www.truckandtrack.com Summer 2023 Truck and Track 33 INTERMODAL TRANSPORT SOFTWARE How does freight logistics management impact CO2 emissions? Transport is second only to the energy sector in terms of CO2 emissions and greenhouse gas (GHG) production. That means it’s responsible for one-fifth of the global CO2 emissions. Furthermore, the industry’s contribution to CO2 emissions has increased by 1.9% annually since 2000 – most of which can be attributed to the rise of globalisation and increased demand for consumer goods. Even though we likely can’t expect consumer demand to increase any time soon, we can begin to shift our thinking. We can focus on solving the root cause of the problem rather than reducing a symptom of changing times – precisely why we need to look at the foundation of logistics systems as a whole. By implementing a sustainable logistics and supply chain, we can reduce CO2 emissions with the following methods: ■ Reduce the number of unnecessary trips by optimising truck loading. ■ Follow routes that have the least stops, ensuring engine run at the highest efficiency. ■ Shift to clean energy and use battery-powered electric trucks for urban areas. ■ Use data to improve inefficient systems within the supply chain. ■ Detail and optimise route planning with real-time data from carbon footprints. Although sustainable logistics management is only one aspect that reduces CO2 emissions, it can make a big enough change when implemented correctly and be done in a way that’s still profitable for logistics companies. The benefits of sustainable logistics Thanks to the advancing technology, there are now different sustainable logistics and supply chain management tools available. These remove the difficult choice between making profits and saving the planet. Which means you really can have it all! Here are some of the top benefits of sustainable logistics and why you’ll want to consider integrating these types of processes and tools into your logistics business. 1. Helps you win bids with logistics tenders More and more logistics tenders now include demand for emissions data. So companies that pollute less have higher chances to win contracts. Other factors that can help you win freight tenders include: ■ Having a well-designed digital logistics management system, ■ Developing a cost-efficient subcontractor network, and ■ Integrating reliable time calculations and GPS positioning data of the cargo. 2. Improves compliance with government guidelines Various stakeholders (municipalities, citizens, and governments) are increasingly asking for more sustainable mobility solutions. So the earlier freight companies get on board, the better for them. Another benefit is that using sustainable logistics management systems and lowering your carbon footprint increases customer affinity for your brand and wins you publicity. When you have a solution that benefits municipalities, citizens, stakeholders, and the environment, how could that not be your go-to solution? 3. Smart logistical planning offers a high-profit margin The importance of sustainable logistics is that it gives you useful features such as live tracking of freight, which helps you simultaneously identify service disruptions and improve systems for the future. The more efficient your system is, the higher your profit margins
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