Royal Mail has joined the UK’s Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme (LCRS) to further demonstrate its commitment to reducing carbon from road freight.

Royal Mail has the biggest fleet in the UK with over 49,000 vehicles. 

The Universal Postal Service Provider has taken steps to manage its carbon footprint, including making all new Royal Mail Heavy Goods Vehicles meet aerodynamic specifications that can reduce fuel consumption by up to 5%. 

The postal operator recently invested in 300 Cartwright Cheetah Fastback Trailers and has engaged with manufacturers to select a lighter weight trailer design.

Paul Gatti, Royal Mail Fleet Director, said: “Joining this voluntary scheme shows that Royal Mail acknowledges the carbon impact of its fleet and that we are very committed to managing it.  It is also crucial that we continue to explore new ways to improve our fuel efficiency and reduce our impact on the environment given that we cover every single part of the UK.

“Our new relationship with the LCRS gives us an opportunity to share what we are doing and, equally, learn from the best practise of other members.”

The LCRS scheme is managed by the Freight Transport Association, a free voluntary initiative to record, report and reduce carbon emissions from freight transport. It has more than 100 members, accounting for 77,000 commercial vehicles.

The scheme demonstrates the efforts of industry to cut carbon emissions and contribute to national carbon reduction targets. Becoming a member is a good opportunity to engage with other logistics companies of all sizes to share best practice.