While logistics plays a crucial role in connecting businesses and their consumers, it has a significant impact on the environment. Communities across the country have expressed concerns, specifically larger cities and developing areas, around the long-term effect logistics can and will have on their natural surroundings, from land to sea.
Here, we explore the main environmental impacts tied to logistics and ways in which we are mitigating these issues within our own operations.
Gas Emissions
Transportation is at the heart of logistics. It’s also one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Trucks and large vehicles require the use of fossil fuels, which release carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere. They also emit nitrogen oxides which can degrade air quality, posing health risks for nearby communities. Areas and regions along major interstates and highways are most often affected by these emissions.
Energy Consumption
From warehouses and cold-storage facilities to sorting centers, logistics requires a significant amount of energy. When warehouses and supply-chain centers utilize non-renewable resources and energy, the carbon footprint and impact of that company can be extremely damaging to the environment. Inefficiency in routing and load management can also cause unnecessary energy consumption.
Pollution
Along with gas emissions, poor quality control in logistics can cause water and noise pollution. Water pollution is primarily caused by ships and cargo vessels, but trucks and large vehicles in coastal trading towns can have similar effects. As for noise, if you’ve traveled to a big city it’s likely you’ve heard the constant sound of tires hitting the street from 8-5 p.m. (or later). While not often considered an environmental impact, large amounts of noise can disturb wildlife.
Our Steps Towards Sustainable Logistics
As you can see, the impact logistics has on the world around us is astounding. This is why we are consistently researching and working towards making our processes and offerings greener. Some of the ways we have already begun to lower our environmental footprint include the following:
Data-Driven Efficiency: Utilizing the best analytics products in the industry, we’re able to leverage data to reduce deadhead miles and improve load optimization.
Consistent Loads: We offer a broad range of freight options so your business isn’t forced to use a larger vehicle with a larger carbon footprint, unless absolutely necessary.
Expertise: With years of experience in supply-chain management, our expertise and long-standing relationships in the industry allow us a seat at the table when it comes to making decisions regarding the future of third-party logistics, including how we will continue to strive for more sustainable methods.
