Sustainable road freight transportation

Published by bcrc on 9 September 20259 September 2025

Sustainable road freight transportation is a must-have for a future that balances economic growth with environmental responsibility and social well-being. It is possible to make the road freight transportation more sustainable using less fuel, optimizing routes, and reducing waste. These efforts can be measured by using sustainability indicators (SIs). They help guide and evaluate results of sustainable transformations. On the other hand, electric trucks, biofuels, or fuel-efficient vehicles represent sustainable solutions in the transportation industry.

The question needed to be answered: How do sustainability indicators (SIs) relate to sustainable solutions in road freight transportation and how to use them for the company Sustainability Improvement Cycle (SIC)?

The article “Interrelation of Sustainability Indicators and Sustainable Solutions in Road Freight Transportation: A Review of Innovative Practices and Implementation Challenges” by Elena Kaledinova and Ngoc Bao Tran answers this question and helps stakeholders (e.g., policymakers, companies) understand how to apply SIs and corresponding sustainable solutions in the Sustainability Improvement Cycle.

Published: 02 June 2025

DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.1010276

Book: International Business Research – Traditional and Creative Approaches [Working Title]

Summary

The article:

• reviews how sustainability indicators (SIs) relate to sustainable solutions in road freight transportation.
• aims to help stakeholders (e.g., policymakers, companies) understand how to apply SIs in the Sustainability Improvement Cycle (SIC).

Sustainability Improvement Cycle (SIC)

A five-phase loop for continuous sustainability enhancement:

1. Assessment using SIs.
2. Development/selection of sustainable solutions.
3. Adoption of solutions.
4. Reassessment using SIs.
5. Adjustment of solutions.

Categorizing SIs

The study categorizes 23 key indicators across five domains of sustainability:

• Environmental: CO₂ emissions, fuel consumption, air quality, noise pollution.
• Economic: Efficiency, climate resilience, resource use.
• Social: Safety, employment, training.
• Technological: Adoption of AI, IoT, blockchain, truck platooning.
• Governance: Policy compliance, stakeholder engagement.

Implementation Challenges identify barriers to applying SIs effectively:

• Data issues: Lack of availability and accuracy.
• Financial constraints: Especially for small and medium enterprises.
• Technological challenges: Rapid innovation, privacy concerns.
• Policy gaps: Need for consistent regulations paired with motivating benefits.
• Stakeholder resistance: Hesitation to change existing workflows.

Conclusion

• SIs are essential for tracking and improving sustainability.
• Sustainable solutions must be aligned with measurable indicators.
• More empirical research and case studies are needed to bridge theory and practice.

Share this