The Road to Sustainable Logistics

The logistics industry stands out as one of the most polluting sectors worldwide. According to the United Nations (1), Greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector have more than doubled since 1970, with road vehicles contributing around 80% to this increase. It's evident that the key to a sustainable future lies in challenging the status quo, and the logistics industry is stepping up by embracing models that minimise environmental impact.

Why Shift Towards Sustainable Logistics?

The adoption of sustainable practices in the logistics industry has been slow, with companies hesitating to meet the increasing demands for less environmentally damaging solutions, particularly in transportation. Maersk, a leading global shipping and logistics company, highlights numerous benefits of integrating sustainability into logistics strategies (2), including:

• Reducing Greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency.
• Achieving cost efficiency by minimising waste across the supply chain.
• Assisting customers in their decarbonisation efforts by offering responsible cargo transportation.
• Lowering a company's carbon footprint and raising awareness, potentially fostering industry-wide change.
• Aligning with government targets and international standards.

How Does Road Safety Fit Within Sustainable Logistics?

Logistics companies play a crucial role in promoting road safety, as transportation services are a major component of their operations. Advocating for sustainable mobility involves ensuring trained drivers and efficient transport systems to create safer roads for all. Additionally, the implementation of smart traffic management systems, utilising sensors and artificial intelligence, is reshaping road ecosystems. By leveraging technology, logistics companies are not only striving for smoother operations but also aligning with more ambitious goals such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Omnicane's Contribution to the Global Sustainable Logistics Agenda

In its commitment to making logistics operations more sustainable, Omnicane Logistic Operations Limited (Omnicane Logistic) has implemented a comprehensive action plan focusing on three key areas:

Ensuring Maximum Capacity Utilisation

By establishing a Tandem Trailer System, Omnicane Logistic ensures that trips to and from Port Louis are consistently fully loaded, maximising truck capacity utilisation. This strategy enhances fuel efficiency and reduces the number of trucks on the road.

Performing Regular Fleet Maintenance

Omnicane Logistic has implemented a rigorous Tyre Management System to maintain optimal tyre pressures and monitor timely replacements. These measures contribute to optimising fuel usage and positively impact the fleet’s overall performance.

Making Road Safety a Priority

In addition to enhancing fleet performance, Omnicane Logistic is dedicated to improving road safety for its staff and the public. Each truck is equipped with a GPS and a speed limiter, providing real-time monitoring and preventing speeding. Moreover, the company invests in continuous training for its personnel on defensive driving and life-saving techniques to promote anticipatory driving skills.

Sources:

(1) United Nations (2024) Facts and Figures Available at: https://www.un.org/en/actnow/facts-and-figures#:~:text=The%20energy%20supply%20sector%20(electricity,over%20half%20of%20all%20electricity.

(2) Maersk (2023) Sustainable logistics: best practices and benefits. Available at: https://www.maersk.com/logistics-explained/sustainability/2023/08/27/sustainable-logistics-best-practices-and-benefits

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