Sustainable Shipping

Make business shipments sustainable and efficient​

The environmental impact of human activity is becoming increasingly visible, and the logistics and transport sectors are evolving rapidly. Companies are searching for ways to streamline their shipping processes and adopt sustainable practices without compromising speed or reliability. The transport sector is responsible for a significant share of global CO2 emissions. Fortunately, innovative solutions are becoming available, enabling businesses to minimise their environmental impact. For companies seeking shipping solutions, making informed, thoughtful choices is now more crucial than ever—not only to meet environmental goals but also to enhance operational efficiency and comply with stricter regulations.

What is sustainable shipping?

Sustainable shipping focuses on reducing the environmental impact of transportation. It involves strategic decision-making and adopting technologies and methods that lower greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful pollutants. This could include energy-efficient vehicles, renewable energy sources, or choosing appropriately sized packaging. Sustainable business shipping is not just about what your company does internally; it also involves collaboration with other stakeholders in the supply chain, such as suppliers and logistics partners.

Integrating sustainability into your daily logistics workflow can become second nature. Our all-in-one platform combines advanced tools, such as the CO2 calculator and reporting features, seamlessly with your existing operational processes. Without additional effort or investment, you can embed sustainability into every step of your supply chain.

Sustainable Solutions at Select Courier

All-in-One Platform

Operating sustainably should be as straightforward as possible, with no unnecessary complications across multiple systems. That’s why we provide a platform with all the tools you need, conveniently in one place. This allows you to make sustainable decisions effortlessly and without additional costs. You can also integrate your software to enhance all your processes, enabling you to operate more efficiently and sustainably, regardless of your company size.

Reporting tool

Our platform’s reporting tool generates detailed reports on your shipments and associated emissions. Use these reports to monitor and manage the environmental footprint of your logistics activities. This not only supports internal sustainability goals but also ensures compliance with regulations and meets stakeholder expectations.

Paperless Trade

Paperless operations are not only faster but also better for the environment. That’s why we’ve integrated digital document handling into our platform. From shipping manifests to customs documents, everything is processed electronically, reducing paper waste and speeding up shipment handling.

Co2 calculator

Utilise our advanced CO2 calculator to precisely determine your emissions. Whether you’re shipping a single package or a full load, this tool calculates the impact based on transport method, distance, and weight. With these insights, you can make informed decisions to reduce your environmental footprint.

Partnering with sustainable carriers

Select Courier collaborates with carriers that prioritise sustainability. These companies adopt innovative technologies and processes to reduce their ecological footprint and make a positive environmental impact. Examples include:

Use of Alternative Fuels

Carriers increasingly utilise Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), a greener alternative to conventional jet fuel, derived from renewable resources like plant oils and waste materials. Using SAF can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80%, significantly mitigating the environmental impact of air freight.

Energy-Efficient Vehicles

Transitioning to electric vehicles for last-mile and urban deliveries drastically reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Carriers deploy electric vehicles not only in cities, where air pollution is a major concern, but also in long-distance logistics, supported by expanded charging infrastructure and vehicles with larger battery capacities.

Route Optimisation

Advanced route optimisation software leverages data analysis and artificial intelligence (AI) to determine the most efficient routes. This helps partners minimise fuel consumption while maintaining delivery speed.

Exploring Rail Transport

Some carriers are reintroducing rail freight as a more sustainable option, particularly for its low CO2 emissions per ton-kilometre compared to road and air transport. Rail is becoming a cornerstone of sustainable logistics.

The benefits of sustainable shipping for your business

Adopting sustainable practices offers numerous advantages—not only reducing environmental impact but also enhancing overall business performance.

Stronger Brand Image

Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability shows accountability. Customers increasingly seek companies that align with their values, particularly on environmental issues. By adopting sustainable shipping methods, you strengthen your brand image and build trust and loyalty with your customers.

Staying ahead of regulations

Environmental and sustainability regulations are becoming stricter. For instance, the CSRD directive requires companies to report detailed information about their ecological impact, including CO2 emissions. By investing in sustainable solutions now, you can stay ahead of regulations and protect your business from future risks.

Improved business results

Sustainability often goes hand in hand with efficiency. Companies that streamline their processes enjoy cost savings and increased profitability. For example, digitalising operations reduces paper usage and improves efficiency, translating to savings and a stronger market position. Sustainable practices also make you more attractive to partners and clients who value environmental responsibility, giving you a competitive edge.

How to ship more sustainably as a business

Select Courier collaborates with carriers that prioritise sustainability. These companies adopt innovative technologies and processes to reduce their ecological footprint and make a positive environmental impact. Examples include:

Choose sustainable logistics partners
Opt for collaboration with logistics partners committed to sustainability. Seek partners who invest in electric vehicles, utilise renewable energy sources, and actively reduce their CO2 emissions. By working with sustainable carriers, businesses can lower their own ecological footprint and contribute to a more sustainable supply chain. This approach can also enhance a company’s reputation as an environmentally conscious enterprise.

Sustainable packaging
More efficient packaging not only helps to reduce waste but can also lower transport costs by enabling more products to fit into a single shipment. This reduces the overall number of shipments required, thereby further limiting CO2 emissions. If your business falls under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), you may also be obligated to report on the reduction of packaging waste or waste management efforts.

Key measures for sustainable packaging include:

  • Using recycled materials.
  • Avoiding unnecessarily large boxes or packaging.
  • Minimising the use of, or opting for environmentally friendly, packaging fillers.
  • Sourcing certified packaging materials.
  • Employing reusable packaging solutions, such as containers or sturdy crates.
  • Enhancing efficiency with automated packaging systems.

Offer sustainable delivery options
Provide customers with the option to choose sustainable delivery methods, such as CO2-neutral shipping or slower delivery options that have a reduced environmental impact. Allow customers to consolidate their shipments, thereby reducing the number of deliveries. Offering sustainable shipping options can improve customer satisfaction and foster loyalty among environmentally conscious consumers. Additionally, this helps both your company and your customers to jointly minimise their ecological footprint.

Embrace digitalisation
Leverage digital tools and technologies for inventory management, order processing, and logistics. These can assist in demand forecasting, optimising inventory replenishments, and minimising unnecessary shipments. Digitalisation enhances efficiency and accuracy in logistics, reduces waste, and ensures only necessary items are shipped, thereby reducing the environmental impact.

Consolidate shipments
Optimise your processes to combine shipments whenever possible, enabling larger consignments to be sent less frequently. This not only reduces CO2 emissions but also significantly cuts transport costs, allowing your business to make a substantial internal impact. Would you like to learn more about how best to approach this? Our customer service team is ready to provide tailored advice!

SCHEDULE A FREE DEMO

DISCOVER WHAT SELECT COURIER CAN DO FOR YOU

Our shipping platform can be customised to meet your every need. From delivering your packages with increased speed and reliability to operating your business more efficiently. Schedule a demo to see how you can:

SCHEDULE A FREE DEMO

DISCOVER WHAT SELECT COURIER CAN DO FOR YOU

Our shipping platform can be customised to meet your every need. From delivering your packages with increased speed and reliability to operating your business more efficiently. Schedule a demo to see how you can: