How can you ensure that last mile delivery is environmentally sustainable?

2 Choose green vehicles

Another way to make your last mile delivery more sustainable is to choose green vehicles. This means using vehicles that run on alternative fuels, such as electric, hybrid, or biofuel, or that have low emission standards, such as Euro 6 or LEZ. By choosing green vehicles, you can reduce your dependence on fossil fuels, lower your greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, and comply with environmental regulations and incentives. You can also consider using bikes, scooters, or cargo bikes for short-distance deliveries, which are cheaper, faster, and more eco-friendly than cars or vans.

3 Implement smart packaging

A third way to make your last mile delivery more sustainable is to implement smart packaging. This means using packaging materials that are recyclable, biodegradable, or reusable, or that have a minimal amount of waste, such as cardboard, paper, or compostable plastic. By implementing smart packaging, you can reduce your environmental impact, as well as your packaging costs and storage space. You can also use packaging that is designed to protect your products from damage, theft, or tampering, and that is easy to open and return for your customers.

4 Partner with local suppliers

A fourth way to make your last mile delivery more sustainable is to partner with local suppliers. This means sourcing your products from nearby vendors or manufacturers, or using local warehouses or fulfillment centers, instead of shipping them from faraway locations. By partnering with local suppliers, you can shorten your supply chain, reduce your transportation costs and emissions, and support your local economy and community. You can also offer your customers more variety, freshness, and quality of your products, as well as faster and cheaper delivery options.

5 Engage your customers

A fifth way to make your last mile delivery more sustainable is to engage your customers. This means communicating with your customers about the environmental impact of your delivery practices, and encouraging them to participate in your sustainability efforts. For example, you can offer them incentives to choose eco-friendly delivery options, such as carbon offsetting, green delivery slots, or click and collect. You can also ask them for feedback and suggestions on how to improve your delivery service and sustainability performance. By engaging your customers, you can build trust, loyalty, and reputation, as well as increase your customer satisfaction and retention.

6 Monitor your performance

A sixth way to make your last mile delivery more sustainable is to monitor your performance. This means measuring and tracking your key indicators of environmental impact, such as fuel consumption, carbon emissions, air quality, noise, and waste. You can use tools and software to collect and analyze your data, and compare it with your goals and benchmarks. By monitoring your performance, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses, and make adjustments and improvements to your delivery processes and policies. You can also report and share your results and achievements with your stakeholders and customers, and demonstrate your commitment and responsibility to sustainability.