As consumer expectations rise and regulatory pressures mount, the transportation choices that food manufacturers and retailers make are no longer just about cost and speed—they’re about carbon. At a time when climate consciousness is reshaping every link in the supply chain, food companies are increasingly factoring sustainability—and specifically Scope 3 emissions—into how they select and manage carriers and logistics partners.
In fact, in a recent LinkedIn poll conducted by Food Shippers of America (FSA) approximately 35% of food shipper respondents say they consider sustainability goals and Scope 3 emissions when selecting their carriers and logistics providers. Another 6% say they somewhat factor this in and are starting to include in their selection process.
And momentum and interest in this area is growing. In fact, approximately 12% of participants in the FSA LinkedIn poll say they are planning to consider sustainability goals and Scope 3 emissions when selecting carriers and logistics providers.
Scope 3 emissions, which include all indirect emissions that occur in a company’s value chain (outside of their own operations), often represent the largest share of a food company’s carbon footprint. For most, this includes transportation and distribution—a segment historically harder to measure and manage due to its dependency on third-party providers.
As a result, food companies are increasingly scrutinizing the environmental performance of their carriers. According to industry analysts, more food manufacturers are incorporating emissions reporting, fuel efficiency, and sustainability initiatives into their RFPs and ongoing contract reviews.
Here are some examples of what FSA members have reported in their Scope 3 emissions:
Nestlé, a leading multinational food and drink processing conglomerate based in Switzerland:
PepsiCo, a global leader in the food and beverage industry based in New York:
Unilever is one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies in the categories of foods, ice cream, personal care, home care, and beauty and well-being:
General Mills is one of the oldest and most-trusted food companies with products in 90% of American pantries:
Kraft Heinz
Rather than relying solely on price or service levels, sustainability is becoming a key metric for many food manufacturers, retailers and distributors. Logistics providers that invest in electric or alternative-fuel fleets, offer real-time emissions data, and align with science-based targets are gaining competitive advantage.
“We don’t just ask our carriers if they’re green—we ask how,” says a sustainability executive at a major U.S.-based packaged foods company. “Are they transitioning to low-emission trucks? Are they optimizing routes to reduce miles? Do they offer transparent Scope 3 tracking tools? These are non-negotiables now.”
A critical part of sustainable logistics is data transparency. Food shippers are looking for partners who can not only report emissions data, but also help analyze and reduce it over time. Some companies are leveraging logistics tech platforms or carbon accounting tools that aggregate fleet emissions data and benchmark performance across providers.
Collaborative initiatives, such as the EPA’s SmartWay program, also play a role. Many food manufacturers prefer carriers who are SmartWay-certified, demonstrating a proven commitment to energy efficiency and emissions reduction.
Carriers and logistics providers that bring innovation to the table—such as electric refrigerated trucks, low-emission last-mile solutions, or intermodal optimization—are better positioned to win business. In fact, some food companies now pilot new sustainability technologies with select logistics providers, offering them both funding and a path to long-term partnership.
As food companies move closer to achieving net-zero goals, pressure will only grow to reduce Scope 3 emissions. Carriers and 3PLs that cannot demonstrate measurable progress risk losing contracts to more environmentally forward competitors. At the same time, collaboration and transparency will remain central—sustainability in logistics isn’t just a checkbox, it’s a shared journey.
The bottom line? For food companies, selecting a logistics provider is no longer just about moving goods—it's about moving the needle on sustainability. Scope 3 emissions are a strategic priority, and transportation partners who can help reduce them are becoming indispensable players in the future of food supply chains.
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