Green Logistics: Making Deliveries More Sustainable

ue to increased online shopping and home deliveries, the number of delivery vehicles on city streets has grown in recent years. Delivery fleets contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, especially in last-mile delivery, where frequent stops and congested urban routes increase fuel consumption. As delivery demand continues to grow, businesses are investing in green logistics solutions to minimize traffic congestion and make their delivery operations more sustainable. 

In 2025, the green logistics market is expected to reach $2.226 trillion and will grow to $3.319 trillion in 2030, according to a recent survey from ResearchAndMarkets.com. Logistics operations are taking strides toward achieving net-zero emissions, with a focus on minimizing environmental impact through green logistics practices. This shift is driven by the urgent need to align with global and corporate sustainability goals and reduce the carbon footprint of supply chain and logistics activities.

Here’s a look at how companies are embracing sustainability and making their delivery operations greener, faster and more efficient.

By switching to electric delivery vehicles, businesses can dramatically cut their emissions and reduce air pollution. New initiatives are helping companies manage their electric vehicle fleets more efficiently, lower costs, and advance their sustainability goals. PepsiCo expects to save close to $1 million in fuel costs to charge its fleet of 50 semitrucks located at its bottling facility in Fresno, California. Through PG&E’s Flex Connect program, PepsiCo now has access to daytime charging and greater charging capacity enabling PepsiCo to increase its charging capabilities and easily maintain its eco-friendly fleet operations.

Many shippers and carriers are committed to advancing their freight sustainability goals and reducing fleet emissions. Ikea, Electrolux Group, C.H. Robinson Worldwide and DHL Supply Chain will test long-haul heavy-duty battery-electric vehicle operations through Smart Freight Centre’s I-10 coalition. They plan to test the EV trucks along the US I-10 corridor between Los Angeles and El Paso, Texas. The initiative is designed to aggregate demand, fund vehicles and infrastructure, and establish a unified industry approach to accelerate the deployment of long-haul electric trucking.

By deploying small, urban micro-fulfillment centers, retailers can fulfill orders close to consumers. Deliveries can then be made with shorter routes and smaller vehicles. Smaller facilities and vehicles require less energy and maintenance. Shorter delivery routes enable retailers to lower emissions, reduce traffic congestion, and make deliveries faster. Route optimization tools help businesses create shorter and more efficient delivery routes, further reducing fuel consumption and emissions while ensuring timely delivery. 

Companies are developing efficient and sustainable alternatives to traditional delivery vans, making last-mile delivery more eco-friendly. Honda has launched Fastport, a new company focused on providing B2B micromobility solutions for the last-mile delivery industry. The first product is the Fastport eQuad, an all-electric quadricycle designed for use in urban bike lanes. To meet diverse customer needs, Fastport will offer modular designs with large and small vehicle sizes and customizable cargo containers suitable for various applications, such as grocery, parcel, and small package deliveries.

Autonomous technologies like delivery drones have emerged as a promising solution in last-mile delivery services as a way to reduce traffic congestion and emissions. The last-mile drone delivery market could grow from $253.8 million in 2022 to $2.8 billion by 2032, driven by rising online shopping and increasing demands for fast delivery and lower emissions, according to a new report from Allied Market Research. Retailers and delivery providers are partnering with autonomous technology companies to expand their drone delivery capabilities and offer customers quick, convenient, and sustainable delivery options.

Walmart is expanding its thirty minutes or less drone delivery program with Wing to five new cities over the next year, enabling the initiative to reach millions of new customers. Thousands of items will be available to order, including fresh produce and household essentials. DoorDash and Flytrex have expanded their partnership and launched drone delivery service in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The service currently reaches over 30,000 households and 100,000-plus residents, with additional sites in the area launching in the near future.

By electrifying fleets, optimizing routes, and adopting innovative fulfillment and delivery solutions, retailers can build smarter, greener, and more resilient delivery networks. 

For more information about how our delivery management solution can help you manage your delivery operations more efficiently, please contact info@bringoz.com.