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Trax Empowers Pharma Companies for California’s Climate Reporting Regulations

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Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News, Uncategorized

Trax Empowers Pharma Companies for California’s Climate Reporting Regulations

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Trax Technologies, a pioneer in Transportation Spend Management (TSM) solutions, is playing a pivotal role in equipping pharmaceutical companies with a strategic advantage in addressing the upcoming California climate reporting regulations. Leveraging its proficiency in European Sustainability Reporting Standards, Trax is aiding enterprises to navigate the complexities of emissions reduction, particularly in the context of Scope 3 emissions, which constitute a significant portion of the carbon footprint within the pharmaceutical industry.

A recent analysis by McKinsey underscored that approximately 75 percent of emissions across the value chain for pharmaceutical companies fall under Scope 3, with half of the total emissions originating from upstream activities, specifically in the purchased goods and services category. Trax’s proactive approach in preparing enterprise shippers and pharma manufacturers extends beyond the national realm, encompassing compliance with global reporting requirements such as the European Commission’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the International Sustainability Standard Board (ISSB) climate-related disclosures, and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) climate-related disclosures.

Steve Beda, Executive Vice President of Customer Success at Trax, emphasized the company’s readiness for SEC Climate reporting regulations and highlighted the advantage this readiness provides to pharma companies facing the imminent challenges posed by the forthcoming California Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act. The act mandates companies with revenues of $500 million to report Scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2026 and Scope 3 emissions in 2027.

Uniquely positioned to address the diverse needs of global enterprises, Trax is aligning its efforts with the California climate reporting standards, notably EN 16258. This standard, adopted by the European Union for the CSRD, serves as the foundation for Trax’s reports and promotes consistency in calculating and reporting greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. Trax’s Carbon Emissions Manager emerges as a valuable tool for pharmaceutical companies, enabling them to meticulously assess their carbon footprint by gathering and analyzing data from every segment and vendor within their supply chain.

As the pharmaceutical industry grapples with the impending challenges of emissions reduction and reporting, Trax’s comprehensive solutions empower companies to implement sustainable practices that not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute to environmental well-being. In essence, Trax is spearheading the charge to prepare pharmaceutical enterprises for a future where climate accountability is paramount.

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Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News, Ocean Ports

Cold Chain Turns the Heat Up on Emissions

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Cold chain makes up a large part of the logistics industry, with refrigerated transport a key component of the sector. With more people now doing their shopping online, both for special items and, more importantly, groceries, the number of refrigerated trucks or refrigerated transport units (TRUs) has increased. The refrigeration systems on TRUs need to be powered, with the majority of regular auxiliary engines powered by diesel put into the trucks for fuel also powering generators.

However, TRUs are incredibly bad for the environment. The WHO estimates 4.2m people die each year from air pollution related illnesses. 1 TRU produces anything between 3-15 tonnes of CO2 per year, making it equivalent to 9 diesel vehicles. Scaled up, 1m TRUs has the same impact on air pollution and emissions as 56m diesel cars. A 2021 research paper concludes that in the UK, TRU CO2 emissions are 15% higher than a normal delivery vehicle, with nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions 18% higher. In the US, light-heavy duty transportation vehicles make up over 80% of its total transportation greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, TRUs making up to 9% of this total.

It is clear to see there is an emission problem with TRUs, but it creates a difficult situation for companies which provide services using these vans, as solutions have not been cheap. However, many companies are beginning to consider their options for a more sustainable future. There are also small but significant changes that companies can make to reduce TRU emissions. For example, a simple colour change from a dark brown and black to yellows and silvers can produce less emissions due to heat absorption. The weight of the vehicles also impacts the level of emissions. These factors all need to be considered when thinking of how to move away from diesel powered generators.

There may be opportunities arising to address TRU emissions in the not too distant future. In the UK for example, there will be a removal of the red diesel subsidy. TRUs use red diesel to run the vehicles and fridges. It is taxed at 50% less than regular diesel, which has been used as an incentive for the continued use of diesel to run the engines and fridges of the trucks. In 2022, that subsidy will end for all vehicles apart from agricultural. The extra cost for red diesel to fuel the trucks and power generators is estimated to reach at least £1,750 per truck per year. It is at this point in time which offers an unprecedented opportunity for a wholescale change to alternatively powered TRUs.

Hultsteins is a British-Swedish diesel-free refrigerated transportation company. It has proposed the use of its own tried and tested solution to bypass the utilisation of diesel power on board TRUs. It owns a series of trucks in its fleet that counter the use of diesel to power its generators and fridges. The main truck model is called Ecogen, a truck which uses a small electric generator. The Hultsteins system does not fully replace the diesel power but creates a hybrid system. Using both the diesel from fuel and the small electric generator, the hybrid system constantly produces 400V of potential, even when sat idle.

The company states it saves up to 90% of diesel consumption per unit. Hultsteins estimates Ecogen can save 20 tonnes in carbon emissions per unit per annum. Additionally, carbon and nitrogen emissions can be reduced up to 95%. As such, sustainable investors will be looking at this in more detail in the future, with some UK-based road freight companies already looking into this, such as Gist.

More than just the Ecogen system is available on the market, with other companies exploring the use of large-scale batteries and solar panels to power generators. A collaboration between Sunswap and Cenex is aimed at reducing emissions in TRUs through the development of solar powered generators. The energy is stored in high-power batteries, however there is also the scope to include solar panels on the roof of vehicles. This will help companies to reach a variety of demand from customers.

Other companies such as Sainsbury’s are also exploring the opportunity to innovate its own emissions-saving technology, and has rolled out five fully electric TRUs to its fleet in 2021. It is now further investing further in innovation to continue decreasing its emissions. The company claims the new TRUs will help save 4 tonnes of carbon per year.Sunswap itself has secured further funding of £3m from Barclays Bank to accelerate the development of fully electric, zero emissions TRUs, promising between 80-93% global warming impact savings. Although there is still a long way to go, it is clear that some companies are attempting to embrace the chance to make major climate-orientated changes.

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Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Special Reports, Trucking

Reducing emissions requires efficient supply chain solutions

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In November 2021, the United States Department of State and the United States Executive Office of the President released a new long-term strategy for reducing CO2 emissions. The report laid out the ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions no later than 2050, which will require significant change, adaptation, and transformation across almost every sector, and in particular the manufacturing and transport industries.

These ambitious targets build on last year’s summit, where the US pledged to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 50-52% in 2030, in line with the European Council’s requirements. According to experts around the world, these new, increased goals are essential when it comes to meeting objectives set for the middle of the 21st century.


 

Around the world, the food and beverage sector is responsible for about one third of all greenhouse gas emissions, largely due to their complex supply chains. Without taking significant action to address supply chain emissions, meeting emissions targets will be a challenge. Mitigation efforts will require a significant shift in the way supply chain issues are considered within the sector, particularly when it comes to agriculture and land use.

The largest direct source of greenhouse gas emissions, is the US transportation sector, having overtaken the power sector back in 2015. It is responsible for 29% of all US greenhouse gas emissions, according to an EPA report released in 2021. As part of the drive towards Net Zero, President Joe Biden signed an Executive Order on Strengthening American Leadership in Clean Cars and Trucks in December 2021. This set a target of 50% of cars and light trucks to be zero-emissions by 2030 and directed NHTSA to finalize emissions targets for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles by December 2022.

These strategies, targets, and directives are a clear indication that the US approach to CO2 emissions is hardening, and that decisions are being made that will have significant impacts on those responsible for supply chains.

However, reducing emissions is not solely linked to vehicles, and clean technologies and lower-emission cars and trucks cannot be the only solution, even in the transportation sector. A huge part of achieving these ambitious goals will come from significant improvement in efficiency throughout the entire logistics process, including, of course, the decisive areas of warehouse and transport management. Warehouse management solutions (WMS) and transport management solutions (TMS) have become key elements that not only improve general efficiency, but are also essential to creating a more effective and seamless supply chain process, optimizing transportation and, in turn, reducing emissions.

Warehouse management solutions

The warehouse is the heart of the entire logistics system, and its management has a direct impact on the rest of the links in the supply chain including, unsurprisingly, on transportation. An effective WMS not only guarantees more efficient use of physical warehouse space but also optimizes the movement of goods and materials inside the warehouse, ensuring cost savings and reduction of emissions right from the outset. But a WMS is not just about managing what goes on in the warehouse itself. It improves the organization of transportation and creates significant improvements in this area by synchronizing warehouse operations with arrivals and departures of carriers, transferring the newfound efficiency of the warehouse to transport, and onwards to the entire supply chain.

Transportation Management Solutions

Increased focus on emissions and environmental improvements reinforces the strategic value of TMS tools as well. According to analysis by Gartner and Supply Chain Digest, among others, TMS tools can offer immediate savings of anywhere between 15% (for the annual transport costs) and 30% (for personnel and management). Greater efficiency also undoubtedly has an effect on the reduction of emissions throughout the entire logistics chain. The two-pronged benefits of using technology to improve your supply chain operations is a decisive element for companies in the immediate future.

Transportation and Climate Initiative

Many leading companies looking to take proactive and practical steps towards decarbonization participate in the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI), a scheme similar to the European Lean & Green platform. The TCI is a regional collaboration of 13 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states and the District of Columbia that seeks to improve transportation, develop the clean energy economy, and reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector.

As with the Lean & Green initiative in Europe, many companies who operate under the jurisdiction of the TCI take advantage of Generix’s WMS and TMS solutions to achieve greater efficiencies in warehouse and transportation management; solutions without which it would be extremely difficult to reduce and ameliorate the energy costs of transport.

In short, logistics is in the process of a significant transformation to meet the demands of an increasingly demanding market, as well as to address environmental targets and requirements. There are a number of technological tools already standard in the world of logistics that have completely changed the productivity of the sector, and which will be essential to be able to take the next steps towards productivity, efficiency, and decarbonization.

For the manufacturing and transport industries, the path to Net Zero does not have to be a painful one. The tools and processes that are vital for reducing emissions also come with significant benefits and improvements for productivity and efficiency.

Supply chains are central to the fight against climate change. Decarbonization and emission reduction efforts also help improve sustainability, as well as making supply chains more resilient for the future.

If you want to reduce your carbon footprint through our solutions, contact us!

Generix Group North America provides a series of solutions within our Supply Chain Hub product suite to create efficiencies across an entire supply chain. Our solutions are in use around the world and our experience is second-to-none. We invite you to contact us to learn more.

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Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Special Reports

Helping the World is Good for Business

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There aren’t many times in any industry when going the extra mile to do the right thing is actually really good for business too. But it does happen.

Skeptical? You’re not alone. After two years of juggling, pivoting, problem solving, reimagining and then doing it again – all of which have drained energies and operational budgets – any transportation logistics executive in charge of budgeting, could be forgiven for taking a hard line on non-essential expenditures.

Proactively protecting the environment? That’s a must-do for every industry, but it’s low on a priority list that has been exclusively focused on finding and retaining carrier capacity and keeping the flow of goods moving across the country and around the world.


 

As we all continually re-examine ways to cut costs and realize even greater operational efficiencies, improving environmental protocols – and reducing C02 emissions specifically – presents a rare win-win dynamic in which operations leaders can preemptively align around incoming regulations, optimize network efficiencies and reduce C02, an increasingly problematic contributor to greenhouse gasses (GHG’s) and overall environmental impact. If all of that sounds a little like having your cake and eating it, you’re not wrong. Let’s dig in, get some broader perspective and take a closer look at the issues and strategic steps to lowering emissions and raising profits.

The Global Perspective: efforts to reduce emissions

Protecting the environment seemed more an extreme activist position a few decades ago but it’s rightly now a global perspective – and with good reason. The Paris Accord – an agreement by countries around the world to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 – mandates a target of no more than a 1.5 degree Celsius change in global temperature beyond pre-industrial levels. According to Stanford University, as of March 2021, 64 countries signed the agreement but the race is on. While pandemic lockdowns and other confinement measures cut global emissions by 2.6 billion tons of CO2, about seven percent below pre 2019 levels, experts say that level of control cannot be maintained and the world is on track to increase global temperature by 3-5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century: a world-changing problem.

The good news is that change is being affected at the global, national, corporate and individual levels. Or at least initiatives are in place to fast track new behaviors. At the international level, 27 countries have implemented a carbon tax, imposing fees on industries for carbon emissions in an effort to incentivize a switch to improved practices and both green technologies and power sources. Pro-tax countries include Argentina, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Denmark, the European Union (27 countries), Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine. Others considering joining include Brazil, Brunei, Indonesia, Pakistan, Russia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam. In addition, 64 carbon pricing initiatives are currently in force across the globe on various regional, national, and subnational levels, with three more scheduled for implementation, according to The World Bank. Together, these initiatives have been estimated to cover 21.5% of the global greenhouse gas emissions in 2021.

A gradual shift to renewable energy worldwide is also underway with solar-generated power leading the way. While coal and gas still account for around 60% of the world’s energy, renewable forms of energy production are growing fast. According to Earth.org, worldwide solar power production has grown 25% year-on-year with overall renewable energy now accounting for 29% of the global power supply and the first countries, like Iceland, being close to 100% renewable-energy-powered. This pace of change will pick up, but it’s also going to require the major industries that generate large amounts of C02  – for example manufacturing and livestock-based meat production – as well as other private sector companies and every team within them – to affect change from the top down and bottom up. While the earth’s agriculture goliaths tackle damaging methane gas emissions (9.6% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions), a society-wide movement is beginning, with the adoption of consumer and coming commercial electric vehicles, single use plastics, ride sharing and plant-based food production.

The C-Suite Perspective: targeting the supply chain and improving visibility

While all of that is tremendously encouraging and needed, corporate America and its global counterparts are being asked to do more. Forbes reports leaders now recognize the need for their companies and organizations to drive more proactive environmental change through C02-limiting practices across the organization but particularly in relation to the supply chain. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), company supply chains now account for a staggering 90% of an organization’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

While changes to other emissions-reducing strategies, including business travel practices, electric vehicles and renewable energy use, all help corporations lower their carbon footprint, tackling supply chain emissions from manufacturing to the transportation, handling and management of goods is the single greatest impact generator for many businesses. Kevin Sneader, global managing partner, McKinsey & Company hits the nail squarely on the head about exactly what’s needed to affect this level of network-wide change:

“While there wasn’t much debate about the science [of necessary reduction of C02 emissions], executives and investors were concerned about the lack of reliable data on the efforts companies and society are making, not to mention their impact. Greater clarity is required in order to speed development of new standards to help markets act more efficiently and reward progress.”

The answer lies, as with many operational efficiencies initiatives, in clear access to data across your supply chain operation. How much C02 is being emitted at any given time? What are the major causes, modes or geographies and other contributing variables? Only by tracking this data, by embedding an enterprise-wide approach to ongoing C02 monitoring, can we build effective strategies to manage and reduce emissions and realize greater efficiencies at the same time. This is especially critical post global pandemic as many industries re-set and examine better practices to mitigate risk and manage challenges.

Creating Sustainability Practices in Transportation Logistics

When it comes to creating sustainable practices in logistics transportation, the great news is that the train has already left the station. Meaning shippers are already organically looking for better ways to improve execution and lower costs. And typically those changes – optimizing network and mode, carrier/LSP selection via advanced routing as well as packaging strategies to reduce dimensional weight and trim cost – will all contribute to emissions reduction. The challenge, of course, comes in how to measure any impact from these actions as part of an overall carbon reduction program.

How do we begin thinking about C02 monitoring and measurement? How do we acquire quantitative proof of progress or KPI’s that can demonstrate we’re delivering against our footprint- reduction goals? Measurement needs to include everything from the role warehouse management, packaging, product sourcing all play in emissions as well as, of course, the movement of inbound materials or inventory delivery and outbound transportation of goods across mode, region and geography.

Tracking CO2: Supporting a Broader Sustainability Initiative

As we set about to review sustainable practices within an operation, it’s a good idea to adopt a broader view of sustainability. Yes, transportation will be a major driver of C02 emissions and require monitoring, but let’s review other contributing factors too. Do your carriers across your network practice emissions-reduction strategies? Things like load consolidation, which will typically lower cost per unit weight, reduce your number of shipments, reduce fuel needs and lead to an overall reduction of C02. If they’re not using basic emissions-reduction practices or considering doing so, it may be time to find new carriers.

Unfortunately, there is no global standard to measure CO2 in relation to transportation logistics which makes comparison across the industry extremely difficult at present. In the United States, the EPA’s Smartway program is attempting to standardize CO2 coefficients but not all companies have adopted a single source of CO2, nor a common definition as it relates to transportation logistics. Until this happens, the best course of action is internal measurement: consistently monitoring and measuring across your operation and benchmarking emissions- reduction against your own goals and initiatives to affect them. Only by doing this and having the data-driven proof points can we set new goals as well as broader sustainability targets that can all be reported to customers, partners, investors and other stakeholders.

It’s All About Data: FAP’s Role in CO2 Measurement

Visibility is the key to delivering on your targets for sustainability and emission reduction, and that can only come from data collection, curation and analysis. Two fundamental components for measuring CO2 emissions in transportation logistics are weight and distance. How large and heavy are my goods? How far and by which means do they need to travel, what’s the fuel required and how efficient is consumption? A good quality Freight Audit and Payment (FAP) system tracks weight and lane, which can help calculate distance, plus additional variables, making it a foundational step and required tool for any CO2 measurement and reduction effort.

While there is no single source or method to deriving CO2 yet, distance, weight, and mode of transportation are all key fundamental elements that support the calculation of CO2 related to transportation logistics. The bottom line is that by combining these input values with CO2 coefficients, it’s possible to calculate the CO2 associated with any shipment, regardless of mode of transport and geographic region.

A natural place to begin is where carbon emissions reduction has a material impact (transportation logistics) and where transportation spend management data is available (historical record of shipping activity with specific distance, weight, mode of transport available).   Dashboards and trends along with KPIs for both cost to serve metrics (cost per unit, cost per shipment, cost per unit weight) and carbon emissions (CO2 by lane, by LSP) create awareness and can be used to establish baselines and alignment for both carbon reduction and transportation spend optimization. This same dashboard can be used by logistics, procurement, operations management, and executives to align on, and report, progress at all levels of the organization at any given time.

Getting the Most from Your KPI’s

According to Forrester, 59% of all companies worldwide now follow data-driven strategies and that number is growing as even small-to-medium sized organizations realize the benefits of data analysis. As you build your sustainability protocols and measurement practices to get the most from your KPI’s, two things are important.

Continuous Process Improvement

Set goals and use appropriate KPI’s and influencers (cost per unit of distance, CO2 per unit of distance) which will deliver ongoing process improvements: proper supplier and LSP management across your operation as well as more informed decision making for everything from mode of transportation and packaging choice all the way to corporation level decisions around emissions control strategies.

Optimized Strategies

Build carbon emission reduction strategies into your overall optimization strategies. They’re one and the same. Putting in place operational changes to improve efficiencies will reduce emissions. Setting emissions reduction goals will necessitate changes that improve efficiency. And consistent, standardized and high quality data is essential for both.

Do both of these things: continually drive improvement across every process and embrace data- driven decision making to optimize strategies, and you’ll put in place the steps and tools to not just lower C02 emissions, but related operational costs too.

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Steve Beda is executive vice president of customer solutions for Trax Technologies, the global leader in Transportation Spend Management solutions. Trax elevates traditional Freight Audit and Payment with a combination of industry leading cloud-based technology solutions and expert services to help enterprises with the world’s more complex supply chains better manage and control their global transportation costs and drive enterprise-wide efficiency and value. For more information, visit www.traxtech.com.  

ESG
Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Trucking

Driving America’s Businesses Forward with Proactive ESG Strategies at the Forefront

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Entering the new millennium, few companies across all industries had a watchful eye toward environmental stewardship, particularly throughout the heavy-duty truck transportation industries. However, just a few short years later, governments in many countries began to better understand the benefits that could come from corporations curbing their carbon emissions output, and new greenhouse gas mandates began to take effect by the early 2000s.

Pioneering Insight for Industry Sustainability

In the early 2000s, the use of data analytics began to help fleet customers run their operations more efficiently. Fleet Advantage CEO, John Flynn, had a family relative who was receiving treatment for cancer caused by environmental pollutants, and Flynn realized the importance of leveraging resources to help companies with transportation fleets not only comply with the new environmental regulations but serve as model corporations regarding environmental stewardship.

Flynn understood the importance of being the future of truck leasing by advocating solutions that would significantly reduce emissions over time. By 2011, leading fleet consultants had begun to make strong recommendations against the use of older-model equipment because of toxic emissions. They introduced never-seen-before emissions scorecards, and an innovative replacement program with financial flexibility in mind that made it beneficial to operate newer, clean-diesel engines. These programs also helped fleets meet new GHG-1 Federal mandate standards and calculated fuel economy gains at 2.5% MPG and CO2 reductions.

A Focus on Environmental Stewardship

Between 2016 and 2021, leading industry players continued their mission to help fleets change the way they see the environment, as well as their impact. Advanced asset management strategies helped companies reach environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals while promoting sustainability through shortening asset life cycles, optimizing vehicle specifications to be more fuel-efficient, and to align with the duty cycle as well as geographical locale. New approaches also specified lighter components that allow for longer maintenance intervals which reduce environmental hazmat waste disposal.

Today, with Flynn’s foresight, companies are boasting vastly improved environmental records while implementing ESG strategies in front of customers, regulators, and other critical stakeholders. As an example, Fleet Advantage has saved customers approximately $250 million and approximately 175,000 metric tons in emissions since inception.

Socially Conscious Organizations

In addition to environmental stewardship, social criteria are also within companies’ ESG strategies. It’s important that organizations are operating the newest and safest trucks that keep all motorists safe and help attract and retain a greater pool of diverse drivers and other staff. Fleet specification experts work with each company to design new trucks for maximum safety, fuel efficiency, lowest maintenance cost, and highest resale values through innovative programs that focus on upgrading to newer trucks with advanced safety features. By focusing on safety proactively, fleets are recognizing risks that they may otherwise not likely identify, as well as a solution that could save millions of dollars in cost reduction while avoiding damage to their corporate image and brand identity.

Socially responsible organizations today also recognize that a more diverse approach to the transportation industry unlocks more potential growth for organizations through the advancement and empowerment of a gender-diverse workforce.

Governance & Corporate Leadership

Governance is an area many companies have struggled with in recent history. This pertains to the governance factors of decision-making, from sovereigns’ policymaking to the distribution of rights and responsibilities among different participants in corporations, including the board of directors, managers, shareholders and stakeholders. Governance factors highlight the processes for organizations. Fleet experts today provide analytics, processes, and transparency so that clients can meet legal requirements and satisfy every stakeholder in the process.

Today and Looking Ahead

Today, Flynn is proud of the leadership his company displays in life cycle asset management, data analytics and overall strategies to help clients lead competitive and agile organizations through better decision-making. Leading companies today are proud of the culture they have created internally, and many are strong examples of how diversity and inclusion in the workplace can have a substantially positive impact on their organization, employees, customers, and the surrounding communities. They believe that the long-term success of any business calls for a diverse body of talent that can bring fresh ideas, perspectives, and viewpoints into the workplace. Fleet experts now strive to create a culture of diverse individuals from all races, ages, genders, education levels, and cultural backgrounds.

Ultimately, leading executives like Flynn and his company have a goal to help the industry become as sustainable, socially conscious, and governed with as much integrity as possible. Every effort these leading companies put forth is to benefit all – the environment, clients, stakeholders and local communities.

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About The Author: Katerina Jones is Vice President, Marketing and Business Development at Fleet Advantage, a leading innovator in truck fleet business analytics, equipment financing and lifecycle cost management. For more information visit www.FleetAdvantage.com.

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BYD & Toyota Collaborate for Electric Vehicles

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Build Your Dreams (BYD) and Toyota released information this week confirming next steps behind a joint company that would ultimately support battery electric vehicle research and the creation of BEVs and related parts.

The R&D company will comprise of transferred engineers and total needed capital will be shared 50/50 among the two companies. Build Your Dreams and Toyota both have notable accomplishments in supporting an eco-friendly atmosphere, including Toyota’s Prius – the first mass-produced hybrid electric vehicle, and BYD’s manufacturing of energy storage cells and electric vehicles. BYD is responsible for the first mass production of plug-in hybrid electrified vehicles and boasts four consecutive years of first-place sales rankings for its BEVs and PHEVs.

“We aim to combine BYD’s strengths in development and competitiveness in the battery electric vehicle market with Toyota’s quality and safety technology to provide the best BEV products for the market demand and consumer affection as early as we can,” stated BYD senior vice president Lian Yu-bo.

Additional information released confirmed the joint R&D company’s headquarters will be in China beginning in 2020 and ultimately support further efforts for Toyota’s vision of global electrification.

“With the same goal to further promote the widespread use of electrified vehicles, we appreciate that BYD and Toyota can become “teammates,” able to put aside our rivalry and collaborate. We hope to further advance and expand both BYD and Toyota from the efforts of the new company with BYD,” concluded Toyota executive vice president Shigeki Terashi.

Archives, Dispatches, Global Trade Daily

12 SHIPPING COMPANIES RECOGNIZED FOR PROTECTING BLUE WHALES AND BLUE SKIES

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Representatives from the Port of Los Angeles, three regional air pollution control districts, two National Marine Sanctuaries and a member of Congress and the California State Senate gathered in Wilmington, CA, on March 6 to recognize 12 shipping companies that participated in the 2018 Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies program.

Those receiving awards for reducing speeds in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Santa Barbara Channel region were: Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), Great American Lines (GALI), K Line, Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) Ro-Ro Division, Hyundai Glovis, COSCO, Evergreen, Hapag Lloyd, Maersk, CMA CGM, Ocean Network Express (ONE) and Yang Ming.

Leadership from participating and supporting agencies and organizations there to recognize the shipping companies included: Lisa Wunder, Marine Environmental manager at the Port of LA; Aeron Arlin Genet of the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District; Mike Villegas of the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District; and Michael Murphy of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

Also, Chris Mobley of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary; Dan Howard, NOAA Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary; and representatives for U.S. Congressman Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach, CA) and State Senator Ben Allen (D-Redondo Beach, CA).

 

Reducing Emissions
Archives, Global Trade Daily, News

DHL Adds Electric Delivery Vans Supporting Reduced Emissions

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Leading international express services provider, DHL, confirmed the addition of electronic delivery vans to its alternative fuel vehicle fleet to support company goals to reduce emissions.

By 2025, the company hopes to have at least 70 percent of its delivery services performed with clean transport modes. Beyond 2025, the company’s vision is to be 100 percent emissions-free, with 2050 slated at the goal year. The new fleet boasts features including most efficient last-mile delivery and work truck systems available with the ability to run up to 100 miles on a single charge.

“Throughout the United States, DHL has proactively sought opportunities in select markets where we can implement AFV fleets that will help us reach our clean transport goals while continuing to provide a superior service experience,” said Greg Hewitt, CEO of DHL Express U.S.

“This year alone, nearly 30 percent of our new vehicles will be alternative fuel. We’re excited about the technologies that continue to emerge in this area and how they are benefiting the logistics industry.”

Global companies continue following the increasing trend of implementing eco-friendly and sustainable options in transportation, from shippers to trucking and beyond. These efforts promote sustainable transportation as a standard, ultimately raising the bar for all players in the shipping and transportation sectors.

Currently, the company boasts reduced emissions efforts through employing fully electric, hybrid-electric, compressed natural gas (CNG) and clean diesel as part of operations. The company lists four strategies that will enable the company to meet its target goals, one “milestone” at a time. To read more about the company’s plan, visit DHL.

Source: DHL

Archives, Global Trade Daily, News

Environmentally-Friendly Locomotive to Enhance Quality of Life in Stockton

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A new EPA Tier-4 compliant locomotive built by Knoxville Locomotive Works was unveiled today by privately held transportation service company, OmniTRAX and the Stockton Terminal and Eastern Railroad (STE).

“This new state-of-the-art locomotive is the result of hard work by many individuals from the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Central District, OmniTRAX, KLW and other stakeholders, and will enhance the quality of life in Stockton and nearby communities. The Stockton Terminal and Eastern Railroad wouldn’t have been able to replace its old locomotive without their determined effort,” said Kevin Shuba, CEO of OmniTRAX.

The new unit’s energy efficiencies support the overall goal of the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Central District’s (UAPCD) Locomotive Program that provided a grant for the purchase. UAPCD’s grant program provides funds for the replacement of older locomotives for newer, environmentally-friendly ones.

“Despite major reductions in emissions, the Valley continues to face difficult challenges in meeting federal air-quality standards,” said Samir Sheikh, the Executive Director / Air Pollution Control Officer of the Valley Air District. “It will be difficult for the Valley to attain the standards for ozone and particulates without these innovative low-emission locomotive projects.”

“This project is a major step in our efforts throughout the Valley to improve public health through financial incentives to reduce pollution.” “Improving the health and quality of life in disadvantaged communities such as around the Port of Stockton is important to me and the Air District,” said Stockton City Councilmember and Valley Air District Governing Board Member Christina Fugazi.

Air Cargo, Archives, Global Trade Daily

Jettainer Acknowledged as "Best Service Provider"

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A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to outsourced ULD management partner, Jettainer, during this year’s Oman Air Cargo Awards ceremony. The annual event, which took place on January 23,  honored its partners that supported efforts for company growth.
“We are on the path of achieving the goals set by our Group Company in line with the 2040 vision for Oman, in which the logistics industry has become an integral element of Oman’s future development plans. 2018 has been a successful year for Oman Air Cargo with a year on year growth in terms of revenue,” said Mohammed Al Musafir, Senior Vice President, Oman Air Cargo.
Jettainer’s “Best Service Provider” award directly acknowledged its efforts to reduce the existing fleet of Oman Air Cargo in October 2017 which resulted in an overall reduction of CO² emissions.
“The award for Oman Air Cargo is something very special for two reasons. Firstly, because the customers are the ones who are best placed to evaluate our service and the honors they bestow on us. Secondly, because we have only been working for Oman Air Cargo since the end of 2017 and our ULD management has been convincing right from the start,” comments Carsten Hernig, Managing Director of Jettainer GmbH.

Source: Jettainer