Digital freight business DigiHaul is working with M&S to reduce the retailer’s logistics-related emissions by bringing down empty running and improving network visibility to trim overall movements.
The partnership supports M&S’ sustainability strategy and ambition to reduce its environmental impact.
“Our Plan A initiative is a driving force within the business, keeping our focus on building a more sustainable future. Partnering with DigiHaul to optimise our transport logistics and tackle empty running helps us on our journey to net zero,” explained Mark Lemming, C&H supply chain and logistics director, M&S.
To help reduce empty running across the M&S network, DigiHaul is using its backhaul matching solution which harnesses the latest technology and data science to identify complementary journeys based on location and type of goods. Through DigiHaul’s approach to return load optimisation, the company forecasts a reduction in carbon emissions coming from the retailer’s transport network.
In addition, DigiHaul is improving visibility by combining transport data across M&S Clothing & Home and M&S Food, as well as integrating with the enterprise systems of M&S carriers. In doing so, DigiHaul can give M&S a comprehensive view of its network, locating and unlocking hidden capacity to optimise journeys and reduce road miles.
The automated back office systems DigiHaul provides support M&S’ sustainability goals by using electronic systems and reducing paper waste. These systems, including ePOD, also enhance efficiency by providing reliable evidence of delivery and enabling payments to be made instantly.
By reducing carbon emissions in the M&S network, DigiHaul is supporting the retailer’s wider Plan A initiative which aims to build a more sustainable future, with a goal of becoming net zero by 2040.
Martin Willmor, CEO DigiHaul, said: “At DigiHaul, we are committed to helping our partners meet their sustainability targets with innovative and efficient solutions that cut both carbon footprints and costs. We are proud to be supporting M&S in line with their commitment to more sustainable business by reducing empty running with our backhaul matching tool.”
