Sustainability continues to be a major operating initiative for companies, and we do not see that changing anytime soon. This is especially pertinent to the transportation industry, which remains heavily watched and regulated when it comes to green initiatives and emission control.
As businesses evaluate their environmental footprint and look for ways to operate more efficiently and effectively, transportation remains an important part of the conversation. Companies are paying closer attention to how freight moves, which transportation modes they use, how efficiently capacity is utilized, and the role technology can play in improving overall supply chain performance.
As a company operating within the transportation sector, we know sustainability and efficiency go hand in hand.
Every unnecessary mile requires additional fuel, time, and resources. Better transportation planning can help reduce those inefficiencies by evaluating routing, shipment schedules, available capacity, carrier options, and the transportation mode best suited for each particular shipment.
We want to make this clear: there is no one-size-fits-all sustainability solution in our industry. Each circumstance and load requires a unique approach.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay program, strategies such as route optimization, reducing empty miles, digital freight matching, right-sizing equipment, and more efficient carrier and mode selection can help improve freight efficiency while reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Technology is also giving companies greater visibility into their transportation operations. Real-time shipment information and transportation management systems allow logistics professionals to better understand how freight is moving, identify potential issues, and remain agile when conditions change.
At ROAR, we have the technology to leverage that visibility, allowing our associates to make informed decisions and communicate proactively with our customers and carrier partners. When everyone is operating with the same information, our associates can respond quickly to changing conditions and identify opportunities to improve efficiency.
Transportation mode is another important pillar of the sustainability conversation.
Truckload may be the appropriate solution for one shipment, while rail, intermodal, ocean, air, or another option may make more sense for another. Distance, timeline, capacity, cost, and operational objectives all factor into determining the right transportation approach.
The bottom line is that we value sustainability, but we remain unwaveringly committed to our clients and doing what’s right for them. Period. Sustainability has to make sense for the shipment, the customer, and everyone involved.
Intermodal transportation can offer an efficient option for certain long-distance shipments. According to the Association of American Railroads, railroads are three to four times more fuel efficient than trucks, and moving freight by rail instead of highway can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75% on average.
When that option is available and practical for the freight at hand, incorporating rail into the transportation strategy can be a no-brainer.
But remember, that does not mean one transportation mode is the answer for every shipment. No two supply chains are exactly alike, and every shipment and customer comes with a unique set of requirements.
Our extensive capabilities across Rail, Ocean, Air, and Road allow our associates to understand each customer’s supply chain, industry vertical, and operational objectives before aligning the appropriate transportation solutions.
Carrier selection may be overlooked when it comes to sustainability, but it shouldn’t be.
Working with experienced, reliable carriers helps ensure the appropriate equipment and capacity are available while giving our associates greater flexibility when conditions change. The EPA also encourages shippers and logistics providers to consider carrier fuel efficiency and emissions performance as part of broader freight sustainability strategies.
Many of these practices make sense environmentally because they also make sense operationally.
Reducing empty miles can lower fuel consumption. Better routing can eliminate unnecessary mileage. Selecting the appropriate transportation mode can improve capacity utilization. Greater visibility can help identify issues sooner. Reliable transportation can also reduce damaged goods, spoilage, re-shipments, and other unnecessary waste.
The transportation industry will continue to evolve as technology advances, customer expectations change, and businesses place greater emphasis on sustainability. It is as important as ever that we remain fluid and adaptable to change. Our opportunity is to find practical ways to support sustainability goals without losing sight of service, reliability, and the realities of moving freight.
Our associates take the time to understand each customer’s operation before developing a transportation strategy. By planning ahead, remaining agile, and leveraging our broad range of transportation capabilities and vast carrier network, we remain committed to identifying solutions that support both supply chain efficiency and long-term business objectives.
