Rygen Technologies is a premier supply chain technology provider, that enables any company to quickly, easily, and efficiently execute and manage freight, connect with partners, and unlock data insights for their supply chain. With emphasis on advanced technology and exceptional customer service, Rygen is fueling the creation of smarter, data-driven solutions that deliver real value and solve real business problems.
Did you know that transportation accounts for 28% of the nation’s total Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions? Of this, approximately 42% can be traced back to freight shipments. That’s a significant effect. While it can seem like a daunting task, supply chain managers can have an immediate impact on reducing GHG emissions through the use of technologies like Transportation Management Systems.
Put freight in the most cost-effective mode
Use your TMS to find the most cost-efficient mode for every shipment — keeping in mind service commitments. For example, evaluate combining multiple less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments into one truckload shipment. In some instances, intermodal transportation, or moving shipments by a combination of truck and rail, is a good solution. Fewer trucks on the road means lower Greenhouse gas emissions. The added bonus for supply chain managers is that truckload and intermodal rates tend to be lower, which can reduce transportation costs.
Reduce empty miles
Route optimization is a core capability of most TMS technologies. It is faster, more cost-efficient, and reduces empty miles. When every trip generates GHG emissions, supply chain managers want to ensure that providers are moving freight, not empty trailers. Some lanes tend to have imbalances. For example, Florida consumes more than it produces so a fully loaded truck coming from Chicago may return completely empty. Supply chain managers can use their TMS to locate carriers that are not looking for backhaul freight from Florida. This saves trucking companies the cost of moving an empty trailer and, in turn, reduces greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating empty miles.
Limit truck idling at facilities
Supply chain managers can implement plans to change packaging or limit the time a truck is allowed to idle at their facilities. If a TMS system integrates with other operational systems, it’s easier to ensure that trucks arrive on schedule in the pickup and delivery processes. An AI-enabled TMS is designed to aggregate volumes of data, so supply chain managers can identify which carriers are not meeting scheduled appointments or which facilities do not have loads ready for scheduled pickups and deliveries.
None of these ideas are “rocket science,” but they can deliver results almost immediately. Make an impact and reduce your company’s carbon footprint with a best-in-class TMS solution.
