10 QuestionsCarbon Emissions Impact, Safeguards & Solutions

July 3, 2023
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10 QuestionsCarbon Emissions Impact, Safeguards & Solutions

July 3, 2023
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Michael Carlson
Select 1 Transport
Vice President/Operations

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At Select 1 Transport (S1T), adopting sustainable practices and actively working towards minimizing our environmental footprint has become not just a moral imperative, but also a key driver of long-term success. By diligently monitoring, measuring, and implementing strategies to reduce carbon emissions, we strive to not only contribute to global efforts in mitigating climate change but also reap the numerous benefits, including cost savings, improved reputation, and increased competitiveness in an increasingly eco-conscious market.

Here are 10 commonly asked questions we receive from clients, industry partners and readers:

1. What measures do you have in place to track your carbon emissions, and how frequently do you report on your emissions?

At S1T, we understand the importance of monitoring carbon emissions as a fundamental part of our commitment to sustainability. We actively invest in cutting-edge technology that enables us to effectively track and monitor our CO2 emissions through various methods. One of these methods involves utilizing an integrated sustainability tool that seamlessly collects and analyzes essential asset data, including metrics such as miles traveled, miles per gallon (mpg), and idle time. This valuable information is then consolidated into a comprehensive sustainability report, which quantifies our environmental impact– on a daily basis– expressed as an average of kilograms per mile (kg/mi). By leveraging our advanced systems, we can continuously evaluate our sustainability practices and make informed decisions to actively reduce our CO2 emissions.

2. What is your carbon reduction target, and how are you working towards achieving it?

While we actively work towards establishing specific carbon reduction targets in the future, our immediate focus is on reducing waste and enhancing operational performance by enhancing our internal systems and processes to establish a solid foundation for sustainability. Although we have to date not set a precise carbon reduction target, our ever-present mission is to minimize waste and optimize operational efficiency. As we continuously improve our internal systems and processes, we remain committed to integrating sustainable practices across all aspects of our operations.

We are also committed to providing accurate and essential information to our customers to support their sustainability goals and objectives with an approach revolving around communication and transparency. We maintain open and honest dialogue at all times to ensure that our customers have the necessary information and support to make well-informed decisions regarding their own corporate sustainability initiatives.

3. What kind of fleet do you operate, and how are you transitioning towards lower-emission vehicles?

Select 1 operates a national, multi-hub fleet primarily consisting of Class 8 heavy-duty tractors, in support of long-haul routes. Our fleet modernization initiative is on a 48-mo cycle and replaces older vehicles with newer, more fuel-efficient diesel tractors. Additionally, we have strategically incorporated local and regional routes into our operations to enhance overall efficiency. While we acknowledge that the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) faces challenges such as range, weight, and infrastructure limitations, our objective is to identify opportunities for improvement that can lead to reduced emissions as we actively and continuously reassess our service and transportation approach.

Through a comprehensive evaluation process, we strive to strike the optimal balance between economic viability, environmental sustainability, and operational effectiveness. By embracing a forward-thinking mindset, we are fully committed to implementing solutions that will enable us to significantly lower emissions and contribute to a cleaner future for the transportation industry.

4. What kind of fuel do your vehicles use, and do you have plans to switch to alternative fuels?

While the majority of our fleet currently operates on Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel, we are actively preparing for the integration of Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) into our operations as soon as it becomes feasible. We fully recognize the significance of transitioning to AFVs and the challenges associated with implementing them on a larger scale, including considerations related to range, weight, and infrastructure. That said, we remain steadfast in our dedication to stay ahead of the curve and explore viable solutions. Our team is diligently monitoring advancements in AFV technology to ensure we are well-informed and prepared for this transition and are committed to embracing AFVs at the earliest opportunity that aligns with our operational realities. By proactively planning for the adoption of AFVs, we reaffirm our commitment to harnessing cleaner and more efficient energy sources, minimizing our environmental impact, and contributing to a more sustainable transportation industry.

5. Do you use any technology to optimize the efficiency of your routes and reduce emissions?

Absolutely! Continuous improvement and premium service are two of S1T’s hallmarks. We understand that efficient route planning plays a crucial role in reducing fuel consumption and overall carbon emissions. To achieve this, we have fully embraced the power of connected software suites to optimize our entire organization. These digital technologies improve upon traditional analog practices by utilizing real-time data to identify the most efficient routes for our trucks– effectively taking the guesswork from our decision-making process, and providing concrete insights that drive operational improvements across the board.

Furthermore, we are actively monitoring and embracing the advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI). By harnessing the power of AI, we aim to enhance our analytics capabilities and further augment our decision-making processes. By utilizing technology to streamline our routes, we are committed to minimizing emissions and operating our fleet in the most sustainable manner possible.

6. How do you ensure the environmental sustainability of your operations, such as the proper disposal of waste materials?

Ensuring the environmental sustainability of our operations is a top priority at Select 1 Transport, and we take comprehensive measures to address various aspects, including the proper disposal of waste materials like fuel and hydraulic fluid. We adhere to strict waste management protocols that prioritize recycling, reuse, and responsible disposal practices in our continuous effort to safeguard our customers, employees, and the environment. If an incident occurs, it is thoroughly documented so that a root cause analysis can be done, and effective preventive measures defined and implemented to prevent recurrence.

We collaborate and do business with certified waste management partners who share our values, commitment to environmental responsibility and who specialize in environmentally friendly practices. By working with trusted partners, we ensure that waste management practices align with our high standards and contribute to sustainable outcomes. This level of collaboration also enables us to maintain consistency and integrity with all our vendors, further minimizing environmental impact.

7. Are you certified by any environmental or sustainability standards organizations, and what kind of audits do you undergo to maintain certification?

As a Michigan-based finished vehicle transport company, we are proud to be a SmartWay certified carrier with the EPA. To maintain our certification, we undergo regular audits that evaluate our adherence to the organization’s standards, policies, and practices related to environmental sustainability. The audits cover various aspects of our operations, including but not limited to carbon emissions management, waste management, energy efficiency, and compliance with relevant environmental regulations. During the audits, our processes, documentation, and performance data are thoroughly reviewed. These audits serve as a robust mechanism to validate our commitment to environmental sustainability and provide us with valuable feedback for continuous improvement. By maintaining our certification and undergoing regular audits, we demonstrate our dedication to upholding the highest environmental standards in our industry and driving positive change towards a more sustainable future.

8. How do you work with your customers to reduce the carbon footprint of their transportation needs?

In today’s business landscape, many organizations often encounter challenges in coordinating with their vendors and suppliers to ensure Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance. At Select 1, we have addressed this obstacle by implementing stringent policies and procedures, strengthened by our digitization efforts, and by offering our clients transparency into our operations and practices. We are committed to being a trusted partner for our customers’ environmental goals, and with our meticulous data integrity and shared values, customers can rest assured that our operations align with their ESG requirements. By maintaining transparency, implementing robust policies, and leveraging digital advancements, we foster a collaborative environment where we collectively work towards a more sustainable future.

9. Do you have any partnerships or collaborations with other companies or organizations to further your environmental sustainability efforts?

We are proactively leveraging our relationships with equipment and fuel vendors to prepare for the integration of Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) into our transport operations. Although we are in the early stages of this process, we recognize the rapid advancement of AFV technology and want to ensure that we are well-prepared when the time comes. This includes evaluating available options, assessing infrastructure requirements, and (of course) considering the potential impact on our operations. Our efforts are oriented around having all preparations in place, to ensure a seamless transition to AFVs when the timing is optimal. Our mission is to position ourselves at the forefront of innovation and environmental responsibility within the finished vehicle transport industry.

10. Can you provide examples of specific initiatives or projects you have implemented to reduce your carbon emissions?

To date, the most impactful sustainability and business initiative we have undertaken is our comprehensive digital integration and connected software suite application to the logistics of our organization/physical operation. While it may not be as attention-grabbing as introducing new battery electric trucks, this transformation has been instrumental in providing accurate and real-time insights into our daily operations, business, and client service performance. This company-wide integration has eliminated guesswork and reliance on fragmented systems and human conjecture, while delivering powerful, real-time visibility that enables us to monitor and analyze key performance metrics in a timely manner; metrics that inform decision-making, optimize resource allocation, lead to enhanced operational efficiency, and help identify areas for improvement. By continuing to harness the power of data and leveraging technology, we have established a solid foundation for making informed decisions and driving our client service and business forward.

Future topics for 10 Questions with Select 1 Transport include EV Specialty Transport; How to Differentiate Yourself as a Transport Service; EV and BEV Battery Tech; How the Transport Business Writ Large is Changing; The Future of the Vehicle Transport Industry and more. If you have a question on these or any other Transport or Logistics topic, there are a couple ways you can ask it:

  • Call (734) 263-1821 and leave us a VM Along with your question, be sure to leave your name and industry title, if appropriate
  • Record a voice memo on your smart phone and email it to: 10Questions@s1g.com
  • Fill out the form below: