DHL decarbonizing LCL shipments

NEWARK, New Jersey – DHL Global Forwarding has announced plans to neutralize the carbon emissions of all its less-than-container load (LCL) ocean freight shipments from January 1, 2021.

The CO2 compensation for all LCL shipments will be achieved by using maritime biofuels, utilizing existing and new partnerships with carriers. The heavy oil that would ordinarily be used is replaced with sustainable marine biofuel aboard a selected container vessel.The forwarder says it will not be passing extra costs on to its customers.

Biofuel

Deutsche Post DHL Group has been exploring renewable fuels as a means to minimize ocean freights’ impact on the environment. Fuels are evaluated to ascertain that they are produced sustainably and do not compete with other needs, for example with food production for land use. Following strict sustainability standards, the waste-based biofuels must meet the requirements to be qualified as the cleanest biofuels currently available on the market.

“To fight against climate change, the transport sector needs true decarbonization,” said David Goldberg, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding, US.

“For us at DHL Global Forwarding, sustainable fuel solutions are the key lever to change the fuel mix and ultimately reduce carbon emissions in ocean freight. This is why we have taken the decision to neutralize the carbon emission of all our LCL shipments.”

Carrier evaluation

DHL Global Forwarding also has a GoGreen carrier evaluation program, which allows the freight forwarder to give preference to carriers with strong environmental performance.

The program also aims to optimize the carbon efficiency of the company’s own transport network, fleet, and real estate. This includes reducing energy consumption, increasing the use of renewable energy sources and fuels, and optimizing transportation networks, as well as pick-up and delivery routing. Transport subcontractors are encouraged to acquire low-emission vehicles and employees are educated to apply environmentally friendly thinking, through training and other activities.