Higher Sustainability Standards in the Logistics Sector with the Responsible Trucking Social Guidelines

Brenda Lanzarini, Sustainability Supply Chain Developer at Scania, explores the practical impact of the newly updated Guidelines adopted by leading businesses of the Responsible Trucking platform, including Scania, Baton, BMW Group, Daimler Truck, H&M Group, Ikea, Iveco Group, Man, Postnord, Raben, Volvo Cars, and Volvo Group.

The logistics sector is currently grappling with significant challenges. Transportation has become increasingly fragmented, involving numerous stakeholders throughout the process. Additionally, events such as the pandemic and the war in Ukraine have exacerbated labour shortages within the transportation sector. The lack of fixed assignments for drivers further complicates the situation, creating an environment with heightened human rights risks. It is imperative that every business takes responsibility for protecting the drivers within their network, a mission that the collaborative platform Responsible Trucking is dedicated to.

The newly updated Social Guidelines provide comprehensive guidance on legal requirements and the aspirations of the Responsible Trucking platform partners – Baton, BMW Group, Daimler Truck, H&M Group, Ikea, Iveco Group, Man, Postnord, Raben, Scania, Volvo Cars, and Volvo Group. With upcoming legislation such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), these guidelines have been instrumental in translating complex legislative requirements into clear, actionable directives. Social sustainability, a challenging topic to address, is made more accessible through these guidelines, facilitating their application in our daily operations at Scania.

One significant improvement in the latest version of the guidelines compared to the previous one is the new chapter connected to Road Safety. For Scania, the focus on road safety extends beyond logistics as it involves our entire organization. The development of a Truck Safe rating scheme by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), which will rate the safety of heavy vehicles, is only one of many different examples that demonstrates the importance of this topic for our society. Additionally, new requirements related to health and safety, working and resting times, and facilities have been addressed, increasing the importance of these topics within our logistics network. It is also important to note that the new version of the guidelines is fully adapted to comply with all current laws, such as the European Mobility Package, the CSDDD, the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights to name a few.

Scania provides its social guidelines to all transport companies seeking collaboration. We expect our partners to comprehend and implement these requirements, and also integrating the aspirations into their continuous improvement efforts. These guidelines also serve as a valuable reference for our sustainability audits, ensuring we collaborate with responsible partners. Additionally, the guidelines support our joint efforts with transport companies to shape the future collectively, rather than in isolation. Furthermore, they help us identify the most sensitive areas within our network, enabling us to focus on initiatives that deliver the greatest value.

In the realm of sustainability, particularly social sustainability, there is no established path to follow. As this is a relatively new area, we must build our approach from the ground up. Being part of the Responsible Trucking Group provides Scania and other partners with valuable insights into the strategies of other companies, enabling us to benchmark ideas and learn from best practices across various sectors. The journey towards fair logistics is challenging, but in cooperation with other companies, both transport buyers and transport providers, the path becomes easier and more engaging.

The commitment of Responsible Trucking partners to social sustainability is evident in its proactive approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges within the logistics sector. By fostering a collaborative environment and sharing best practices, we can collectively enhance the well-being of drivers and ensure a more sustainable and ethical logistics network. This collaborative effort not only benefits the drivers but also strengthens the overall integrity and resilience of the logistics sector. By prioritizing social sustainability, companies can build stronger, more resilient supply chains that respect human rights and contribute positively to society. This approach not only enhances the reputation and trustworthiness of the company but also drives long-term success by aligning business operations with the values of fairness, equity, and social responsibility. Ultimately, integrating social sustainability into logistics helps create a more inclusive and sustainable future for all stakeholders involved.

In conclusion, the logistics sector is at a critical juncture, facing numerous challenges that require a concerted effort from all stakeholders. The Responsible Trucking Group, through its Social Guidelines, provides a robust framework for addressing these challenges and promoting social sustainability. By adhering to these guidelines and working collaboratively, we can create a safer, more equitable, and sustainable logistics network that benefits everyone involved.

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