Cario with Swinburne University

All Purpose Transport (APT) is a Queensland-based lastmile delivery provider with a client list that includes brands like Rheem, Cotton On, King Living, BP, IKEA, Castrol, Fantastic Furniture, and Bunzl, performing around 3000 deliveries each day.

Established in 1975, APT has a business model that engages owner-drivers who select and purchase their delivery vehicles to perform services under the APT brand. In late 2017, APT launched Project EV, recognizing the environmental impact of its current fleet, comprising over 280 internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. This project’s primary goal is to explore and implement sustainable delivery methods. APT’s fleet consumes approximately 60,000 litres of diesel each week, resulting in a staggering 160 tonnes of CO2 emissions, contributing to climate change.

Project EV aims to significantly reduce emissions while preserving APT’s owner-driver model during the transition to electric vehicles (EVs).

APT’s electric vehicle fleet now consists of 10 vehicles operating in South-East Queensland, reducing the CO2 output by around 32 tonnes of CO2 a month. By mid-2024, the fleet will expand with an additional 5 vehicles, contributing to approximately 60% of all new furniture deliveries managed by APT.

Project EV reflects APT’s commitment to a sustainable and environmentally responsible last-mile delivery service. By embracing new technologies and implementing effective change management, APT aims to drive positive change in the transport industry while maintaining the integrity of its owner-driver business model. This initiative sets a commendable example for the industry, promoting environmental responsibility and adaptability.

Our journey to net zero is complex with many technological and societal uncertainties. The first step towards low emission freight transport is to understand our current emissions, the ‘Baseline’. For many companies, calculating their baseline transport Carbon emissions is complex and time consuming. Many companies use multiple freight providers around Australia, and having the required data in one place to measure the estimated carbon impact is highly complex and expensive – and not being undertaken by many Australian companies. Cario, working with Swinburne University, developed a Carbon Calculator which allows companies to measure their Scope 1 and 3 carbon emissions across their entire freight portfolio, including third party carriers and their own fleet. This tool allows companies to make informed decisions about the environmental impact of their freight operations, and to report on these emissions to an International Carbon reporting standard, GICD.

The calculator estimates carbon emissions at the time of booking, allowing companies to make informed mode and carrier selection based on this – and not just price or estimated time of arrival, which has been the traditional choice provided. This means companies can provide the end consumer with carbon emission expectations before they purchase a product and book the freight service. Many European companies are already required to calculate their transport carbon emissions. We believe the Australian government will soon introduce mandates, requiring companies to measure and report on their carbon emissions, including Scope 1, 2 and 3. This tool is instrumental for Australian companies to address such requirements.