Sustainability is becoming an increasing priority for all businesses. But it’s not an easy thing to manage when your business relies upon the movement of freight around Europe. The logistics sector is fuel-hungry almost by default, so building sustainability into your freight movement can be pretty challenging. Especially if your business needs a reliable supply chain. But the logistics sector is changing, and if you know where to look, there are options available for companies seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Building Better Sustainability into Your European Freight Movement
Why choose the green freight option?
The logistics industry is currently responsible for roughly a quarter of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It’s a situation that both the UK and EU are trying to resolve, and this is putting pressure on the businesses that work in the sector. But while we all have to be aware of incoming legislation and compliance, it’s not the only reason for businesses to focus on sustainability. The public is becoming increasingly environmentally aware. A recent EU survey found that sustainability influences 73 per cent of people when choosing products and services. So, when you take a more sustainable approach to freight, you’re not only recommending yourself to your clients, but you’re helping them to attract their own customers.
So, what can you do to ensure that your European freight movement is as environmentally friendly as possible?
The most sustainable freight options in Europe
Rail freight
When shipping freight to Europe from the UK, rail is one of the most eco-friendly options available, emitting around 76% less CO2 per tonne-kilometre than road transport. For companies shipping goods to mainland Europe, this can be a really simple way of reducing emissions and also saving money.
For example, freight to Italy via rail can connect seamlessly through intermodal hubs in Germany and France, reducing road dependency. Similarly, freight to Denmark via rail from the UK can utilise efficient connections through Northern Germany and up into Scandinavia. Admittedly, rail freight isn’t the fastest option. But if you’re not sending perishable or time-sensitive freight, rail can be a great option. Because as well as offering sustainability gains, it can also be much cheaper.
Multi-modal freight
Multi-modal freight has always been a popular choice for businesses on a budget. It combines multiple modes of transport, such as rail, road, and sea, and basically means that freight forwarders can choose the most efficient and cost-effective means of transporting a client’s goods. But it’s also better for the environment because it combinesvthe flexibility of road transport with the  lower emissions of rail and sea freight.
So, if you want to send freight to Spain, it can be transported via short-sea shipping from UK ports to northern Spain, then moved inland by rail or truck. While freight to Italy may start with road transport to a UK rail terminal, followed by rail transit through France and delivery via truck for the final leg. It’s a modular approach, which allows companies to optimise routes based on speed, cost, and sustainability. And it significantly cuts emissions compared to all-road alternatives.
Choosing the right freight partner
If you want to move your business into a sustainable freight model, you need to find the right logistics partner. So, look for a freight forwarder that can offer a strong European network, that offers both multi-modal and rail freight options as standard. They should be able to help you find the right freight solutions for your sustainability needs, at the same time as delivering reliability.
The move toward green logistics isn’t just about environmental responsibility. It’s about future-proofing your business. As customer expectations evolve and regulations become stricter, sustainable freight options will help you to gain genuine competitive advantage. So, whether you’re shipping pallets of consumer goods, manufacturing parts, or perishable items, exploring sustainable routes for your freight to Europe makes good business sense. You just need to right freight partner to help you.
Looking for sustainable freight solutions to Europe? Get in touch with Plexus Freight.
