Continuous Improvement Is the Key to Tackling Environmental Issues

The interstate moving business is a highly regulated arena that requires continuous improvement to remain competitive. Whether we’re faced with new rules for operating eighteen-wheelers or improved methods of recycling our debris, American Van Lines also aims for continuous improvement regarding our environmental efforts. Reducing our impact on the environment is a never-ending process that’s always in flux.

As American Van Lines enters its 30th year at our Pompano Beach, FL, headquarters, we remain focused on improving our environmental footprint through increased recycling efforts, improvements in fuel usage, and closer attention to efficient route planning. We understand where we can reduce our environmental impact, and we strive to be good citizens in that regard. Our environmental sustainability programs remain focused on:

• Quality. We incorporate environmental issues into our long-range planning.
• Teamwork. We inform all of our associates of our environmental expectations.
• Integrity. We foster environmental responsibility throughout the company.
• Safety. We boost our health and wellness through environmental initiatives.

Sustainability Initiatives: The Goal is to Use Resources Responsibly

Sustainability initiatives can be as simple as gathering food for the hungry or as complicated as establishing sustainability guidelines with your partners. Process improvements that allow electronic communication between drivers and dispatchers have reduced the paperwork required to complete your move to a minimum. We only print a paper copy so we can have you sign it; otherwise, we’re all electronic.

We’ve switched to LED lighting throughout our three storage facilities, and we comply with all California Air Resources Board (CARB) vehicle updates as they’re issued. If your moving vehicles are compliant in California, they’re compliant in the rest of the country. By adhering to the strictest possible rules and regulations for environmental efficiency, American Van Lines has been able to:

1. Minimize environmental impacts
2. Update all lighting sources
3. Help partners with their recycling efforts
4. Contribute resources, time, and money to community projects
5. Ensure responsible supply chain practices
6. Work with vendors who follow sustainability guidelines
7. Innovate to minimize environmental impacts

Environmental Initiatives: Monitor Resource Consumption, Always Recycle

We’re big on recycling at American Van Lines. It just makes sense to integrate environmentally responsible solutions into our everyday work patterns. We regularly donate unclaimed furniture and other items to charity agencies so those pieces can experience new life. In addition to our regular daily trash pickups, we pay for a cardboard recycling dumpster and an oil disposal service. The regular trash is our last and final option, not our first choice.

Our goal is to decrease the use of disposable items, as well as to dispose of things we use correctly. We limit our fuel usage by maintaining our fleet with proactive mechanical servicing. Only certain American Van Lines associates are allowed access to our paper supplies, which helps cut down on excess usage. As always, we’re interested in streamlining our techniques and processes to increase workplace well-being. Our top three environmental goals are to:

1. Decrease fuel consumption.
2. Limit liner board and paper consumption. 
3. Improve health and safety measures.

Reducing Fuel Consumption is Our Biggest Environmental Challenge

It’s no secret that responsible environmental practices can help promote business efficiency. At American Van Lines, we add diesel-exhaust fluid (DEF) to our fuel tanks to produce more efficient fuel usage. The additive reduces nitrox emissions, which is good for the environment, and it helps improve gas mileage. If it saves us money and doesn’t harm the environment, we’re all for it.

We’re always on the lookout for ways to reduce our fuel consumption. We employ a computerized engine monitoring program to alert us when vehicles have been idling for long periods. At that point, we encourage our drivers to get a room for the night. Proper route planning allows us to utilize our drivers’ allowable hours efficiently so that we’re not backtracking and performing tasks twice. To improve efficiency, we attempt to:

1. Utilize the most efficient engine settings.
2. Increase hotel usage by drivers and crews.
3. Reduce air condition usage in moving vehicles. 
4. Properly inflate tires for better gas mileage. 
5. Employ efficient route planning and resource utilization.
6. Encourage carpooling to work.

At American Van Lines, Everyone Is Conscious of Environmental Stability

Keeping up with regulations and technology leads inexorably towards increased environmental sustainability. But human intervention can save resources, too. Veteran dispatchers can respond to customer requests that result in route changes with more efficiency than any software program can produce. Hiring experienced professionals who know the rules and can respond quickly allows us to make everyday changes in an efficient manner that limits the use of precious resources.

It’s a team effort at American Van Lines. We don’t have an environmental resources coordinator because we expect all of our employees to contribute to our sustainability efforts. We need drivers who maintain their vehicles, managers who require people to comply with the rules, and executives who incorporate sustainability into their planning. By maintaining our focus on constantly improving our sustainability efforts, American Van Lines acts as a good steward of the precious resources we have.