Schneider National has saved 61 tons of carbon dioxide, 147 tons of particulate matter and over 5,000 gallons of diesel fuel. The truckload carrier also managed to add 25 percent in backhaul revenue on specific accounts.

The improvements are thanks to the Empty Miles Service, an online backhaul solution that enables a collaborative business process for identifying transportation efficiency opportunities between trading partners. More specifically, it's a systemic way to match empty trucks

with available freight, according to Steve Matheys, Schneider's executive vice president and chief administration officer.

"We truly believed there were opportunities out there that if shippers and carriers could come together, there was tremendous value that could be created," Matheys said.

Macy's, a shipper and one of the charter members of the program, reduced its annual transportation costs by $25,000, on average, for each lane involved in the program. "All partners in this transaction can win."

An Age-Old Problem

Not to be confused with a load board or load matching service, Empty Miles was created by the Voluntary Interindustry Commerce Solutions Association (VICS), a non-profit organization aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the entire supply chain.

One of the major problems VICS came across in the supply chain is the fact that trucks within private and carrier fleets were moving around empty, an age-old issue, Matheys said. "It's trying to solve a historic and chronic problem," in a new and fresh way.

According to the National Private Truck Council, about 28 percent of trailers on U.S. highways are currently running empty. This can result in financial costs to the company as well as environmental costs.

A Durable Solution

The solution, Matheys said, involved a combination of technology, process and engaging with and finding willing partners who want to drive waste out of the supply chain. It's a matter of "trying to create awareness between two partners in the supply chain," he said.

VICS came up with this online network, where shippers can post available freight in certain lanes and shippers and carriers can post available capacity. However, Matheys stressed that this is not a matter of just finding one load today. Empty Miles was created to be a durable solution that will engage willing partners over the long run, in a concerted effort to take waste out of the supply chain.

Schneider's Involvement

Schneider National is a charter member of the Empty Miles program, having been on the initial committee that developed the solution. Schneider has been active in VICS for years, engaging in various councils, so it made sense to get on board with Empty Miles.

Schneider is also active on the sustainability front, so the Empty Miles initiative fits in with the carrier's desire to help the environment.

The program also helps the carrier to meet its customers' needs more effectively, Matheys said.

"It's not magic," however, Matheys said. For this to work, there has to be two willing partners in the equation, and sometimes one of those partners will have to change the way they do things in order to take advantage of the efficiencies, he added.

If you're willing to adjust, "then there can be some great solutions that can be derived."

For more information about the Empty Miles Service, visit www.emptymiles.org.