Microlise signs freight marketplace deal to cut empty running in haulage fleets

Microlise has signed a deal with digital freight marketplace HaulageHub to help hauliers reduce emissions caused by "empty running".

Almost 90% of goods moved by the logistics and haulage sector are done so by land, which results in a significant carbon footprint.

‘Empty running’ involves trips made by HGVs without cargo and accounts for 30% of all miles travelled by such vehicles, which contributes around 5,000,000 tonnes of annual, avoidable CO2 emissions.

In 2021, HaulageHub was established by Scott Robertson and Craig Thompson with the aim to address the freight sector’s inefficiencies and improve its sustainability.

The platform matches load opportunities with a haulier base of more than 1,500 firms and has already reduced emissions by lowering the average empty running rate to 19%.

Microlise’s partnership with HaulageHub sees the integration of the platform into the technology firm’s transport management system (TMS), which it said will streamline the subcontracting processes for shared customers.

HaulageHub’s AI-driven intelligent matching of subcontracted loads is based on hauliers filling empty trailers and vehicles, driving down empty mileage and supporting customers with their own sustainability targets.

The platform’s carbon footprint analysis allow hauliers to track and measure emissions in real-time.

“Our partnership with HaulageHub is a logical step,” said Steve Watson, product director at Microlise. “The Government’s target of reducing emissions by 81% from the 1990 base levels will be made significantly easier for hauliers who use our integration into the HaulageHub platform.”

Scott Robertson, co-founder of HaulageHub, said one leading retail chain has reduced its logistics-related carbon emissions by 21% in 12 months after partnering with HaulageHub.

He added: “Additionally, a mid-sized manufacturing company has consolidated its loads and optimised its routes, which has not only cut emissions by 15% but also seen a significant reduction in its logistics costs too.”