A company’s supply chain emissions are 11.4 times higher than operational emissions, according to data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Consequently, shippers are placing an increasingly high priority on sustainability, and they expect their transportation providers to support their efforts to reduce emissions in the supply chain. 

“Sustainability has transformed from a compliance-driven or reputational talking point into a critical, measurable business requirement,” said Chad Dittberner, SVP of Van/Expedited and Innovation Council Leader at Werner®, a leading logistics and transportation provider. “Today’s transportation strategies must not only meet regulatory standards but also deliver real data, tangible progress and long-term value to shippers and stakeholders alike.”

Emissions created through activities outside of an organization’s direct control, such as those generated by suppliers, vendors, and transportation providers, are known as Scope 3. Companies are coming under increased scrutiny to report and manage these emissions in addition to those under the organization’s direct control.

New research from Werner and Supply Chain Dive’s studioID reveals that while supply chain and operations executives are committed to tracking Scope 3 emissions, they also have concerns about obstacles to meeting their sustainability goals. However, a strong majority of transportation executives rate a carrier’s sustainability performance as extremely or very important when selecting a transportation provider.

Sustainability in the supply chain

Over the past several years, the view of sustainability has expanded from a mere regulatory or reputational concern into a practical, measurable requirement. Essentially all operations executives (99%) surveyed agree their companies are committed to tracking Scope 3 emissions to meet sustainability goals. This is at least in part because companies are coming under increased scrutiny from both investors and government agencies to report and manage these emissions. 

But effective tracking is, unfortunately, not always an easy thing to implement. “Tracking Scope 3 emissions is one of the most complex and challenging aspects of corporate sustainability reporting,” Dittberner noted. “External partners may not track emissions data consistently — or at all. Without accurate or standardized reporting, companies are forced to use estimates, industry averages or assumptions, which reduces the precision and reliability of the data.”

As sustainability becomes increasingly important to businesses, executives are prioritizing carriers that offer emission-reducing technology, alternative fuel options and Scope 3 data tracking. Almost nine out of 10 supply chain and operations executives (87%) rate a carrier’s technology capabilities as extremely or very important in selecting a transportation provider.

A transportation provider’s technology can support shippers’ sustainability goals through an array of technology-based solutions and strategic programs. These include: 

• Accurate tracking and emissions data: Real-time telematics monitor fuel consumption, idling and driver behavior, providing granular emissions data for Scope 3 reporting.
• Enhanced shipment visibility: Cloud-based platforms provide end-to-end visibility, helping to optimize routes, reduce empty miles and improve load consolidation.
• Advanced analytics and reporting: Data analytics tools identify inefficiencies and opportunities to lower carbon footprints.
• Collaboration tools: Shared platforms help shippers and carriers jointly plan for sustainability improvements.
• Renewable and alternative fuel programs: Providers track and manage the usage of lower-emission fuels, helping shippers meet green procurement goals.

The survey also reflects the extent to which supply chain and operations leaders assign value to sustainability capabilities. Nearly a quarter (23%) of operations executives believe that sustainability/lower carbon emissions are a transportation provider capability that warrants premium rates for premium-grade services.

“Selecting a carrier with premium sustainability performance involves more than just looking at emissions numbers — it’s about evaluating their technology, innovation, transparency, culture and regulatory savvy,” Dittberner said. “For shippers, partnering with such providers is a powerful lever to meaningfully reduce their environmental impact and drive long-term value.”

Roadblocks to sustainability reporting

Unfortunately, the survey data shows that supply chain leaders face numerous obstacles when it comes to getting the data they need to properly report on sustainability.

Roughly half of shippers reported their top concerns when it comes to meeting sustainability goals include acquiring access to the required technology/infrastructure (56%) and finding vendors/suppliers committed to sustainability (47%). Budget constraints are another top hurdle for meeting sustainability goals for more than a third (37%) of respondents.

How transportation providers support sustainability efforts

Shippers stated they are generally satisfied with the tech stack offered by their current transportation provider and its ability to meet their needs. However, 47% say they are very satisfied, while 50% say they are only somewhat satisfied, suggesting that there is room for improvement on the part of transportation providers.

Additionally, shippers say they will look to transportation providers to help meet sustainability goals in the next 12 to 24 months. Fuel-efficient trucks are most often seen (64%) as an important capability. Additional capabilities such as multi-modal options and accurate emissions reporting are also high priorities.

Werner has embraced this shift by delivering integrated sustainability solutions that support both environmental impact reduction and supply chain efficiency:

• SmartWay® excellence: As a SmartWay Partner since 2004 and a 2024 High Performer and Excellence Award recipient, Werner uses industry-standard tools to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions — all with full transparency.
• Next-gen fleet technology: Werner’s modern fleet averages around two years in age and is equipped with aerodynamic trailers, low-rolling-resistance tires, and idle-reduction systems — all of which directly reduce fuel use and emissions.
• Alternative energy leadership: Werner has invested in testing and validating alternative fuel options including renewable natural gas (RNG), electric vehicles, and pilots for biodiesel and hydrogen fuel cells. All these options give shippers cleaner vehicles at scale.
• Real-time reporting: With Salesforce Net Zero Cloud and Workiva, Werner offers detailed, real-time emissions data aligned to CDP, SASB and other global standards, so shippers can track sustainability progress with precision.
• Multi-modal efficiency: The company’s intermodal and mode-optimized solutions reduce emissions while improving performance, giving customers a strategic path toward greener, more efficient freight.

Partnerships for sustainability

As organizations come under increased pressure to reduce supply chain emissions, the onus is on operations executives to find transportation partners whose goals and technology align.  

“Rising customer expectations, Scope 3 emissions tracking and investor interest mean sustainability now sits at the center of procurement decisions,” added Dittberner. “Shippers need transportation partners who not only understand their emissions goals but actively help achieve them through scalable, actionable solutions.”