What are the most important considerations for sustainable transportation in your supply chain?

2 Mode selection

Another way to improve the sustainability of your transportation is to choose the most appropriate mode of transport for your goods, depending on the distance, time, cost, and environmental impact. For example, rail and water transport are generally more fuel-efficient and less polluting than road and air transport, but they may also be slower, less flexible, and more limited in terms of network coverage and capacity. Therefore, you need to balance the trade-offs between different modes and find the optimal combination for your supply chain. You can also use intermodal transportation, which involves transferring your goods from one mode to another, such as from truck to train or from ship to plane, to take advantage of the benefits of each mode.

3 Load optimization

A third way to enhance the sustainability of your transportation is to optimize the load capacity of your vehicles and containers, so that you can move more goods with fewer trips and less space. This can help you reduce the fuel consumption, emissions, and costs of your transportation, as well as the inventory holding and handling costs. To optimize your load, you need to consider the size, weight, shape, and packaging of your goods, as well as the demand and delivery frequency of your customers. You can also use software tools to calculate the best way to arrange and stack your goods in your vehicles and containers, and to consolidate your shipments with other shippers or carriers.

4 Supplier and customer collaboration

A fourth way to increase the sustainability of your transportation is to collaborate with your suppliers and customers to align your transportation strategies and practices. This can help you create more visibility, efficiency, and coordination in your supply chain, as well as reduce the waste and emissions associated with overproduction, overstocking, and returns. For example, you can work with your suppliers to implement green procurement policies, such as sourcing locally, using recycled or biodegradable materials, and reducing packaging. You can also work with your customers to offer more sustainable delivery options, such as using drop-off points, sharing vehicles, or choosing slower but greener modes.

5 Performance measurement

A fifth way to improve the sustainability of your transportation is to measure and monitor your performance using relevant indicators and benchmarks. This can help you track your progress, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and set your goals and targets for improvement. Some of the common indicators for sustainable transportation include fuel consumption, carbon emissions, vehicle utilization, load factor, delivery time, and customer satisfaction. You can use software tools to collect and analyze your data, and compare your performance with industry standards or best practices. You can also use certification schemes or awards to demonstrate your commitment and achievements in sustainable transportation.