A legitimacy theory perspective on Scope 3 freight transportation emissions

Freight transportation emissions reduction is on the environmental sustainability agenda for the logistics and transportation function in many organizations. Transportation is the fastest growing form of emissions in developing countries and is second only to electricity emissions generation globally. However, freight transportation is not a priority on the overall organizational sustainability agenda for many companies. This research uses in-depth interviews with 12 organizations to provide insight into the Transportation functional and the organizational level action and commitment to freight transportation emissions reduction as part of the overall corporate sustainability agenda. The context of this research takes the perspective of shippers to understand the benefits perceived by shippers in joining a green network/partnership focused on the reduction of freight emissions, fuel consumption, and the associated costs. In most organizations, reducing freight emissions is managed within the Transportation function and there is a lack of organizational focus on outsourced freight transportation emissions reduction. Given the increasing saliency of emissions reductions in many organizations, this represents a gap that needs to be addressed. The research suggests methods for creating more concern and visibility of freight transportation emissions.