Logistics Service Providers (LSP) have a major role to play in the green revolution, says Abrie de Swardt, marketing director of IMPERIAL Logistics. He said the days where a transport company could be raped for the lowest rate, but its trucks were left to spit out black fumes on the highway were over. “If that is what you are doing, then you are irresponsible. It is simply not an option any more. We need to drive waste out of the supply chain and understand the impact that it has on our environment.” Doing nothing is also no longer an option, said de Swardt who called on companies to become educated, to measure their company’s carbon footprint and identify change levers while also embarking on business case-supported initiatives. “As LSPs we have a major role to play in retraining drivers and optimising network, loads, docks and routes. We will have to take an active part in the design of new transport corridors, developing adequate structures and pricing systems and creating logistics clusters,” he said. “Transportation is one of the most difficult areas to make environmentally friendly. Until recently, freight transportation was a negligible consideration in company strategy, but now executives can consider several actions to green their supply chains whilst reducing costs.” These include structuring the supply chain with suppliers and customers who share similar views, utilising transportation technology that reduces fuel and emissions, optimising the supply chain’s logistical network to minimise transportation distances and using experts to develop and implement supply chain transportation strategies.
