Governments and consumers alike have placed an increased emphasis on environmental concerns over the past several years. As a result, sustainability reporting is quickly shifting from a voluntary initiative to a mandatory undertaking. Strong relationships with transportation and logistics providers are going to be more important than ever as shippers learn to work within the regulations and expectations that come along with this “new normal.”
Collaboration is key to reaching climate goals
Shawntell Kroese, AVP of sustainability and sales operations at Werner, said the company has seen a significant uptake in interest from both new and existing customers surrounding collaboration in the sustainability space. Companies need to work with innovative and forward-looking transportation companies like Werner as they work to meet their ambitious — and often public — sustainability goals.
Werner recognizes today’s available sustainability solutions are not one-size-fits-all.
“The large majority of the customers we work with are asking specific questions about what we are doing and how we can help them reach their sustainability goals,” Kroese said. “We have a variety of different products in our portfolio that can help them surpass their goals.”
The company takes a collaborative approach to helping its customers become more sustainable. This includes analyzing each company’s freight — and its entire spreadsheet of lanes — to formulate a plan to help them meet their goals while continuing to grow.
The benefits of a comprehensive solution portfolio and young fleet
Werner offers its customers the best possible combination of its robust sustainability options. Every shipper who uses Werner receives some level of eco-conscious service. At the highest level, shippers who simply take advantage of Werner’s One-Way and Dedicated offerings gain access to the newest technologies and equipment available in trucking.
Werner keeps its fleet up to date, with the average age of its tractors coming in at just over 2 years old, according to Kroese. This helps ensure each movement is as eco-friendly as possible while also decreasing the likelihood of unforeseen maintenance issues and improving overall customer service.
Determining what modes of transportation are right for you
Once customers are ready to dive deeper into their sustainability journey, Werner boasts a suite of options that can be used to meet very specific needs. Additionally, Werner tests and validates a variety of alternative fuel and alternative technology options with its customers.
“It is powerful to have a whole portfolio of different options,” Kroese said. “For our customers, they really benefit from that.”
For many shippers, moving into intermodal is an advantageous opportunity that can provide both sustainability gains and cost savings. By moving freight via rail for a significant portion of each movement, shippers can see the impact of using an eco-friendlier mode without sacrificing all the benefits of trucking.
Still, moving into new modes can be overwhelming for shippers. To offset the initial overwhelm, Werner provides a team of experts to guide them through the process and answer any questions that may arise.
The need for robust reporting
Reporting is also crucial to meeting sustainability goals. From a regulatory standpoint, it doesn’t matter how much a company can reduce its emissions if it cannot document and share its efforts. Werner provides its customers with reporting on both broad and granular levels.
Transportation emissions are a big portion of Scope 3 emissions for Werner customers, and the company is uniquely positioned to help customers with solutions in reducing their emissions footprint.
“We are very adaptable and are able to customize the kind of reporting we provide our customers,” Kroese said. “We’re capable, willing and wanting to provide transparency and detail.”
The Werner Difference
At its core, Werner is more than just a transportation company. It is a meaningful adviser for shippers navigating today’s shifting logistics landscape.
It is committed to helping its customers drive emission reductions and embrace innovation, as well as making progress toward its own sustainability goals. Werner continues to test and invest in the solutions and technologies needed to minimize environmental impacts and shape the future of transportation.
Click here to learn more about Werner.
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