Navigating Sustainability in Transportation: The Werner Approach

In recent years, governments and consumers alike have placed an increased emphasis on environmental concerns. As a result, sustainability reporting is quickly shifting from a voluntary initiative to a mandatory undertaking. Strong relationships with transportation and logistics providers are becoming more crucial as shippers learn to work within the regulations and expectations that come with this “new normal.

Collaboration is Key to Reaching Climate Goals

Werner’s AVP of Sustainability and Sales Operations, Shawntell Kroese, notes a significant uptick in interest from both new and existing customers regarding collaboration in sustainability. “Companies need to work with innovative and forward-looking transportation companies like Werner as they work to meet their ambitious — and often public — sustainability goals,” said Kroese.

Werner recognizes today’s available sustainability solutions are not one-size-fits-all. “The large majority of the customers we work with are asking specific questions about what we are doing and how we can help them reach their sustainability goals,” Kroese added. “We have a variety of different products in our portfolio to help them surpass their goals.”

The company takes a collaborative approach to helping its customers become more sustainable. This includes analyzing each company’s freight and its entire network of lanes to formulate a plan helping them meet their goals while continuing to grow.

The Benefits of a Comprehensive Solution Portfolio and Young Fleet

Werner offers its customers the best possible combination of robust sustainability options. Every shipper who uses Werner receives some level of eco-conscious service. Shippers who take advantage of Werner’s One-Way and Dedicated offerings gain access to the newest technologies and equipment available in trucking.

Werner keeps its fleet updated, with the average age of its tractors being just more than two years old. This helps ensure each movement is as eco-friendly as possible while also decreasing the likelihood of unforeseen maintenance issues and improving overall customer service.

Determining the Right Modes of Transportation

For customers ready to dive deeper into their sustainability journey, Werner offers a suite of options to meet specific needs. The company also tests and validates a variety of alternative fuel and technology options with its customers. “It is powerful to have a whole portfolio of different options,” Kroese said. “For our customers, they really benefit from that.”

For many shippers, moving into intermodal transportation is an advantageous opportunity that provides both sustainability gains and cost savings. By moving freight via rail for a significant portion of each journey, shippers can see the impact of using an eco-friendlier mode without sacrificing the benefits of trucking. To offset any initial overwhelm, Werner provides a team of experts to guide shippers through the process and answer any questions that may arise.

The Need for Robust Reporting

Reporting is crucial to meeting sustainability goals. From a regulatory standpoint, it doesn’t matter how much a company can reduce its emissions if it cannot document and share its efforts. Werner provides its customers with reporting on both broad and granular levels.

“Transportation emissions are a big portion of Scope 3 emissions for Werner customers, and the company is uniquely positioned to help customers with solutions in reducing their emissions footprint,” Kroese noted. “We are very adaptable and are able to customize the kind of reporting we provide our customers. We’re capable, willing, and wanting to provide transparency and detail.”

The Werner Difference

At its core, Werner is more than just a transportation company. It is a meaningful adviser for shippers navigating today’s shifting logistics landscape. The company is committed to helping its customers drive emission reductions and embrace innovation, as well as making progress toward its own sustainability goals. Werner continues to test and invest in the solutions and technologies needed to minimize environmental impacts and shape the future of transportation.

Learn more about Werner’s commitment to sustainability and how it can help your business navigate the evolving logistics landscape.