How To Make Trucking For Business Greener

Julie Starr • June 23, 2021



The environment has become a bigger priority for many businesses, and for very good reason. More consumers are looking for sustainable businesses and many business owners are making green practices a priority. Gas and fossil fuel emission are one of the leading causes of greenhouse gases. However, there are some ways to reduce the emissions that are released into the environment, and most of these ways start small. If you use trucks for your business, here’s how you can make them more eco-friendly.

Why Should I Make Trucking For My Business More Eco-Friendly?

There are several good reasons for doing this. 

More eco-friendly trucking saves you money. One of the main benefits of more sustainable business transport is that it can keep some more money in your pocket, especially if you choose used trucks from somewhere like Piedmont Trucks . 

It’s better for the planet. Truck drivers ought to try to go green because it’s better for the planet. Greenhouse gases are one of the main causes of global warming. If businesses that use trucks for delivery took a few more precautions to conserve energy and prevent waste, it would go a long way to making a difference. 

It’s easy. It’s less effort than you might think to prioritize sustainable transportation for your business. 

How Can I Make Truck Driving More Eco-Friendly?

If you have vehicles on the road all the time for deliveries, then you might be worried about your greenhouse emissions. With a few simple changes, you can reduce your emissions and make your business more sustainable. 

Plan Your Routes

If you need to make a delivery, plan out how you’re going to get it there. Greener trucking can be easy if you make good use of GPS technology or take the time to work out the optimal route the day before. Getting lost on the way means that your trucks are using up unnecessary gas, which is damaging to the environment. Using more gas also means you have to fill up the tanks more often, which will hurt your transport budget too. 

If you can, try to have your fleet on the road at times of day when there is less traffic. If you know your route, you can work out how much traffic there will be when, and take steps to avoid it. If your trucks are sitting in traffic with the engine running, they will burn through gas quickly. Instead, aim to have any truck you use at a rolling speed throughout the whole route. If you can leave earlier or later to avoid rush hour traffic, then you can drive more efficiently. 

If you’re making a delivery to an area that you’re unfamiliar with, you can estimate the traffic using apps designed for truckers. These apps can be downloaded onto your smartphone, where they will predict traffic and hazards for you. Encourage your drivers to use these so they know where the traffic is and what the fastest route will be. Look for an app that does all this in real-time, so if something changes on a planned route, they’re not live idling and can keep going.

Drive Smarter

One of the simplest ways to make driving a truck more eco-friendly is to encourage more sustainable habits. If your trucks need gas, fill them up in the morning. Fuel expands in the heat, so if you fill up in the morning when the temperature is lower, you can get a little more gas in your tank per gallon than you would if you filled up later in the day when it’s warmer. 

Make your fleet more sustainable by encouraging your drivers to maintain a normal driving speed while they’re on the highway. Stopping and starting makes the engine work harder, so the truck will need more fuel. Leaving the engine idling does the same thing, so if the engine can be turned off, it should be done. 

Go Paperless

A lot of companies with a delivery fleet require their drivers to manually log their hours on paper. This uses up a lot of paper, but you can do it electronically instead. Not all drivers are big fans of these systems, so consider it carefully. Automatically tracking their hours electronically does save on paper though. 

Even if you don’t log hours automatically, encourage your fleet drivers to log their hours on the phone instead of on paper. Saving money on paper products will help the environment too. 

Recycle

If you’re trying to get your truck drivers to think green, recycling should be near the top of your list of priorities. If you can’t go paperless, recycle. 

Fit all your trucks with somewhere to store waste paper and plastic products, even if this is only a clip to hang up a bag. A huge amount of the products that drivers use every day can be recycled instead of thrown away. A lot of truck stops and gas stations have places to drop off recycling too, so it’s easy to do. 

Encourage your fleet of drivers to bring any snacks or food in reusable containers in order to cut down on products in paper or plastic they need to buy when they’re on the road. Put branded canvas bags in the trucks so your drivers don’t need to use plastic ones. Perhaps you could also provide them with branded reusable coffee cups so they don’t need to use a to-go cup that will just end up in a landfill. 

If you have old tires or cartons at the depot, recycle them. Almost everything can be recycled into something else. Some places offer discounts or tax breaks for recycling products. Helping the planet can help your wallet too if you put in the effort. 

Maintain Your Truck

Taking care of your truck can help you care for the planet. Keeping your fleet running well can make it more sustainable. Regular maintenance on a semi-truck reduces the amount of carbon monoxide emissions that it produces. Keeping the engine air filter clean can improve fuel efficiency by up to 10 per cent.

A Greener Supply Chain with Micro Fulfillment

By Julie Starr • May 23, 2025
A sustainable supply chain is made possible with some major shifts and minor changes that you may not consider at first. One of these is micro fulfillment, where strategically placed warehouses provide streamlined services to a smaller area. So, what are some of the benefits of changing your logistics? From consolidated deliveries to minimal eco-impact, here are a few. Closer Customer Proximity There are a few ways that micro fulfillment centers are revolutionizing the courier industry. Reduced emissions, local sourcing, and support for urban stability are just three of the many examples. Compact logistics are quickly becoming a solution for businesses that want to make a difference, and through small warehouse space for rent , as and when needed, environmental footprints are diminishing as companies deliver services and goods to a smaller customer area. Consolidated Delivery Options Efficiency is everything in business, but it is even more critical when a company is looking to reduce the environmental impact of its operations. Through a micro-fulfillment system, a business is able to reduce the overall number of trips that a courier has to make. With consolidated deliveries concentrated in a smaller geographic area, there are many more options available that contribute to a lower impact, including efficient use of fuel for lower emissions. A Greener Supply Chain with Route Efficiency A company can make many changes when becoming the green link in the supply chain for a healthier logistical operation. However, an average home delivery round for a standard courier service is 50 miles, with 0.42 miles between each drop-off, producing 181g of carbon each. Focusing on a smaller area through micro fulfillment reduce the associated issues with couriers: Being closer to delivery routes reduces the need for extra shipping options. Electric delivery vehicles can be used as there is no need to recharge them. Knowledge of the area helps with routes as drivers can avoid congested areas. Lower Environmental Impact Of course, all efforts to go green and become more sustainable through logistics are to reduce the environmental impact that a business has on the area. Micro fulfillment contributes to this in a way that a wider operation cannot. Shorter routes and enhanced inventory management actively reduce waste. There is also much less energy used, as micro fulfillment centers are designed to be energy-efficient, and EVs and less transport contribute to emission reduction. Enhanced Socioeconomic Benefits There is also a social and economic impact of a business. An enhanced and more sustainable business using local micro fulfillment centers instantly creates more jobs, helping to prop up the local economy. Of course, the efficiency of this type of logistical operation also results in happier customers, increasing the chance of repeat business. From a business perspective, you demonstrate a commitment to ongoing sustainability , appealing to eco-conscious customers. Summary Being closer to customers for delivery helps create a greener supply chain when used with micro fulfillment centers. Local couriers and employees also know the area and can avoid congested areas for streamlined operations. However, there are also social and economic benefits such as job creation, improved customer experiences, and enhanced brand reputation.

Sustainability in Ecommerce: 3 Ways to Make Progress Where It Matters

By Julie Starr • May 21, 2025
Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have—it's essential. That’s true across every industry, and ecommerce is no exception. But let’s be honest: building a more sustainable ecommerce business isn’t always straightforward. From packaging to supply chains to last-mile delivery, the challenges are real—and often feel like they’re outside your control. But here’s the good news: sustainable ecommerce is absolutely possible. And it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Small, strategic shifts can make a meaningful difference—not just for the planet, but for your customers and your brand’s longevity. Here are three actionable ways you can move the needle toward a more environmentally responsible ecommerce business. Choose Sustainable Packaging That Works for People and Planet Packaging is often one of the most visible and wasteful—aspects of ecommerce. From oversized boxes to plastic fillers, the impact adds up fast. But it doesn’t have to. Thoughtful, sustainable packaging design can dramatically reduce your environmental footprint. Start by right-sizing your shipments to reduce excess material and emissions. Opt for recycled, recyclable, or compostable materials that align with circular economy principles. Better yet, one option is to design custom boxes with sustainable materials, for example. These custom packaging solutions eliminate unnecessary layers while enhancing your brand’s presentation. These aren’t just more sustainable choices, they’re smarter ones. Today’s customers care about where materials come from, and where they end up. Your packaging can reflect your commitment to both. Partner with Purpose: Choose Sustainable Suppliers Your supply chain is an extension of your brand and one of the most powerful levers you have to reduce your environmental impact. You could end up using more than a few suppliers when you’re running an ecommerce company . It’s always worth making sure these are as sustainable as possible . While you may not control every aspect of your suppliers’ operations, you do control who you choose to work with. Prioritize suppliers who share your commitment to sustainability. Look for transparency in sourcing, third-party certifications, and a clear track record of environmental and ethical practices. Ask the right questions: Are their materials responsibly sourced? Do they minimize waste and emissions? How do they treat their workforce? Choosing partners who align with your values not only improves the sustainability of your products—it strengthens your brand’s integrity and resilience. When your supply chain reflects your mission, it creates trust and long-term value across your business. Lead with Impact: Promote Environmental Awareness Sustainability doesn’t stop at your supply chain. As an ecommerce business, you have a unique platform to elevate environmental causes and inspire meaningful change within and beyond your operations. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of highlighting and supporting various sustainable initiatives and causes around the world. One powerful way to do this is by supporting organizations and initiatives that align with your values. Whether it’s donating a portion of your profits, partnering with mission-driven nonprofits, or amplifying important causes across your website and social channels, your advocacy matters. By shining a light on solutions and inviting your customers to participate, you strengthen your brand’s purpose and build a community rooted in shared responsibility. This isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for business. Sustainable ecommerce is entirely possible. With the right mindset and a few strategic shifts, your business can lead with integrity, reduce its footprint, and become part of a much-needed transformation in the digital economy.