Sustainable delivery? It can be done with an electric lorry
Sustainability has moved from being a minor issue to a priority in recent years. That’s hardly surprising, given that the need is becoming ever more urgent. Fortunately, developments in this area are progressing rapidly. In transport and delivery, too, progress continues apace. And that’s just as well, because more and more is being ordered, and this number only seems to rise. So it’s good that this world is on the move, looking for sustainable solutions. Which ones are especially promising right now? Read on to find out.
Going green
We’ve known the electric car for a while now, but the electric lorry is relatively new. Still, this is a means of transport on the rise, as major players in the field are now taking it seriously. When freight distribution can be done using electric vehicles too, you’ll see the environmental impact of transport can drop very quickly. Moreover, it’s not just about the lorries themselves—charging is also being developed. Fast chargers are now being developed for lorries, making it even more attractive for hauliers to make the switch to the green option. Super-charging points in the Port of Antwerp can now fully charge an electric lorry in 30 minutes!
Dropshipping
Dropshipping is also increasingly on the up, and this is very positive news for sustainability. It means a stage in the journey can be skipped, with goods sent directly from the producer to the end customer. As a result, a product doesn’t need to be delivered twice, which reduces transport. It also brings advantages in terms of storage capacity and, when well organised, it can deliver major benefits for the customer.
Packaging
Of course, it’s not just about the way things are transported—as the transport sector has actually been highly innovative for years. It’s also about the way items are packaged and how people behave when ordering. In the past, shipping was often free, and people would order multiple sizes or options, always resulting in a return. These days, that’s changed: more and more sellers are keen to discourage returns and are beginning to charge for them. Packaging too is becoming more sustainable, with unnecessary plastic now really no longer acceptable. This all makes delivery considerably more responsible.
In summary, sustainable delivery is absolutely possible. Every link in the chain contains an aspect making it more responsible than before. One area set to make a major impact is greener transport. This will mean lorries travelling from A to B with minimal environmental impact. If consumers change their behaviour—and retailers also get involved—major leaps forward can quickly be made in this sector. Because, in all respects, responsible transport will have a hugely positive impact on the environment.
