More and more providers of various services try to embrace environmentally friendly practices and technologies, in a consistent attempt to protect our planet. Logistics companies make no exception, many of them making becoming “green” one of their most important missions. Let’s see a few ways the logistics industry is becoming more environmentally friendly.
By educating their drivers to become more aware of the impact of their actions on the environment, these companies can decrease their carbon footprint. For instance, drivers should learn that they should turn their truck off during long stops. By using alternative heating or cooling methods, they can reduce this fuel waste that contributes to the general pollution of the environment. Maintaining a constant speed is another way drivers can decrease their fuel consumption and the emission of greenhouse gas. While this isn’t always possible, it should be taken into consideration by truck drivers, at least on the less difficult portions of the road.
Adopting effective route planning procedures can help companies operating in the logistics industry make more effective use of their resources. When trucks are used to their full capacity, and when weather conditions are taken into consideration when planning future routes, these companies use the minimum fuel and resources needed to fulfill their contractual obligations. This approach can also help logistics companies to offer their clients better rates, while also securing their profit margins.
The planning of loading and dispatching should always take into consideration merging different loads destined for the same destination. In addition, installing aerodynamic panels on trucks can also contribute to making these vehicles more efficient, and therefore less polluting. The initial investment in these aerodynamic panels is fairly low, and the gains are nothing to sneeze at. A simple calculation can reveal the advantages of improving the trucks and of making them more efficient in operation.
The periodic renewal of the vehicles is another effective measure for switching to a more environmentally friendly activity. Modern trucks have more effective engines which consumer less fuel for generating the power required to keep the vehicle moving. Regular maintenance can also contribute to making these trucks more energy-efficient. Logistics companies that take proper care of their vehicle fleet spend less money on repairs, thus being able to score higher profits while also embracing a green approach to moving goods from one place to another.
Some of the biggest logistics companies are actively working to replace their metal shipping containers with plastic ones, wherever possible. The result is a lower total packaging weight, which translates into decreasing the fuel consumption needed for delivering the same freight volume.
As you can see, there are multiple ways the logistics industry can become more environmentally friendly. The active concern for the wellbeing of our planet can also bring these companies important benefits in terms of efficiency, cost savings and higher quality services. Going green is definitely a win-win situation for all parties involved in logistics processes, from vehicle fleet managers to end clients.