Vehicles and transport modes can be affected by the environment in various ways.

Firstly, if they are located in a disaster-prone area, they can be damaged by the disaster itself. Secondly, environmental factors can affect the transport routes used by the various types of vehicles. For example. floods can affect roads and thus cars and trucks cannot be used to transport the items. However, another mode of transport can be used instead such as boats.

The operating context, environmental, and road conditions will affect the decision and determine technical requirements of the vehicle such as 4WD, air conditioning, or other extra features. Availability of spare parts in the local market and local knowledge and capacity to achieve all types of maintenance and repairs is also an important factor to consider.

Promote equality of opportunity and inclusion for drivers, technicians, and logisticians including minorities and people living with disabilities.

Air pollution
Soil pollution
Water pollution
Climate change

Increase in carbon emissions

Air pollution is due to the environmental impacts associated with vehicle use, condition, and maintenance.

Alternative modes and fuels

Data gathering and analysis

Invest in green vehicles

Maintenance to increase the efficacy

Monitor vehicle movements, costs, and maintenance

Assess vehicle efficiencies / emissions / fuels

Prioritise efficient / less polluting vehicles. Move to non-fossil fuel vehicles where possible.

Physical distribution ensures that the mobility of freight-related logistics operations is performed in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner

Alternative modes and fuels

Data gathering and analysis

Investing in green vehicles

Adequate maintenance to increase efficacy

Measure the movements, costs, and maintenance of transport to gather data about their use. Invest accordingly in proper maintenance depending on the needs and the selected strategy. This might include: redrawing shorter routes, investing in green vehicles, etc.

Assess vehicle efficiencies/emissions/fuels; Prioritise efficient/less polluting vehicles. Move to non-fossil fuel vehicles where possible.

Independent monitoring of agencies responding to the Nepal earthquake found that drivers all came from the same caste and gender.

When this was highlighted, action was taken to improve diversity. This brought an additional benefit of diverse contribution to local knowledge, customs, and even engagement with beneficiaries and understanding of the local environment.

Average loaded volume against total available capacity

Prevention of environmental damage

Time and resources to assess vehicle environmental impact.