Top 10: Sustainable Logistics Brands

The logistics industry is responsible for 8% of the global carbon emissions, most of which are unnecessary.

In order to combat this, logistics brands around the world are undergoing supply chain transformation in order to reduce their emissions.

Whether they are switching to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) or Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), or they are undergoing an electrification process, these logistics companies are making real changes to implement sustainability across their operations.

Here, Supply Chain Digital takes a look at the Top 10 sustainable logistics brands making a real effort to decrease their emissions.

10. FedEx

To achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, FedEx is converting its entire pickup and delivery fleet to zero-emission electric vehicles and building on its Fuel Sense initiatives to reduce aircraft fuel consumption, as well as investing in alternative fuels.

Its investments into efficient facilities, renewable energy and energy management programmes is allowing the company to reduce its over-consumption of energy and reduce emissions across its supply chain.

FedEx is also working to reduce waste and encourage the adoption of eco-friendly packaging.

9. Uber Freight

Uber Freight has a focus on visibility to help customers gain a holistic view of their supply chain emissions, across all modes of transportation. Following this, the company is increasing efficiency and reducing carbon footprints at once, due to shipper collaboration, LTL pooling and continuous moves. 

Moreover, Uber Freight is forming strategic partnerships to create more sustainable shipping options across electrification, autonomous vehicles and rail services. Its collaboration is simplifying sustainable adoption through efficient logistics options.

8. DHL

DHL’s Strategy 2030 aims to integrate ESG solutions across DHL’s entire framework operations. Its Green Transport Policy drives investments into sustainable fuels and technologies, such as hydrotreated vegetable oils, has already seen fleet transformations.

The company is also leveraging the latest technologies to build carbon neutral buildings, through the use of solar panels and renewable energy networks. The facilities will also include smart charging infrastructure and efficient energy usage through LED lights and smart controls.

7. Hapag-Lloyd

Hapag-Lloyd’s commitment to sustainable logistics is established through fleet modernisation, the adoption of new propulsion technologies, the use of alternative fuels and its Ship Green solution. 

Ship Green allows its clients to switch to biofuel and avoid emissions caused by ocean freight. It is also constantly working to reduce emissions of air pollutants like sulphur and nitrogen oxide.

Moreover, it is dedicated to reducing large-scale waste through the recycling of 100% of its own ships.

6. DP World

DP World has worked to cut its road freight emissions with its Low Carbon Truck Programme, where truck operators could opt for low-carbon fuel at its London Gateway and Southampton hubs. 

The logistics brand is also partnering with leading sustainability companies in order to share knowledge and scale impact.

In order to boost efficiency and cut emissions, DP World is investing in cleaner infrastructure, with electrification across its equipment, such as electric terminal tractors and renewable energy purchasing.

5. Amazon Freight

Amazon Freight’s sustainability efforts are following the wider company’s pledge for net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. As a result, Amazon Freight is investing in battery electric vehicles and open-sourcing its charging network planning tool. 

Moreover, it is actively reducing same-day carbon emissions through its intermodal network and optimised routing through AI implementation.

It has pledged to invest €1bn (US$1.3bn) over the next five years to decarbonise its European transportation network.

4. GXO Logistics

GXO has increased efficiency within supply chains and effectively managed reverse logistics in order to reduce the amount of products ending up in landfills. Its technology-enabled action plans allow the company to reduce emissions, decrease waste and invest in renewable energy.

The brand has introduced lithium battery operated forklifts within its warehouses in order to reduce electricity usage, and has an environmentally-advanced facility operating with ammonia refrigeration, rainwater harvesting and LED lighting.

3. A.P. Moller-Maersk

Maersk works alongside its customers to innovate and optimise sustainable logistics solutions, working in a collaborative way to ensure it helps its customers meet their targets.

It offers full emissions visibility across its end-to-end journey, with reduced emissions strategies in place. Due to its multimodal resources, Maersk is able to use the most sustainable option for transportation and adapt to the needs of each delivery. Moreover, it has started the deployment of EV powered trucks, as well as low-emission vessels for sea freight.

2. Kuehne + Nagel

Kuehne + Nagel works to transform its supply chains into sustainable, collaborative projects. By working together with its carriers, suppliers and customers, it is using science-based goals to drive sustainable supply chains.

Kuehne + Nagel has a range of digital solutions to help clients track shipments and analyse emissions, offering transparency and clarity across all areas. Following this, it has a range of low-emission transport solutions the clients can integrate, including sustainable fuels and electric trucks.

The brand has sustainable options across road, air and ocean freight, offering emissions reduction from first to last mile delivery. Moreover, K+N has a range of warehousing solutions, from sustainable energy use to impactful materials. Every step of the logistics process can have a sustainable alternative with K+N.

1. Hived

A relatively new logistics company, Hived stands out from the rest through its fully eclectic fleet across every part of its logistics process. Covering long-haul drives and last-mile deliveries, its electric fleet cuts delivery emissions by up to 76%. It was one of the first UK firms to run electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs) on long-distance routes.

To support its national expansion and increase its haulage infrastructure, the company is investing in a national charging network, allowing the company to have a greater logistics reach.

It is regularly partnering with businesses to address other sustainable logistics options, such as developing solutions for tyre recycling plants and particular matter collection devices. It is also working on developing circular ecommerce packaging infrastructure, putting in the effort to implement change across its supply chain.