COVID-19 has taught us that sustainability is not just a trend or a fad. It’s a serious topic that’s going to last.
Egypt & Gulf region, like the rest of the world, are known for their huge carbon emissions, thus they also have the responsibility for climate change. Logistics businesses in these countries must work towards reinforcing environmental sustainability.
In the past couple of decades, with the advent of online shopping, there have been huge changes in the way people shop. With more and more people ordering online, the delivery businesses also had to change to keep up with the growing demand.
Customers expect all their online purchases to be delivered to their doorstep within the same day. This faster shipping harms the Earth and comes with a hidden environmental cost. Read on to know how the demand for faster shipping can damage the environment and what can logistics companies do to tackle sustainability?
What Consumers and businesses can do to drive sustainability?
The good thing is that with the growing awareness, businesses and consumers are now realizing the importance of reducing the carbon footprint of delivery. Consumers are now showing a penchant to buy from brands that are paying attention to environmental sustainability. Below are some steps that can help in tackling sustainability while making product deliveries.
Reducing empty miles.
Empty miles are the most common type of freight wastage, they are also called deadhead miles or non-revenue miles in the freight industry. Moreover, these kilometres, regardless of how they are called, indicate that drivers are not making money for being on the road and that the economy as a whole pays more to transport goods.
Empty miles are undoubtedly costly, as it is the distance traveled without any products delivered, and hence without any genuine economic gain. When determining the cost of fuel per mile, the cost of these empty returns must also be included, since they will affect the cost of transportation.
This deadheading does not only cause the loss of revenue but also increases traffic and carbon footprint. More delivery trucks on the road mean an increase in empty miles and an increased negative impact on the environment.
Thus, reducing empty miles will not only help in reducing carbon footprint but it is also beneficial for the logistics industry as the more efforts you make today to reduce carbon footprints, the better the environment we can have in the future.
Reducing missed deliveries.
Traffic, roadblocks or customers not being available at home are major reasons behind missed deliveries. In case of missed delivery in the first attempt, the logistics company is expected to make a second attempt to the customer to make the delivery.
These failed deliveries are a big reason behind carbon fuel emissions. However, businesses can reduce these failed deliveries by giving the customers more control over the delivery.
While placing the order, the customers should get an option to choose at what time they want the product to be delivered, preferred day, etc. As the customer chooses all the options based on their convenience, missed deliveries get reduced.
Enhancing customer communication.
In the present times, customers also want to bring sustainability to the way things work. They want to play their part in reducing the carbon footprint and want to protect our environment.
For this, consumers are opting for various ways, like combined shipment method, choosing sustainable delivery options and opting for eco-friendly packaging, and choosing eco-friendly online retail stores. Retailers’ communication with customers ensures that the delivery becomes much more effective and environmentally friendly.
Utilizing environment-friendly delivery vehicles.
By using electric vehicles for making deliveries, delivery companies cannot only reduce carbon fuel emissions, but these vehicles are also easy to maintain, and companies can save big money on them. In the future, there are chances that companies might use drones and robots to make the deliveries, but till then, businesses should use zero-emission transportation for the deliveries.
How logistics technologies can empower environmental sustainability and reduce empty miles and missed deliveries?
Technology is one answer to reducing empty miles and missed deliveries. One way to overcome the empty miles problem is with AI and machine learning technology in the form of route optimization software. Route optimization software is the best for companies looking to improve their last-mile delivery. It also helps them reduce cost, time, and effort and leads to an increase in driver and carrier utilization and helps to drive greater efficiencies like fuel utilization and faster deliveries.
By utilizing AI-based route optimization solutions, logistics companies can plan their routes more effectively, thus improving productivity and fuel efficiency. 
Norma is here to help with your sustainability goals:
Norma, the AI-based Route Optimization Software by Softec Technologies is here to help with your sustainability goals. The AI-based route planner will help you utilize the total capacity of your delivery fleet while reducing empty miles.
Norma Reduces the number of used vehicles by up to 35% 
Norma Reduces the number of miles driven by up to 22% 
Norma Reduces the actual driving time by up to 18%
Norma Optimizes time spent on the road by up to 45% with service time prediction
Find out how Softec’s AI-based solutions empowered Mylerz to achieve significant success, reduced failed deliveries and increased first time success rate by downloading ‘’Mylerz Case Study’’ 
For more information on how NORMA can provide similar results to your logistics operations, feel free to request a one to one live demo, and one of our experts will be happy to call you back to discuss your requirements in detail.