Decarbonisation of freight in South West England: driving sustainable logistics through smart partnerships

31st October 2024

In a significant step towards promoting sustainability in the logistics sector, a collaborative initiative has been launched to support small and medium-sized haulage businesses in Southwest England. Led by Peninsula Transport and The Western Gateway, the “Decarbonisation of Freight in South West England” project aims to reduce emissions while supporting economic resilience in the region. With Transport Exchange Group (TEG) and Haulage Exchange (HX) acting as key enablers, the project provides participating hauliers with access to essential tools that streamline operations, reduce empty haulage miles and contribute to a greener economy.

A sustainable path forward for freight in South West England

The newly launched joint freight strategy from Peninsula Transport and The Western Gateway aligns closely with the UK government’s Future of Freight Plan. This forward-thinking strategy, spanning the next 30 years, addresses critical challenges facing the haulage network in England and outlines key priorities for achieving a more sustainable and efficient freight sector.

One pressing issue the strategy addresses is the high percentage of haulage vehicles running empty, estimated to be around 30%, according to a 2023 Department of Transport report. Reducing these empty miles is essential not only to cut emissions but also to improve the operational efficiency of local hauliers who may not have access to costly logistics optimization technology.

This project supports local hauliers by providing participating businesses with fully funded access to the Haulage Exchange platform, which allows hauliers to find backloads and optimize vehicle usage, minimizing empty journeys and helping the sector progress towards a net-zero emissions future.

Why this partnership matters

The initiative provides haulage operators with access to state-of-the-art load-matching and route-planning tools through Haulage Exchange. This access allows local hauliers to advertise available vehicle capacity and post estimated empty locations ahead of journey completion. The platform then alerts them to potential return loads nearby, helping maximize vehicle utilization and reduce fuel consumption.

The collaboration has already demonstrated notable results in its initial months:

• 37 loads matched over a total of 5,464 miles
• Over £44,000 in added value to local hauliers
• A reduction of 4,822 kg of CO2

Despite these early successes, 1,352 loads remained unallocated since the initiative began, highlighting the significant potential for expansion as more hauliers participate in the project. New applications can be received; simply enquiry here.

How the project supports local business sustainability

With the support of Peninsula Transport and The Western Gateway, local businesses can strengthen their logistics networks and enhance sustainability efforts. The benefits extend beyond environmental, helping companies streamline processes and save on running costs, while also fostering economic stability within their communities.

Key benefits of the initiative include:

Improved Vehicle Utilization: Fewer empty miles and better capacity management help hauliers achieve operational efficiency.
Economic and Community Growth: By keeping revenue within local communities and providing businesses with enhanced tools, the project supports regional economic stability and growth.
Reduced Carbon Footprint: More loads being delivered with fewer journeys reduces the sector’s overall fuel consumption, emissions and carbon footprint.
Through this initiative, participating haulage operators can also connect with other businesses across the UK and Europe, gaining access to additional tools such as real-time tracking, electronic Proof of Delivery (ePOD), electronic quoting, payments, and finance options.

Haulage operators in the South West can find more information on the project here.

A Powerful Collaboration for a Greener Future

The teams from Transport Exchange Group (TEG), The Western Gateway, and Peninsula Transport recently came together to celebrate the impact of our joint initiative, “Decarbonisation of Freight in South West England.”

About the partners

Peninsula Transport serves as a shadow sub-national transport body, representing Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth, Somerset, and Torbay. The organisation focuses on unlocking the economic potential of the region by advancing sustainable transport solutions.

The Western Gateway is a pan-regional partnership dedicated to promoting a greener, fairer future for South Wales and Western England. By uniting business leaders, local authorities, and academia, the organization is driving forward sustainable development initiatives across the region.

Transport Exchange Group (TEG) develops logistics technology solutions that enhance the resilience, efficiency, and sustainability of logistics service providers. Since 2000, TEG has helped logistics businesses meet their customers’ most ambitious goals.

Haulage Exchange (HX) is a platform within the TEG network, designed to connect UK haulage companies with opportunities to find loads, secure vehicles, and build long-term business relationships. There are more than 8,000 member businesses.