Sustainable Logistics is Foundational at ITS Logistics

At what point does sustainability become more than a buzzword? There are many ways to put sustainability into practice, ranging from heavy investments into electric fleets to smaller commitments, such as community cleanups or an office recycling program. Rather than treating sustainability as a bar to meet, although it is important to have measurable goals, it’s the mindset that matters most.

For us, we think of sustainability as a deeply ingrained value that shapes our daily operations and long-term vision. We believe that making a positive impact on the environment goes beyond superficial efforts. It's about integrating sustainable practices into the very fabric of our business to contribute to a greener future for our team, our customers, and our communities. Here's a glimpse into how we're championing sustainability across all facets of our operations, from the big things to the small.

Embedding Sustainability into Our Distribution Services

As the ecommerce landscape evolves, so does our commitment to sustainable logistics. We’ve long recognized that shippers are increasingly required to meet ESG goals and demonstrate measurable progress, and we’re determined to meet and exceed these expectations. Here’s how we’re making strides in our distribution services and beyond:

Eco-Friendly Packaging

We’re committed to reducing our environmental footprint by using recycled materials for packaging. From recycled paper fillers to eco-conscious boxes and tape, our packaging choices reflect our dedication to sustainability. This shift not only reduces waste but also aligns with the values of our environmentally- aware shippers.

Smart Material Conservation

Our approach to packaging goes beyond just using recycled materials. We’ve streamlined our processes by using double-sided shipping labels, which cut down on paper waste. Additionally, we carefully select packaging sizes to ensure that we’re not using unnecessarily large boxes or excessive filler material.

This attention to detail helps us minimize waste and maximize efficiency. These seemingly small adjustments represent our commitment to the principle that every effort counts. The smallest changes repeated across thousands of transactions can accumulate to drive meaningful improvements in waste management and overall efficiency.

Robust Recycling Programs

We operate comprehensive recycling programs at all our facilities, focusing on materials like cardboard, paper, plastic, and wood. This initiative helps us significantly reduce our landfill contributions and supports the principles of a more circular economy.

Energy Efficiency Offices and Warehouses

In our offices and warehouses, we are committed to energy conservation through the integration of energy-efficient features. We’ve installed LED lighting, motion sensors, and low-flow plumbing to optimize our energy usage and minimize resource consumption.

Advancing a Sustainable Fleet

Our fleet plays a crucial role in our operations, and we’re continuously seeking ways to make it more sustainable. Here’s how we’re leading the charge in fleet management:

Recognized Excellence and Modernization

We’re proud to be recognized as a SmartWay High Performer by the US EPA. This honor is a testament to our commitment to operating a clean and efficient fleet. Our tractors and trailers are among the newest in the industry, with an average age of less than two and three years, respectively. This modern equipment not only enhances fuel efficiency, but also reduces our environmental impact.

Cutting-Edge Fleet Features Enhancing Fuel Efficiency

Our fleet is equipped with advanced features like wind fairing packages, lightweight aluminum wheels, and auto-inflation tires. These innovations contribute to our industry-leading fuel efficiency of 8.19 miles per gallon and help us maintain high performance while minimizing our environmental footprint.

Commitment to Sustainable Procurement, Freight Modal Shifts, and Exploration of Cutting-Edge Technologies

Partnerships with Near-Zero and Zero-Emissions Carriers

Our dedication to greening the supply chain extends to our procurement practices. We are dedicated to partnering with Near-Zero Emissions (NZE) and Zero-Emissions carriers to offset WAIRE burdens and reduce emissions on behalf of our customers. These partnerships are a key part of our strategy to meet regulatory compliance and support our shipper’s sustainability goals.

Truck to Rail Conversions

Additionally, we actively explore opportunities to shift freight from truckload to rail where applicable. Rail transport is a time-tested, more sustainable option that reduces our carbon footprint and enhances overall efficiency. While cutting-edge technologies often receive a lot of attention, we recognize that sustainable solutions aren’t always the latest innovations. By integrating options like rail transport into our strategies, we provide our customers with practical solutions that contribute significantly to reducing environmental impact. Our approach encompasses all avenues of sustainability, ensuring that every opportunity, whether cutting-edge or not, is utilized to benefit our clients and the environment.

Exploring Cutting-Edge Technologies

As much as we value tried-and-true methods, we are equally passionate about exploring and implementing next-generation technologies. Our commitment to sustainability includes continuously evaluating new technologies and pilot programs, such as electric vehicles and trailers, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and alternative fuels. By staying at the cutting edge of industry advancements, we can offer expert insights and solutions to our customers, helping them achieve their environmental goals.

Part of our strategy involves actively exploring the marketplace for emerging technologies and sharing our findings with our shippers. We believe that knowledge should openly be shared, not reserved as a competitive advantage.

Addressing Key Sustainability Challenges

Our commitment to sustainability involves not only adopting new technologies, but also addressing critical challenges within the field. One significant issue is the lack of comprehensive data needed to drive effective change. Through our interactions with our customers, we identified that a major concern was the availability and accuracy of emissions data. Recognizing this as a crucial area where we could make a substantial impact, we found a solution to track emissions at the carrier level.

Our solution provides valuable insights into Scope 3 emissions, which are often difficult to measure. This data will enable our customers to make more informed decisions to meet their sustainability goals.

Supporting Nevada’s EV Ecosystem

As a supporter of the Nevada Battery Coalition (NBC), we are committed to helping establish Nevada as a leading hub for lithium-ion battery production in North America. We contribute our services to the development of Nevada’s electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem, aligning with our broader sustainability goals and supporting the growth of clean energy technologies.

Engaging Our Community and Employees

Sustainability is not just about what we do within our company; it’s also about how we engage with our community. We actively participate in initiatives like river clean- ups and office recycling programs where our team members come together to care for our local environment. These events not only help preserve our natural resources but also drive home the importance of sustainability for everyone involved. By encouraging a culture of environmental stewardship, we empower our employees to be proactive about making a difference at work and beyond.

Join Us on Our Journey

We’re not just keeping pace with sustainability; we’re setting the pace. From adopting alternative fuels to engaging in community cleanups and supporting the development of Nevada’s EV ecosystem, ITS Logistics is committed to advancing sustainable practices. Join us as we continue to push boundaries and work towards a greener, more sustainable future.

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