Sustainable B2B shipping is no longer a “nice to have” – it’s your competitive edge. Customers expect more, and delivery is a key place to start. From low-emission fleets to smarter routing, we’re breaking down the best ways to make your B2B deliveries leaner, greener, and more cost-effective.
B2B procurement has traditionally been heavily price-focused. But there’s a new consideration that is increasingly influencing customers’ purchasing decisions: sustainable shipping.
According to a report by Bain & Company1, 36% of B2B buyers would leave suppliers that don’t meet their sustainability expectations. It could be the difference between a customer choosing your business over a competitor’s – or worse, vice versa. Now is the time to review your supply chain practices to see where changes could be made. First up, shipping.
Benefits of offering sustainable shipping to B2B customers
Competitive advantage: Only 53% of B2B customers say the sustainable options they are offered by suppliers fully meet their expectations2. This means there is a huge opportunity for businesses to leverage a sustainable shipping strategy to attract these underserved prospects.
New business opportunities: Large corporations often require suppliers to meet specific sustainability standards to help them meet their ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) goals. Thus, sustainable shipping will set you apart in procurement processes.
Cost savings: Optimizing shipping routes, using eco-friendly packaging, and leveraging carbon offset programs can help B2B businesses to reduce costs over time. Furthermore, energy-efficient transportation often means lower fuel costs and fewer emissions.
B2B v B2C shipping
With the growth of B2B e-commerce, buyers are beginning to expect the same speed, convenience, and sustainability they’re used to in B2C transactions. The good news? Due to the nature of the B2B sector, it lends itself well to a sustainable shipping strategy:
1. Shipment size & frequency
B2C sales typically involve frequent, small deliveries – often individual packages – which increases trips and the overall carbon footprint. Yet B2B shipments are typically large and infrequent, allowing for reduced emissions through route optimization.
2. Delivery speed & flexibility
B2B deliveries are usually scheduled in advance, giving room for sustainable planning. In contrast, B2C customers expect fast shipping – including same-day delivery – making it harder to reduce emissions.
3. Order destination
B2B orders are typically delivered to centralized locations like warehouses or distribution centers, rather than scattered individual homes. This makes it easier to consolidate shipments, optimize routes, and reduce the inefficiencies – and emissions – associated with last-mile delivery.
Five strategies for eco-friendly shipping
Low-emissions B2B delivery is not only great for the environment, but also for long-term efficiency, brand reputation, and often cost savings. Here’s a practical breakdown of strategies you can leverage.
Switch to sustainable fuels
DHL’s GoGreen Plus is a groundbreaking service that helps businesses reduce the carbon emissions associated with their shipments through the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
SAF is a biofuel that is produced from renewable sources such as vegetable oils, animal fats, waste products, and agricultural crops. It can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to fossil fuels. The service can be selected for individual shipments, making it a flexible option for SMEs and e-commerce businesses with smaller cargo loads.
Think electric
Electrifying your delivery fleet can have a significant impact on your emissions. DHL has a target to electrify 66% of its last-mile delivery vehicles by 2030, an initiative that aligns with their wider strategy to reduce logistics-related greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. When you partner with DHL Express, you're not only cutting the carbon from your final-mile deliveries – you’re showing your customers that fast, reliable service can be sustainable too.
Optimize routes and loads
AI-powered route planning software isn’t just smart – it’s a game-changer. It can help determine the most fuel- and time-efficient routes, allowing drivers to complete multiple deliveries in the quickest, most strategic order. This not only cuts down on fuel consumption and emissions but also improves delivery reliability.
Additionally, consolidate orders whenever possible – grouping deliveries by geographic location or customer helps maximize truck capacity and reduce the number of trips.
Reduce your failed delivery rate
Failed deliveries are a huge contributor to your business’s carbon footprint – after all, every unsuccessful attempt clocks up more vehicle emissions (and costs!)
DHL's On-Demand Delivery (ODD) service offers businesses a way to enhance the customer experience in B2B shipping by providing flexible delivery options and real-time tracking. By notifying recipients with delivery status updates and offering alternatives like rescheduling, redirecting, or collecting at a ServicePoint, businesses can reduce failed deliveries and improve customer satisfaction. Win win!
Measure, report and improve
Making these changes isn't enough on its own. It’s equally important to measure emissions and efficiency gains. You can leverage tools and software to calculate and report emissions per delivery, helping your business to set goals to reduce them. Be sure to promote your progress and share sustainability metrics with your clients – it could be the difference between them choosing your business over a competitor.
Sustainable shipping is becoming a key differentiator in B2B logistics. By investing in this area, your business can position itself as a responsible leader, meet evolving client expectations, and gain a competitive advantage. And it all starts with opening a DHL Express Business Account…
Enjoy the benefits of DHL Express’ GoGreen Plus solution.
