DHL trucking firm launches carbon offsetting programme

DHL Freight subsidiary Standard Forwarding is now offering two new “environmentally-friendly” shipping products in the United States. The less-than-truckload carrier is offering carbon dioxide emission reports for customers that request them, detailing the carbon footprint of their shipments on each route.

And, the carrier is now also offering the option to offset the carbon emissions created during transport through Deutsche Post DHL’s global GoGreen initiative.

DHL said carbon dioxide emissions are calculated following principles from internationally recognized standards, such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol from the World Resources Institute, and the CO2 and reporting norms for transport shipments method negotiated by the World Economic Forum.

Standard Forwarding’s customers can request a monthly, quarterly or yearly report detailing their carbon footprint for each route during the requested time period.

Based on the CO2 report, customers can then opt to compensate for their carbon emissions through the GoGreen offsetting programme, which funds external climate protection projects that have a beneficial impact on climate change emissions.

Offset funding could support projects like a biomass power plant in India, a wind park in Nicaragua, a landfill gas plant in Turkey, afforestation in Ugandaor and the distribution of ceramic water filter to replace the boiling of water.

DHL said it uses the internationally established auditing company SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance) to review and verify the carbon emissions of GOGREEN shipments, as well as the amount of emissions offset through the service, in line with the ISO 14064 standard.

“We are proud to be at the cutting-edge of environmental responsibility for an LTL carrier,” said John Ward, president of Standard Forwarding.

“This will give our customers an option to reduce their carbon footprint and achieve their own ‘green’ goals. Standard Forwarding and its customers are true partners in achieving a common good.”

SmartWay

DHL acquired Standard Forwarding in June 2011. The company based in East Moline, Illinois, has been operating since 1934, with a fleet of around 300 trucks and 650 trailers.

The company has been part of the US Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Transport Partnership for four years. The partnership is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

With 40 new tractors purchased earlier this year and 35 new tractors expected to be delivered in late 2012, DHL said Standard Forwarding has made “great strides” in further reducing greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions.

The tractors are estimated to show a 17% reduction in CO2 emissions per year compared to the tractors they are replacing. Onboard computers that optimize driver behavior and a strong driver training program further contribute to reducing carbon emissions.