Sustainable Shipping Practices

Sustainability is an ever-growing issue in the shipping industry. As concerns about climate change become more pressing, customers and regulatory bodies are increasingly interested in finding ways to reduce the environmental impact of long-distance transportation.

There's plenty of room for improvement. The industry has traditionally relied heavily on high-emission vehicles, vessels and aircraft, and the packaging and shipping practices tend to create a high volume of waste.

With sustainable shipping, you can provide a more eco-friendly alternative that satisfies your customers and regulatory requirements. Atlas International can help you achieve both goals — we're committed to adopting and promoting these green solutions to benefit the planet and the people we serve.

What Is Sustainable Shipping?

Sustainable shipping is the process of transporting goods in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. The goal is to build a process that's good for the earth, both now and in the future.

In the shipping industry, sustainability might include:

• Using less fuel
• Reducing emissions
• Increasing use of recycled materials
• Lowering energy consumption
• Cutting back on waste
• Choosing partners with responsible labor practices
• Setting policies that benefit communities

Transportation and shipping logistics are natural targets for sustainability initiatives. According to the MIT Climate Portal, the industry produces between 8% and 11% of all greenhouse gas emissions. By embracing eco-friendly shipping methods — and encouraging other companies to do the same — you can improve the environment and help build a brighter future.

Sustainability also has practical benefits for your company. After all, customers are actively seeking companies that show a genuine dedication to environmental, social and governance practices. Fully embracing green shipping practices can enhance your brand reputation, bring in more business and meet your corporate social responsibility goals.

Sustainable Shipping Methods

Many shipping modes use a significant volume of fossil fuels, which increases emissions and depletes finite natural resources. It can also cause air and water pollution, particularly in high-traffic areas.

Some ways to reduce fuel consumption include:

• Switching to energy-efficient modes of transportation: Reduce emissions and fuel usage by switching to an electric fleet. This is particularly effective for short-range, last-mile deliveries. Another option to consider is biodiesel, a renewable and biodegradable fuel source that's often made from waste products from other industries, such as restaurant grease or vegetable oil. Certain oil blends can be used in your existing diesel vehicles without modifications to the engine or fuel system.
• Implementing smart logistics: Plan schedules and deliveries to minimize travel distance and maximize fleet utilization. That way, you can achieve the same goals with less fuel. Route optimization is another key element because efficient routes require less fuel.
• Opting for intermodal shipping: Where possible, adjust your shipments to combine multiple transportation modes. Cargo ships and trains can carry a larger volume of cargo, so they use fuel more efficiently. Integrating them into long-distance shipments can automatically cut back on fuel consumption and emissions.

While you're working toward large-scale improvements to your fleet and logistics, look for other ways to reduce waste and consumption. Consider sustainable shipping solutions, such as:

• Biodegradable packaging materials: Packaging materials make up a significant percentage of waste in the shipping industry. Cut back by switching to alternative products that decompose naturally. You can find biodegradable versions of filler material, boxes and wrapping.
• Recycle and reuse shipping containers and materials: Save money and go green by reusing everything you can, from containers to packing materials. If that's not possible, recycle waste items, such as metal, cardboard, wood and paper. Both strategies keep the items out of landfills and build a more sustainable process.
• Adopting alternative fuels and renewable energy sources: Where possible, switch to environmentally friendly fuels and energy sources. For example, you might install your own solar array or wind turbine or purchase clean energy credits to help offset your company's usage.

Recognizing the demand for sustainability, major companies are embracing the process. Amazon, a global leader in international logistics and shipping, focuses heavily on how it packs shipments. By reducing the size of packages, eliminating plastic air pillows and using more recyclable materials, the company creates a more sustainable shipping solution. Amazon takes a multipronged, tech-driven approach to sustainability. Its initiatives also include investing in nuclear energy and using AI to reduce deforestation in Brazil.

IKEA is another large company that approaches sustainability from multiple angles. Some of the actions the business currently takes include:

• Purchasing renewable and recycled materials
• Adjusting operations to have net-zero carbon emissions by 2050
• Using renewable energy in factors and distribution facilities
• Helping suppliers embrace renewable energy
• Reducing emissions throughout its value chain
• Championing human rights
• Supporting a healthy and sustainable home life

Of course, multinational businesses aren't the only ones that can make a difference in the world of sustainability. Companies of all sizes can contribute to the global effort by adjusting shipping practices and embracing change.

The Three Pillars of Shipping Sustainability

Sustainability is often closely associated with environmental actions, but that's just one piece of the puzzle. In fact, IKEA's approach to sustainability is a nod to the three pillars of sustainability:

• Environmental sustainability: Practices in this category aim to reduce pollution, emissions and waste while conserving resources. This might include using recycled materials or switching to higher-efficiency vehicles.
• Economic sustainability: This pillar involves finding ways to increase profitability and support long-term growth. After all, a strong economic foundation gives your company the freedom and ability to pursue aggressive sustainability goals.
• Social sustainability: Socially sustainable practices ensure your operation  positively impacts the people it touches, often by engaging stakeholders and building relationships. This might include being a responsible  community member, implementing fair labor policies or embracing ethical practices. 

This three-pronged approach helps you build a balanced and realistic sustainable shipping program. There's no need to put profits above people or sacrifice profitability in pursuit of a smaller environmental footprint. Approaching the process holistically helps ensure the success of all stakeholders — including your business.

Benefits of Sustainable Shipping Practices

When you're managing a complex operation, you should carefully consider every change. Before you commit to sustainability, evaluate how the potential benefits could boost your business:

• Lower environmental impact: By reducing emissions, pollution and fossil fuel consumption, sustainable shipping practices can help slow the progress of climate change and improve public health. They also help conserve energy and natural resources.
• Reduced waste: Cutting back on physical waste helps keep trash out of landfills or bodies of water, offering a direct benefit to nearby communities and the planet.
• Cost-effective operations: Sustainable shipping methods are often more cost-effective than the alternative. For example, electric vehicles and intermodal shipping can go a long way toward reducing fuel expenses, and optimizing the routes can save even more. Reusing containers and materials also cuts costs, particularly when implemented at scale.
• Higher customer loyalty: Consumers care about sustainability, and they're interested in partnering with businesses with the same values. If your company can promote sustainability initiatives and back them up with concrete action, you can establish trusting relationships that lead to repeat business and lasting loyalty.
• Greater efficiency: As you find ways to conserve energy and make the most of your existing resources, you naturally build more efficient workflows. In addition to increasing sustainability, this process tends to reduce wasted time and increase productivity.
• Future-proofing: Climate change is driving the creation of new regulations around the world. Taking proactive steps toward sustainability can prepare your company for future rules regarding emissions, waste and efficiency and make it easier to adapt to changing regulations down the line. By getting ahead of the curve, you can position your business as an industry leader and a model for other companies.

Implemented over time, sustainable shipping practices can set your business up for lasting success.

How Atlas International Implements Sustainable Shipping Solutions

At Atlas International, we invest in sustainability at every stage of the shipping process. Our cutting-edge logistics technology assists with route optimization and intermodal transportation, ensuring shipments are on time and environmentally friendly. We also take a preventive approach to fleet management, performing simple maintenance to ensure efficient performance. And by adding electric and natural gas vehicles to our local fleets, we reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

To build sustainability into the value chain, we worked with Sustainable America to develop a sustainable agent certification. This program establishes a set of manageable action steps to help carriers and other shipping businesses build a more eco-friendly operation in five key areas:

• Materials management
• Transportation
• Facility management
• Administration
• Community

Whenever possible, Atlas partners with eco-friendly carriers and suppliers. By integrating sustainable practices throughout our operation, we can offer high-quality shipping services that reduce our environmental impact and support the communities in which we work.

Looking to the Future of Sustainable Shipping

As businesses and governments look for new ways to reduce emissions and protect the planet, sustainability is an increasingly important topic. The shipping industry, which has historically had a large carbon footprint, is a wealth of opportunity. Companies that take action now have the potential to save money, build a reputable brand image and increase business — all while doing good for people and the earth.

If your company is committing to ESG this year, shipping is a great place to start. The team at Atlas International can help. We use our 60-plus years of experience and our passion for sustainability to create custom shipping solutions. To find out more, explore our shipping and logistics service offerings or get in touch to discuss ways your business can go green.