Supply chain professionals are watching more closely than ever how their practices impact the environment.
As corporate “green” initiatives become the norm, many shippers are looking at everything from product packaging to energy-efficient warehouses to waste reduction.
One of the most common areas shippers are studying is transportation, the biggest source of carbon emissions in most supply chains.
That’s why Averitt is proud to announce that Inbound Logistics magazine recently named us to its list of 75 Green Supply Chain Partners.
We’re also proud to hold the highest score possible with the Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Transport Partnership.
Do all your transportation partners share your commitment to environmentally responsible practices?
BELOW ARE SIX GREEN PROMISES YOU SHOULD EXPECT YOUR CARRIERS TO MAKE … AND KEEP:
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ACCOUNTABILITY.
One of the challenges of partnering with environmentally sound carriers is that few standards have been universally adopted. A good first step is to see if your carriers are members of the Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Transport Partnership. To find out if your carriers participate in SmartWay or for more info, visit www.epa.gov/smartway.
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MEASURABLE RESULTS.
Your carriers should be able to provide quantitative results on their performance in key areas such as emissions reductions and fuel efficiency. Any carrier participating in SmartWay should have this information readily available.
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UPDATED EQUIPMENT.
Choose carriers whose tractor fleets operate as efficiently as possible. Are your carriers' tractors less than five years old? The older the fleet, the less environmentally friendly.
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INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY.
Do your carriers use the latest technology to reduce emissions and increase fuel efficiency? Leading carriers use sophisticated technology to monitor individual engine performance and plan routes efficiently.
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EDUCATION AND INCENTIVES.
The greenest carriers know technology and equipment are only tools in the hands of people. The most effective carriers make it a priority to educate their people on environmentally friendly practices and give them the incentives to follow through. Ask your carriers how they promote green to their employees.
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MODE FLEXIBILITY.
Carriers who can provide multimodal solutions — such as both over-the-road and intermodal services — bring more value to your supply chain. Not only can this flexibility reduce your transportation costs, but a carrier’s ability to move freight from road to rail when feasible also reduces its carbon footprint.
Whatever your motivation — profits, PR or protecting the earth — going green makes sense. Ask your carriers what they’re doing to protect our world now and into the future.
