‘Tis the Season to Go Green. The holidays are right around the corner. It’s a magical time of year, that’s for sure, but consumer expectations have changed and are continuing to change. They are demanding faster deliveries and lower rates. Shippers everywhere are getting ready for their hectic shipping season, and with a dramatic increase in online shopping, there are steps that can be taken to reduce your carbon footprint. What are the true costs to the environment in meeting customer expectations this time of the year?
While consumers are shopping online more, which reduces emissions, the modern shipper will need more packaging materials to meet the online buying demand. Shipping companies increase their supply chain’s number of trucks and other transportation modes to meet demand. These factors all contribute to the global plastics crisis and the release of carbon emissions.
The logistics industry already contributes a lot to energy and fuel demands that impact the environment. But there are ways that shippers can make their supply chains greener and still thrive during the holiday rush!
The Retail Issue
Big retailers like Amazon are taking the lead in fast shipping services. With free 1-day delivery initiatives, competitors large and small are being forced to step up their game in order to compete. More delivery boxes go out, which means more vehicles are used to get people what they want faster.
Many shippers think they have little incentive to manage the environmental impacts of their supply chains or don’t believe they can be green and effective. This couldn’t be further from the truth. There are signs that electric trucks could be the future.
What Can You Do?
There are a few ways that retailers and manufacturers can go greener this holiday shipping season without falling behind in servicing their customers or losing money.
– Bundle/consolidate shipments – Not only could you find better rates on bundled shipments, but you’ll save time on packaging and use fewer packaging materials.
– Look at other modes of transportation – Check out how intermodal shipping could be a better, greener option. Capacity is almost always open, and there are lower rates and a reduction in the amount of greenhouse gas emissions.
– Lower packaging material waste – use the correct size box for your product to reduce excess internal packaging material.
– Find the right shipping solutions partner – Outsourcing your supply chain management to a 3PL opens up all kinds of potential for finding more affordable, eco-friendly solutions. They use the latest transportation management system (TMS) to find the right lanes and offer guidance in making greener logistics initiatives.
‘Tis the Season to Go Green with FreightCenter
FreightCenter received Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers in 2016, 2017, and 2018 and won the 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive. We are also a SmartWay Transport Partner. We know how to help make your supply chain green. So when it’s time to prepare your holiday shipping this year, remember the phrase, “‘Tis the Season to Go Green!” FreightCenter can cater to any holiday shipping needs from Florida to New York.
Call one of our experienced expert shipping agents at 800.716.7608 or visit FreightCenter.com to get started shipping green.
