Environmental Considerations Regarding Freight Transport among Buyers of Transport Services in Sweden

Abstract

Freight transport has substantial negative environmental and health impacts, and buyers of transport services can make these impacts ‘greener’. This article aims at improving our understanding of transport buyers’ environmental considerations. The study was based on interviews with 11 buyers of transport services in Sweden, dealing with the motives behind their sustainability work and specific environmental requirements for freight transport, including requirements for renewable fuels. In line with previous studies, we found service reliability to be a top priority. Branding appears to be a central driver motivating companies’ environmental strategies, along with pressure from both internal and external stakeholders. The relationship between transport buyers and transport providers (carriers or freight forwarders) was found to be a potential barrier to environmental developments. Several interviewees stressed difficulties in influencing certain transport providers, and some of the buyers turned to smaller carriers to achieve more notable improvements. All participants had goals of reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, but without more specific frames, this has led to the use of biodiesel. Specific requirements are needed if another energy carrier should be used, such as biomethane or electricity. Long-term contracts may be a way for transport buyers to enable the transport providers to make the necessary investments.