At Woodland Group, we are proud to not only have a wealth of experience and expertise as freight forwarders, but to have successfully operated a domestic fleet in the UK for over two decades. As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we are constantly exploring innovative solutions to minimise our fleet’s environmental impact. This currently includes:

Alternative Fuels

One of the key areas of focus for Woodland Group is the adoption of alternative fuels. Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is a biofuel that can be used as a drop-in replacement for diesel, offering significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. HVO is produced from sustainable feedstocks, such as used cooking oil and animal fats, and can be used in existing diesel engines without requiring modifications. While HVO offers a significant reduction in emissions, it's important to acknowledge the challenges associated with its widespread adoption. The availability of sustainable feedstocks is a limiting factor, and the long-term viability of HVO as a sole solution for decarbonising road freight remains uncertain. Another promising alternative is battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Electric HGVs have the potential to significantly reduce emissions, particularly in urban areas. However, the current state of battery technology presents limitations in terms of range and charging times. Woodland Group is actively involved in trials of electric HGVs to assess their suitability for our operations and to gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with their deployment. We are also exploring other alternative fuels such as bio-methane, hydrogen and synthetic fuels recognizing that a mix of solutions will likely be required to fully decarbonise road freight.

Driver Training

At Woodland Group, we take driver training seriously. We offer extensive training in various areas, such as engine and foot braking, smooth acceleration, balancing power, torque and efficiency, and maintaining an efficient MPG. Our HGV telematics systems allow us to track the drivers’ MPG which means we can pinpoint areas for improvement and deliver targeted training. Our drivers go through a training programme and have refreshers every six months. We emphasise the importance of driver training due to its environmental benefits in relation to reduced fuel consumption.

Fleet Optimization

We continually optimize our fleet to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impact. This includes:

Longer-Semi Trailers - Longer-semi trailers are trailers that offer a 15% increase in loading capacity compared to standard trailers. They allow us to reduce the number of necessary journeys required to transport the same volume of goods, therefore reducing our fuel consumption. A reduction in fuel consumption translates to a reduction in fuel-related emissions. Woodland Group utilises these longer-semi trailers in our fleet wherever possible, in line with our company-wide goal of reducing our carbon footprint.

Route Planning - Woodland Group meticulously plans our routes for optimal efficiency, taking into account real-time traffic conditions, potential road closures, and delivery and pickup schedules. By doing this, we reduce any unnecessary travel, resulting in lower fuel consumption. This lower fuel consumption therefore reduces fuel-related emissions generated by the combustion process, which ultimately contributes to lowering Woodland’s carbon footprint.

Optimal Speed Limiting - Optimal speed limiting is putting a limit on the speed at which our HGV drivers can drive. Not only does this reduce wear and tear, but it also reduces fuel consumption and lowers the related emissions. Maintaining lower speeds extends the lifespan of the vehicle, meaning that less maintenance is needed and there is a smaller environmental impact associated with less frequent vehicle production and disposal. In addition to this, driving at lower speeds can reduce fuel consumption by up to 15%, which directly translates to reduced greenhouse gas emissions produced. Woodland’s fleet has a set speed limit, ranging from 52 to 56 miles per hour.

Tyre Management - At Woodland, we prioritise fuel efficiency throughout all aspects of our fleet. One area this includes is tyre management. By prioritising fuel-efficient tyres with a superior grip, we reduce rolling resistance which requires less energy to move vehicles. We educate our drivers on proper tyre care and wear management through regular driver training workshops, which not only encourages safe driving but also fuel savings. We maximise the lifespan of each tyre set we use, minimising waste and reducing the environmental impact associated with tyre manufacture and disposal. This also aligns with our commitment to fostering a circular economy throughout our business practices and operations.

Technology and Innovation

We leverage technology and innovation to enhance our sustainability efforts, including:

Cab Solar - A number of the vehicles in Woodland Group’s fleet are fitted with in-cab cooling systems that are powered entirely by solar energy. This system negates the need for drivers to run the track engine in order to operate the air conditioning, meaning the cab cooler stores the solar energy to power it instead. This system aligns with our targets relating to renewable energy and a more sustainable fleet.

Telematics - We use advanced telematics systems to monitor vehicle performance, track fuel consumption, and identify areas for improvement. This data-driven approach allows us to optimize our operations and reduce our environmental footprint.

Looking Ahead

Woodland Group is committed to continuous improvement in sustainable logistics. We are actively exploring new technologies and approaches to further reduce our environmental impact. We believe that collaboration is key to achieving a sustainable future for the logistics industry and we are engaged with industry partners, research institutions and policymakers to drive innovation and best practice.

We recognise that sustainability is a journey, not a destination, and we are committed to playing our part in creating a greener future.