Sustainability Starts Here: Road Transport

July 11, 2025

Sustainability Starts Here: Road Freight Case Studies That Matter

As the UK freight and logistics industry pushes toward a more sustainable future, many operators are asking: what does real sustainability look like in practice? It’s not just about switching to electric vehicles — it’s about transforming how we operate, plan, train, and lead.

At Transcom National Training, a DVSA and Skills And Education Group Awards-approved training provider with years of industry experience, we believe sustainability begins with smart, real-world decisions — from the vehicles you run to the way you train your team. In this article, we explore real-life case studies of sustainable freight practices and show how our training, particularly online and fuel-focused CPC modules, plays a crucial role in reducing emissions and future-proofing your operation.

Case Study 1: Fleet Electrification – DPD & Amazon

Major players like DPD UK and Amazon are rolling out electric delivery fleets as part of their zero-emissions strategies. DPD, for example, has deployed over 3,000 electric vehicles and now operates fully electric delivery depots in several UK cities.

Benefits for Operators:

Long-term fuel and maintenance savings
Reduced emissions in line with net-zero targets
Eligibility for grants and incentives

Implications for Drivers:

Requires training on EV-specific vehicle handling
Charging coordination impacts shift planning
Lower noise and emissions = better urban driving conditions

Case Study 2: Route Optimisation and Digital Planning

It’s not just about what you drive — it’s how smartly you drive it. Companies using route optimisation tools (e.g., MyRouteOnline, Samsara) report fuel savings of up to 15%, simply by reducing idle time and unnecessary mileage.

Operator Gains:

Lower fuel costs and reduced carbon output
Improved delivery performance and planning accuracy

Driver Benefits:

Less time stuck in traffic
Clearer, more predictable shifts
Reduced stress and fatigue

Case Study 3: Alternative Fuels – HVO and Biofuels

Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is gaining traction as a viable alternative to diesel. Used by companies working with Certas Energy and other suppliers, HVO delivers up to 90% CO2 savings compared to conventional diesel — without needing to invest in new engines.

Operator Impact:

Immediate emissions reductions
No overhaul of vehicle infrastructure needed

Driver Impact:

No changes in vehicle performance
Meets low emission zone (LEZ) standards

Sustainable Training: Cut Emissions Before the Engine Starts

At Transcom National Training, we believe sustainability isn’t just about vehicles and fuel — it starts with how you train your people.

Our fully online training platform delivers industry-leading CPC and Transport Manager courses with a fraction of the carbon impact of classroom-based training. All courses are delivered by qualified, experienced instructors with a proven track record in transport compliance and logistics management.

Why Online Training is Greener:

No travel = hundreds of saved miles per learner
No printed materials = reduced waste and logistics
Fully live sessions with qualified trainers

Every time one learner completes a course online, we estimate a CO2 saving of 20–80 kg, depending on location and course duration.

Spotlight: Fuel Efficient Driving & Health and Safety (CPC Module)

One of our most impactful CPC courses is Fuel Efficient Driving & Health and Safety. This module directly addresses the link between driving habits and carbon emissions.

What it Covers:

Smarter acceleration and braking
Engine idling reduction
Load-conscious driving techniques
Vehicle checks and journey planning

✨ Fact: Burning 1,000 litres of diesel produces approximately 2.6 tonnes of CO2. Even small reductions in fuel use have major environmental benefits when scaled across a fleet.

This course helps drivers not only reduce emissions but improve safety and reduce vehicle wear — a triple win for drivers, operators, and the environment.

How It Affects Drivers and Operators

Role	Sustainability Impact
Drivers	– Lower stress from smoother, cleaner vehicles- Less fatigue from efficient routing- No travel for training = saved time and CO2
Operators	– Access to lower-cost, lower-emission vehicle options- Faster return on investment through fuel savings- Digital training cuts costs and environmental impact

Government Steps In: £30 Million Charging Infrastructure Boost

In a major move to support the transition, the UK Government has just announced a new £30 million funding package to accelerate the rollout of depot-based EV charging for vans, HGVs and coaches. Fleet operators can now apply for grants of up to £1 million per site, supporting:

Up to 3,000 new van chargepoints
200 new HGV charging stations

This investment builds on the existing £200 million already committed to zero-emission HGV rollout. It’s a game-changer for operators looking to electrify their fleets but constrained by infrastructure and upfront cost barriers.

See which trucks are available with a government grant

Final Thoughts: Sustainability Is Operational

Sustainability isn’t a buzzword — it’s becoming a regulatory and operational necessity. Whether through electrification, smarter routing, cleaner fuels, or greener training methods, the road freight sector is moving fast.

At Transcom National Training, we’re proud to play our part by helping operators and drivers reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on safety, performance, or professionalism. Our commitment to environmentally responsible training methods is backed by years of experience, certified instructors, and a strong record of learner success.