoming more sustainable. This includes using more environmentally friendly facilities and equipment within the warehouse and the staff abiding by green principles. As well as this, enforcing restrictions on shipments that do not reach a sufficient load factor and planning the most sufficient transport routes will help towards reaching your sustainable goals.

Reduce, Recycle, Reuse, and Recover

By following the 4R strategy, you will be able to optimise the use of resources, recover resources, therefore eliminating the unnecessary resources and, ultimately, reducing waste. When it comes to the packing and packaging of goods, there are changes you can make in order to increase load density, reduce material consumption and, thus, waste. Not only will you be helping the planet by doing so, but you will also be saving money in the long run.

Sustainable Logistics at Portman Logistics

At Portman, we utilise satellite tracking in our logistics management which helps us to be more sustainable. As you can see each vehicle’s journey in real-time, they can be managed in a more effective way, boosting productivity and ensuring operator compliance.

We also receive CO2 management through mpg and idling time reports, so we can identify where to make changes and reduce our emissions. Speaking of emissions, we use Euro 6 trucks which comply with the London low emissions zone that comes into force September 2020.

Choose a more sustainable haulier by contacting us today.