Despite — or perhaps partly due to — the economic strain being felt by consumers and shippers alike, sustainable last mile shipping is still growing strong and reduces carbon emissions by reducing the distance goods travel between origin and destination. This reduces fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, which helps companies and consumers save money on transportation costs.
This is especially important as fuel surcharges add to shipping costs, even as consumers still shop for free or the lowest-cost options when choosing retail and eCommerce stores.
How Does Sustainability Impact Consumers’ Purchasing Decisions?
As more people become aware of the importance of sustainability, they’re increasingly looking for products that support these efforts. Companies must ensure their packaging is recyclable, biodegradable, and made with materials that won’t harm the environment. And, their shipping experience needs to as well.
Why Should You Care About Sustainability?
As a share of the total cost of shipping, last-mile delivery costs are substantial—comprising 53% of overall supply chain expense. And despite wanting free shipping, customers also demand an experience that rivals the one retailers provide on their sites and in their stores—and increasingly, that includes sustainability.
Deliver what customers want, and they will come back again and again. Conversely, deliver what they consider a subpar experience, and they will be quick to move on to the competition and leave a less than flattering review of your brand online.
The Case for Sustainable Packing with Cartonization Technology
However, sustainability goes beyond transportation. How items are packed, from materials chosen to the way items are packed.
Research from Truvium Packaging showed that nearly 75% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging. And of those, almost a quarter are willing to pay 10% or more. As a result, shippers are increasingly turning to eco-friendly packaging alternatives. However, regardless of the packaging used, poor packing will lead to unhappy consumers having to deal with waste from cartons that are too big and stuffed with air or packing fill because of packing fails. Choosing the correct carton using a multi-carrier management solution with AI-powered cartonization capabilities for the item can help shippers contribute to a healthier planet while reducing dimensional weight (DIM) fees and creating more loyal customers at the same time.
Four Benefits of Shipping Sustainably
There are several ways that businesses can benefit from sustainable last-mile shipping.
- By making environmentally friendly choices, companies can help reduce waste and pollution.
- By using sustainable practices, companies can improve their reputation among customers and employees.
- By offering eco-friendly options, companies can attract new customers who share their values.
- By providing sustainable options from alternative-fuel-powered carriers, omnichannel shipping strategy, and efficiently packing parcels, companies can save money on final-mile shipping.
Check out our on-demand webinar if you’re interested in learning more about how to make your last-mile shipping more sustainable.