Did you know that transport makes up roughly a quarter of global emissions? But fast shipping doesn’t have to leave a heavy carbon footprint. With smarter same-day delivery, you can reduce the impact.
Whether you’re a retailer in Sydney, a healthcare provider in Melbourne, or sending a last-minute gift across Brisbane or Perth, there are real ways to make same-day delivery sustainable
First, let’s discuss why sustainable delivery is so important these days.
Why sustainable same-day delivery matters
It’s a hard truth, but customers expect both speed and greener choices at checkout these days. This might pose a few challenges.
For businesses, sustainability can brand trust, compliance, and even cost efficiency if managed right. As long as you don’t fall into the greenwashing trap.
READ: Is your business accidentally greenwashing? Six traps to avoid in logistics
Some of the changes to consider include using cleaner routes (route optimisation software can help with this) and more efficient vehicles to lower fuel costs.
Put simply: faster delivery and lower emissions can work together.
7 Proven Ways to Make Same-Day Delivery Sustainable
The most obvious way is switching to electric vehicles and delivery bikes, but there are other things you could consider too.
Such as using software to generate better routes, or smart-batching your deliveries to keep carbon emissions low.
Let’s look at some of them.
1) Shift to Electric Vehicles
Swapping traditional vans for electric vehicles, cargo bikes, and motorbikes already cuts emissions and traffic noise.
In dense city areas, bikes and e-cargo couriers often deliver faster during rush hour. That’s a win for any delivery company.
Start here:
- Use e-cargo bikes for short urban runs.
- Adopt EVs for multi-stop metro routes.
- Match vehicle size to parcel weight and distance to reduce waste.
2) Optimise Routes with Software
Every unnecessary kilometre adds both cost and carbon. Enter route optimisation software.
It helps to find the fastest, most efficient path across multiple stops. And it will continue to optimise throughout the day, taking various factors like the weather and traffic into consideration.
Do this:
- Batch nearby addresses to avoid backtracking.
- Use live traffic updates to steer around congestion.
- Balance delivery loads so no vehicle runs half empty.
If you’re running your own fleet of delivery vehicles, use Locate2u for routing and GPS tracking; it will help reduce kilometres travelled.
3) Offer green delivery and smart batching
Encourage customers to choose eco-friendly delivery windows that group deliveries in the same area. This cuts down on the time it takes to travel from one stop to the next.
And since it boosts delivery density, it will keep emissions low while maintaining that sought-after same-day speed.
Start with these steps:
- Show “green window” options at checkout.
- Reward eco choices with discounts or loyalty points.
- Group deliveries by suburb or time zone to keep runs tight.
4) Switch to Sustainable Packaging
Packaging is part of the carbon equation. By using compostable or recyclable materials, you can make a real difference.
Also, using a parcel that is just the right size for the item will prevent wasted space, which improves vehicle efficiency.
Here are a few tips:
- Use recycled cardboard and paper-based fillers.
- Standardise carton sizes.
- Train teams to avoid overpacking small items.
5) Measure, Reduce, and Then Offset
Even if you make everything more efficient, there will still be unavoidable emissions, like fuel for long routes, packaging production, etc.
So, cut what you can, then offset what’s left. Offsetting means investing in verified environmental projects that remove or reduce the same amount of carbon somewhere else.
Examples: reforestation programs, renewable energy projects, or verified carbon credit schemes.
Do this:
- Track per-order emissions transparently.
- Invest in verified climate projects.
- Report results clearly in dashboards or receipts.
You can also use carbon-neutral checkout options. Some e-commerce tools (like Shopify or Shippit) automatically calculate the estimated carbon footprint of each delivery at checkout.
6) Use Local and Micro-Fulfilment
Keeping stock closer to customers cuts kilometres off every trip. It just makes sense. The nearer your products are to your buyers, the less distance your driver has to cover.
Micro-fulfilment hubs or in-store shipping setups reduce the distance between product and doorstep.
- Analyse order data to spot high-demand areas and position fast-moving stock nearby.
- Use existing stores or partner locations as mini fulfilment hubs to speed up local deliveries.
- Replenish smaller hubs regularly instead of sending everything from one big warehouse.
7) Prevent failed deliveries with real-time visibility
Every failed drop means another trip, more fuel, and more emissions. And obviously, more expenses.
Use live GPS tracking and proof-of-delivery software to keep that from happening.
Here’s how:
- Send real-time tracking links and ETAs.
- Let customers add delivery instructions.
- Use photo proof of delivery to confirm success.
Zoom2u keeps recipients updated with live tracking and direct courier contact, so parcels arrive right the first time.
Is home delivery greener than store trips?
Often, yes.
A single optimised delivery route serving multiple households can emit less carbon than dozens of individual car trips to the store.
From the customer’s viewpoint, it comes down to their shopping habits and how environmentally-conscious they are.
For your business, it comes down to routing efficiency, delivery density, and using the right vehicle for the job.
How Zoom2u supports fast, greener deliveries
Zoom2u connects you with vetted couriers across Australia for on-demand, same-day, and 3-hour delivery options, 7 days a week.
You’ll get live GPS tracking and transparent pricing with no hidden fees.You can also contact the driver directly!
The Zoom2u network includes bikes, motorbikes, and vans, so your parcel will be transported in the right vehicle for the job.
Other benefits of using Zoom2u include:
- Flexible delivery windows: ASAP, 3-hour, or same-day by evening.
- Coverage: major metros and regional areas.
- Interstate same-day options via next-flight couriers.
- Highest-ranked courier platform on ProductReview in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
- Over 2 million deliveries completed nationwide.
Running your own fleet? You can still benefit from Zoom2u’s software. Simply use Locate2u to plan efficient routes and keep full visibility from pickup to delivery.
FAQs
What’s the fastest eco-friendly way to deliver in a city?
For small parcels, e-cargo bikes or motorbikes with route optimisation are the fastest and cleanest options. For bulkier items, electric vans work best.
Do green delivery slots slow things down?
Not at all. Green slots batch deliveries by area, keeping routes efficient while maintaining same-day speed.
Can carbon offsets make deliveries carbon-neutral?
Yes, but reduce emissions first. Once you’ve cut what you can, offset the rest using verified projects.
In summary: Deliver fast, with a lighter footprint
Let’s recap how to make same-day delivery sustainable:
- Match the vehicle to the job.
- Use routing tech to cut unnecessary kilometres.
- Offer green delivery slots and right-sized packaging.
- Reduce what you can, then offset what’s left.
NOW READ: How to Optimise Your Checkout to Promote Same‑Day Delivery
