Making a positive impact on the global supply chain
When we started doing business in 1923 as a local freight hauler, sustainability wasn’t a topic most companies focused on. But in today's dynamic marketplace, it’s essential to doing business — especially in the logistics industry.
ArcBest’s commitment to sustainability has evolved over the years, and our journey has included many initiatives and considerations. Driven by our mission “to connect and positively impact the world,” each one has pointed to the same goal of doing business responsibly. By doing our part to reduce the impact transportation has on the environment, we can help businesses around the country see benefits across their supply chains.
Sustainability initiatives throughout our history
Here are some of the initiatives we’ve taken throughout our 100-year history:
The early years: 1970-2000
During the 1960s and 70s, the impact of industrial development on the environment became a growing concern across the nation. This led to the inception of Earth Day and the establishment of the EPA in 1970, which sparked a movement towards sustainability.
Recognizing that we had a part to play in environmental protection, in 1976, we introduced speed limiters to our trucks, a significant step in reducing fuel consumption and embracing sustainability practices. Then, in 1994, we introduced computerized engine shut-offs to minimize idling and increase fuel efficiency, reducing the environmental impact and cost of deliveries.
Taking steps: 2000-2020
Our increasing commitment to sustainability led us to implement various sustainable practices and initiatives across the business. For example, in 2006, we became a partner in the EPA's SmartWay Program, and in 2017, our new headquarters was designed with eco-friendly features.
We also incorporated many other upgrades to our equipment. Beginning with a significant push in 2014, we’ve made a concerted effort to continually upgrade our equipment and maintain a younger fleet. Installing trailer skirts and roof fairings and introducing newer trucks with better fuel efficiency improves fuel economy and reduces emissions.
While each initiative was valuable, a more comprehensive approach was necessary to make a more significant impact. As a result, we established a cross-functional team devoted to achieving supply chain sustainability.
Where we are today: 2020 and beyond
In 2020, this team released ArcBest’s first Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance report recapping our efforts in 2019. This report contained a detailed assessment of our environmental and social impact, and was a crucial first step toward building our official ESG program. Customers could also use this report to make informed decisions and see how we aligned with their sustainable logistics goals.
The most recent developments have been around the transparency of our sustainability practices. To ensure our customers and investors can easily evaluate our performance, we align with recognized reporting frameworks such as the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
Additionally, we undergo an annual sustainability assessment by EcoVadis, achieving a Bronze rating in 2021, 2022 and 2023, which positions us among the top 50% of over 100,000 rated companies globally. Clear sustainability metrics allow stakeholders to assess our measurable impact and commitment to sustainability. We also complete annual sustainability assessments with the UNGC Communication on Progress, CDP, S&P Global CSA and IntegrityNext.
To expand on the insights found while compiling reports, we needed to understand what was most important to our stakeholders. In 2021, we began conducting priority assessments so that employees, customers and investors could help us identify where to focus our sustainability efforts. Using those insights, in 2022, we created a Sustainability Roadmap to guide next steps.
Continuing on the path to sustainability
At ArcBest, sustainability is an ongoing journey. We must keep evolving and nurturing a responsible and environmentally conscious corporate vision, building on the foundation laid in the last 100 years. By collaborating with customers, partners and employees, we can work toward our goals and positively impact the world together.
To learn more about our sustainability practices, visit the environmental sustainability section of our site.
