The economic development of our country can be greatly linked to the transportation and logistics industries. Logistics management involves utilizing skills in order to monitor the activities required to move products throughout a supply chain. This includes transporting raw goods for early products and distributing final products, as well as everything in between. This process involves handling materials, storing product, inventory management and freight transportation. However, because of rising concerns over the environment, many firms have decided to review their operations and head towards more sustainability for their business, the environment and their customers.

In order for sustainability to be achieved in the logistics industry, a few areas must be considered. These areas include communities, environment and economy. These must all be considered while still maintaining quality customer service at minimal costs.

If you are a logistics company concerned with sustainability, try to think globally. As we encounter continued globalization, we must think of our community not in terms of our neighborhood or even our state. The impacts we have are made nationally and even internationally at times. This is why management firms must be able to think of the safety and health for anyone who may be impacted by their operations.

The environment is obviously a massive consideration for industry leaders looking to sustainability options. As a transportation company, its always important to consider things like air quality, noise and hazardous waste. Attempting to cut down on such environmental blunders on a small scale can have massive impacts across the industry. Industry leaders should think globally about issues such as climate change and how their operations negatively or positively impact these phenomenons.

Lastly, the economy is a huge consideration for logistics and transportation companies wishing to move toward more sustainable operations. Its always a good practice to consider your competition, efficiency and employees. All of these factors can help your company get ahead, create more jobs and contribute to the overall growth of our national and global economy.