As a leading third-party logistics (3PL) provider, we at Echo recognize our responsibility—and opportunity—to drive meaningful environmental change. This Earth Day, we’re exploring how sustainability and logistics go hand-in-hand, and how Echo is helping shape a cleaner, more efficient supply chain.  

Putting Sustainability in Motion 

In addition to adopting procedures at our numerous locations that encourage eliminating waste and minimizing energy usage, Echo is focused on creating real impact across the transportation landscape.  

Our aim is to deliver efficient supply chain solutions that reduce waste, cut carbon emissions, and increase efficiency for our shipper and carrier partners. 

Rethinking Freight for a Lower Footprint 

Transportation is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions globally, which makes it a big area of opportunity. At Echo we promote sustainability through mode and backhaul optimization. Certain shipping solutions, such as Intermodal Rail and Retail Consolidation, naturally offer lower emissions than their traditional counterparts. Rail allows one ton of freight to move 500 miles on a single gallon of gas, using less fuel and emitting less CO2 than trucks on the road. Retail Consolidation reduces empty miles and maximizes truckload capacity by consolidating shipments. Additionally, backhaul optimization reduces empty return trips, reducing fuel usage and carbon emissions, while improving profitability for our carrier network.   

Tracking Emission and Building Accountability Through EPA SmartWay Partnership 

Echo has been a proud Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) SmartWay Transport partner since 2010. This program enables Echo to document, track, and report freight emissions data for our shipper and carrier partners. We actively encourage our carriers to register with SmartWay and utilize the program to provide accurate reporting on their emissions. Through our use of SmartWay certified carriers, Echo has successfully prevented approximately 38,270 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions from polluting the environment. 

Through our SmartWay partnership, Echo encourages clients and carriers to improve fuel efficiency, saving costs in the long run. We leverage data on SmartWay-certified carriers to help our shippers save money while improving their carbon footprints.  

Additionally, by leveraging data from our SmartWay partnership, Echo has been able to rank number one among numerous categories of the SmartWay Carrier Performance Rankings. 

Driving Sustainability Through Innovative Tools and Partnerships 

Transportation industry professionals can also take other measures to enhance sustainability in the supply chain. As we’ve seen, investing in environmentally friendly initiatives not only can improve companies’ carbon footprints, but also save money. We believe investing in the right technology and partnerships not only helps the environment, but helps our shippers and carriers succeed. 

Strategic Partnerships Help Cut Fuel Use 

EchoDrive Preferred, our driver rewards program, enables carriers to access tools such as DriveWyze PreClear, an innovative software that allows drivers to bypass weigh stations and inspection sites. Not only does this mean that drivers can save time on the road, but it also reduces fuel costs, and therefore, emissions. On average, each bypass saves users $8.68, boosting your bottom line.  

Advanced Technology Powers Sustainability Initiatives 

Echo invests millions of dollars each year in technology to support our clients and carriers. This enables us to provide the top-of-the-line solutions our partners have come to count on. It also enables us to leverage SmartWay data to provide reporting on shipper and carrier carbon footprints. This type of technological investment allows us to provide actionable recommendations for optimizing mode and route selection, leading to greater efficiency for our partners. 

Driving Change with Low-Emission Options 

As supply chains evolve, so do the options for reducing emissions. For instance, renewable diesel has been shown to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 62%, as compared to petroleum diesel usage by heavy vehicles.  

At Echo, we stay at the forefront of sustainable innovation to provide our partners access to solutions that align with their sustainability goals. We’ve received notable recognition for our efforts, including being named one of Newsweek’s America’s Greenest Companies. This recognition stems from Echo’s ability to enable access to a growing number of carriers utilizing low-emission fuel options. By offering access to these carriers, we help shippers make environmentally conscious decisions without compromising reliability.  

Improving sustainability in the transportation sector is not just about environmental conservation. The steps we take to reduce environmental impact also deliver tangible business benefits including lower costs, better efficiency, and stronger long-term value for our partners. 

By leveraging data, advanced technology, and strategic partnerships, we can continue to develop creative solutions to complex problems and build a more sustainable future for our industry.  

From all of us at Echo, we wish you good luck in your sustainability mission, and a happy Earth Day! 

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