We recognise that our core business relies on transportation to service our customers.
As an emissions-intense organisation, our commitment to the Climate Leaders Coalition process encourages our people and partners to make environmentally positive decisions.
As a significant member of the transport sector, we know it’s important to lead by example by being transparent regarding our climate actions.
Reduction of Emissions
Much of our footprint sits in our supply chain, namely the contractors (couriers and line-haul operators) we partner with. We are actively engaging with our contractors and other suppliers on ways we can work together to bring emissions across the supply chain down.
At this time our reduction strategies focus on driving greater efficiencies; maintaining modern fleets; a move away from fossil fuel consumption; electrification of our road fleet over time; and a more fuel efficient air fleet in the future.
In 2021, TOITŪ Envirocare named Freightways as a Top 10 Carbon Reducer (From 2014 – 2024 our New Zealand operations were certified as Toitū Carbon Reduce).
TOITŪ verified Carbon Emissions Reporting
Our customers using electronic ticketing or prepaid charge labels can now get a Toitū verified Emissions Report for their courier transport. The report details the emissions for greater transparency and informed decision-making. The methodology behind this has been independently verified by TOITŪ Envirocare. The data is suitable for use in ISO 14064-1:2018 compliant inventory.
To request a report, speak to your New Zealand Couriers representative.
Our primary reduction strategies
We use GPS and mapping technologies to find the most efficient routes for couriers. This allows more items to be delivered per hour, with higher pay for couriers and fewer vehicles on the road. The rationalising of courier runs is extending eventually encompass all Freightways Express Package businesses.
We use modern equipment. We aim for the company vehicle fleet to be no older than 4 years, and we seek to take advantage of the lower emissions technology in recent vehicles. Regular maintenance and servicing of all company vehicles help ensure ongoing safety and low emissions, and we require all independent contractors to have late-model vehicles.
We are currently transitioning our company fleet to electric and hybrid vehicles. We will always look to make the most of new technology as it enters the market, and to keeping an ear to the ground for new innovation is a crucial part of our business strategy.
We operate four modern Boeing 737 freight aircraft out of our three freight hubs in Auckland, Palmerston North and Christchurch. Our aviation business actively measures and manages its performance to minimise fuel usage and emissions.
Historically, satchels have been made from fossil-based virgin plastics. We now use 80%+ New Zealand-sourced recycled content (which would have been previously bound for landfill) in the manufacturing process. The resulting satchels are still ‘class 4 recyclable’. Read more about it here.
An absolute strength of ours has always been the Independent Contractor model. By having delivery professionals pay for their fuel and running costs (and paying contractors for every pick-up, on-board and delivery scan), these professionals are not only accountable for their productivity but also directly financially incentivised to minimise kilometres travelled (which also minimises emissions).
Many of our depots have been converted to LED lighting, and as we set up new depots our teams are investigating feasibility of using of solar panels for energy capture and running of plant and operations.
Climate Leaders Coalition
As part of Freightways, we are also members of the Climate Leaders Coalition, an organisation helping New Zealand transition to a low emissions economy and, in doing so, creating a positive future for New Zealanders, their businesses, and the economy.
Organisations from all sectors of the economy are represented in the Coalition, with the signatories making 60% of New Zealand’s gross emissions.