Global greenhouse gas emissions are forecast to increase by 25 percent by 2015. In the Northwest, food processing companies spend $8 billion annually transporting their products, including thousands of truck trips and billions of pounds of atmospheric carbon. Yet research shows that more than 20 percent of those truck miles are partial loads or empty backhauls. An innovative concept, the “Green Shipper” transportation program, demonstrates that dramatic CO2 emission and energy reductions are possible through a collaborative approach to logistics.

Phase I Green Shipper program research was subcontracted in 2009 to an Oregon-based small company entrepreneur, through a $140,000 grant from Northwest Food Processors Education & Research Institute. Research showed significant efficiency, energy and cost savings potential. In a five week survey of most recent benchmark data, from five Oregon companies driving 2.6 million truck miles, the average waste of CO2 emissions was 27.6 percent, average wasted diesel fuel transporting temperature controlled freight was 32.8 percent and wasted truck cost was 22.4 percent.

The Education & Research Institute has concluded the need for a performance-based pilot study of an improved web-based, transportation management model. This pilot project will create a new executive training opportunity to help change the culture of transportation professionals in Oregon. This “shovel ready” project will train companies to find partners to optimize partial loads and empty backhauls.

Phase II pilot project goals include measurable findings to:
1. Demonstrate fuel and CO2 emission reductions of 18-20 percent.
2. Demonstrate and verify an average at least 10 percent truck transportation cost savings, enhancing the economic vitality of a key segment of the state’s economy.
3. Identify optimal logistical efficiency unique to each shipper

The significant savings generated by this program can be used to finance growth. Innovative products, equipment, and occupations in energy security can be self-financed. This fully-documented model program is fully adaptable to any shipper and is consistent with the recommendations of Governor Kulongoski’s Transportation Vision Committee.

Meyer Memorial Trust jumpstart funding would be leveraged by significant industry and state funding contributions, embracing continuous improvement in logistics management. Fewer trucks on the road will reduce the cost of maintenance to Oregon’s roads and highways for years to come.

Most crucially, Green Shipper could begin training immediately, which will lead to reducing Oregon industry’s carbon “tiretracks.”

Jim Azumano, ERI