Driving Sustainability: ESG in Over-the-Road & Intermodal Transportation
Today, sustainability isn’t a nice-to-have in logistics—it’s a strategic imperative. From tightening regulations to rising customer expectations, companies are rethinking how freight moves, where it moves, and its environmental footprint. For logistics leaders like STG Logistics, this shift isn’t just about staying compliant – it’s about leading meaningful change and shaping a more resilient, responsible future.
By focusing on Intermodal and Green Haul—our only ESG aligned over-the-road solution—and prioritizing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies, STG Logistics works hard to help businesses cut costs while cutting carbon.
As a leading provider in the U.S., we’re constantly evolving through new technologies and strategies to provide the best service for our customers, all while keeping the bigger picture in mind. Let’s explore how STG Logistics’ Green Haul initiative, technology infrastructure, and integrated network bring ESG from buzzword to bottom-line value, helping us forge ahead in the industry.
What ESG Means in Freight
At its core, ESG in logistics refers to environmental impact, workforce and community well-being, and transparent governance across the supply chain. There are several core elements that ESG encompasses and they include:
- Environmental: Focused on carbon emissions reduction, optimizing fuel usage, and exploring renewable energy sources.
- Social: Centered on fair labor practices, workplace safety, and strong community partnerships.
- Governance: Ensures ethical decision-making, compliance with regulations, and consistent operational standards.
These are all critical components to keep in mind when it comes to trucking and intermodal operations, especially in an ever-evolving landscape focused on creating a more sustainable future. For shippers, focusing on ESG in logistics offers more than good PR. It affects every aspect of operational decisions, from fuel usage to labor practices to community engagement—all things we place at the forefront of our business model.
By focusing on environmental supply chain strategies, STG Logistics, and other companies looking to do the same, can support stronger brand loyalty, meet growing customer expectations for sustainability, and open doors to more responsible procurement partnerships.
STG Logistics’ Green Haul: Where Emissions Meet Efficiency
STG Logistics’ Green Haul program is a practical, scalable solution for reducing emissions without inflating costs. By tapping into unused capacity on short-haul routes (under 200 miles and 43,000 lbs.), STG Logistics reduces the need for additional trucks on the road, simultaneously lowering emissions and overhead.
The numbers speak for themselves: every 50 orders fulfilled through Green Haul save an average of 5.2 metric tons of CO₂, helping customers meet their transportation ESG goals without compromising on speed or reliability.
Green Haul’s smart routing and asset efficiency also promote driver productivity, reduce wear on equipment, and align with broader corporate social responsibility initiatives. These green trucking initiatives help offer greater sustainability and stability, critical when it comes to creating resilient operations during market fluctuations—and a big part of our daily ESG efforts. Learn more about our Green Haul solution and environmental supply chain strategies.
OTR + Intermodal: A Smarter, Greener Supply Chain
While Over-the-Road shipping offers flexibility and control, intermodal transportation enhances sustainability by shifting long-haul moves to rail—dramatically lowering emissions. Traditional OTR shipping isn’t typically associated with sustainability, but STG’s Green Haul is a powerful exception.
STG Logistics’ sustainable intermodal shipping offering includes:
- 15,000+ GPS-equipped 53’ containers
- A vast national drayage network across 40 terminals
- Integration with major Class I railroads
- Real-time tracking and analytics through proprietary platforms
This long-haul intermodal solution, combined with short-haul OTR through Green Haul, allows shippers to strike the right balance between speed, cost, and environmental impact, meeting aggressive delivery windows and lowering the price for our customers, without abandoning ESG commitments. By focusing on sustainable shipping solutions, this enables us to optimize routes, maintain consistent delivery times, and more, all while continuously working toward carbon emissions reduction.
Overcoming Common ESG Challenges
Many logistics providers struggle with ESG implementation, not because of intention, but due to complexity. STG Logistics addresses the biggest roadblocks with integrated solutions built for scale to combat these complexities head-on.
- Data transparency: STG Logistics’ proprietary systems, like Cargo Manager and Rail Optimizer, offer real-time visibility into freight activity, emissions metrics, and service efficiency to streamline processes and deliver reliable results.
- Agility: While some ESG-compliant options are slower, STG Logistics’ Green Haul and intermodal solutions give shippers flexibility based on need, without sacrificing sustainability goals. This enables us to provide greener operations, all while remaining agile.
- Reliability at scale: With strict safety standards, dedicated account teams, and strategic rail/drayage partnerships, STG Logistics keeps operations running smoothly, even under ESG compliance demands.
Learn more about the technology STG Logistics uses to keep our operations on track and focus on sustainable shipping. Plus, get an inside look at our ESG commitment and how we’re working hard every day to ensure operational excellence, sustainability, and more.
Where the Industry and STG Logistics Are Headed
The future of sustainable logistics is fueled by innovation. From electric trucks and renewable fuels to AI-powered route optimization, emerging technologies are accelerating progress toward zero-emission goals.
ESG in logistics is no longer a differentiator—it’s an expectation. Companies that lead in ESG performance will win not just customers, but talent, investors, and long-term stability. At STG Logistics, our focus on sustainability gives us a competitive edge, but it also does so much more. We’re dedicated to innovation, compliance, and continuous improvement. By investing in the tools and strategies that support this shift and offering scalable, ESG-forward solutions, we’re able to provide better service to our customers and support our employees along the way.
Taking the Next Step Toward a Greener Supply Chain
ESG isn’t just a box to check. It’s a smarter, more resilient way to run a supply chain. With STG Logistics’ Green Haul program for short-haul freight, robust intermodal network, and real-time performance tracking, shippers gain a partner who can reduce costs and carbon, without compromising reliability.
Whether you’re reevaluating your freight procurement strategies or ready to report on sustainability metrics, STG Logistics can help you move with purpose.
Ready to build a greener logistics strategy? As a reliable partner, we’re here to help with sustainable shipping solutions. Contact our team to explore our Green Haul solutions, request a quote, learn how to integrate ESG principles into your supply chain, and take a look at the comprehensive service we can offer you.
