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17
Aug
2020

Ways to Build A Sustainable Supply Chain with A 3PL

by Michael Kotendzhi | Logistics
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Green supply chain management (GSCM) has become an increasingly popular topic within the logistics industry, given the stress on environmental consciousness and commitment from businesses across the globe. With transportation as one crucial stage in the supply chain, trucking accounts for a great portion of greenhouse gas emissions that logistic providers seek to remedy. Fortunately, while some scratch their heads, others are considering any of these ways to build a sustainable supply chain with a 3PL. Services like eco-friendly packaging, greater attention to carbon emissions, and electric trucking services have become popular demands within the industry.

Eco-Friendly Packaging

Third-party logistics services (or 3PLs) are proficient for their knowledge in package delivery. They have the means to deliver specific or unique packages using various solutions, like liquid packaging, pharma packaging, and anti-corrosive packaging. Still, 3PLs can make logistics more sustainable by using eco-friendly packaging materials such as cardboard and paperboard boxes. These paper-based, lightweight options are strong and can withstand any long-distance commute, in addition to being completely recyclable.

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Furthermore, 3PLs can build a sustainable supply chain by reducing their carbon emissions during the transportation and warehouse stages. Carbon footprints refer to the amount of carbon emissions, like carbon dioxide, emitted into the atmosphere from burning fuel. As an infamous greenhouse gas, CO2 is notorious for its role in climate change and global warming. Mass transport services, such as from trucking, are responsible for a great portion of the world’s current CO2 emissions. 3PLs can reduce their carbon footprint with constant analysis and streamlined services. Transporting more goods per tank of fuel, maintaining transport vehicles, and optimizing energy use in warehouses can all help. Changes in these fields benefit the environment without impacting performance.

Sustainable Transportation Services

Finally, 3PLs can opt for sustainable transportation services, such as long transport routes or poor material handling, after removing unnecessary negative environmental factors. Rather, these companies can optimize more efficient routes for co-loading that offer the best oversight when shifting transportation. 3PLs can also offer green carrier options that focus on renewable energy and electric-based fuel consumption instead of oil. Some companies such as Tesla, Daimler, Nikola, Rivian, and Volvo are already experimenting with electric-based truck and van fleets.

With that, we at 18 Wheels Logistics take sustainability seriously. As one of the best transportation companies in Vancouver, we optimize the safest, most environmentally friendly 3PL services for your business. Whether it’s with trucking or warehousing, our energy-efficient record proves our commitment to sustainability with our unique transport and delivery processes.


Michael Kotendzhi is President of Operations & Transportation and a partner at 18 Wheels. Michael has over 15 years of experience and is equipped with a degree in Logistics from the University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business. As well as a background in logistics from XPO Logistics (formally Kelron Logistics), North America's largest contract warehousing provider.

Michael's experience includes supply chain management, reverse logistics, & domestic transportation. He has developed 18 Wheels' trucking solutions, effectively utilizing the sister company's vehicle fleet and building a transportation supply-chain network across North America.