Freight
forwarding is a crucial aspect of international trade and with emerging
markets, technologies, manufacturing methods, materials, information channels
and trade policies, commerce is becoming increasingly global. As a result, it’s
even more important to ensure that the logistics of global commerce run
smoothly.
However, a
knock-on effect of living in an increasingly global society is a heightened
awareness of the environmental impact that we’re having on our planet. More
than ever before, we need to be working together to ensure we maintain and
treasure our environment for future generations.
The haulage
industry is a key player in both of these pressing global issues and
subsequently, has become a focus area for ensuring that both problems can be solved
as one. In this blog, we list five ways freight forwarders can be more
environmentally friendly, without compromising the efficiency of business
operations.
Space-efficient packing
In the UK,
the transport sector is the most polluting industry, with cars, trucks and
lorries releasing the majority of carbon emissions into the Earth’s atmosphere.
The answer to this isn’t to take vehicles off the road entirely, but to ensure
that only the necessary number of vehicles are on the road at one time.
With this in
mind, haulage companies must take responsibility by optimising the space inside
their vehicles. A team of haulage specialists must not only be excellent
drivers, but also have unparalleled packing skills, treating their vans like a
game of tetris and ensuring that there’s no wasted space. For haulage business
owners, this means training your staff proficiently so that they think
logistically, take their time and maximise the space available.
Yet, you
still need to bear in mind that transporting heavier loads will guzzle up more
fuel. Whilst haulage teams need to utilise space-efficient packing, they
shouldn’t overpack their vehicles either, as this will limit the driver’s
ability to drive fuel-efficiently. It’s about finding a balance between the two
- but remember, on the whole, it’s always better to have one large heavy goods
vehicle on the road rather than multiple light load trucks.
Know the most efficient travel routes
It goes
without saying that haulage drivers need to have an in-depth knowledge of the
route they’re taking; if you get lost, you’re going to use up more fuel trying
to get back on track. However, planning travel routes isn’t just about not
getting lost - it’s also an important way to encourage fuel-efficient driving.
Whether you’re
driving a small three-door car or a 44-tonne artic lorry, it’s widely
understood that driving a long distance on a motorway is going to be less
harmful to the environment than taking A-roads and country lanes. On a
motorway, there’s less stopping and starting, less idling and a consistent
speed - particularly if you use cruise control, which offers up to 15% better
mileage. So, planning your routes to incorporate as much motorway driving as
possible is simply common sense for haulage companies.
However, you
will need to check the Highway Code
to make sure you’re aware of the
appropriate speed limits, as these vary for larger vehicles. For example, in
England and Wales, the maximum motorway speed for goods vehicles exceeding 7.5
tonnes is 60mph, whilst for smaller cars and trucks, it’s 70mph.
What’s more,
international haulage companies won’t just be driving on UK roads. Drivers
could be working elsewhere in Europe or even further afield, in which case, all
drivers must be fully briefed on the relevant driving rules to not only improve
safety, but also to drive more efficiently.
This also
means driving on the fastest routes at a time when traffic will be at a minimum
in order to reduce the chance of idling and stopping and starting in queues -
hence why so many HGVs drive overnight. Remember, it makes good business sense
too; your clients will receive their goods without delay.
Fuel-efficient driving training for freight
forwarding companies
Along with
meticulously planning travel routes, freight forwarders must also make sure
that their driving techniques are eco-friendly and fuel-efficient. Any company
that utilises lots of vehicles as part of their daily operations must be
responsible for maintaining environmentally-friendly standards, and whilst all
industries are striving to develop sustainable techniques, it’s arguably more
critical for companies that employ carbon emission-producing machinery.
You may be
thinking, “but vehicles are being manufactured to operate more efficiently, why
do we need to change how we drive?”. Well, despite developing automotive
technology, a disparity remains between how efficient a vehicle should be and
how efficient it actually is - and this is because drivers aren’t optimising
the new technology.
Freight
forwarding companies should train their drivers in ‘eco-driving’, taking on
fuel-efficient driving techniques and maintaining them amongst the entire
fleet. Not only will this make the industry more eco-friendly, but it also
saves money through reduced fuel usage and makes the roads safer, as there’s a
strong emphasis on anticipation in eco-driving. Here are just a few of the tips
for driving green:
● Avoid idling.
● Drive smoothly.
● Step off the accelerator.
● Shift up gear early.
● Avoid excessive speed.
● Cut back on air conditioning.
● Reduce drag.
● Avoid unnecessary weight.
● Maintain your vehicles.
For more
information, the Energy Saving Trust has a detailed guide to fuel-efficient
driving.
Cut out air travel for international freight
forwarders
Outside of
the way in which freight forwarders operate day to day, it’s also important
that the whole industry takes an environmentally-friendly stance. One way in
which this is already happening is limiting the use of air freight due to its
catastrophic impact on the environment.
Recently,
individuals and businesses across the planet have started to wake up to the
drastic effects that the aviation industry has on the health of our planet.
Every single flight swallows up thousands of kilos of fuel, contributing to
tonnes of carbon dioxide seeping into the atmosphere. In fact, one air mile
produces about 25kg of CO2, so a flight between London and New York will
produce around 93,500kg of harmful CO2.
This is a
stark and shocking reality that both commercial and industrial aviation
businesses must face up to. If we continue to use air freight services at the
rate we are, the amount of carbon dioxide that will permeate our planet’s
atmosphere is unthinkable. Yet, this exorbitance could be easily avoided by
simply minimising air freight and optimising alternative transportation
methods.
When
transporting goods on land, utilising vehicles is, of course, the only option.
However, when it comes to forwarding goods overseas, shipping freight is by far
the most sustainable method. Haulage companies should be adjusting their routes
to favour shipping over air freight, whilst ensuring that journeys on land are
as efficient as possible.
It’s not
just the companies themselves that can have an impact - effective government
policies can also make a difference. For instance, the European Union is putting
means in place which will ensure that all of the main ports of the European
regions are connected by Motorways of the Sea
by 2020. This will alleviate major
roads, reduce costs and transit times and most importantly, minimise pollution.
Look to the future
Government
policy, technological advancement and changing individuals’ behaviour is all
about looking forwards and cultivating a more sustainable society for many
years to come. For freight forwarders, looking to the future is the most
important way to ensure that operations are increasingly eco-friendly and
protective of the planet.
Like all
industries, the haulage industry must be innovative, keeping up to date with
the latest advancements in automotive technology and working out how to
optimise new, green solutions. But what are the latest changes? What should
freight companies be researching and investing in over the next few years?
Firstly,
automotive industry leaders Hyundai and Toyota are adamant that
hydrogen-fuelled vehicles are the answer to eco-friendly driving. Hydrogen is
the most abundant substance in the universe, so carmakers have been
experimenting by compressing and storing it in a liquid tank, with water as the
only emission. Fuel cells then convert the hydrogen into electric energy, powering
vehicles and entirely eliminating their carbon footprint. In terms of hydrogen
fuel for HGVs and trucks, the Nikola Motor Company in the US is leading the
way, planning to launch its first fleet of hydrogen-powered fleets in 2021.
Hydrogen
power is one of two popular environmentally-friendly alternatives to
traditional diesel power - the second is electric-powered vehicles (EVs).
Electric cars are becoming commonplace amongst domestic drivers, with more than 227,000 sold in the UK
between 2013 and 2019.
However, despite concerns about distance and battery life, the electric
revolution is beginning to infiltrate the heavy goods industry too.
Mercedes-Benz
has an all-electric truck with a 150km range, designed for urban courier and
transportation services. In the world of HGVs, DAF Trucks - a Dutch truck
manufacturing company - has launched its first electric lorry which can deliver
within a 50km radius without charging. Unfortunately, the sheer weight of heavy
goods vehicles means that utilising electric power for long distances still has
some way to go.
Yet, Tesla,
the biggest name in EV technology, has since developed the Semi, an all-electric HGV with a 500 mile range and a 40 tonne
maximum tow limit - all on a single charge! So perhaps zero emission heavy
haulage is on the horizon after all...
D&D Transport: Professional freight carriers and
haulage experts in Nottingham
Here at
D&D Transport, we’re committed to minimising our impact on the environment
whilst also delivering excellence, right to your door. With over 25 years
experience in transporting goods locally, regionally and internationally, our
tailored haulage, freight
and cargo solutions know no bounds.
Our team of fully qualified professionals work around the clock, all year long
to ensure that our clients’ distribution and transportation needs are met.
To request a
freight quote, please don’t hesitate to get in touch
with our friendly and professional team today. We’ll
ensure that your business logistics are handled efficiently, safely and in an
eco-friendly manner.
