Inbound Logistics magazine released its “50 Green Supply Chain Partners” list, highlighting third party logistics, air cargo carriers, expedited carriers, materials handlers, ocean carriers, ports, and truckers that have demonstrated a strong commitment to being green supply chain partners.
Third party logistics and trucking companies were the most prevalent among the companies identified, making up over half the list. YRC Worlwide was among the trucking companies honored. The magazine noted its use of energy efficient tires and decision to limit truck speeds to 63 miles per hour.
CEVA Logistics was among the 3PL companies. Working in partnership with Starbucks and Smith Electric Vehicles, CEVA introduced high-performance zero-emission electric vehicles that make daily deliveries to Starbucks stores in London. The 3PL also operates ecosustainable facilities, such as a warehouse in Martinengo, Italy, fitted with more than 5,300 photovoltaic panels.
Meanwhile, J.B. Hunt has been working with Blue Source since 2003 to measure emission reductions. J.B. Hunt’s sustainability efforts have reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 56 percent, particulate matter by 84 percent, and nitrogen oxides by 88 percent.
Ryder recycled more than three million gallons of used oil, and prevented almost 3,500 tons of emissions by recycling solid waste.
Only three air cargo companies made the list: American Airlines Cargo, Continental Air Cargo and Lufthansa. Inbound Logistics identified American’s use of the new Boeing 737, which is 35 percent more efficient than the MD-80 aircraft it replaced, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 7.1 percent. Lufthansa adopted a new environmental strategy in 2008 that will take it through 2020.
FedEx, DHL and UPS were the three expedited shippers named by Inbound. FedEx runs the country’s largest hybrid fleet of commercial trucks with more than 264 vehicles, according to the magazine, which has helped improve the company’s average mile per gallon rate by 13.7 percent since 2005. DHL, meanwhile, is using bikes and scooters in urban areas to replace truck deliveries, and has cut emissions 30 percent in 12 years. UPS has eliminated bleached paper from its packaging, saving the company 12 percent of the energy it uses in its manufacturing process, and has added hybrid vehicles to its fleet.
