Cars, vans and lorries may be convenient ways to transport goods but they use a lot of fuel and release a lot of pollutants. In an increasingly environmentally conscious world, consumers are often seeking out more eco-friendly options. This includes their choice of courier service, which has led to many companies updating their green policies and practices.
Choice of vehicle
For smaller and more local deliveries, switching from a car to a bike has obvious environmental benefits in addition to widening available routes. In situations where a bike is not practical, couriers should still look to use the most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles.
Optimisation of routes
Lowering your mileage not only reduces your emissions but can also help save you money. Modern technology can help you plan the most efficient and direct routes, avoiding high-traffic areas, awkward roads, and other potential delays.
Local rather than regional
Basing your courier in a local area rather than a regional hub is another way you can reduce the distance travelled, and with it some of the cost of shipping and distribution; for example, if you are searching for a same day courier Edinburgh, you could opt for a company such as All About Freight.
Batch goods
If you have multiple deliveries to make in the same area, it clearly makes sense to carry them out at the same time to reduce journeys and vehicles used. This requires careful planning of your route and load.
Reduce waste
Reducing waste can take many forms, from thinking about packaging to transferring as much paperwork as possible to digital form. You need to consider the waste produced at all stages of your process.
Incentivisation
People are more likely to act in environmentally friendly ways when they are encouraged and rewarded for their behaviour. This includes highlighting the benefits of sustainable delivery options to customers.
If you think about every stage of the process, there are many ways you can make a courier service more eco-friendly. The more comprehensive your approach, the more potential advantages there are for you and your customers.
