Client demand for sustainability

Recent evidence has demonstrated that consumers' demand for sustainable business practices continues to grow. In order to continue expanding their businesses into new sectors, haulage operators must enhance their sustainable practices and ensure that these are shared with consumers and clients alike.

Research by the Kellogg School of Management at Northwest University has demonstrated that consumers view environmental sustainability as a positive characteristic of the product or service itself. A product that is delivered sustainability is therefore more likely to be viewed as sustainable . As such, it is not unreasonable to suggest that a client may elect to prefer to work with a haulage operator that has a reputation for positive sustainability practices over one that does not.

The haulage sector is not traditionally known for being environmentally sustainable, however haulage operators can implement a number of policies to alter this perception.

Initially, haulage operators can implement green fleet solutions. This can involve both investing in developing eHGV technology and solutions or investing in alternative biofuels for their existing vehicles. Secondly, drivers and logistics managers can develop more efficient routing practices. This involves selecting the most fuel conscious routes alongside reviewing driving styles and practices to ensure that the minimum amount of fuel per route is consumed. Re-inventing routing practices has financial and environmental benefits. Further, haulage-operators can liaise with ecommerce providers and other clients to ensure that sustainable packaging solutions are deployed. Operators could ensure that packaging is made from recycled materials and that the minimum amount of packing required to safely transport the goods is used. These examples represent just a small number of changes haulage operators can make to improve their environmental sustainability.

However, the positive steps to increase sustainability must be shared with clients and consumers. For example, a haulage operator could undertake a social media campaign to showcase their new fleet of  sustainable vehicles and demonstrate the changes that have been made to routes to decrease their fuel consumption. In addition, strides should be taken to produce more traditional advertising material that markets the environmental policies of the haulage operator.

Whilst increasing environmental sustainability necessarily incurs significant financial implications arising from the need for new assets and staff re-training, this investment is likely to be realised by re-affirming the haulage operator's reputation as a sustainable practitioner. However, haulage operators must share the positive results of their efforts with clients and consumers to ensure that their reputation is enhanced. A sustainable haulage operator can re-affirm existing contracts and appeal to new clients.