10-point transport checklist
25 February 2016
As part of the FDF’s Ambition 2025, FDF members are committed to reducing the environmental impact of their transport operations, whether from own fleet operations and third-party hauliers and to embed a fewer and friendlier food miles approach within food transport practices.
Embedding a fewer and friendlier food miles approach within food transport practices is key: the FDF has a '10 Point Checklist' covering a range of environmental standards, including those which contribute to a reduction of nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions. We encourage members to embed this approach within their own and outsourced operations.
Topics
Download (150 kb)- What is my/your company's policy on maximising vehicle loading whether through the use of double decks and/or longer semi-trailers* for lower density loads or running at maximum gross weight for higher density?
- What is the ratio of trailers to tractors across my/your fleet given that a high ratio can help reduce waiting times and lead to less trucks on the road?
- What is my/your company's fleet replacement policy and how long will it be before all vehicles in the fleet comply with the latest EU emissions standard, i.e. EU VI? What is the current % breakdown in use of EU IV, V and VI across the fleet?
- What use does my/your company make of vehicle telematics (including in cab feedback) to minimise environmental impact? Does my/your company use tracking technology to optimise transport operations and reduce vehicle miles? If so what type?
- Does my/your company record empty running and, in turn, collaborate with others, including by sub-contracting, to try and reduce it? What use does the company make of consolidation centres, freight villages and/or pallet networks etc. to reduce miles?
- What proportion of my/your company's current annual mileage/tonnage moved is by rail and/or ship and what is its policy on increasing such transport usage?
- What does my/your company do in terms of supporting innovation and promoting best practice to reduce environmental impacts and improve efficiency through for example development of more efficient vehicle design (including the use of 'aero kits'), lubricants, refrigerants and low rolling resistance tyres?
- What are my/your company's policies/schemes on training and engagement with its drivers to reduce environmental impact through better driving practices?
- What are my/your company's policies on vehicle maintenance given its relevance to fuel efficiency? Where refrigerated transport is used what steps are taken to maintain the equipment and insulation to prevent and minimise leakage of refrigerants? Which refrigerant types are used?
- What percentage of my/your company's fleet currently operates on alternative fuels e.g. natural gas, biofuels and how does this breakdown by fuel type? Does your company have plans to develop this aspect of the fleet?
"The Freight Transport Association (FTA) manages the Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme, a voluntary initiative to record, report and reduce freight carbon emissions. We welcome the FDF's checklist for Greener Food Transport to encourage fleet operators to improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Fleet operators can improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon by adopting a broad range of operational efficiencies from driver training and aerodynamics to improved routing and scheduling. Further reductions, though often challenging can also be made through innovation, utilising green fuels and technologies and considering modal shift".
* Only currently available as part of the Department for Transport's trial of longer semi-trailers – see Longer semi-trailer trial