Pegasus Logistics Group is an asset-light freight forwarder working across road, ocean, and air. It owns none of the vehicles that move its customers' freight, so reducing emissions depends on influence and partnership. In this episode of Smart Freight Conversations, host
Andy Golding, Director of Strategic Services at Smart Freight Centre, talks with
Phil Clawson, Global Head of Sustainability and VP at Pegasus Logistics Group, about how that works in practice.
A three-legged stool
Phil describes Pegasus's approach as a stool with three legs. The first is high quality, credible data, because an impact that isn't measured is hard to communicate or address. The second is efficiency, such as load and route optimization, which makes business sense and lowers emissions at the same time. The third is propulsion fuel, including battery electric trucks, renewable diesel (HVO), sustainable aviation fuel, and sustainable marine fuel. Looking at all three together shows where one can support another.
Using savings to fund new solutions
Some measures save money, while others still cost more today. Pegasus starts with efficiencies and mode shift, then uses part of those savings to invest in solutions that need extra funding. The goal is for overall costs to go down while emissions fall significantly.
Measuring what matters
Mode, weight, and distance give a baseline, but they don't capture a switch in fuel. Phil notes that moving from conventional diesel to renewable diesel can reduce emissions by 60 to 80%, and that reduction only shows up if the fuel used is recorded. Pegasus aligns its carbon accounting with the GLEC Framework and ISO 14083, and works with carriers to share the data that makes this possible.
Working with carriers
Pegasus sets clear expectations on data sharing and code of conduct, then works with carriers on fuel shift, route optimization, and fleet efficiency. Phil describes it as a joint effort to meet shipper goals, not a checklist.
Building skills across the company
Phil explains that sales, operations, finance, and other teams all need to understand where they can make a difference. Pegasus has run internal trainings and invited clients such as Microsoft to speak with staff. As an all-in SFC member, Pegasus also uses the extra seats in SFC Academy courses to reach colleagues outside sustainability roles.
Where to start
Phil's advice for anyone beginning: nobody can do this alone. Join a convening, take a course, and talk with customers and partners about their goals.
Listen to the full episode to hear Phil's insights on reducing emissions without owning a fleet, from measuring real-world impact to building sustainability skills across a whole organization. Enroll in the courses below to learn more.
