VICS Empty Miles is a low cost service that delivers transportation savings as well as reduces emissions by taking empty trucks and trailers off the road. According to a February 2009 National Private Truck Council survey, approximately 28% of trucks on US highways are currently running empty--at high costs to the economy and environment. GS1 Canada, GS1 US and VICS, three leading organizations focused on supply chain standards and solutions, collaborated to develop and launch the VICS Empty Miles Service in 2009 to address this issue.
Empty Miles matches a company’s trailers that are returning empty with another pre-qualified company’s potential loads that can be collected and delivered along the return route. For participating companies, the service will save money, produce revenues and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption across North America. The service costs only $1,600 annually for VICS members and $1,850 for all others--allowing most companies to achieve ROI upon their first use.
Two progressive companies, Macy’s and Schneider National are among the early adopters of the VICS Empty Miles Service. For each initial lane opened in the service, Macy’s has reduced annualized transportation costs, on average, by $25,000. Their carrier partner, Schneider National has eliminated 61.65 tons of carbon dioxide, 147.24 tons of particulate matter and 1.47 tons of nitrous oxide while saving 5,554 gallons of diesel fuel. Read the Macy’s and Schneider National case study to learn more about how Macy’s and Schneider National filled empty miles for sustainability and savings.
“We’ve engaged in many different initiatives for sustainability, but Empty Miles has really been in the forefront by providing us with tangible results.”
Bill Connell, Executive Vice President of Logistics, Macy’s Inc.
"The current market conditions are causing pricing pressures and impacting the performance of transportation providers. By reducing empty miles, we can increase productivity and drive more customer value throughout their supply chains.”
Steve Matheys, Executive Vice President, Chief Administration Officer, Schneider National
JCPenney is committed to sustainability and has put sustainable ideas into action using the Empty Miles Service. It has enabled the company to not only meet its goal of limiting its impact on the environment, but also improve its revenue and increase its marketplace standing.
Results reported in the JCPenney case study include:
- JCPenney avoided 14.7 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions, in addition to avoiding 4.8 million pounds in 2008.
- JCPenney realized cost savings from using its contracted fleet more and avoided costs by not using other carriers. This resulted in $5.6 million savings in 2009, compared to $2.5 million in 2008.
“It's a business model that works because everyone wins. JCPenney and the other retailer save on costs, the carrier makes additional revenue, and we utilize empty miles. It is a perfect match."
Alan VandenBush, Transportation Director, JCPenney Supply Chain
Join now at www.emptymiles.org