Delivery Companies: Polluting Our Air?

The rise of online shopping has led to a corresponding increase in delivery vehicles on the streets, contributing to air pollution and raising concerns about its impact on public health and the environment. Despite companies' claims of adopting sustainable practices, research reveals that the top six polluting delivery companies, including UPS, FedEx, and Amazon, are far behind in their commitments to achieve zero-emission deliveries. The lack of transparency about their emissions and the absence of concrete plans to transition to cleaner alternatives underscores the urgency for these companies to address their environmental footprint. The growing demand for at-home deliveries is driving up fossil fuel consumption, particularly diesel, worsening air quality. However, there is a growing awareness among stakeholders and consumers, who are now demanding action from both governments and the private sector to reduce air pollution and mitigate its adverse effects on health and the planet.

The top six polluting delivery companies

The rise of online shopping has resulted in a growing number of delivery vehicles on the streets, contributing to air pollution. In 2020, parcel delivery services in the US consumed 39 million gallons of diesel from the Amazon rainforest. The last-mile emissions of the six most polluting delivery companies are estimated at 4.5 megatons of CO2, comparable to the energy-related emissions of 600,000 US homes in a year. These six companies are UPS, FedEx, Amazon Logistics, DPD, eKart, and DHL eCommerce Solutions.

UPS, FedEx, and Amazon have been criticized for their use of Amazon rainforest oil to power their fleets. Additionally, these companies have been accused of lacking transparency regarding their emissions and environmental impact. Despite claims of adopting electric vehicles, they have been slow to implement sustainable practices and reduce their carbon footprint.

Amazon's carbon emissions increased by 15% in a year due to higher sales, even before the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic further emphasized the health risks associated with air pollution, as cleaner air during lockdowns improved respiratory health. However, as economic activities resumed, pollution levels rose again, and the continued rise in online shopping could lead to more air pollution from delivery trucks.

To address this issue, companies are encouraged to transition to zero-emission vehicles for last-mile deliveries and improve transparency about their emissions. Consumers can also play a role by demanding cleaner shipping options, and governments can provide incentives and penalties to encourage companies to reduce their carbon emissions.

The rise of online shopping

According to a report by the Stand.earth Research Group, the last-mile emissions of the six most polluting delivery and e-commerce companies are approximately 4.5 megatons of CO2, comparable to the annual energy-related emissions of 600,000 US homes. These companies, including UPS, FedEx, Amazon Logistics, DPD, eKart, and DHL, have been criticised for their lack of transparency and commitment to sustainability. Despite their claims of green fleets and moves towards electric vehicles (EVs), their actions fall short of what is needed to achieve zero-emission deliveries urgently.

The pandemic has further highlighted the impact of online shopping on air pollution. As economic activity picks up, pollution levels rise, and with more people opting for online shopping, the number of delivery trucks on the road increases, contributing to even higher pollution levels. This trend is particularly evident during events like Amazon Prime Day, indicating that the delivery industry will continue to grow, impacting the environment and public health.

However, there is a growing recognition of the need for cleaner delivery options. Companies like DHL have launched e-cargo bike trials to reduce congestion and pollution, and consumers are increasingly demanding zero-emissions vehicles for last-mile deliveries. Additionally, advancements in hyperlocal air pollution sensors provide detailed insights into specific areas, holding companies accountable for their pollution levels and encouraging the adoption of cleaner alternatives.

As the world shifts towards reducing climate change and its impacts, delivery companies must integrate strategies to reduce air pollution into their climate goals. This includes focusing on the last mile of delivery, where significant emissions occur, and exploring sustainable options such as electric vehicles and local delivery lockers. By collaborating and prioritising cleaner solutions, the rise of online shopping can be balanced with environmental sustainability and improved public health.

Last-mile emissions

The "last mile" of delivery refers to the final stage of a parcel's journey from the distribution depot to the recipient's doorstep. Last-mile delivery is a significant contributor to air pollution, with the six most polluting delivery and e-commerce companies producing approximately 4.5 megatons of CO2 emissions, comparable to the energy use of 600,000 US homes in a year.

The rise of online shopping has led to an increase in delivery trucks on the roads, contributing to worsening air quality. Transport is the largest source of new greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for about 12% of global emissions. Delivery and logistics companies have been criticised for their lack of transparency regarding the environmental impact of their operations.

To reduce last-mile emissions, companies can implement several strategies:

• Optimise delivery routes and sequence of stops to minimise mileage and fuel consumption.
• Improve inventory management and use local distribution centres to reduce delivery distances.
• Adopt electric vehicles (EVs) or use low-carbon fuels for delivery fleets.
• Utilise parcel locker stations or omnichannel fulfilment at physical stores to reduce the need for door-to-door deliveries.
• Implement last-mile technology to track carbon emissions and develop databases for efficient deliveries to challenging addresses.
• Ensure accurate addresses and clear delivery instructions to increase first-attempt delivery success rates.

By embracing these strategies, delivery companies can play a crucial role in reducing last-mile emissions and contributing to a more sustainable future.

The impact on delivery workers

The impact of air pollution on delivery workers is a significant concern, particularly in highly populated urban areas and in developing nations. Delivery workers are consistently exposed to highly polluted air, which can have detrimental effects on their health.

In cities, the rise of online shopping and the dominance of delivery companies have led to a surge in delivery vehicles on the streets. This increase in delivery traffic contributes to growing air pollution levels, with emissions from diesel-powered trucks and motorcycles being a significant concern. Delivery workers, who spend a large portion of their day navigating these streets, are directly exposed to harmful pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5) and carbon monoxide.

In South Asian cities like New Delhi, Lahore, and Dhaka, delivery riders face even more severe air quality issues. These cities are known for their poor air quality, and delivery riders are at risk of inhaling dangerous levels of pollutants as they go about their work. While air quality monitors have provided valuable data on the extent of the problem, the impact on delivery workers' health remains a critical issue.

To address this problem, there is a growing push for companies to adopt cleaner delivery options, such as electric vehicles (EVs) or e-bikes. Incentivizing the use of e-bikes for food deliveries, for example, can improve air quality and the health of delivery workers. Additionally, companies like DHL have launched e-cargo bike trials to reduce congestion and pollution. These initiatives not only benefit the environment but also improve the health and well-being of delivery workers, who are no longer exposed to as many harmful emissions.

While some companies have made commitments to sustainability and reducing emissions, there is still a lack of transparency and urgency in their implementation. Delivery workers, as stakeholders in this issue, stand to gain the most from improved air quality and reduced emissions. As such, their voices and experiences should be central to advocating for cleaner delivery options and holding companies accountable for their environmental and social impact.

Strategies to reduce air pollution

The rise of online shopping has led to a corresponding increase in delivery vehicles on the roads, contributing to air pollution. Delivery companies are polluting the air with emissions from their vehicles, impacting both public health and the environment.

• Emission reduction technologies: Integrating emission reduction technologies is crucial. For instance, desulfurization technology can remove SO2 from flue gases, while thermal incinerators can eliminate gaseous pollutants with high efficiency.
• Technological improvements: This includes the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and e-cargo bikes for deliveries, instead of diesel-powered trucks. Startups have dominated the zero-emissions last-mile delivery space, and some larger companies are beginning to follow suit. For example, UPS has ordered 10,000 electric delivery vehicles, and Daimler has introduced an all-electric box truck.
• Zero-emissions shipping: Companies can transition to zero-emission deliveries, improving air quality and public health, especially in vulnerable communities.
• Hyperlocal air pollution sensors: These sensors can provide detailed data about specific areas, helping to pinpoint pollution hotspots and develop tailored solutions for each city or even intersection. This makes it easier to hold companies accountable for the pollution they cause.
• Public awareness and transparency: Delivery companies should be transparent about their emissions and the environmental impact of their operations. Consumers can demand that companies provide cleaner shipping options, such as zero-emissions vehicles for the last mile of delivery.
• Environmental evaluation schemes: Schemes can be developed to evaluate the environmental impact of shipping operations, including the pollution caused by ships and port areas. This information can then inform integrated approaches to mitigate air pollution in the shipping sector.
• Green products: Trading and adopting green products can be a strategy to combat environmental degradation and improve air quality.

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