Green logistics is becoming a core priority across the supply chain. Rising regulations, shifting customer expectations, and the undeniable urgency of climate change are pushing logistics professionals to act. Yet transforming transport networks into sustainable systems isn’t simple, and it doesn’t happen overnight. Read onto find out how logistics professionals are rethinking transport strategies to reduce environmental impact, improve efficiency, and prepare for a low-emission future.
Decarbonisation in logistics isn’t just about ‘going green’. It’s about transforming how goods move to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the entire supply chain. From vehicle choices and route planning to energy sourcing and emissions reporting, every decision matters.
Rather than focusing on vague sustainability goals, today’s logistics leaders are implementing measurable, data-driven strategies to cut carbon and future-proof their operations. This includes:
Adopting low-emission vehicles like electric trucks, hydrogen-powered fleets, and biofuel alternatives
Optimising delivery routes to cut fuel use and reduce unnecessary mileage
Using emissions tracking tools to monitor, benchmark, and report CO₂ output
Integrating renewable energy into warehousing and charging infrastructure
Companies that take action now can lower operating costs, meet regulatory requirements, and win opportunities that demand carbon transparency.
As electric vehicles become a central pillar of decarbonisation efforts, logistics teams are discovering that sustainability goals quickly translate into new planning realities. Our EV adoption report looks at how fleets are adapting operations as EVs move from pilots into everyday use.
Sustainability in logistics is no longer optional. Businesses today must respond to rising demands from:
Companies that act now can not only stay compliant but also reduce costs, win more business, and build a future-proof supply chain.
The benefits of sustainable logistics for the environment are obvious: reduction of harmful carbon dioxide emissions and lower use of resources. But more sustainable logistics also brings benefits for companies.
The cost of fossil fuels is difficult to calculate and - since it is a finite raw material - tends to rise. By switching to more ecological, alternative drives, a logistics company not only makes itself independent of speculation and conflicts over oil, but also achieves price stability and predictability. At the same time, these companies anticipate the introduction of a CO2 tax and can thus avoid future costs with their investments. Some countries are also planning to adjust the truck toll to the CO2 emissions of the respective vehicle or to exempt CO2-free transports from the toll.
Green logistics is more in demand than ever. Consumers, but also companies, are increasingly paying attention to their carbon footprint and are placing higher demands on services and goods. Suppliers to the automotive industry, for example, must be able to demonstrate appropriate certifications. And such certifications are also increasingly required for larger tenders. Offering climate-friendly or even climate-neutral delivery can be a real competitive advantage here.
Do you want to know how high your savings potential is?
Yes, and often significantly.
In logistics, every unnecessary mile adds cost and carbon. By optimising routes, fleets can reduce fuel consumption, cut emissions, and boost delivery performance, all at once.
The calculation is quite simple: fewer miles driven means less fuel consumption, means less CO2. Route planning software, such as PTV OptiFlow, offers a range of features and benefits that can reduce both mileage and fuel consumption of deliveries. It also enables you to use fewer vehicles for the same volume of orders.
Empty runs are not only expensive, but also unecological. PTV Logistics' route planning solutions therefore calculate the most efficient routes possible with optimally utilised vehicles and, if possible, combine pick-ups and returns. Depending on the baseline situation, this not only leads to fewer miles driven but also to entire vehicles being saved. The routing algorithms also calculate the shortest route to the next stop, bypass routes unsuitable for trucks and avoid detours.
The software also ensures that the right vehicle is selected for each trip.
The driving style has a major influence on fuel consumption. The calculated routes of a software solution are not only optimised, but also feasible. This takes the time pressure off drivers and encourages them to adopt a more consistent, fuel-saving driving style.
The use of additional tools, such as a truck navigation with live traffic information or an ETA service, can also bypass traffic jams and increase the number of successful first delivery attempts.
Electrification is becoming an essential part of sustainable logistics. To make the most of electric fleets, careful planning is required: from matching the right routes to vehicle range, to ensuring reliable charging along the way. Modern EV routing and charging software supports this by factoring in range limits, battery levels, and charging stops when creating routes. In addition, specific areas can be designated for e-vehicle use only, and electric trucks or vans can be prioritised where suitable. With these capabilities, companies can gradually integrate e-mobility into their operations while maintaining efficiency and service quality.
Electrifying a fleet is a strategic transformation. Our whitepaper, “The EV Transition,” explores the operational, financial, and regulatory considerations that logistics companies face when moving to electric vehicles. Learn how to overcome range anxiety, optimise charging, and plan routes that keep your fleet efficient and compliant.
| Using a route planning software | 17% |
| Optimisation and reduction of empty runs | 10 - 40% |
| Intermodal route planning | 35 - 80% |
| Alternative drives | CNG / LNG 5-10%, |
| Soft factors (modern vehicles, bio-fuels, driver training, etc.) | 5% |
To reduce emissions, you first need to understand them.
PTV Logistics' route planning tools estimate the carbon footprint of each delivery route, before the journey even begins. These CO₂ estimates help you plan smarter, avoid carbon-intensive decisions, and build data-driven sustainability strategies.
Our solutions estimate emissions (CO₂, air pollutants, and greenhouse gases) based on several real-world parameters:
All calculations follow internationally recognised standards for CO₂ measurement and reporting:
We also support CO₂ analysis for intermodal routes and entire fleets; not just single trips.
Knowing your emissions isn’t just good for the planet but essential for your business. A well-documented carbon report can help you:
Pro tip: The sooner you start tracking emissions with reliable data, the easier it will be to meet future sustainability requirements and gain a competitive edge.
The best EV Truck simulator
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Automated SaaS route optimisation
Your comprehensive solution to help you streamline logistics operations and drive sustainable growth.
Location Service APIs
High-performance APIs that enrich your software solution by logistical and geographical functionalities.
Transport visibility software
Delivery management solutions including a transport control tower, digital proof of delivery, and slot management.
Get your custom CO₂ estimate or talk to our experts about making your logistics more sustainable.
TSN Groen
In 2021, Netherlands-based delivery company TSN Groen has shifted into more sustainable operations: Half of its 120-strong truck fleet is now fully electric.
Success Story
Unilever, a multinational consumer goods company, owns over 400 brands and operates in more than 190 countries. Its branch in Italy has recently embarked on an effort to make its logistics operations more sustainable – choosing to do so with PTV Route Optimiser software.
PTV Route Optimiser is a routing and scheduling tool for logistics operations. The software considers all truck attributes and restrictions, including environmental aspects such as emissions.
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Logistics companies face increasing pressure to reduce emissions. Software solutions help them achieve these targets, while keeping costs down.
