Environmental Stewardship in the Trucking Industry: How MBM Logistics Reduces Its Carbon Footprint
Every day, MBM Logistics moves the freight that fuels American industry—flour for bakeries, steel for manufacturers, and paper for printers. And with every mile, we’re committed to reducing the impact those miles have on the planet. Sustainability isn’t a buzzword at MBM—it’s a business practice. Here’s how we’re lowering emissions, conserving fuel, and driving toward a cleaner future for the trucking industry.
1 | Why Sustainability Matters in Freight
The trucking industry moves more than 70% of the nation’s goods—but it also accounts for a large share of transportation-related emissions. That puts carriers in a unique position to lead change. Improving fuel efficiency by just 1 mile per gallon across a fleet can save thousands of gallons of fuel each year. For MBM Logistics, those savings mean lower operating costs for customers and less carbon in the atmosphere.
2 | Homegrown Energy: Minnesota’s B20 Biodiesel
Since 2018, Minnesota has led the nation with a statewide B20 biodiesel blend requirement—fuel containing 20% renewable biodiesel made primarily from soybeans. MBM proudly participates in this initiative, using locally produced biodiesel that cuts carbon emissions by up to 17% compared to conventional diesel. It’s one way we help keep both Minnesota farmers and the environment thriving.
Biodiesel performs well in the summer months, and in the winter, MBM transitions to lower blends to ensure reliable starts in cold conditions. This flexibility allows us to stay both eco-conscious and operationally efficient all year long.
3 | Partnering with the EPA’s SmartWay Program
MBM Logistics is a registered partner of the EPA SmartWay® Transport Partnership, a program that helps freight carriers measure, benchmark, and improve fuel efficiency and emissions.
Through SmartWay, MBM tracks its fuel economy, idle time, and emissions intensity against national averages. This data-driven accountability helps us make better decisions about equipment upgrades and driver practices. As a result, MBM ranks among the top-performing carriers in our class for carbon efficiency.
4 | Cutting Idle Time = Cutting Emissions
Truck idling might seem harmless, but across the industry, it adds up to billions of gallons of wasted fuel each year. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that one long-haul truck can waste up to 2,400 gallons annually just by idling. MBM fights this waste with technology:
Automatic idle shutdown systems power down engines after a set time.
Auxiliary power units (APUs) allow drivers to heat or cool their cabins without running the engine.
Driver coaching and fuel-scorecards help reinforce idle reduction habits.
These efforts have cut idle times across MBM’s fleet by more than half, saving fuel and reducing wear on engines—both of which benefit customers and the environment.
5 | Aerodynamics and Equipment Efficiency
Even the shape of a truck affects its environmental impact. MBM’s late-model tractors are equipped with aerodynamic features such as side fairings, trailer skirts, and roof deflectors, which can reduce fuel consumption by up to 10%.
We also use low-rolling-resistance (LRR) tires that minimize energy loss and improve miles per gallon without compromising safety. Regular tire pressure monitoring ensures each truck operates at peak efficiency, especially during long-haul runs between Minnesota and neighboring states.
6 | Leveraging Data for Smarter Routes
Every extra mile driven burns fuel unnecessarily. MBM uses telematics systems to track route efficiency, idle time, and empty miles, rerouting trucks in real time to minimize wasted movement. These same tools help dispatchers pair backhauls—reducing “deadhead” miles and improving fleet productivity.
By combining live data with years of driver experience, MBM ensures freight moves the shortest, safest, and most efficient path possible.
7 | Preparing for the Next Generation of Freight
The future of sustainable trucking is already on the horizon. MBM is monitoring pilot programs across the Midwest that test battery-electric regional trucks and hybrid yard tractors designed to eliminate diesel use in city and terminal environments. While electric infrastructure continues to grow, MBM is laying the groundwork to adopt these technologies where they make sense—starting with short-haul lanes and intermodal connections.
8 | Sustainability You Can See
Transparency matters. Every quarter, MBM compiles SmartWay and telematics data into a customer-facing sustainability summary. This report shows tangible progress in fuel savings and carbon reductions—information shippers can use in their own ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting.
It’s proof that environmental responsibility isn’t just a company value; it’s a measurable performance metric.
9 | Doing Our Part, Mile by Mile
For MBM Logistics, sustainability isn’t about reinventing the wheel—it’s about improving every rotation of it. From biodiesel and idle reduction to SmartWay reporting and future-forward technology, each initiative builds a more efficient, responsible freight network.
When you ship with MBM, you’re choosing a carrier that cares about the same things you do: reliability, accountability, and sustainability.
Let’s move your freight—and the industry—forward together.
Contact MBM Logistics today for an environmentally responsible shipping solution tailored to your supply chain.
