Companies in the delivery industry have made great progress in recent years when it comes to reducing energy consumption and operating greener fleets. With these nine fantastic tips, couriers can continue to offer more environmentally-friendly delivery options.
How couriers can reduce energy consumption
With organisations like the Environment Agency helping to lead the way in transforming the way we use energy, it is safe to say that the UK’s roads are becoming greener, cleaner places. Many companies within the courier industry are leading the way when it comes to reduced energy consumption and here are nine wonderful ways those in the delivery industry can have a positive impact.
1. Utilise digital technology
GPS systems help couriers avoid traffic jams and ensure drivers get to the right location. By avoiding congestion and keeping on the right track without getting lost, couriers can help reduce emissions.
2. Use electric vehicles
Electric vehicles are an effective way for the courier industry to reduce its carbon footprint. In some instances, couriers can even make the ‘last mile delivery by foot or bicycle, which further helps to reduce energy consumption.
3. Use green distribution/fulfilment centres
Many fulfilment centres require heating or cooling to keep items in perfect condition. By designing these buildings to be more energy efficient, couriers can reduce consumption at every step of the journey.
4. Smarter route calculation
By spending less time on the road and plotting the most convenient points from A to B, couriers can drastically reduce energy consumption. More efficient route planning and technology that evaluates the driving style of couriers could certainly help to improve efficiency.
5. Energy-efficient buildings
In addition to fulfilment centres, most logistics firms also need call centres and offices. By making this energy-efficient, courier companies will find it much easier to hit carbon-neutral targets.
6. Planning deliveries
Careful planning and route optimisation mean vehicles will expend as little energy on the road as possible. Factoring returns into drop-offs means drivers won’t have to retrace their steps, and further reduces energy consumption.
7. Delivery on-demand
Automated batching can ensure that multiple orders destined for the same area are dispatched together, even if they are ordered separately and at different times. This ensures couriers don’t need to make multiple runs to the same area in a single day.
8. Store delivery
Increasing numbers of customers are placing orders directly to stores for pickup. If the stores already have inventory, no delivery is required. Instead, customers can simply pick up their orders at their convenience.
9. Liaising with other companies
Couriers can encourage both customers and companies in their supply chain to develop more sustainable practices. Things like encouraging recyclable packaging, the reuse of packing for returns, and carbon offsetting can all help to reduce overall energy consumption.
