Flock Freight 2023 | Impact
2023 marked a pivotal moment for Flock as we doubled the shipment pooling rate of our shared truckload solution, FlockDirect®, revolutionizing operations for our customers and significantly amplifying our sustainability efforts.
This achievement is a testament to how we build supportive, high-performing teams and commit to building trust across our ecosystem through a security-first approach to data and privacy.
Dive into the Q&A with our General Counsel, Vince Byrd to learn how solutions like FlockDirect® deliver tangible environmental impacts and how our security efforts are readying our teams for new challenges. And stay tuned for more insights to come in our third Annual Impact Report this April!
How does Flock Freight measure and track the impact of its shared truckload approach to emission reduction?
VB: We calculate the emissions of each shipment moved via shared truckload according to a robust methodology we developed in-house; we also track the emissions avoided by comparing our shared truckload calculations versus LTL or underutilized TL shipping.
How are the following emissions figures calculated?
- Avoided 46,700 metric tons of CO2e
VB: We calculate emissions using shipment data such as shipment weight, distance, and linear feet. While we have developed our own emissions formula for shared truckload, we pull the structure for the formulas and some constants from the EPA and Greenhouse Gas Protocol, two leading sources of emissions guidelines. You can read more about our emissions methodology here. - Offset 15,390 metric tons of CO2e
VB: We offset some of the emissions of our shippers if they participate in our Frequent Flocker program. We purchase 3rd party verified carbon offsets that are then retired from registries for our use, on behalf of our Frequent Flocker customers. You can read more about our Frequent Flocker program here.
It’s estimated that US emissions dropped in 2023: What is the freight industry's role in overall sustainability efforts?
VB: Freight transportation is a material segment of total emissions. Freight accounts for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and as much as 11% if warehouses and ports are included. Road freight makes up the largest portion. While overall US emissions might have dropped in 2023, the estimated decrease is well below the reduction pace required to fulfill US obligations under The Paris Agreement.
Freight is notoriously difficult to decarbonize as a sector. Though we are seeing signs of adoption of alternative fuels in various modes and electric vehicles in the light and medium-duty trucking sectors, practicality is more limited for heavy-duty, long-haul vehicles.
Flock understands the need for “right now” solutions. We cannot afford to wait for broader implementation of EVs and renewable fuels in freight, especially when we can reduce emissions today by improving efficiency. Flock Freight seeks to revolutionize the freight industry by eliminating inefficiency and waste through shared truckload shipping. By combining loads from multiple shippers onto one truck and utilizing excess capacity, we are avoiding freight emissions every day.
How is Flock Freight influencing broader industry trends towards sustainability in freight logistics?
VB: Flock Freight is illuminating and addressing major inefficiencies in the freight world that are unnecessarily creating millions of metric tons of emissions annually. We are proving that it does not have to be a zero-sum game between profit and the environment. Shared truckload unlocks value for our shippers and carriers while reducing emissions with each shipment.
What customer engagement strategy has helped to encourage more sustainable practices within Flock’s customer base?
VB: Emissions reporting is a key aspect of our sustainability program for our shippers. Quantifying emissions avoidance is an important differentiator for Flock. Customers appreciate the business advantages of shared truckload efficiency as well, resulting in deeper partnerships and more pooled loads amongst our shippers.
Is this applicable to the broader freight industry?
VB: Absolutely. Additional emissions reporting requirements are coming on various fronts. The freight industry can be proactive supply chain partners to their shippers by providing sustainability reporting today. Shippers will face a heavy reporting burden throughout their supply chains as mandatory reporting takes effect due to emerging legislation such as SB253 and the SEC’s proposed rules on climate disclosures. The freight industry should get ahead of this growing legal and regulatory trend by providing the metrics their partners will need to report.
Can you speak to any long-term sustainability goals Flock Freight has set for its sustainability initiatives?
VB: Our main focus on long-term sustainability goals stems from our mission to scale shared truckload to relentlessly eliminate inefficiency in the U.S. supply chain. We are very ambitious about the impact that shared truckload will have on the sustainability of the freight industry once it is widely adopted.
How does investing in cybersecurity contribute to Flock’s success?
VB: With rising fraud concerns across the trucking industry, Flock remains committed to safeguarding our shippers, carriers, and employees. Shippers across the United States are rightfully worried about fraud and theft affecting their goods. Carriers are also concerned about protecting their reputations. To meet this need, we implemented best in class Carrier ID verification through our partnership with Highway and were among the first in the industry to require two-factor authentication for carriers and employees to access our platform.
We also leverage Crowdstrike to detect, stop and reverse cyber attacks. Beyond investing in tech, Flock cultivates a culture of cybersecurity through robust and ongoing employee training and a dedicated IT Security Committee that meets regularly to assess and respond to risks. We kick off every year with a dedicated Flock Freight Cybersecurity Month in January, where we host various programs to train, educate and raise awareness about cybersecurity risks and best practices. All year, we run monthly phishing tests to keep our employees vigilant with quantifiable results. In 2023 we achieved a 2.93% phish-prone score, outperforming an 8.5% transportation industry benchmark. Flock remains committed to safeguarding our shippers, carriers and employees, and will continue to invest in tools and best practices to mitigate risks across the supply chain.
What is Flock’s criteria for choosing benefits for the team?
VB: Flock Freight is deeply committed to our team, providing a comprehensive suite of top-tier benefits, including heavily subsidized health benefits, leaves of absence and other support, an employee equity program, 401K employer match, career training, and more. Annually, Flock Freight invites all employees to participate in a survey covering benefits. This survey is a crucial tool for us to understand the views and experiences of our current benefits. Our benefits team, in collaboration with our benefits broker, thoroughly reviews the feedback to identify trends and areas of improvement. In addition, we are committed to staying abreast of industry trends and exploring new benefits that could further enhance our team's well-being and satisfaction. This helps us ensure that the benefits we offer are not only top-tier but also align with the needs and preferences of our diverse team.
Why do you believe it's important to provide generous benefits to employees?
VB: At Flock Freight, we deeply value our team as our most crucial asset. Our comprehensive benefits plan is designed to bolster the overall well-being of our team members, to enable them to thrive personally and professionally. We pride ourselves on a high-performance culture, and our benefits package underscores our commitment to our team.
This snapshot is just the start of how Flock Freight measures the impact of improving the freight industry, supporting sustainability efforts, and building a high-performing culture.
Check out the metric highlights here, and the full report here.
